Submission of documentary to film festivals

F

Fender126

Member
Hello:
I would like to submit my 90-120 minute (not completed yet) documentary to local film festivals (probably Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa). What are the things I need to be sure about when both filming and editing so that they are acceptable to these festivals?

Im new and naive to the scene and can use all the specifics you can give me. I know they all have some specific standards. But is there a starting point that you all can help me with in terms of what to think about?

I will be shooting in 24p. It is in 4:3 format and I might use the letterbox option. For example, I am using a dvx100a which is standard definition as you all know. Do I need to transfer to High definition at some point?

What do you all reccomend in terms of the format to give to them (beta max, dvd). I just need some help getting the thought process started. What kinds of things should I think about? Are there some specific things I should do for sure when filming and editing?

thanks.

from Kevin
 
Letterbox just kills your resolution to death. the black bars on letterbox are actually recorded as part of the footage. Like if you color correct it will change the color of the bars as well. you can just shoot 4.3 and add lettbox bars in post and have a much better picture. Any reason why you want the black bars?
 
cause i like the look for some reason. i dont know if i can describe it. it has a theatrical quality having black at the top. i suppose i could addt hem later if im so determined...but if i frame the shot without them, wont the bars mess that up?

but no big deal. i wont use them. what do you mean it kills the resolution?
well, no matter, i wont use them

i need as much help here as possable people
thanks
 
because instead of recording what you are shooting at full resolution it is using it for the black bars when those extra pixels could be used on the actual footage. also just so you know even if you shoot widescreen or squeeze mode when played on a 4.3 TV the DVD/BD player will automatically put bars on the bottom and top to preserve the aspect ration on that set. The best way to look at it is to shoot at the highest resolution possible within your means then whatever style or look you are trying to achieve you can do in post.
 
sounds good.
is there anything else that is nesesary to do durring shooting and editing that is cruical for film festivals?
 
is no one going to answer this question because there are too many specifics for each festival? Is there such a thing as standard things to keep in mind when shooting for a festival? anyone?
 
Fender126 said:
cause i like the look for some reason. i dont know if i can describe it. it has a theatrical quality having black at the top. i suppose i could addt hem later if im so determined...but if i frame the shot without them, wont the bars mess that up?

but no big deal. i wont use them. what do you mean it kills the resolution?
well, no matter, i wont use them

i need as much help here as possable people
thanks
Click to expand...

The look is an illusion. Yes, it looks more "theatrical" because you're used to seeing letterboxed movies, etc., on a standard TV. But shooting that way from the beginning is actually limiting your quality. Squeeze is better, all-around.

IF you still want to export as 4:3 and have the letterbox bars, you can still have that by shooting Squeeze and editing as widescreen. You just export as 4:3.

But there's no real reason to do that. The aspect ratio -- the width of the picture -- is what's important, not the black bars on top or bottom. Those bars exist ONLY because the shape of the image doesn't match the shape of the screen. There is no reason at all to have them in your image until you're ready to display your work, and it's far better not to have them when you edit.

If you shoot squeeze, edit as widecreen, and then make a widescreen DVD, when the DVD is displayed on a 4:3 screen, the black bars will be there -- added by the DVD player. But if you export as 4:3 with the black bars already there, if the DVD is displayed on a widescreen TV, your image will either be stretched on the sides, or appear as a small window in the middle of the screen. Either way, it's not what you want. So, shoot Squeeze, edit as widescreen, make a widescreen DVD, and all your bases will be covered.
 
Fender126 said:
is no one going to answer this question because there are too many specifics for each festival? Is there such a thing as standard things to keep in mind when shooting for a festival? anyone?
Click to expand...

Moderator Zak Forsman had the best take on this of anyone: "it doesn't matter how you do it; the festival will mess up projection anyway." :)

But yes, you're correct; there is no one festival standard, and they all pretty much do it differently -- and that's usually according to the display equipment they happen to have on hand.

In any case, delivery requirements become a concern AFTER shooting and editing.
 
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