It Could Happen - Festivals (page 2)

Submissions: The Final Word

Local programmers pride themselves on bringing something new and fresh to their audiences, and they like to write "premiere" next to an entry's title in the program. But, if your piece has been widely available through the World Wide Web, festival directors can't do that. However, many festivals are more lenient when it comes to short subject films, and there are many who won't insist on the first-time rule. As well, there are plenty of exclusively short film fests out there looking for your "previously enjoyed" masterpiece. Read the rules to see where you fit.

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Excellence is what will get your submission past festival gatekeepers and into the hearts of audiences and jurors. An informal e-mail survey of festival pros all concurred that what programmers and screeners are generally looking for is "quality storytelling, quality performances and intriguing and slightly unconventional docs."

If you want to get plugged into the film festival scene and plan for your first submission, visit online festival forums and discussion groups. You should also check out the festival "idiot guides" and other how-to books available on bookstore and library shelv…