How to Enter a Film Festival
If you’re a film or video director seeking recognition for your work, entering your production into a film festival can help generate interest. There are many annual festivals held around the world, including prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival in May and the Telluride Film Festival in September.
Many cities, states and countries hold annual events celebrating young filmmakers’ work. If you’re just getting started with your career and don’t have experience entering your work into festivals, the first step is to do some research. There are a lot of resources online that can help you to get started.
Every event has its own set of rules and procedures for submitting your work. Here are a few tips to help you increase your chances for getting your work accepted.
How to Enter a Film Festival
Competing in film festivals can be fun and offer your film audience exposure. This could result in establishing a reputation for your work or even job offers. Festival submissions can be expensive, with some costing in excess of $100 to enter.
Develop a submission strategy. For example, if you produce documentaries, focus your search on festivals favoring that genre. What are your reasons for entering? Are you seeking financing for a future project? Do you have a short film or TV pilot idea you’d like to develop? Targeting the right festivals is the first step in developing your strategy.
Here are a few tips to help increase your chances for success!
Once you’ve selected some possibilities, do your research
If possible, attend the festival to get a feel for its focus and to network with other industry professionals.
Know what is required to enter
Some festivals accept DVDs and may require multiple copies for distribution to various judges. Some may offer the chance to submit your work online through secure streaming services for consideration.
It might be obvious, but read the fine print and make a note of submission deadlines
Festivals can have submission deadlines up to two years in advance. Make sure you include a completed submission form, any entry fees and the correct number of materials like DVDs with your submission.
Media Schools Across the Country
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, consider taking classes. Our Colorado, Miami, Illinois and Ohio Media Schools offer a film and video production program that can help you to really hone your skills. If you’d like to lean more, contact us here!
