Ok I have a 20 minute short completed I am SUPER proud of. My plan was always to blitz the film festival circuit once done.
Someone just said to me to hold off on film fests and focus on trying to get distributed onto one of the streamers. And of course someone else said if I put it on the fest circuit many streamers won't want it because it has already been distributed.
Also said, IF IF IF I was even able to get onto a streamer the $$$ is so little and they will demand exclusivity that it is not worth it anyway. So, I am open to all thoughts on options
1 Focus on film festivals
2 Focus on trying to get distributed
3 Show the film to anyone and everyone who will look at it anywhere.
So Let me throw a question back at you: why did you make this movie? As far as your questions: (1) Film festivals don't count as distribution for any legitimate streamer, and (2) if the short wins win any kind of award, it is more saleable to streamer and public, (3) yes the money for shorts is small. So what? It's small for ALL independent content (Amazon now paying 1 cent per stream) (4) I don't believe in showing work to ANYONE WHO DOESN'T PAY SOMETHING. If you do, you are a hobbyist and and amateur, and just looking for validation... usually from people with less qualifications than an amateur. On the other hand, if someone pays - regardless of the amount, you are a professional film maker. (5) Film festivals are expensive and political - they are making their base operational money and some profit from your submission fees. In festivals, which are essentially trade award shows, like in every industry (not just Hollywood) it's often who you know and how they are connected which gets you a great spot and awards in significant festivals. I don't festival anything unless I know the jury and and get someone there behind my project.
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I see what you did there, sending my question back to me, but very valid to do :)
So the part that I did not add is that my primary reason for doing this is so that my manager/rep can pitch me as a writer/director. She has been sending out scripts of mine to various contacts, but my desire is to direct what I write so I want to be seen in that way. Making $$ from this short is secondary if it all.
So I am thinking if I have a short hot on the festival circuit and she goes out an pitches me that way I have the best chance of getting in the door.
@Wayne Hazle That is possible. Especially if it gets any wins at all. Otherwise, you still have a reel and that's good.
As Damien Chazelle did with Whiplash