A Guide to Film Festivals - Where to Apply, Getting In, and Networking Explained

[@StudioBinder]

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Film Festivals 00:21 - History of Film Festivals 01:09 - Chapter 1: Why Film Festivals? 03:45 - Chapter 2: What Film Festivals? 07:25 Chapter 3: How to Get In 10:43 - Takeaways

[@seaque.]

Studio Binder really shares us ALL the steps you need to be a film maker for real. This channel needs to be archived if KZbin disappears.

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate it ❤

[@RatedRKO269]

I completed my first short film last year. The entire thing was a huge learning experience(there are things I wish I had done differently and things I wish had worked out better). The whole film festival submission process was beyond confusing and I wish I had this video last year to save me the headache. While I know my short film had some things I wanted to do better I definitely made the mistake of applying to many that were in the late submission phase because I was interested in those festivals. Only later did I learn that the chances are very slim when applying late. Also finding which festivals are worth it and which aren’t is quite difficult. Even with research sometimes it’s really hard to tell as there are so many festivals to choose from. It’s quite overwhelming.

[@ladushdevdas8465]

What is the name of your short film bro

[@Jakeboston85]

Yeah I’d like to check it out

[@LuisSierra42]

The film industry is severely closed and you have better chance of becoming a recognized filmmaker by posting your movies on youtube

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats on completing a film! That's an accomplishment in itself :)

[@DumpsterBongo]

A

[@Hitchfred_Alcock]

I'm currently attending the Berlinale. I love the atmosphere of these festivals

[@StudioBinder]

Sounds fun!

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

How cool, have fun!

[@smann7236]

Short film? What was your budget? And how did you get in?

[@Hitchfred_Alcock]

@@smann7236 I didn’t have a film there. I had an accreditation and spend my days attending panels, press conferences, talks, meet&greet, watching some movies in the afternoon and then went to some parties in the night. Usually you can apply with your own project half a year before the festival and then it depends on the jury and the competition if you can land a spot in a section and get selected for screenings in the official program.

[@smann7236]

@@Hitchfred_Alcock do you think it was waste of time or did you make any connections with producers, financers and distributers?

[@TheStorytellingDad]

Just went to my first film festival last year and can’t wait for this year’s to submit my first film.

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@GemScaty]

Give Instagram bro

[@isabeleisner729]

Which one did you go to?

[@TheStorytellingDad]

@@isabeleisner729 South Texas International Film Festival in Edinburg, TX. It’s about to start again in a few weeks!

[@DannyGevirtz]

wish I had this video a year ago! Thank you!

[@robertobuatti7226]

I have OCD, slight Asperger's and learning disabilities for all my life and I would love for people like myself who have some sort of disability other mentally or for people who have a physical disabilities to be accepted into film festivals, or Filmmaking courses to teach people who have some sort of disability which love filmmaking to teach them the craft at their level.

[@StudioBinder]

Wish you the best!

[@robertobuatti7226]

@@StudioBinder Oh thank you, I really appreciate the kind words.

[@JenMsumbaMusic]

Hi I’m an autistic filmmaker. I love the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge it has helped me move forward in film

[@robertobuatti7226]

@@JenMsumbaMusic Oh really, thank you I'll look into that, much appreciated.

[@arthurmingo]

SB I want to say thank you for these videos. You have been more helpful to me than you could possibly know.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help :)

[@RomaFlix]

Always great , Please also post a video about teaching how to write scenes I mean every Elements , thanks studiobinder , amazing channel

[@StudioBinder]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIGvhH14id-Ufdk you should check out this previous video on screenwriting!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

It's a complete audiovisual Guide to Film Festivals. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video. It's Fantastic!💯💯🌟🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@indiestorytellinginyt]

A bit late here !! but i recently made two proof of concept films and i must say , studiobinder !! thanks a lot guys ! you guys really helped me in various ways! Continue to inspire generations of filmmakers !!!

[@altidore1tv676]

I don’t Wanna Miss a single of ur videos In fact u have helped me a lot

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@dillonmcnamara7057]

Best filmmaking channel, very useful! :)

[@hornet718]

Totally Agree!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@kartarbhogal]

One of my best friends did work experience for a film festival and even got the chance to attend the premieres at Pinewood Studios. He said it was his and a handful of other people's jobs to select which film admissions will be accepted. He said he was even told by the people higher up that only spend 2 minutes watching the starting of the film. If they're not engaged, then don't allow the submission. Howevee if they are engaged, then skip to the middle and end of the film and watch a couple mins from their and see if it's also engaging. I don't know if all festivals do this but it males sense with the amount of submissions they get. Thought this would be useful advice to other filmmakers out there

[@daniel_wilkinson]

You're not going to believe this, but besides networking and awards, festivals are a great place to - get this - watch good movies.

[@StudioBinder]

It is but filmmakers also want to get their good movies into them

[@omenka]

As a director you was on plenty of different international film festivals, I can more than recommend you to confirm your films to festivals. With 14 yold I won my first award 3 years ago and still have so many contacts to producers and supporting other filmmakers 😊

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats on getting in!

[@patriciavision]

Great information! The way you illustrate and explain the festival submission process is very informative. I love and enjoy your videos.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad it helped!

[@viyugunmj359]

Really you are not only helping filmmakers, also re-seeding their passion in film making into us. Guiding in right way. Thank you for ur support. Hope i do my best what i wish in this year..

[@Lily-e9r7n]

I have been assisting with the making of a full length film and we are at the point of summiting it to some film festivals. This video came out at just the right time, thanks!

[@M4nGo258]

Great video! I will love if you can make any video in regards of how to make a documentary, I think many of us indie filmmakers are also interested on promoting or creating or own documentaries, your channel it's a great guide for us!.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@SmithBlack-One-shot-studio]

Damn interesting remark that a shorter short film is more likely to be selected ) I also agree that an exciting beginning of the film increases the chances of selection.

[@StudioBinder]

Got to give yourself every advantage!

[@elliotgrove9611]

What a terrific video. And great to see @Raindance feature in the graphics from 7:15! And the 2023 edition as well. As usual, an informative and inspiring piece from studioBinder

[@N-videos000]

Please make a video about costume design & make up in movies...❤

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@TokyoBayCity]

Great video, but something very important is missing. One of the biggest ways people get into the big five is by having a prior relationship with them. For example, many of the feature films that get into Sundance were done by people who went through their writer’s/director’s labs.

[@StudioBinder]

Good point!

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

I started to submit my first completed feature spec script for feedback before I can start submitting to the competition categories.

[@StudioBinder]

Good idea!

[@The22boris]

Thanks a lot as always! In one of the next videos, could it be of the Directing Style of Francis F Coppola? Because Megalopolis is coming this year.

[@StudioBinder]

He's definitely on the list!

[@Linnellen]

6:04 😂 that’s A+ editing

[@StudioBinder]

Couldn't resist mate ;)

[@kapanimations]

Currently competing in SkillsUSA in the Digital Cinema category and we got 1st place in regionals. We’re also competing in the Slick Rock Film Festival and we’ve also gotten first at the Porterville Film Festival. I’m excited to enter into these larger festivals once I graduate high school because it’s one of my ambitions to go into the film industry.

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats!

[@kapanimations]

@@StudioBinder Thanks these videos were a huge help

[@djjoe8899]

Can you do a video on how to compose music for different medium like movies and video games

[@LycanVisuals]

I have very mixed feelings on film festivals. I still strongly believe they have their place, but once again filmmakers have to plan out at the very beginning stages of even making their movie (particularly features) and just brace for the worst. While showing at those top tier fests may not guarantee you a sale, it still helps with your credibility (whether you win an award or not) and let's not forget the experience of actually being there. Also winning a trophy for all your troubles just feels good lol Regional, and genre and mid their festivals are great, but the consensus is that if your film isn't selected into the top fests, then your chances of distribution are very low.

[@StudioBinder]

correct, it's really the big 5 that matter for distribution

[@KABOBkabob]

I spent $800 on submissions and didn't get into anything with my doc lol. It was a somewhat rough cut though...

[@LycanVisuals]

How it is sometimes. Spending upwards of 1000 dollars in submission fees and not getting accepted anywhere 😢 ​@@KABOBkabob

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Aawesome video as always say 🌍🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@ElenGlazova]

I love you Studio Binder!

[@MaeyaTVusa]

Very nice documentary

[@GDCKF]

Amazing sharing. Keep up the good work.

[@slackbladder69]

Brilliant episode as always, but where's Paul Gregory? Love his voice :)

[@StudioBinder]

Working on other vids with us!

[@PLZFILMZ]

Imagie a business model where you get paid just to decide if you’re going to accept the products that you will sell. Cinema festivals must be the most profitable business. Is amazing the amount of festivals that have only one or two years run and they charge you the same as Sundance.

[@StudioBinder]

Those fees add up! That's why you need to be intentional with where you apply

[@ladushdevdas8465]

What is the difference between sequel and prequel?

[@StudioBinder]

sequel is the film that comes after the first movie both in release date and actual events in the film. Prequels are films about the events before the events of the first film

[@anirbanguha8579]

10:50 😂😂😂

[@StudioBinder]

stamp of death 😂

[@Emerald-Media-Productions]

I love you studiobinder ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Love our subscribers!

[@mireiavallescastro6756]

Any tips to get passes as a freelance film critic?

[@StudioBinder]

know a guy who knows a guy 😅

[@FortheLoveofMonsters]

contact the film festival directly, most festivals have a “press” contact.

[@mireiavallescastro6756]

@@FortheLoveofMonsters thank you!!!

[@RAJKUMAR-bv4lo]

I made a short film got selected into a film festival the next three month the film festival closed wonder wt would people have gone through after the screening of my terrible short film

[@StudioBinder]

Sorry to hear, but good job getting your film accepted!

[@cainazzo1]

I have been at a film festival Laughing 2015

[@StudioBinder]

Must've been fun!

[@Mimi-nu5lh]

who's the hottie in the polo neck (7 minutes 16)?

[@felixsutton13]

hes so handsome

[@faizangul836]

😮great video 🙂📹 Vanilla Sky was inspired by a film that Tom Cruise happened to see in a film festival

[@StudioBinder]

Cool trivia!

[@storiesbynaima]

This was so helpful!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@rajluhar3937]

So you are telling me there's a chance 🤔

[@StudioBinder]

Always a chance!

[@Zegeebwah]

Realist's Guide to Film Fest Acceptance: 1. Be rich 2. Know rich people 3. Know people involved with the festival circuit 4. Leverage your social media following to show your built in audience to festivals 5. Sponsor the festival beyond what you will be supporting via exorbitant film submission fees 6. Volunteer for free for the festivals for years building up social equity 7. Make a good movie

[@ohnochris]

Of course they don’t mention that if you are a nobody it is going to be very difficult to get in to bigger festivals even if your film is amazing.

[@StudioBinder]

Of course it's difficult, that's why our video is showing how to increase your chances ;)

[@Naughty-jq2gg]

Thank you so much🙏💕

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexwalpole4202]

Alright I can dig this young uns voice 👨

[@StudioBinder]

haha enjoy!

[@Sterin_YT]

Guide to Approch production house and make a good pitch Deck

[@zairehaylock4974]

I wanna go to film festivals.

[@StudioBinder]

There's plenty of local ones to check out!

[@zairehaylock4974]

@@StudioBinder Cool. I'm Zaire Haylock. Movie fan.

[@sumfactormultivetse2086star]

I am going to make a film tomorrow

[@DudeSerious-ng8ii]

Studio binder can you tell some good film festivals in india please

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jackonreality]

Trying to save up money to make a short film, but I don’t know how much I’m going to need. Can anyone offer some advice?

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

❤❤

[@StudioBinder]

💖👍

[@elijah.j3288]

Leonardo apart of Quentin Tarantino films are at a lack of notification

[@robertsontirado4478]

Don’t worry about getting into the big 5. I send most of my films overseas America is to toxic to much discrimination against straight brown men, more welcoming in Europe.

[@StudioBinder]

As long as you have a game plan to make the most out of the festival, it doesn't have to be the big 5

[@Soumyajit2.0]

Anything in India ?

[@StudioBinder]

The steps should apply to film festivals in India too

[@ryanhowell4492]

cool

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

I did not expect Ryan Coogler to sound like gangsta Forrest Gump

[@StudioBinder]

😂

[@DialloMoore503]

He has a speech impediment. He can’t help that. It makes his accomplishments as a director even more impressive. I’m not surprised people on the internet are ignorant.

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

@@DialloMoore503 I’m not ignorant. He’s indeed a great director. I just never heard him talk before so I was surprised to hear how he talks.

[@dejib.3930]

Festivals are the cartel and script reviewers are the dealers.

[@StudioBinder]

😂

[@robertsontirado4478]

Still trying to figure out why Ryan Coogler sounds like that born in California. I believe its not his real voice but why.

[@StudioBinder]

What does he sound like?

[@DialloMoore503]

Speech impediment.

[@creoflux]

So I point out that there are also scam festivals, and you delete my comment? Why?

[@StudioBinder]

we didn't?

[@creoflux]

ok, I try again@@StudioBinder

[@creoflux]

And it´s gone again. Nevermind.

[@WiLyO8]

‘

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@bhatkrishnakishor]

Festivals are bull crap

[@StudioBinder]

how so?

[@GregoryDai]

first

[@StudioBinder]

Welcome!

[@FilmPunk]

Most of them are worthless. There are only a few that matter. Go to them and network and don't waste money entering them. No one cares about laurels on shorts from small towns.

[@StudioBinder]

Yes, but shorts entered or won from the Big 5 can help greatly with connecting and even possibly funding for a feature

[@DialloMoore503]

Not true. Even the small ones can further your career.

[@FilmPunk]

@@DialloMoore503 ha saw you on linkedin this week 👋🏼 I don't buy it on small festivals though. Ok to network. But then I don't know small US festivals. Small UK festivals are borderline scams

[@CringeAssProductions]

"Whether you're an established filmmaker.." *shows Fincher" "..Or one just starting their career" *shows one of the all time greats*

[@StudioBinder]

😅😂

[@fuckoffgoogle6513]

This is like a guide to film festivals the way SpongeBob is a guide to marine life.

[@StudioBinder]

haha what?

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

It's a complete audiovisual Guide to Film Festivals. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video. It's Fantastic!💯💯🌟🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

​@@StudioBinderI'd like to share with you my Graduation Short Film The Source (2019). How can I do please?

[@viyugunmj359]

Really you are not only helping filmmakers, also re-seeding their passion in film making into us. Guiding in right way. Thank you for ur support. Hope i do my best what i wish in this year..

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Aawesome video as always say 🌍🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@BethJackson-v2d]

I have been at a film festival Laughing 2015

[@StudioBinder]

Nice!