First-time filmmakers often don’t feel confident about going to a film festival and can sometimes feel anxious about submitting their work to the industry judges. Any first-time filmmaker should never (ever) pass up an opportunity to get their video production into a film festival and this article explores exactly why that is:
1. They Promote You & Your Film
Getting your film on at a film festival will not only give you and your video production credibility, but it also helps to promote both you and your film. Just by being accepted you’ve already got a great piece of information for your press materials and there’s a good chance you’ll receive a few reviews of your project too, which you can also use. That’s one great promotional opportunity waiting to be grabbed just by entering.
2. They Help You Reach A Like-Minded Audience
Although you’re trying to get festival goers to check out your particular production, they’re already there to check out some films. This means that your job at getting them to check out your film project won’t be half as difficult as trying to get the worldwide public to check it out. A like-minded audience such as this will also be able to give you quality praise and criticism or maybe even ask to be a part of your next video production.
3. You Could Come Away With An Award
A lot of filmmakers want to win at festivals and winning a prize would be a monumental push for your film and so could just receiving a nomination to begin with. Not all filmmakers are in it for the glory, but the opportunity of winning an award or getting a nomination should never be passed up.
4. They Allow You To Make Connections
The networking opportunities alone should be reason enough for a first-time filmmaker to start going to film festival events. These festivals are full of huge industry players from big directors, crew members, script writers, promoters, distributors and thousands of enthusiastic video lovers. Making connections with these kinds of people is incredibly powerful and should be one of the main reasons you’re filling in applications for upcoming festivals right this second.
5. They Are Great Ways To Have Fun
Film festivals can be a lot of work, but they don’t have to be. A festival gives you time to celebrate your video production and let your hair down. Whether that’s just sitting back and relaxing for the whole festival or just using your nights to have a good time and getting your promotion done in the day. Never forget about the chances to just have fun at these events. Creating your production was long and challenging enough, a festival should be a fantastic way to congratulate your team, take some necessary R&R time for yourself and just enjoy being a part of the industry.
Summary
There you have it, 5 essential reasons why first-time filmmaker should always take the chance to go to a film festival. Don’t pass up such opportunities just because you’re a first-time filmmaker, all filmmakers and video productions have to start somewhere.
