Screenwriting : Film Festivals for Screenwriters and What to Expect. by James Day

Hey Everyone,

Many screenwriters ask if joining a film festival competition is worth it. Yes, by all means join a few about 8. I entered these film festivals with different scripts and began winning them. I realized that it was not easy and it took some time, but the first ten pages needs to blow the reader away. I always start my action scripts and sci fi scripts with set pieces and action then I go into the story. I learned a long time ago that you have to think blockbuster in order to write big. Many of these film fests are looking for that. Now about judges. It's their opinion, if you have one typo they may throw it out. Some read the whole script to see if it is worth it's salt. Winning a film festival is only the beginning. You have then go out there and network with people, do PR questions and answers, the photo shoots and pick up your award. Many are frustrated that they tried to get into a festival and didn't make it. Try the newer ones first. Don't go for the big Hollywood one's those people who enter them are already picked. What to expect, fly out to the festival do your thing. Watch the movies from 11am to 8 pm and then go to the awards ceremony. Network with people you know who are producers and actors. I met a few people when I went to the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival. It's a long day, but the networking is pretty good. Don't expect for all the filmmakers to accept you with open arms. Some are introverted and working on their own projects. Some don't want to be bothered. There were only four screenwriters that were accepted to this festival. The odds are daunting. Once again, I say make the first 10 pages your best. Meet the head of the Film Fest and put on your best face. It's an achievement to win two screenplay Best Feature Awards. I met people from Italy, Paris, Netherlands, Denmark, Thailand, LA and San Francisco. Now this was the first festival I entered and won. Since then I've entered my third script The Glockaman Killers into new festivals. I won one and have been accepted at another. Once again, believe in yourself and have those first ten pages excellent. Now, I write action, so every five minutes something is happening. One of the judges was impressed that I start the scene off and running with action and then get into the arcs, storyline and structure. What have I learned from the festival. No one is going to magically wave a magic wand and give you a deal on the first festival. You have to have a track record. But attending this festival and meeting people all around the world was exhilarating. I gave out my cards, who knows who's going to call. I'll network, but the work does not stop there. You have to keep entering and pitching your work until it's perfection. Yes perfection. So I've entered 8 new festivals with my three scripts that have been circulating. I am currently finishing outline for my sci fi action "In the Year 2525" and I am planning a great opening to that. So screenwriters forge on. don't give up. I may not have won an Oscar or Golden Globe, but I was noticed in an up and coming film festival. To all of Stage 32. Happy Writing.

Best Regards,

Jimmy Day