FILM FESTIVAL STRATEGY
Figuring out what film festivals to submit your film to is a daunting undertaking. I’d like to help demystify the process. Having produced over 10 short films that have played top tier festivals, three Oscar Qualified with one landing on the Oscar Short List - I’ve run the paces through the festival circuit and the awards season.
I can help you wade through the murky mess of deciding where to premiere that will launch you into a fruitful festival run… and beyond. Also, with my years of working at NYC advertising agencies I can speak both business and filmmaker to help you create efficient systems to managing the deliverable requests from festivals and distributors.
THE LIST
FILM FESTIVAL FESTIVAL HIT LIST + CONSULTATION
(Where is the audience for my film?? Is this festival vs that festival worth submitting to??? )
I find the most successful outcomes happen if we talk before you start shooting, after a rough cut and then once picture is locked.
If we chat before production / locking the edit, I can highlight tweaks that would make the film stand out to the programmers you are targeting. - but connecting after lock is fine too!
I will take into account your goals as a filmmaker and for the project and then compile your custom festival target list from there.
This list is a comprehensive list of festivals to submit to based on your genre, budget, distribution goals and next projects goals. Starting with where the best premiere will be for your film (this will give you a better idea for production and post timelines as well)
Not only will the list include the best places for your film to be seen by as many quality eyes as possible but my aim is to set up you up with a strong festival reputation for your films to come.
THE LIST +
The custom FILM FESTIVAL FESTIVAL HIT LIST + CONSULTATION outlined above plus GUIDANCE WITH THE SYSTEMS and how to think FILMMAKER BUSINESS.
SUBMISSION SITES
Guide you through the best practices for FilmFreeway set up and provide other submission sites that are used for international festivals.
DELIVERABLES
Provide a list of the most common deliverables so you have them ready to go. As well as vendor suggestions for closed captions and DCP creation.
WORKFLOW SYSTEMS
How to - optimize your shared drive (Dropbox is my goto and many festivals as well) and email communications (i.e. film email address and how to keep it organized and clean)
DIGITAL IDENTITY & PUBLICITY
Advise on website best practices and tips to optimize SEO, aka be top of Google searches. If you bring in a publicist I guide what their pitch should be to complement the after fest goals.
DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY (shorts only)
Based on your goals for the short after festivals (i.e. a one off calling card, a proof of concept for a feature, a pilot for a series, awards season, etc. ). I will advise on the best outlets to target and timing of release.
THE LIST ++
Everything above
plus
FILMMAKER BUSINESS THERAPY - 12 months from list delivery
Continued support via email for the questions that come up along the way.
Looking forward to guiding you through this exciting time!
Disclaimer: Hiring me to create your festival strategy and guide you through this process is not a guarantee of being programmed at a festival. I’m not contacting festivals on your behalf, nor am I obtaining festival waivers. My name is not be used in any communication with festival programmers as I do not have a creative stake in the film.