Producing : Is it Worth Submitting to Virtual Film Festivals? by Joleene DesRosiers

Joleene DesRosiers

Is it Worth Submitting to Virtual Film Festivals?

Hey, all. I did a search and pulled up a few posts on this topic, but I didn't find any lounge threads related to this question. If you know of any that exist, I'd love to read them if you can share the link. Otherwise...

Who here is submitting projects to film/television festivals during COVID? 

What value are you walking away with? 

Are you connecting/networking with people after a virtual screening? 

I've had a handful of discussions with fellows in my area who have submitted to virtual festivals, most receive accolades from their projects, but say not much else comes of it. (Conversations, connections, future projects, etc.) Some are choosing to wait for when "the fog lifts." (And who knows what that will look like and when!) 

As I have a project ready to submit in 2021, I would be interested in hearing about your experiences with virtual festivals...and if you think it is worth submitting to virtual film festivals? As with anything, there are pros and cons. I'd like to hear both. Most especially, if connections are being made.

Thanks, all. 

Laurie Gabriel

When I was first starting out as a director/producer I would submit to filmfreeway.com. It was free to submit work and I often got an award. I think if you're building a website, need to gain exposure or looking to entice potential crew/cast this can help. You do need to use sites like buffer.com to continually remind people of your project. This can be annoying to people. If you're agenda is seeking money or getting likes/followers and you're not invested in getting to know individuals on a one to one basis this can backfire. And I wouldn't rely on getting any awards or being selected for a festival.

I've found that using only social media to build connections is limited. You don't get to hang out and see the non verbal cues. It's harder to know if you're building an authentic connection or not. And it's easier to disengage after you get off the computer.

I don't mean to discourage you. Virtual Festivals do have benefits. If you're not great at talking to strangers or don't know who to talk too at festivals, than this will at least not be as threatening. It won't help in connecting too other filmmakers.

Joleene DesRosiers

Laurie Gabriel I am very aware of how to submit. And I have no problem talking to people. I've been to several festivals. So my question wasn't HOW to submit...my question was anchored in the current COVID climate, and what kind of results people are getting who DO submit :

Who here is submitting projects to virtual film/television festivals?

What value are you walking away with?

Are you connecting/networking with people after a virtual screening?

I want to know what kinds of results people are getting. What kind of conversations (if any) they are having. You say there are benefits, but you don't expand on those benefits.

Laurie Gabriel

I apologize. I misunderstood your questions. Good luck!

Doug Nelson

Joleene - my personal observation only: There are no benefits for you. Oh sure you can network and make connections but the connections that result are with low level wannabes/beginners who look to you to 'lift' them up - they bring nothing to the table that is of any consequence to you. Just my pov based on years of observation - your mileage may be different.

Kiril Maksimoski

I would say - yes! Award is award and promotion is promotion...however this "new" reality misses somewhat of real film-maker motivations...travel, parties, hotels, covered expenses... ah...those were the days...:)

Brian Carlin

Hi Joleene DesRosiers ! I just finished a short film and have submitted to several fests on Filmfreeway - but these are for festivals that I have attended previously and enjoyed. Most of them have pushed back to next year, when things may be different and in person. I have submitted to at least one virtual event, but that's mainly because it was free to submit so I figured what do I have to lose, especially since it's in Canada and I may not be able to go anyway. With the virtual events, I think it makes sense to look at the event, and consider the audience. Many film markets and festivals having virtual events give you the opportunity to get your work in front of the right people, so if you think your film is a fit, give it a shot. Hope this helps.

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