Film Festivals & Getting Noticed

[Dark_Angel_uk]

Hey to all.

I'm from the UK and am making a short film for the summer which I'm going to be entering into the film festival circuit.

I've got a few questions and I would be very grateful for anyone's answers or advice.

1) Is entering the film festival circuit a good way to get noticed by industry pro's and are there many cases of film makers making short films, getting noticed and getting work with feature film makers?

2) Has anyone here entered the film festival circuit and has any advice that maybe helpful?

[Dark_Angel_uk]

Has no one here entered any filmwork to a film festival??

[Kev Owens]

Yeah, I've had 2 shorts in film festivals.

1) In answer, this totally depends on the quality of the film you enter. Of course people who make fantastic shorts do get the chance to make features, but not often! There are tonnes of shorts in most festivals, and the chances of yours standing out are dependant on the film, and quite slim. You never know what's going to happen, but above all RESEARCH what festivals you believe your film is suited to! This is vital!

2) Try and get to the festival if your film is accepted. Making contacts can prove to be more important than the film actually being shown at the festival in the first place!

All in all, don't raise your hopes about the festival circuit. The most lucrative festivals aren't even based in the UK. I see them more as networking events.

[Dark_Angel_uk]

Cheers for the advice, much appreciated [img]smile.gif[/img]