I don't usually do this, but have just gotta vent a bit about the wonderful world of film festivals. While on the surface they sound glamorous, in my experience they are usually disorganized and have very little to do with making filmmakers feel good about their work. More and more I see that most festivals are really an ego trip for those who run them and a way for them to hob nob with a few mostly D-list celebrities. Sort of along the old adage of...if you can't do, teach....or if you can't make films, run a film festival :)
Many may have been started by someone passionate about film, but these people rarely know much about event planning. And since they are mostly run by volunteers, can be hugely inconsistent from year to year. One year a festival may be great...the next, crappy. One year they may love documentaries, the next year they want horror.
Having now participated in, competed at or attended over 30 festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada, I have a few suggestions to offer:
1. In addition to the goals of making money, meeting celebrities and feeling important within your community, make it a top priority to make your film festival one that is a fantastic experience for the filmmakers. The world of filmmaking is small....we TALK to each other...and we will spread word that your festival is GREAT or it sucks. Believe me, when I make it big (and I will one day), I will remember which festivals treated me well :)
2. Communicate with your filmmakers EARLY and OFTEN....it's great to receive the notice that you've been accepted, but what we really need to know is WHEN we will screen, what events you have planned and where I can stay while there. I can't tell you how often this information is poorly communicated...often times not until the week before the festival. If you want me to attend, I most likely have to travel and incur expenses...the more time and information I have, the better.
3. At a MINIMUM, have a welcome area set up for the filmmakers as they arrive...give out packets of information about the festival. Make them FEEL GOOD about having traveled to participate in the experience. INTRODUCE THEM to other filmmakers and festival execs. You would not believe how many festivals I have attended where not one person from the festival ever extended a hello or acknowledged our presence in ANY WAY!! I know this sounds crazy, but it's TRUE...it's as if once they have your film, they could care less if you were there.
4. Along these lines, make sure someone from the festival is at EVERY screening to introduce the filmmakers. You can't know how disappointing it is to travel to a festival, sit in your screening and never even be introduced (and yes, this happens frequently!) The audience usually wants to ask questions of the filmmaker...they wouldn't be attending a film festival if they didn't have an above average interest in film and even if you don't have time for a formal Q & A, let people know who the filmmaker is so they can talk to them in the lobby afterwards!!
5. I highly recommend having the Q & A' s after each screening...this is what the audience members want!! Even an average film is more interesting once you know the story behind how it was made...and believe me, every project has a story and represents someone's dream and hard work. In many cases, this may be the only film the person will have in a festival....give them their moment in the sun!! It's a small thing, but it's actually HUGE in terms of making the filmmaker feel good about their experience.
The key is to have someone skilled running it so that you stay on schedule. You can have an overflow area where you suggest anyone with additional questions can talk to the filmmaker after the screening.
6. Assign volunteers as liasons to each filmmaker....someone to welcome them, make introductions, set up meetings for them with other filmmakers or press, give them tips on getting around town or tourist things to see while in the area. Only one festival I attended did this, but it was so amazing...it's a simple idea really and it's also a great experience for the volunteer as they also get to know a filmmaker really well.
7. Every festival has badges for people to wear....COLOR CODE them so we know who the filmmakers are vs. the festival volunteers vs. the Press, vs. the Judges, etc...I just attended a festival this week and had NO IDEA who anyone was :) And they apparently had NO IDEA who we were since we were there three times and not ONE person from the festival ever greeted us or said "boo" about our film.
8. Hold special "filmmaker only" events....panels, breakfast mtgs, cocktail parties....and have a Filmmaker only hangout area stocked with water/snacks...this could be a restaurant or a room in a hotel or other venue. Filmmakers want to network...that is one of the main incentives for attending a festival.
9. If you can't help out with transportation expenses, at least let filmmakers into the events and other screenings for free...yes, believe it or not, I've been charged $$ to attend an awards ceremony at a festival where I was screening. What ??? And give them a t-shirt or mug or SOMETHING they can take away from the event as a memento.
10. Hold lots of panels and invite the filmmakers to be on them...it feels great to participate and share whatever knowledge you can. Open these panels up to the public as well. It will add something extra to your festival.
I guess one day I'm going to have to add running an amazing film festival to my to do list :)
Sandra, as i was reading i was shocked at many things you said. It is unbelievable that 'you' must pay to attendt your own screening! If it wasnt for talented and hardworking people like yourself there wouldnt be any festivals. They really should treat you with alot more respect.
You had many many great idea's. i believe one day you will give all these guys a run for there money and have your own film festival :) Everyone from all over will want to attend.
Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Bianca | June 07, 2009 at 12:27 AM