Hey all!
Saurin here. This is my first post (check out my profile and spec!)
What is everyone's POV on the various film festivals (small to v influential) on FilmFreeway (not Coverfly or ISA)?
Worth the money to submit?
I've just won a number of awards and received official selections to others. And have been listing them across all my profiles.
Do these have any influence and/or importance to managers, producers, dev executives (any decision-maker)?
Excited to hear everyones thoughts!
-Saurin
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Hi there Saurin, welcome to the party. In regards to your question I've never won a screenwriting competition so I can't really speak to that, but I would imagine they would help you at the very least get representation as a writer. Mention that in your query letter to an agent.
I would say, as a writer, probably the best bang for your buck is going to be the Austin Film Festival in Texas. It really is a writer's festival in terms of the vibe there.
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Hello Saurin. The only ones that I pay to submit are the Nicholl fellowship and the Austin FF. And then there are several free ones, so why not? I guess it depends on the exec, agent, or manager, but it doesn't hurt to include wins and placements in a query, but ultimately, it's the script that counts of course.
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Hi Saurin Dinesh Lakhia - FilmFreeway serves as a different function than companies with script services.
Think of FilmFreeway as a directory of potential screenings for your film/readers of your script, rather than a resource for direct connections, or creative help. FF widens your audience for perspective connections, but first, you should know your goals for the project. Festivals can help launch word-of-mouth marketing and organic engagement for your films, attending festivals that you are selected to heightens the experience and opportunity. Read this >> https://www.stage32.com/blog/setting-yourself-up-for-success-at-a-festiv...
Festival laurels always help, but ultimately, the strength of the project's quality and storytelling is what's going to sell. I spent nearly 10 years as a festival programmer - feel free to DM, I'm happy to chat with you!
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Coverfly, final draft big break, screen craft are all owned by one entity which operates 20/30 script service businesses. Im certain they created an algorithm to keep customers from leaving.
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I don't submit to any of them. If I did I would submit to stage 32 because they actually try to help the winners. But this is from someone who doesn't spend any money on those kind of things.
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Hey Saurin Dinesh Lakhia! Great question! First - I would add to what Dan said about Coverfly/Final Draft/etc. and say that Film Freeway is also owned by the same company as the others (but what Shellie said is also correct). Second, with any competition it's about what you can get out of it, so always look at who the judges are and ask yourself if those are people you want to meet with if you win. Contests are about getting that stamp of approval and getting your name in the mix, so it can definitely have an impact with decision-makers, but make sure that you're putting in the work and getting your name/work out there outside of contests. You want to make sure you're attacking your goals and career from every angle you can. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to me and let me know what you're working on at success@stage32.com
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Hi Saurin - some great advice here. I also recommend this Stage 32 webinar on how to get into film festivals - it provides great perspective on the topic: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Get-Your-Project-into-Film-Festi...