Make
Make films with easy to use video editing and storyboarding tool. Get involved in new and exciting projects!
Festivals - A Guide to entering
Film festivals are a vital for any new film maker to get to that next step up the ladder and be noticed.
Hopefully prior to shooting your film you will have already thought about what genre your film is, whether it be a feature or a short, and have a synopsis already written. These are elements that will help you pick the right festivals to showcase your work.There is no point in submitting to a horror festival if your film is a comedy romance, or a documentary festival if your film is a drama. Check out previous winners as this is a good indication to whether your film is suitable for the chosen festival submission and what the judges are looking for. What length should my short film be? There are various durations for short films these usually are:- 3mins, 10mins, 10-20mins and 30mins. What is the preferred format for submission? Films should be submitted on DVD. Make sure it is compatible with standard consumer DVD players. Also always check it plays back prior to sending to the Festival. Clearly mark what format (PAL/NTSC) on the DVD as this will affect playback in certain countries. Always good to see which format is correct for the country the festival is in. If unsure check out DVD & Video formats of the world. Please use a permanent marker to label your DVD. Do not use a paper label on your disc; adhesive stickers and paper may make a disc unplayable. How much should I expect to pay? Usually a submission fee of £10 minimum for shorts and £30 for features, though some festivals are free to enter. So when choosing which festivals are best to highlight your work be selective otherwise you will be running up extra costs. Will my film be returned to me? Check out the fine details prior to submission as some festivals do not return films even though you have included a self stamped address. Once accepted into the festival what do I need to submit? Most festivals will then ask for the master tape of your film. These can range in formats (HDCam, HDV, Digi Beta, BSP, DVCam, Mini DV, 35mm print, 16mm print and DVD.) Don't be disappointed, make sure you have the correct format for delivering to the festival prior to entering. The filmmaker is responsible for immediately providing a press kit (including photos, synopsis, and cast and crew credits). The filmmaker agrees that he/she will be solely responsible for the delivery of his/her film. What are the festival deadlines? There are 100’s of festivals throughout the year but make sure you always check the deadline for submissions. Festivals can make some allowances for features that are works in progress but an extra fee can often be incurred. Go to the Screen South website to find festivals around the South East. For a full list of festivals around the country go to www.britfilms.com
