Film-Festivals Can Create A Buzz

Film-Festivals are particurly good for the producer who is good with the schmooze. Basically a producer enters their film and if accepted, they hope to secure distribution. A producer may only get one chance, so selecting and getting into the right Festival is critical.

I don't know the actual number of Festivals yearly in the USA or internationally, but I was recently told there are more Festivals throughout the world than there are days in the year. Not only have festivals become a chapter in the history of filmmaking, they have also introduced another aspect within the business of filmmaking.

So with the immense number it's not really practical to list all the Festivals, but here are a few of the big ones; Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, and Tribeca.

Remember earlier when we talked about entering your script into screenwriting contests? Well the same holds true for entering your movie into a Film Festival. There are some questions you need to ask.

Questions when answered might bring the Festival picture into a clearer focus. First, find out from last year how many movies sought entrance. Second, from those, how many were accepted. Finally, get the number of movies that received distribution.

Now let's say you got your movie done and are just starting to seek distribution. You decide to enter a few Festivals. You get accepted. So what do you do? What do you need?

First, I have to be very upfront about my involvement in Film-Festivals. I didn't enter either of my movies into any Festivals. I went straight from production into seeking distribution, However, I did attend the American Film Market a few times after securing distribution.

So from my limited experience allow me to tell you what I learned through seminars, research, and have been told by other producers. First off, you need a kick ass Press Kit. One that generates a BUZZ within the Festival.

So what's a Press Kit? It is a highly marketable presentation of your movie with enticing box art. If available it also includes any positive media coverage. It must make people want to keep their calender open for viewing your movie.

If you plan to go the Festival route, don't forget to include the Festival in your budget. There is more than just the cost to apply, making a Press Kit, and advertising. You also have travel, lodging, food, and other expenses. You will want to attend the Festival parties. Develop some contacts!

Without question, Film-Festivals are a way to secure distribution. Many years ago when the Festivals got started, they were great avenues for little movies to be viewed by industry professionals. Now it seems that over the years the larger more popluar Festivals aren't truly geared to the little guy anymore.

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