Festival Circuit for Short Films

Once in a while, merely google your name and your film’s title. Surprisingly, you may find reviews of your short or even festival appearance you didn’t know about.

Once I did that (all I wanted was to check my facebook page), and I found out that my film was screened at a festival in Ireland and I didn’t even know in the first place that it had been accepted. It turned out that the festival tried to get in touch with me, but for some reason, I didn’t get any emails from them.

If you can, try to attend the festival. It’s a great way to meet other filmmakers, to network and maybe even to meet sales agents and distributors. And if your film is excellent beyond imagination, you may also meet someone who could help you with your next project.

Before you attend the festival, make sure that all your promotional materials are in place (such as business cards, postcards, stickers, posters or something more imaginative).
If you can, get a copy of the Delegate Guide and get in touch with the people you would like to talk to before the festival, it may be constructive. Be well prepared for those meetings and be aware of what you want to talk about. Otherwise, you will waste your time and this person’s and look very unprofessional.

When you are at the festival, try to get as much exposure as possible. You have to be an extrovert. Don’t refuse interviews with the local media, panel discussions or Q&A’s. Attend as many parties, workshops, panel discussions as you can. You never know who you are going to meet there.

If you have the time (I know how stretched for the time we all are), get in touch with the local media before the festival to let them know about your film and your willingness to provide them with a press kit, trailer and time for interviewing you.

Of course, there are many ways you can promote your film. The list of books and articles covering this subject is endless. My advice to you is: do what feels right and always try your best but don’t drive yourself crazy with the promotional efforts. Try to reach as many people and as many special interest groups as you can.

Any film festival or screening of your film is an excellent way of reaching your audience, meeting people, networking and presenting your work to the industry professionals who could help you with your next short or feature. It’s trivial possibly, but you never know who is going to watch it.

So to sum it up, don’t miss the festival circuit and good luck to all of you with your submissions.

References:

“You’ve Got it Made” by Nigel R. Smith

Case Study of a Short Film: “The Man With The Spying Glass” part 2

List of European Film Institutions.