HDV to Festival Formats

[yommytacoe]

I just wrapped up shooting on my first feature film, and I plan on sending it to some film festivals. None of the biggies like sundance, but some medium sized ones. I'm trying to decide what format would be best for the final screening copy. I'm pretty sure a 35mm print is out of my budget (how much would that cost?). I have access to some 35mm cameras, but I think I'd rather go for a digital solution. My options are HDCAM, DVCAM, DigiBeta, BetaSP, or MiniDV. The goal is maximum quality, minimum price. I'm guessing most festivals won't be able to screen canon's HDV 24f, but maybe MiniDv > Anamorphic DV 24p may be an option?

For those of you who have already submitted films to festivals, what did you do? How much did it cost?

If it makes a difference, I shot on an XHA1, 24f, 2:3 pulldown.
Thanks!

 

[Huy Vu]

Most festivals will require that you submit a DVD screener, then if your film is accepted them will specify the format that they can screen, usually 35mm, Digibeta or Beta SP if they don't accept DVD. Digibeta would be your best choice if you can't afford to go to 35mm. Depending on the length of the film and the conversion method it might run around $1000 to do a Digibeta dub for a feature.