Image Processing Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosing the appropriate festivals is very important. Most festivals require
that you not have your film online if they show it at their festival. This makes
their festival appear more exclusive and interesting to attend. For this
reason, many filmmakers do not put their complete film (only teaser clips)
online until at least one full cycle of festivals has run its course, which is
usually about a year. Your best chance of getting into a festival is when you
choose to premiere your film at that festival, so it is important to make the
right choice. Many frame-by-frame stop-motion productions fall into a few
categories, like animation, narrative, experimental, or music video, but do not
limit your festival choices to animation festivals. Many festivals have themes
and agendas, like “films and technology” or “American documentaries,” or
“new directors,” so it is important to read about these festivals before you
enter. Withoutabox puts you on their mailing list once you join up, and you
can research these festivals through the site's steady updates. It might be
important to submit to a festival that is near where you live, so you can
attend the festival; or you might consider a local regional festival, which is to
your advantage. Most festivals do not pay your expenses getting to the
festival, even when you are a potential winner. They usually give you a free
pass but often that is as far as it goes. There are some exceptions, and this is
why it is important to do your research. Big festivals, like Sundance, South by
Southwest (SXSW), Annecy, and many of the urban international festivals are
a good place to try to premiere your film, because other festival programmers
go to these festivals and they may see your film and ask you later to submit to
their festival (often waiving entry fees).
Getting into a festival means that some experienced and seasoned filmmakers
and people associated with the business have chosen your film over dozens
and often hundreds or thousands of other films to show at the festival. The
juries at the larger festivals have a fair amount of credibility, so that gives your
film a thumbs-up as it enters the public arena. Just getting into a festival in
today's competitive atmosphere is a great accomplishment. If you do not get
in a particular festival, it does not necessarily reflect badly on your film. The
competition is very high, since filmmaking is so much more accessible than it
used to be; and often your film may not fit the theme, agenda, or style of film
that a particular jury is seeking. Keep trying to find a festival venue for your film
by starting high and working your way down into the lesser-known festivals.
The fees associated with entering a festival can start to drain your account so
start and enter early to save money, and consider calling the festival directly if
you are broke and ask for an entry fee waiver. You might just get it.
You should not expect to make any money on your short film, but it might
get you some recognition that can be translated into revenue in the form
of a commission. Some people get lucky and are approached by film
distributors and director representatives. There are many possibilities, and
if you are approached, remember that it is best to get the information
offered and not make any fast decisions. If one distributor approaches you,
then most likely more will come. The deals offered range from exclusive
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