Get Your Film ACCEPTED Into Film Festivals!

[@jesseweeden9493]

One tip that was overlooked is to tell the festival that, if selected, you will be attending with several crew members or cast mates. Ultimately, festival directors are putting on a live event and their biggest concern is attendance.

[@fredrm6023]

Keep a shortfilm, short. Dude I get it now lol

[@Mudnag]

In 2018 I made a music video and submitted to only 1 festival in FilmFreeway. I was pretty happy when I got selected, and completely mind-blown when I found out I had won a few months later. I'm now submitting my 6 minute scif-fi/fantasy short-film to several festivals and I have no idea what to expect, I'll be taking your advice into my submissions. Thanks.

[@Matthew_Robert_Vincini]

Thank you for your tips! I am 22 years old heading into my second feature film. I had a great run with festivals but due to covid only got to attend one of them. Will definitely be using your tips after I shoot. Another tip I would add is to submit to local festivals. Festivals knowing that you are just around the corner always helped me out and gave me an advantage because they like to show off there home grown films haha. Thanks so much!

[@vijeyatachauhan-dreamervj3297]

Well! Jach, i just finished watching your short film! Loved the cinematography. I'm in love with idea of storytelling, and you made me feel the emotions in your film. 🙌👌

[@TimothySchultz]

Every festival is different, but you have some excellent points. Thanks for putting this out there! :)

[@amandarenae]

I just watched your short film. It was amazing. Well written, and beautiful cinematography. Thank you for making this youtube video. I'm in the process of writing my first short film I plan on submitting to festivals. You advice is really helpful, again, thank you.

[@szabofilms]

This is a really solid video with great recommendations. However I will say the key sentence was “ so that you can promote their festival.” It can be very expensive to submit your film to a lot of festivals and it’s interesting that now many of them will not even review a short film unless you have a one minute trailer meaning if they don’t even like the trailer they won’t watch your film. I know that for a fact from friends of mine who are judges at major festivals. But the key here is one of the main determining factors on whether or not they like your film or judge it as being worthy is if they think you have a network of people you can drive to the festival because it’s mostly about you marketing their festival.

[@r.c.anderson5632]

Zach... thanks for taking the time to do this. Although I understood some of the points in submitting my films over the past couple of years, you still confirmed what I suspected and added at least 2 points I had never considered before. Thank you so much. this video is really appreciated. Your advice is well taken. Every little bit helps! Thank you!

[@kalebarancelovic]

Thanks so much for sharing this with us! We need to know the reality of submitting into festivals and that even award winning films get rejected a lot. I personally feel happier after watching this!

[@ImaginaryShadows1]

My short film “Push” got into 7 film festivals and I may getting into a 8th one today. So far, I won a semi-finalist certificate from LA and a 4th place award from Cleveland. Film Freeway is so much easier to submit your film into festivals. Saves a lot of money on DVD’s and stamps. I submit my short film “Push” to the cheap festivals that I can afford. I spent over 325 bucks worth of film festival submissions. Filmmakers should not spent on a film festival submission that costs 50 bucks or over if the film is really good. I want my next short film go to the one is over 50 bucks. Congrats on your success with your short film

[@Battleganz]

Thank you so much for this. My reviews from the Nicholl Fellowships were so good this year that I want to try my hand at a short film. Obviously, I didn't win, but I was definitely encouraged!

[@XricheeX]

I watched Mayfield, and oh my its stunning, both the video itself but also the story! so well done! I just started school, audio and video. im only in my first year but I aspire to make actual movies someday. this is very inspiring thank you! so beautiful

[@rossroderickwhitney]

What fabulously fine advice!! I have a young friend who wants to be another Spielberg. I said to him, "Start here! Hang onto this young man's every wise word: it's as precious as gold."

[@TotalityFilms]

I just entered my very first film festival this year and I actually made nominee. It's a drone cinematography film festival and my film "A Journey Through Arizona" is in the best of Arizona category. Needless to say, I was shocked I made it because there were other entries that used RED cameras and studio drones. I did mine with a now obsolete GoPro Karma drone and a GoPro Hero 6. This goes to show that judges looked at the cinematography skill, rather than the kind of equipment used.

[@TotalityFilms]

UPDATE... I actually won Director's Choice!

[@fifthbeatle]

@@TotalityFilms Hey man congrats! Out of curiosity which film festival did you submit to? Did you just submit once?

[@TotalityFilms]

@@fifthbeatle Just one, The AZDroneFest

[@longmondays]

Well done man!

[@XimeLamadrid]

Thank you so much Zach, you're an absolute legend. And congratulations on your film!

[@AllegedlySpiffy]

I paused at 4:55 where you talk about building the set in the garage and just sat there -- absolutely inspired. Thank you! Subscribed.

[@katemaveau16]

Thank you for your positive attitude

[@Rod-dg7fy]

I watched your film. It was truly magnificent. Great cinematography. Great writing. Great sound. Great acting. Thx

[@arifnbd]

Thank yous so much for the video!! I have been submitting our Animated short film from last month... and seeing all kinds of festivals, big to small, I am agreeing your view about the whole selection of parts and all. Your video is perfectly pinpointed.

[@kingdomoverlanding]

Great tips! Thank you! Excited to enter our first film festival next month!

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

This was super helpful. I have some questions and more comments but I need to go out now so will rewatch this again later. Thank you!

[@FilmsByVo]

Shout out to anyone who’s got accepted or trying to…I just started and it seems daunting to even start as Im just now considering film/short films.

[@ABeginnersGuideTo]

This is a great video. I am a complete newb to cinematography and, Plan on shooting a 4 minute short film this winter and submitting it. These tips will definitely help. Thank you so much.

[@Starman.2957]

A Beginners Guide To watch KZbin videos about filmmaking or read books about it

[@superdave35]

Loved your film. Beautifully shot.

[@filmsbydiek7316]

Thanks man! we're in post with a short project designed specifically for festivals, def looking for tips and tricks! Thanks for the perspective and congratulations on your film's festival successes. (ours is also a long-form short with a TRT just under 20)

[@NinjaCrosley]

This is awesome- thanks Zach! We have some original ideas for a short film. It’s important to me, because I’m a magician and it’s about magicians. If you need any actors or help with your projects and you’re near Cincinnati, let us know. We recreated The Princess Bride with kids. A two year old plays the giant with forced perspective.

[@FussellFilms23]

Thank you very much Zach, a very informative video. Film Free way I had not heard of and their site looks very ease to use.

[@Ranger7Studios]

Here is the problem with Film Freeway. It's sometimes more expensive to submit. So really do a search on both and play the price match game. In the end it will save you a few bucks.

[@aishadensmore-bey2210]

This was a great video! As a new filmmaker, I have experienced all of what you discussed. You gave very helpful tips! Best of luck in your future endeavors.

[@LeatherneckRON]

Hey Zach, you're spot on about your Short Film suggestions. I'm a Film Festival Director and Programmer. Short is better in this case. I see some of your comments from others below and have to disagree with a few. One is the gentleman who scoffs at "promoting their festival". We like to think that the Beaufort International Film Festival sets a high bar and get's higher every year. Once a film is selected, that filmmaking team has become a partner in the festival, will likely become a Facebook friend, and if they attend the festival will become a real friend and most importantly....a BIFF Alum; and entry fees to our festival for alums are forever waived. We use social media along with the filmmakers efforts to cross promote our festival. This gets "butts in seats" which is what a filmmaker wants. A poster and trailer are important....VERY IMPORTANT for promotional purposes. Last year we averaged 412 people per screening and our screenings start at 9am and often continue to 11pm for 6 straight days. We're not a big festival, but we're a festival heaping with hugs and hospitality. We're based in a town that can boast about the more than 20 major films that were made here; Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, The Big Chill and many more. My wife and I actually travel in our state to film communities to talk about what it takes to get into a film festival. There are many things to consider and it's not just about how good your film is. If the subject matter of your film is similar to several others in consideration, then length, quality of production, and proximity to the festival may come into play. I have much more I could share, but I'll end by stating, don't slather your poster or film festival screener with Laurels from other festivals. We already assume your film is good and telling us how many times you were kissed before doesn't endear your film to the jurors. Also, cover letters are important. Don't shotgun out to festivals you know nothing about. "Dear Festival Programmer" is an instant turn off, especially since the name of the festival directors is provided in the festival background information on Film Freeway. Check us out at beaufortfilmfestival.com. Again, great job Zach. .

[@fabriziopesaro7051]

Thank you, very useful tips!

[@GDCKF]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@rickcoona]

i suppose for One, havinr a "Name" actor makes a BIG Difference to getting your film accepted, Yes? Great short film well written well acted well shot and well edited subtle use of atmosphiric music really pushed it over the top thanks for posting it i found it inspirational --Rick

[@FunPaa]

Yeah i agree. Do let us know about the premier issue (not uploading online) asked by most short film festivals, and how to go about the whole circuit. If we submit to 20 festivals; and lets say one small festival shows it before a bigger one, will bigger accept it ? as it has already been shown in other festival. How does this multi premier thing work for round the year campaign?

[@leobekmarmarchevfilms]

Great tips! You remind me of Fix it Felix from Wreck it Ralph!!

[@jessejroriginal]

Thanks for these tips, man. Didn´t know about Film Freeway, I used to use Feast Home.

[@zachdaulton]

Yes I love Film Freeway!

[@shashidharb.r4928]

Thanks a lot, Excellent tips. Freeway .... Yes

[@KenoSNeal]

Real informative. I'm inspired. Thank you!

[@zachdaulton]

Thanks for watching!

[@lisabaxter7786]

Fantabulous

[@storycreator84]

Excellent Zach :) I am in the middle of writing my ten page short )hopefully) and shoot it next year. thank you for the tips :) Btw, I already used FilmFreeway screenplay competitions. It is one hell of a site for launching your career and boost your motivation. :)

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Great tips thank you for the heads up

[@JamesYShih]

Good tips. One more, If you know the programmers, ask for a waiver : ).

[@the24hourlayover78]

Thanks for the great info!

[@onevlogger_]

Very beneficial... Excellent work!

[@DreamHousesProductions]

Thank you for these tips Zach! I’m going to implement them as soon as possible. Meaning today 😂🙏🏿

[@niravshrimali7657]

Very nice.... Thanks... How can I submit it??

[@AkmaAit]

Nice one, thanks . What can be the other reasons not being accepted by festivals?

[@talhaberkaybas]

Great tips!! Thank you.

[@MikeMatsuiJr]

Thanks man super helpful!

[@FunPaa]

Saw on Viemo. Amazing work, direction, color grad, background score and acting... A bit inspiring and depressing :) same time @lol as i am planning shoot for my film next month, i think i need to rework on my film a bit more :)

[@zachdaulton]

I really appreciate you watching! Its always a good idea to put more preproduction time into a film, but don't let that stop you from doing it either.

[@FunPaa]

Yeah i agree. Do let us know about the premier issue (not uploading online) asked by most short film festivals, and how to go about the whole circuit. If we submit to 20 festivals; and lets say one small festival shows it before a bigger one, will bigger accept it ? as it has already been shown in other festival. How does this multi premier thing work for round the year campaign?

[@zachdaulton]

It's tricky but most festivals are being me lenient about premier status now. I just submitted into every festival possible, and if an issue like that were to come up I would probably ask the smaller festival to pull the film out of it's line up. Usually there is enough time you would know. I didn't have to do that and you probably won't either.

[@enricopiffer6914]

Thanks very much! This video was inspiring

[@cstephenfoster]

great!

[@17samalex]

Fantastic :)

[@NewDayTalkRadio]

Hi Zach this was a great video thank you. Your tips were spot on.

[@lauradesommar434]

Hi thanks! What about cover letters? Thanks xx

[@rickcoona]

Networking is a Realy BIG one it's all about who you know in this business "I Kbow a guy heo know's a guy..." especially true for Program directory of Other Fesitivels they are constantly testing each other so chances are if you send you movie to one festival and it ia not a grat fit but still a compelling movie the program directer will more than likley Know someone whos festival your film will be better suited for. --Rick

[@Ghostofanoutcast]

Beautiful film!

[@tomd2021]

For an entry fee of $40 or more , every filmmaker should receive a short email critique of his film by some member of the review board. At least the filmmaker received something for his/her money & validation that the film was watched. It would certainly make them appear more legitimate.

[@flamingocupproductions5329]

mayfield was the name of my high school

[@commercialand]

It doesn't make sense to me to send off to film festivals that are far from where I live? How will this benefit me if I most likely will never cross paths with these people if we live far from each other....Should I not focus on the ones that are regionally near by?...where I realistically can drive to a location that I can afford to drive to and work?

[@zachdaulton]

It all depends on what you hope to get out of these festivals. If you're only looking for networking with people you hope to work with, it's probably not a bad idea. Each film should have their own festival plan based on what your goals are. For me, having the film accepted into as many festivals as it did opened a lot of door with production companies. Not because they saw it at a festival and contacted me, but acquaintances and collaborators started reaching out more and offering more assistance.

[@sureshtimung1105]

Is censorship from government is required to submit any short movie?

[@umamartinez938]

Hi Zach, great tips for me as I am about to enter my fim into festivals. It is a self-funded non-proft, non-commercial project. I will not upload it on youtube for monetization. I am finalising the credits to some sound effects I used. i have made donations, bought licenses, credited as stipulated. I have some 14 sound effects (eg a gasp sound) where an uploader has not made it clear if one can reuse the sound. Some of these are actually labelled free sound effects or sme of them even write feel free to use but a creative commons resuse license was not chosen on upload. I have messaged these people on their channels but have not received a reply yet. can i credit these sounds as "title"- author (date)- http source- Standard KZbin license - author messaged ? Where it is clear one can buy the effect I have bought it. Must I replace these sounds by purchaseable alternatives?

[@ouroborosproductions]

What about a film festival for stoner feature films

[@lxrjn]

Hello Zach,,Thank you for sharing those tips and Congrats for Mayfield: Excellent work!!!! I also want to ask you where are you located in the US? and if you need a Costume designer for one of your future projects I will love to collaborate,,

[@vijayaraman-kj9iz]

Can I know the compitation submition last dates... And submition procedure....so I will try..

[@ben.corlett]

Hey Zach! Appreciate this video. I have just completed my 3rd short film Take a Breath. Do you feel if I submit my film to the lower festivals is it ok if they get in to those? Will it affect my chance for the bigger festivals because it's been screened?

[@RasDaKaiGaming]

I'm at the end of writing my short film and it's around 44 pages lol. There's a lot going on. Idk how I can make this a 10 minute short film. So much to cut

[@arjun6806]

can i add stock footage to short film ?

[@GBJJ072]

Hi Great Video !! Which under the radar film festivals do you recommend ? Are top 100 in film free way the best ? Also how do you know the acceptance rate, where can you check those stats and how are the stats determined?

[@giulia.badalassi]

Can you suggest some film festivals?

[@ParkerLink]

Does anyone know the font he used??!

[@Warrior2044]

What if it’s a film that is 1 hour and 30 minutes long?

[@hasankaiser4563]

thats a feature film then, different festivals for them

[@Warrior2044]

@@hasankaiser4563 Okay.

[@WangMotions]

Quick question, if your film gets an official selection, does that make it an “award-winning film”

[@zachdaulton]

I would say no. It would have to also win an award at that festival.

[@caniel5841]

Thank you zach,do the free film festivals worth to attendance?or just monetary festivals worth,?

[@priyanshsahu1606]

I wanted to ask we can put animated short film or not please tell me

[@swarnabchakraborty1498]

Hello brother, frustrated with corporate life but want to come back nd live my life,..have some idea, story, want to invest my hobby And learning to make a film, want your few advice.... From India🇮🇳

[@flashmonkey9179]

As a beginner film maker will it be ok to submit a short film to festivals yet upload it to KZbin Twitter etc for more publicity . Or ?

[@carolinaneves8729]

Flash Monkey No. Only upload if it’s protected by a password or is somehow private. Festivals won’t accept your short film is it’s already online for everyone to see

[@highdef6111]

WHat about filmmakers who don not have money and good resources and make zero budget shorts? Do we have no chance at all?

[@zachdaulton]

Get a job, save up money, sell things you don't need, and find a way. If your story telling is good enough, it doesn't matter what the budget was.

[@grantgreyguda]

👍👍

[@jkandte]

Informative but you missed raising anything about genre. I'm convinced that a certain genre of film often increases or decreases your chance of getting into festivals. For example, blending of genres like Horror/Comedy or Crime/Comedy etc are never going to be looked at in the same light as a pure Drama or Documentary style short film. I think that puts you up against it immediately. I've spent plenty of time, money and resources in order to get the best production value possible to go with a script that has had some layers, questions being asked that warrant audience re-visiting it etc and still haven't gotten in. My first short film was a murder mystery style thriller and I pretty much abide by most of these learnings you've mentioned and only got into about 20%. Pretty disheartening given that surely not everyone can be putting out high production value content if they're making films for next to nothing. It's an interesting debate for sure.

[@asokafilms2223]

I want to submit my films to awards fastival

[@uhsfilmcrew]

Oh okay. Thank You.

[@redhawkcrescentstudios7208]

Submit your films and web series to our award show called the Redhawk Crescent Indie Awards for a chance to win $1000 in cash prizes and a chance to win a Movie & TV deal with our TV network!! If you're interested. Please submit your films and web-series here. Thanks. filmfreeway.com/RedhawkCrescentIndieAwards1

[@boomtownfest]

Loved these tips!

[@zachdaulton]

Thank you!

[@ifazhowl5381]

Hey ik you didn’t cover this, but I am planning on making a dcp for my short and I heard if you don’t use 1:85:1 or 2:35 it will end up pillarboxing. My camera only shoots 3:2 and was just wondering what you may suggest. Should I change aspect ratio in post or just keep it in its original ratio. Some festivals don’t even accept 3:2 from what I’ve seen. Would love the advice and thank you.

[@Met9171]

How to know if you have been accepted into a film festival since I received a submission confirmation email months ago then lately before the 1st round winners announcement I received a 2nd email,a regret notification email that I wasn't selected for this year's edition so I was confused if whether was I initially accepted but later never made it to the 1st round winners or was I never accepted at all?

[@mamali1992]

Can you suggest me some sites where can I apply?

[@sapthagirienterprises1942]

I am from India I want to submit my film to film festivals that qualify for oscar but there are so many film festivals out there please tell for which short film festivals that I should my film like first preference

[@Callium248]

Did you enter this into the Oscars?

[@margem10001]

I have a story it can become a film book and 6 part TV program I have produced 8 KZbin vids having problems being unsolicited I need help to find my platform

[@barandcross]

You mention that your award winning film is a low budget project. Yet you also say that you submitted it to 50 or so Festivals. Well if each Festival has a submission fee of only $20 that still amounts to $1,000. Okay, your success rate was good and the cost seems to have been worth it if you were accepted into 25 or so. But even so, that is still $500 dead money!

[@zachdaulton]

I see your point and at times it can feel like that, but it's all a part of the process! A lot of that money can be recouped through cash prizes, but the biggest return on investment comes from the work and opportunities that come from being in these festivals. A lot of people have come out and told me that getting into festivals has done nothing for them, but my experience has been different. I've made back way more than I spent making and submitting the film just through directing jobs that came from people seeing what I have done. Although the money seems like dead money, I just try to look at it as a marketing expense. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch my video leave a comment!

[@zachdaulton]

Also forgot to mention that I took pre-orders for the film on my website and offered festival sponsorship packages to anyone who wanted to donate to the submission process. I didn't get a huge response from that, but it covered about 15-25% of my total costs.

[@barandcross]

I would also like to add that I find it very frustrating that when a film has not been selected by a specific Festival there is no feedback to the filmmaker. Usually there is a generic reply that state that the organisers are sorry that the film was not selected but there was a large number of submissions of a very high standard this year. We pay our submissions fee which can be over $50 in some instances and it would be great if we had just a paragraph or 2 explaining specifically why the submitted film was not selected. How can we improve and better ourselves as filmmakers without some positive feedback? Perhaps FilmFreeway Admin could take note, as they surely are one of the better agencies and do seem to be on the side of the filmmaker.

[@frustrating123]

I did find that, as an 2 dimensional artist as well. We pay our admissions and don't usually get a reason as to why or why not the piece was accepted. But there was one judge that did explain to everyone the day of the judging why or why not their work was accepted. I had a good day as all of my pieces were accepted and won awards for each. However My admission fee was 50% more because I entered in after the deadline. @@barandcross

[@proshooters1]

I just need actors

[@jesussavior4045]

here's me writing an absurd comedy with no social or political viewpoint

[@itsparth7634]

Hi folks, if you have any job or intern requirement for editing, screenwriting or cinematography please consider me. I am a self taught person, learnt through books and youtube.I will be more than happy to work for your film. I can work for free remotely. I am a filmmaking enthusiast with no connections and pursuing engineering . I really like films ,it's making process and learning filmmaking. I am thinking of a career switch and would love to work on real world work. Thanks in advance

[@joeym2383]

Do you actually go to all these film festivals?

[@zachdaulton]

I think I only went to one festival, which was an amazing experience. In the future I would suggest definitely going to them! You get a lot more out of it by showing up.

[@frustrating123]

Why would you only go to one of them? I would be exited to go. Although to be honest, I have a piece of artwork hanging in a government building downtown for two years as a was awarded by county competition, but I can't seem to make it in there to see it. Its been there a year already and I haven't seen it. I drive by the building every other day. Laugh out loud. But "Kudos" to you Zach!

[@Cold417]

@@frustrating123 Why would you only go to one of them? Most of the festivals are going to be too far away to travel to for a person with a normal job. It's too expensive and takes too much time to get to them.

[@evie._.lake20]

Some Film Festivals ask their films to be under 45 minutes...

[@MD.P2563]

Your short film can be long too

[@Sunnyso24]

What about music? Can I use what ever I want or do I need to get the rights to use it?

[@ussishkingang7194]

Rights as far as I know

[@KarimTheilgaard]

You definitely need to have cleared the rights to the music in your film.

[@cannesorbust9173]

Great stuff! I'd only add that you should know why you are submitting. Sound obvious? Check my video on the subject.

[@carmillasmith7743]

How do film festival’s feel about horror short films?

[@iceseic]

There're plenty of filmfest who accept horror short