How to get your film into festivals
By ERMW Team
Thurs February 15, 2024
Getting your film into festivals is an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and potentially secure distribution deals.
However, the process can be daunting for filmmakers, especially newcomers to the industry. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to increase your chances of getting your film accepted into festivals.
Create a compelling film:
The first step is to create a film that stands out from the crowd. Ensure that your story is unique, engaging, and well-executed. Pay attention to technical aspects such as cinematography, sound design, and editing. The overall quality of your film will greatly impact its chances of getting accepted by festivals.
Read “What Makes A Good Movie” by Robin Piree for some insight on creating compelling stories.
Research suitable festivals:
To maximize your chances of success, research and identify festivals that are a good fit for your film. Consider factors such as genre, theme, location, and submission criteria. Submitting to the right festivals increases the likelihood of your film being appreciated by the target audience.
Check out “How to Research Film Festivals” by cinemalife to dig deeper.
Follow submission guidelines:
Every festival has its own submission guidelines, which can often be found on their official website. Pay close attention to these guidelines and ensure that you comply with all requirements, including deadlines, formats, and additional materials. Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in your film being disqualified.
To start to get a feel for what rules festivals may have, compare Submission Regulations for Sundance which is a high-tier festival, compared with the Regulations for The Culver City Film Festival which is a mid-tier festival. What differences do you see?
Craft a captivating synopsis and trailer:
Many festivals receive a high volume of submissions, so it's crucial to capture the attention of programmers quickly. Craft a concise and compelling synopsis that accurately represents your film's essence. Additionally, create a captivating trailer that showcases the highlights and unique aspects of your film.
For more information on creating your hook, read “How to Write A Compelling Film Synopsis” by Robin Piree and “How to Cut the Perfect Film Trailer by Film Supply.”
Prepare a press kit:
A well-prepared press kit can supplement your film submission and increase its chances of being accepted. Include a director's statement, production stills, cast and crew bios, past awards or accolades, and any relevant industry reviews. A comprehensive press kit demonstrates your professionalism and generates interest in your film.
“How to build a film press kit (with examples)” by Esther C supplies some great tips to package your film professionally.
Build a network:
Networking within the film industry can open doors to valuable opportunities. Attend film festivals, industry events, and screenings to meet programmers, distributors, and fellow filmmakers. Building relationships can provide insights, recommendations, and potential endorsements for your film.
We recommend joining Facebook and Linkedin and using them to find film groups and events calendars in your area.
Engage in strategic marketing:
Promote your film through various channels such as social media, film blogs, and relevant online communities. Create buzz around your project to generate interest and increase its visibility to festival programmers. Engaging in strategic marketing efforts will enhance your film's chances of being noticed and appreciated.
We suggest creating a website for your project. Peter Broderick’s “Attention, Filmmakers: Your Website Sucks!” is a good place to go for inspiration and contains a handy checklist.
Securing a coveted spot in film festivals can have a profound impact on both the success of your film and your career as a filmmaker. With thousands of submissions vying for limited slots, it's crucial to take strategic steps to increase your chances of acceptance.
By following these comprehensive strategies, you can significantly enhance your chances of getting your film accepted into festivals. Remember, the filmmaking journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Build your skills, tell unique stories, and persistently pursue opportunities. With perseverance, a compelling film, and strategic festival submissions, you increase your chances of achieving festival success and propelling your career to new heights.
Here are some helpful links to help get you started!