Do you include a trailer on your festival screener?

D

DCP

Well-known member
Just wondering how many of you include a trailer on the screener copy sent out to festivals. It's a good assumption that some festivals never actually watch the entire film and skim through it. Perhaps a well done trailer may entice them to take more notice?

Any thoughts would be great.

Todd
www.drawingchalkpictures.com
 
I don't know. But I emailed a friend of mine two days ago about some festivals. My friend knows a lot of festival sponsors/owners. Anyway, she kept asking me "Send me the trailer, send me the trailer" So I guess the trailer may be important to see if they want to watch the full film. But I don't know.
 
That's an interesting question, but I would advise against it in the end. They won't accept a film into a festival based on a trailer - so they will need to watch the film anyway - this is now two additional steps for them to do - don't give them more to do - if time is limited. I prefer giving them the just the movie - I make specific chapter markers that are to the key scenes if they decide to hit the "go to next chapter" button. If a film is accepted into a festival it is because they have watched in its entirety - because the attendees will be.


Michael
 
I think it all depends on how strong your trailer is. If you have a solid film and trailer, then it should help you. Why? Because if they like the trailer, they will go into watching your film with a positive attitude.

Of course, that can backfire on you if your trailer is too good when compared to your movie. I think the key is getting the screeners in the mood to watch your movie. I know that there are movies that the first time I watched them I didn't like them because of the mood I was in, but the second time I was in a different mood and I really liked the film (Gladiator was one of those for me.)

Matthew
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top