As a Filmmaker or as a general movie lover, ask yourself the question, “Have I ever been to a Film Festival?”
I recently attended the DC film festival regional conference. This conference was sponsored by the DC Film Alliance. When The conference was held in the “West End Cinema”. I was warmly greeted by a hostess , I sat where I would be able to see everything. I listened to different festival directors speak about everything from budgeting to festival attendees.There I was as a young filmmaker with a new festival. I sat in the theatre with other film festivals, I got a chance to hear accounts from older film festivals. I soaked up all that I could of the the information being projected. It’s a great thing to see different organizations come together to work for the greater good. As a filmmaker it makes me appreciate film festivals even more. As a festival director it makes me hopeful that the film industry in Washington DC is ready to form its structure.
“The renaissance shall be televised”
There are tax initiatives set up for filmmakers to make films in the area. The film festivals only add onto that initiative to encourage filmmakers. Its amazing to see people trying to make better opportunities for filmmakers. If your going to say your a filmmaker it doesn't hurt to do research on film festivals. The festivals here create open markets for filmmakers to screen and “shop” their projects. Understand that not all festivals will do the work, some are still building their own fan base. Take into consideration that when your project is selected by a film festival you will have to promote your screening as well. Not all festivals will provide a full audience it’s sometimes the job of the filmmaker to promote their own screenings. I’m sure that most of us have encountered that “filmmaker” that believes the work is done once editing is completed. There is an entire aftermath of events that needs to occur in order for your film to be success. It doesn't matter the length of the film or even the genre. Every film festival is different and have different criteria’s and themes. All it takes if for you to submit your film. Just imagine if every filmmaker took the initiative to get their films screened. Competition as you know it would be at it’s all time highest. Do yourself a favor, get your catalogue together and start submitting.
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