How to Get Into Film Festivals - Film Freeway Tutorial

On today's episode of The Piedmont Motion Picture Show, we're talking about how to get into film festivals by using Film Freeway.
This Film Freeway tutorial will show you step-by-step how to create an account, upload your film, and submit your film-to-film festivals using Film Freeway.
Film Freeway is the easiest way that I've found to submit my films to film festivals, and I hope this tutorial helps you get the ball rolling and gets your film seen by people in the film industry, all over the world!
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[@RyanCampFilms]

What is your preferred method of submitting to film festivals? Have you used FilmFreeway, or do you prefer another method?

[@abhishekgalshar5696]

We organised film festival. How can we open account associated with film freeway.com.So short film makers easy send their entry in our film festival.Plz guide me.I have my personali account.But not any idea about film festival account

[@maricademichele4363]

Hello Ryan! Thanks for your tutorial ! Very helpful! I have a question tho: what if I have more than one project to send to festivals...how do I select that specific project before going to submit to the festival I want to? Thank you

[@mohanfilms1216]

@@abhishekgalshar5696 wrong

[@CalvinHicks1]

Great info Ryan! Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks, Calvin!

[@jakirasuufilms]

am a ugandan film maker only appreciating for sharing knowledge to us thanks may God bless you..lastly let mi use film free way for The first time

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@bikopetualang]

thx for the information brooo. Stay awesome

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks, you too!

[@JMcDonald2001]

Thank You for this video

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thank you for watching!

[@DimiHard]

I have bookmarked your video. It's a fantastic tutorial which could save people a lot of time. Great job. Keep it up!

[@RyanCampFilms]

Glad it helped! Thank you!

[@DimiHard]

@@RyanCampFilms ♥️♥️

[@fatemehemati4265]

Hi Ryan! thanks for your tutorial! Is there any festival that i can submit just scripts? If you know a festival, I would be grateful if you could introduce it.

[@inaamkhan6516]

Thanx Its Useful

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thank you!

[@okellocarlsonedwin]

Thank you so much! This is what i have been looking for.

[@RyanCampFilms]

I’m very glad! Thanks for being here!

[@okellocarlsonedwin]

@@RyanCampFilms My pleasure 🙏

[@17samalex]

Film freeway is the best had 3 films features submitted and won lots of awards . Your show is great

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thank you!

[@VMM_20]

Thank you Ryan!!!

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thank you for watching!

[@focusinphotography]

Thank you

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@IgorDoval]

Nice video man. Do you know if foreign films should have embeded english subtitles or does it have and option for an aditional SRT file?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thank you! Each festival will have different rules for that sort of thing.

[@maricademichele4363]

Hello Ryan! Thanks for your tutorial ! Very helpful! I have a question tho: what if I have more than one project to send to festivals...how do I select that specific project before going to submit to the festival I want to? Thank you

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful! I’m not sure if you can submit multiple projects at once, but when you click on the festival to submit, a drop down box will be located at the top of the screen allowing you to choose which of your added projects you want to submit.

[@alsmiletv6085]

Please help me re info, why i can't add a project in the add project button?

[@RyanCampFilms]

As long as you’ve created an account, you should be able to add a project.

[@windowseatmovies4679]

Cool. I will do that for my KZbin channel for my films.

[@RyanCampFilms]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@mxmusic6460]

Thanks for the video! I want to ask you, can I sumbit a short film that I created by my own, and nobody else was included in it?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Yes of course!

[@rituparnoanimation]

Great video Ryan. I have a question. If you win a contest , Is they provide travel allowance and accommodation cost etc.?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Not any that I have been a part of, but every festival is different.

[@aineiasbabulis1512]

Thanks Ryan, that was great. Of course I have also a question, from your experience do you think a 20 minutes long short film is less likely to be selected ? Therefore I need to cut it down even if will look rubbish the story ?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks for watching! Some festivals have categories just for longer short films.

[@veranikabandarovich4040]

Thanks for the video, Ryan! I've got a question: my poster isn't ready now. May I submit without it, and then download it to the filmfreeway or send it separately to the film festival if the project is chosen? Will they see it later in my filmfreeway project folder if I add the poster after the submission?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Hey, thanks for watching! You can contact any of the different festivals through the site. If you have any questions like that, I would contact the festival before submitting to see what their practices are. They are all a little different. Have fun, and good luck!

[@dontbejudgementalself6614]

Hello sir I need your help, i found a contest name cinequest but its making me worry cause they have two contest one is screen writing contest and ciequest film and vr is that normal

[@RyanCampFilms]

Yes, a lot of the festivals have different contest going on. You should be fine. Just make sure the festival is well reviewed by the community.

[@SandeepArtMovies]

I won honorable mention in the film freeway it's the best film festival for me

[@RyanCampFilms]

Great job!

[@paranormalpicklejar4829]

Super helpful! Thank you so much Ryan! Would I need to specify if my film has been uploaded to KZbin?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Glad you found it helpful! Every festival has different rules. It’s a case by case basis.

[@paranormalpicklejar4829]

@@RyanCampFilms That’s reasonable. Thank you so much!

[@Astone12]

Hi Ryan, thanks for this tutorial. Very helpful. Couple of questions: what is best size of the film uploaded to Filmfreeway? I assume each festival has a different ask for the size and quality of the film they require. Can you tell me a little about that too please? Are there other costs other than submission fees to look out for? Many thanks.

[@RyanCampFilms]

From my experience, it’s really up to you. Some festivals may require specific sizes, but you do have to specify what aspect ratio your film is in before you submit it. The fees required to submit to each festival are clearly stated when you submit, there shouldn’t be any additional fees.

[@gouravsonifilms]

Hi Ryan! That explanation about submitting films in ‘Film Festivals’ is amazing. Thank you for simplifying lot of things! Keep it up. We are always with you! Have a great day! ✨

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thank you so much! Your support means a lot!

[@miat6262]

What are thoughts on using small snippets of stock FREE footage to contribute/elevate the feel of your film? Obviously it will be credited by wonder if this is usually done/allowed? Thanks!

[@RyanCampFilms]

I think it's totally acceptable and awesome, as long as it's not overused.

[@revolver.producciones]

Where do you upload the movie? there is the option of trailer but where I should upload mi short film to be available as a project in Film Freeway because I'm guessing it has to be uploaded there too, otherwise how the festivals can see you short film?

[@RyanCampFilms]

You upload it to your projects. That way you can choose which project to upload to each festival instead of uploading multiple times for different festivals.

[@Filmmaker593]

Do you consider to upload a Non English Film on filmfreeway with English subtitles burned-in, or should the subtitles be uploaded separately?

[@RyanCampFilms]

I think it would be best to upload a transcript separately.

[@steppeconqueror]

Hi Ryan! Thank you for such detailed tutorial. May i ask you about notifications. It's my first time using this webside. I downloaded my short script there, and now i have offers to sumbit to their festivals. Do i need to accept their offers or should i look for the right festival myself. (sorry if my question seems silly)

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks for watching! There is no right or wrong answer here. I would check them out and see the reviews and if they are a good fit for you.

[@sathwikps6701]

Hey, do you recommend Vimeo or KZbin link or direct original file to be uploaded. Is there any difference or benefits from either so? But according to many festivals they don’t prefer your video to be published to public. What do you say?

[@RyanCampFilms]

All of the festivals are different. I would reach out to the festival individually and see what they prefer.

[@SunnyDuttaRoy-ou6ue]

Thnk u Ryan...I have a question if u plz ho me with it.. Though the name of the shortfilm is in English but the language is a regional one...so should I fill it with English name or have to fill it in a regional language...coz it has separate section for name ..one for English one for other languages.. which the film is made of...

[@RyanCampFilms]

I would suggest tailoring the name to your target audience. You could also reach out and ask the film festival representative of the festival that you intend to submit to what would be the best option.

[@bodytemple5851]

if a film has been uploaded to youtube, does that jeorprordise it being entered into film festivals?

[@RyanCampFilms]

It all depends on the specific festival, they’re all different. Reach out to your desired festival with any concerns you have before submitting.

[@olivacastillogerardorodrig6383]

I uploaded a file in 1080p format, but when I review my project it appears that it only goes up to 720p, could it be my mistake? Or does the page only show up to 720p? I don't know if my work can be downloaded in the correct resolution, which is 1080p. *My video is in 1920 x 1080, I already checked the properties

[@RyanCampFilms]

I’m not sure about that one. I’ll log in and see if I can find out anything on that. You can also try contacting film freeway support.

[@MoLtenMetaL7]

"Some film festivals will not accept your submission if it has been screened on another festival before" what is the probability of that happening? and does the big fests like TIFF, sundance, Berlin, etc... do that typically?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Every festival is different. Be sure to reach out to the festival you are interested in if you have any specific concerns.

[@Julia_huang]

Hello! Really thank you for your explanation! May I ask more about how could I pay the fees in the process?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks for watching! All of the festivals handle fees through the filmfreeway account. Just set up your payment option through the site.

[@jijuka2.068]

Thank you Ryan for the vid... We're in 2024 and the info are still relevant

[@RyanCampFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-iv3iq9wu2e]

Sir, I have uploaded a 1080p quality documentary into filmfreeway but on completion, the quality is turned down to 720p. Why is it ?.. is there any solution we can upload it again without affecting the festivals to which we have submitted ?.

[@roderickarbre6822]

I think that's the online version, as I wondered this but I'm led to believe the festivals you submit too can download the file in its original quality

[@roderickarbre6822]

As that option I've seen appear to download

[@RyanCampFilms]

Every festival is different, I would contact them directly and see what they recommend.

[@anonnymuss5355]

I have a really important question: Can you sign up for film festivals that take place in a country you don't live in? Like if you can't go there. Because my country doesn't do much and they haven't done any film festivals... Thank you in advance if you answer

[@RyanCampFilms]

Absolutely!

[@christinastar3316]

Thanks for the video Ryan, it is very useful for me. I have a question: I've made an experimental short film and I want to submit it to festivals. but I can't pay their fees, My country's banks are under sanctions. how can I submit my short film to reputable festivals?

[@RyanCampFilms]

That’s a tough one. Most festivals have fees, maybe contact them and see if they can take other forms of payment that aren’t digital?

[@aineiasbabulis1512]

Another very important question please, should I say that is a student film, or better avoid it ?

[@RyanCampFilms]

I don’t think it would hurt to mention it. If it’s good, it’s good. Doesn’t matter what your experience level is.

[@RapidBlindfolds]

Although this video was well put together, I feel like it was a bit redundant. This isn't really about 'how to get into film festivals' its just about how to upload your project and submit it to festivals. The title suggests you're going to impart some extra information to us about how to actually win and get selected, about how to hook the festival programmers, how to write a good synopsis, if its advantageous to have a trailer etc.

[@RyanCampFilms]

You make a valid point. Thanks for watching! Sorry you didn’t find it helpful!

[@commercialand]

I am nearly ready to submit my short, however, being sound engineer with a degree, you would think I would know how hot the sub 40hrz and lower, ....how loud this should be. Even though my mix tops out around -6, the sub info depending on where the volume is on my sub woofer, can be pretty hot! And, im not certain if most of these festivals are using a sub? ...Im guess some may not, and if that is the case then most of my scary sub info is will be missing. Do you or do you know of anyone who takes a very carful approach to this?....

[@RyanCampFilms]

That is a great question! I unfortunately have no idea as far as this is concerned. I would say just mix it according to how it sounds on a system with a sub or your home system. I would assume that most of these festivals take place in a theatre of some sort, and I would assume they are using a sub.

[@nurahassan3926]

Hi mr. Ryan, i just have one question.What if my film won in one of those festivals & the prize was a cash & i didn't attend, how can i receive it?

[@RyanCampFilms]

I would contact the owners of film festival directly to get that cleared up.

[@Molokai17]

Don't Count on Winning any $$$. Even if you win a Trophy they probably won't send it to you.

[@DillonTrinhProductions]

@@Molokai17 why?

[@AdamDumaguin]

Hi! How long does it usually take for a video to process?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Seems like it took about a day for me?

[@MrSuperphil]

If you pay a submission fee and they decide not to show your film will you loose your money or get it back?

[@RyanCampFilms]

I suppose there could always be exceptions, as all the different festivals have different rules, but from what I’ve seen, most of the time you are basically paying for them to consider your film. If it’s not shown, your usually not going to get your money back.

[@avikesarwani5475]

i make Hindi films or non-English films how can i get my film into film festival

[@RyanCampFilms]

There are a few different ways; you could search for festivals that match the language you are producing for, there are international festivals that accept submissions from all over the world, and you could make a film that doesn’t have any spoken dialogue. I’ve entered a few international festivals by writing a film that has no spoken dialogue. Good luck!

[@iamShanMoreno]

QUICK QUESTION: Are you able to submit a film that you've already published on KZbin?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Great question! It just depends on the particular festival. They each have different rules regarding submissions. Many of them will allow you to have your film submitted on different platforms, but some of them are a little more strict. Just be sure to read the submission rules before submitting.

[@aaravdopelife3239]

Hi is this for all age groups ?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Each festival has its own rules. You’ll need to read the description for the festivals that you’re planning to join.

[@sleeplessdreamer210]

Idk if you’re responding to this video still, but I see a lot of bad reviews for FilmFreeway. Are these just frustrated film makers or legit concerns? I would like to attend festivals advertised on the site, but so many bad reviews kind of scares me

[@RyanCampFilms]

I can only speak to my personal experience, and I've never had any bad experiences with Film Freeway.

[@sleeplessdreamer210]

@@RyanCampFilms thank you! Love your vids by the way!

[@coopergreen7961]

Can I enter with no social media?

[@RyanCampFilms]

You should be able to.

[@iconlonol]

After submitting the short film, can we make money out of it?

[@RyanCampFilms]

Anything is possible.

[@gutz1981]

Film Freeway is a scam. I have entered a number of my films through them and NONE of those films ever gets accepted this way. However, when I go directly to the a festival website, I get selected with better results. I have tried Film Freeway for a couple of years now, and they don't send you any kind of emails to say "You were not selected" as often as they should. They are too random and I think if you submit through them, you films are the last ones that festivals get to see and you are pretty much stuck with the left overs if there are any spots available. And this has happened after I submitted directly to one festival one year and got praised and selected. Than the following years I sent to the same festival an even better film that got selected more by others and it did not pass and I think it did not even go through as I did not even get any emails about why I wasn't selected or that I wasn't. Film Freeway is NOT the best way to submit a film. Go directly to the source. You will get better results and clearer feedback.

[@RyanCampFilms]

It may be better to submit directly, I’m not sure, I don’t really have any evidence to support that. However, I have had 3 films selected through Film Freeway, and I’ve only ever used the service to submit 4 times. So, it appears that results will vary. Calling it a scam may be a bit of a stretch.

[@gutz1981]

@@RyanCampFilms One could argue and they may be right, that my films are not of the best quality to be selected. However, those same films have had success when I submitted to the festivals directly. So, as of now, on my own experience, I find Filmfreeway to be 0/5 and my other method 3/5

[@BrentForrest]

It isn't film freeway's fault when the vendors neglect to inform you that you were not selected... It's also not film Freeway's fault that festivals don't want your film.

[@gutz1981]

@@BrentForrest Less to do with fault, and more to do with a service that does not provide the better outcome. Like I said, I have gotten more acceptance via direct website application as opposed to using Film Freeway. If someone has better luck using another method, than the one that supposedly the "Better one" than how can I ever endorse or support it?

[@dontbejudgementalself6614]

Is film freeway safe

[@RyanCampFilms]

I haven't heard any horror stories yet. What are you concerned about?

[@Molokai17]

Has Your Career Been Advanced using Film Freeway? If so, how?

[@RyanCampFilms]

I wouldn't say that it has advanced my career in any way. I can't speak for everyone here of course, but money and trophies are nice, but a lot of times artists just need a little acknowledgement to help push them forward a bit. This can certainly help with that regard. It certainly doesn't hurt to have your film acknowledged by a film festival, does it?

[@tictac239]

@@RyanCampFilms that kind of made me horney, not going to lie

[@kristofthibaud8491]

Few if Any of these So-Called Film Festivals pay you any $$$, and even if you win you have to Pay for shipment of a Cheap Trophy.

[@RyanCampFilms]

So, it’s all just about money and a trophy? I’ve never submitted work to any film festival hoping for or thinking about either of those things. I merely just want to share my work with others.