Hello Everyone!
I am looking for some guidance in short film distribution. I believe my current project has potential and I want to give it as much as a chance to succeed as possible. I'm not sure if festivals are still worth it as far as moving careers forward anymore unless you have connections, but I do plan on submitting the film. I am also interested in trying to distribute the short film and I'm wondering if connecting with a sales agent is a good idea for that route or not. I'd love to hear anyones thoughts or recommendations on this topic.
Thank you!
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Would you like to self distribute? If yes I can help.
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Film Festivals are absolutely worth it, if for nothing else to show that someone else likes your films. I know right now the world is obsessed with "how many followers", but that is data-driven for social network popularity, not business/artistic accolades. For films, you need other people to watch your stuff and commit to say, "this film is worth your time". You can always post it online for those numbers later, but if you skip that step, you risk taking the wind out of your sails.
In theatre, we hear applause for our efforts immediately after our "production", and over multiple nights. That applause charges us up and validates the work previous to that moment. It may even keep our spirits high as we delight/suffer reviews. But with film? Sometimes the only "applause" you get is that ONE night where your film actually plays on the big screen in front of an audience. And that's it.
Discarding all of the logistical arguments for festivals or not, you absolutely should submit to festivals for that chance to recharge and validate what you've been trying to achieve so you can continue with what you'll have to after that. You've earned it!
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Film festivals are important and they're a great experience to attend. Great for networking and getting your film out there. They are a right of passage.
Short films are incredibly important. I watched your film and considering the circumstances, you really did an amazing job Ahi. I believe it would be a great addition to any slate. It’s what happens after the festival run, if you don’t get picked up, don’t put it on a shelf! Films have a life past the 4 walls…
I think you’d really dig the festival experience and meeting like minded people in person. Your video shows you’re a personable guy, I can imagine your interactions with other filmmakers, it would be a positive experience.
Sam Szylwin Thank you Sam! I am looking forward to interacting with more filmmakers! As far as self distribution for Broken Boy I have some questions.
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Karen "Kay" Ross Thank you so very much Kay! These words and knowledge does help me a lot! I just want to spend my time and energy on the best possible place for my film to succeed.
You are always answering with great wisdom!
Dan MaxXx WOW! Dan thats incredible insight my friend! Thank you for sharing this with me. I guess film. I actually would love to use this short film "Broken Boy" as a proof of concept for a feature version.
You are most welcome, Ahi Black! If you're limiting how many festivals you go to, consider the ones in the area the film was made (when I was in Colorado, we always submitted to the big ones - Telluride and DSFF - and a few of the smaller ones), the ones that highlight something featured in your film (a theme, a genre, culture/diversity, and/or focus on technical execution), and then the ones that are Oscar-qualifying. Oh... and Stage 32's shorts film festival ;-) Check out our contests in the Script Services tab!
Ahi Black To add to some of the above - (A) Film festivals can be good, but be very, very selective and do your research before submitting. Not all film festivals are equal, and all consider application fees a revenue source to cover their costs. Some festivals favor specific types of films, in style and content, so you are well served to look at the films they have exhibited in the past and considering whether yours is of the same category in production values, genre, viewpoint, etc. (and yes, some actually look for lousy films, partly as a way to justify awarding their favorite films in the same program). You will spend hundreds on application fees and can spend literally thousands, so budget accordingly and carefully. You can find out about and apply to a great number of them through filmfreeway.com. (B) I don't know anyone who is actually making money on shorts right now, though everyone has the sense it can be done. One thing that is happening in the last year is the growth of "anthology" features (mostly in horror), which are really just several shorts gathered marketed together. Several platforms are airing these. Facet.TV is looking for shorts to gather in that method. (C) However, as Dan MaxXX points out, there are potential rewards for doing a good short.
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If you have a Fantasy or Sci-Fi check out The Fantasy Network.
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Some sales agents release compilations of short films but these are fairly rare. Some may know of broadcasters that have shors film slots but it is also worth having a look around for the specialists that deal with shorts.