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10 Tips for Increasing Your Chances for Getting Into Film Festivals

Aaron Brooks

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Getting into film festivals can be a daunting task, but it's definitely possible with the right strategy. Here are 10 tips to help you increase your chances of getting your film accepted into festivals.

1. Do your research

The first step is to do your research and find out which film festivals are a good fit for your film. Consider the festival's genre, audience, and submission guidelines. Once you've found a few festivals that you think your film would be a good fit for, start preparing your submission.

10 Tips for Increasing Your Chances for Getting Into Film Festivals

by Gini Graham Scott

4.4 out of 5

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2. Make a great trailer

Your trailer is one of the most important parts of your submission. It's your chance to make a great first impression and convince the festival programmers that your film is worth watching. Make sure your trailer is well-edited, visually appealing, and gives a clear sense of what your film is about.

3. Write a strong synopsis

Your synopsis is another important part of your submission. It's a brief overview of your film that gives the festival programmers a sense of what it's about. Make sure your synopsis is well-written, engaging, and gives a clear sense of what your film is about.

4. Submit early

Most film festivals have early submission deadlines. Submitting early gives you a better chance of getting your film considered by the festival programmers. It also gives you more time to make any necessary changes to your submission.

5. Follow the submission guidelines

Each film festival has its own submission guidelines. Make sure you follow these guidelines carefully. If you don't, your submission may be disqualified.

6. Don't give up

Getting into film festivals is a competitive process. Don't get discouraged if you don't get accepted into every festival you submit to. Keep submitting your film to festivals and eventually you'll find success.

7. Network with festival programmers

Networking with festival programmers is a great way to increase your chances of getting your film accepted into festivals. Attend film festivals and meet with programmers. Let them know about your film and what makes it unique.

8. Get feedback on your film

Once you've finished your film, get feedback from other filmmakers, friends, and family. This feedback can help you identify any areas that need improvement. Make sure your film is the best it can be before you submit it to festivals.

9. Promote your film

Once you've submitted your film to festivals, start promoting it. Create a website for your film, post updates on social media, and reach out to press outlets. The more people who know about your film, the more likely you are to get accepted into festivals.

10. Be patient

Getting into film festivals takes time and effort. Don't expect to get accepted into every festival you submit to. Keep submitting your film and eventually you'll find success.

10 Tips for Increasing Your Chances for Getting Into Film Festivals

by Gini Graham Scott

4.4 out of 5