Im submitting things to festivals. Im not sure if i should do Withoutabox's secure online screeners - which are more convenient but with worse image quality - or send in a DVD? I dont mind the extra time a DVD takes. i just wonder which one festivals prefer! Any thoughts?
Do you guys use Withoutabox's Secure Online Screneers or send in a DVD?
- Thread starter oxband
- Start date
gonzo_entertainment
Veteran
I send a DVD unless they sound like they REALLY want online.
Jordan Scott Price
Veteran
I use the online screener. All festivals I've submitted to - with the exception of a couple that are DVD by mail only - advertise submission through WAB on their websites, and the first option listed on their submission guidelines is a WAB online screener.
It's easier, reduces the chance of something breaking or getting lost, and saves unnecessary waste. The downside is, of course, that the film is then only available online, which could be a bad thing. As for quality differences, an SD DVD uses a similar compression as MPEG4/H.264, so, when compressed right, the quality is about the same. And since it's a screener, I don't fret over a little bit of quality loss.
It's easier, reduces the chance of something breaking or getting lost, and saves unnecessary waste. The downside is, of course, that the film is then only available online, which could be a bad thing. As for quality differences, an SD DVD uses a similar compression as MPEG4/H.264, so, when compressed right, the quality is about the same. And since it's a screener, I don't fret over a little bit of quality loss.
I hate the online screener system. Once your already-compressed video gets compressed by their systems, I'd say it's much lower than DVD quality, especially the sound. Unless they prefer SOSs, then I go DVD. I always see SOSs as emails, easily passed by. Something physical tends to make more of an impression.
Also, give this a reading: http://www.indiewire.com/article/wh...lm-festivals-and-increasingly-angry-customers. It also talks about the SOS service and how some festivals actually have problems viewing them. I'll go DVD, thanks.
Also, give this a reading: http://www.indiewire.com/article/wh...lm-festivals-and-increasingly-angry-customers. It also talks about the SOS service and how some festivals actually have problems viewing them. I'll go DVD, thanks.
J Davis
Veteran
withoutabox online screener worked very well for me, I love the system and got good quality.
It also means several judges can view your work simultaneously. Mailing in DVD's limits you
some festivals have not yet upgraded to receiving the online screener so you will have to DVD it for them
It also means several judges can view your work simultaneously. Mailing in DVD's limits you
some festivals have not yet upgraded to receiving the online screener so you will have to DVD it for them