Yes, entering more than one film festival is not only customary, but highly recommended and often essential for independent filmmakers seeking exposure, distribution opportunities, and critical recognition for their work. Strategically targeting multiple festivals increases the chances of selection, maximizes reach, and allows filmmakers to tailor their festival strategy to the unique strengths of their film.
Why Festival Strategy Matters
Navigating the film festival landscape can feel like a daunting task for independent filmmakers. With thousands of festivals vying for attention, understanding the accepted practices and optimal strategies is crucial for success. A well-defined festival strategy goes beyond simply submitting to every festival imaginable. It involves identifying target festivals, understanding their specific focuses, and crafting a submission plan that maximizes the film’s potential.
The Importance of Multiple Submissions
The reality is that film festivals are highly competitive. Even exceptional films are often rejected due to limited screening slots, thematic conflicts with the festival’s overall programming, or simply bad luck. Relying on a single festival jeopardizes the entire journey of the film. Submitting to multiple festivals significantly increases the odds of acceptance and, more importantly, provides a safety net and wider range of potential outcomes.
Tailoring Your Approach
Not all film festivals are created equal. Some are renowned for showcasing experimental art-house cinema, while others focus on genre-specific films or support emerging filmmakers. Tailoring your application to each festival’s specific focus and submission guidelines demonstrates a genuine interest and increases the likelihood of selection. This includes crafting a compelling cover letter, selecting appropriate stills, and highlighting the aspects of your film that align with the festival’s ethos.
Building a Winning Festival Strategy
A robust festival strategy involves several key components: research, prioritization, submission, and follow-up. Let’s explore each of these aspects.
Research: Identifying Target Festivals
The first step is to conduct thorough research to identify festivals that align with the film’s genre, target audience, and overall goals. Consider the following factors:
- Festival prestige and reputation: Tier-one festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Venice carry significant weight and can elevate a film’s profile considerably.
- Festival focus and programming: Ensure the festival’s programming aligns with the film’s genre, style, and subject matter.
- Festival size and reach: Larger festivals offer broader exposure, while smaller, more niche festivals can provide a more targeted audience.
- Festival location: Consider geographic relevance, especially if the film has a strong regional or international connection.
- Submission deadlines and fees: Keep track of deadlines and budget for submission fees.
Prioritization: Creating a Festival Wish List
Once you have a list of potential festivals, prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to your film. Create tiers, with the most desirable festivals at the top and the less crucial ones at the bottom. This helps manage expectations and allocate resources effectively.
Submission: Crafting a Compelling Application
A well-crafted application is crucial for making a positive impression on the festival programmers. Pay close attention to the following:
- Festival guidelines: Meticulously adhere to all submission requirements, including format, length, and supporting materials.
- Synopsis and logline: Craft a concise and compelling synopsis and logline that accurately reflects the film’s story and tone.
- Cover letter: Write a personalized cover letter that explains why the film is a good fit for the festival and highlights its unique selling points.
- Stills and trailer: Select high-quality stills and a captivating trailer that showcase the film’s visual appeal and artistic merit.
Follow-Up: Building Relationships
After submitting to a festival, don’t just sit back and wait. Follow up with the festival programmers to express your continued interest and answer any questions they may have. Building relationships with festival staff can increase your chances of getting noticed and receiving valuable feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about entering multiple film festivals:
FAQ 1: How many festivals should I apply to?
There’s no magic number, but a good starting point is to aim for at least 10-20 festivals. The more festivals you target, the higher your chances of acceptance. However, prioritize quality over quantity and focus on festivals that are a good fit for your film.
FAQ 2: What’s the average cost of submitting to multiple festivals?
Submission fees vary widely, ranging from $20 to over $100 per festival. Budget accordingly and consider applying early to take advantage of lower early-bird fees. The total cost can easily reach several hundred or even thousands of dollars.
FAQ 3: Should I wait for a response from one festival before submitting to others?
No. Submit to multiple festivals simultaneously. Waiting for a response from one festival could significantly delay your overall festival strategy. Most festivals understand that filmmakers submit to multiple events.
FAQ 4: What if my film gets accepted into multiple festivals at the same time?
Congratulations! This is a great problem to have. Carefully consider the dates, prestige, and audience of each festival before making a decision. You can often negotiate with festivals to shift screening dates or times to accommodate conflicts. Check each festival’s rules regarding premiere status.
FAQ 5: What is a premiere status and why is it important?
Premiere status refers to whether a film has been publicly screened before. Many top-tier festivals require films to be either world premieres, international premieres, or at least regional premieres. Lower premiere status can significantly decrease your chances of acceptance into prestigious festivals.
FAQ 6: How can I find the right film festivals for my film?
Use online resources like FilmFreeway, Withoutabox (now part of FilmFreeway), and the International Film Festival Directory to search for festivals based on genre, location, submission deadlines, and other criteria. Network with other filmmakers and attend film festivals to learn about new opportunities.
FAQ 7: What if my film is a documentary?
Documentary films have their own dedicated festivals and categories within larger festivals. Research documentary-specific festivals and tailor your application to highlight the film’s social impact, storytelling, and relevance to current events.
FAQ 8: Should I attend the film festivals my film is accepted into?
Attending film festivals is highly recommended. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network with other filmmakers, distributors, and industry professionals, as well as promote your film to a live audience.
FAQ 9: What is a film distributor and why should I care?
A film distributor is a company that helps filmmakers get their films seen by a wider audience. They handle marketing, sales, and distribution to theaters, streaming platforms, and other outlets. Securing distribution is often a key goal for independent filmmakers.
FAQ 10: How important is a good trailer for my film festival submission?
A compelling trailer is essential. It’s often the first thing that festival programmers will see, and it needs to grab their attention and convey the film’s tone, style, and story effectively. Invest in a professional trailer or create a high-quality DIY version.
FAQ 11: Should I hire a film festival publicist?
Hiring a publicist can be beneficial, especially for films with a strong chance of success. A publicist can help generate buzz, secure press coverage, and manage the film’s overall image at festivals. However, it’s an added expense that may not be feasible for all filmmakers.
FAQ 12: What happens if my film isn’t accepted into any festivals?
Rejection is a part of the filmmaking process. Don’t give up! Analyze your submission materials, seek feedback from other filmmakers, and consider re-editing your film or targeting different festivals. Even if your film doesn’t get into festivals, you can still find other ways to showcase your work online or through independent screenings.
Conclusion
Entering multiple film festivals is an integral part of the independent filmmaking process. By developing a well-defined festival strategy, conducting thorough research, and crafting compelling applications, filmmakers can significantly increase their chances of acceptance, expand their audience, and achieve their creative goals. Remember that perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine passion for storytelling are key to navigating the competitive world of film festivals.