For any film-maker big or small, established or aspiring, critically-acclaimed or critically-panned; film festivals are so very important (Film festivals, from an actors' perspective are discussed at the end of the article). The fact, that they or their films are a part of a film festival is highlighted during all the press-releases, on the artwork & posters of a film and is a vital part of the Film Sales Docket. Why?
For the simple fact that a Film Festival adds to the value of a film. It ups the revenue, taking a conventional view, by 20% - which is a huge amount looking at the global film market.
The main challenge is to identify & select a festival that is 'perfect' for your film.
What does the above statement mean?
Buyers & distributors classify films in various genre and attend a festival as per the demand of the genre they have - suppose a Film Festival caters to horror films; putting a comedy film at such a festival, is sheer stupidity. Identifying a film festival perfect for your film, is the key.
Next Q is how do filmmakers, already short on budget, go to a film festival. How do they fund it?
Many filmmakers, who have limited resources take the services of festival-reps (representatives) to take their films - this is much more cost-effective and saves a lot of money. Chances of the film getting optimal exposure are bright, because of established contacts of the festival-reps.
The flip-side is, a filmmaker wouldn't personally develop contacts.
So does a filmmaker personally go to a film festival?
Analyze; going to a film festival once or twice doesn't serve any purpose, you will only end up wasting your money - first two appearances are merely the learning ground, of what to do, whom to meet and how to move; during a film festival! Third appearance is the time, you actually start working; you know the people you want to meet, the producers you want to pitch.
Ask yourself; can you attend the 3 editions of any film festival without a break? If not, putting your money on a film festival is not worth it.
Film Festivals from the actors' perspective
A few actors have shocked me when they ask me a seemingly naive question?
What’s the big deal about attending a film festival?
What is there in it for me?
Really, you got to attend a film festival before asking such naive questions. Many an actor, famous ones at that, have kick-started their career at film-festivals!
Attending a film festival is all the more important for actors, because actors get work, primarily out of the visibility factor they have!
Attending a film festival means actors (male or female) get to meet the movers & shakers in the film & entertainment industry. All the top producers, directors, casting directors, studio-executives worldwide – the very key people who define cinema - converge in one place, the film festival. Getting access to them is easier, particularly at the after-parties, where the mood is chilled out & relaxed. As already mentioned; many actors have been cast at film festivals and built life-long contacts. Actresses particularly, might leave a mark on the Red Carpet of various film festivals; filmmakers might cast them, impressed by their charm & persona! This is primarily the reason actresses clamour for the Red Carpet invites of any major film festival. Indian actresses like Aishwarya Rai & Sonam Kapoor are known for their Red Carpet walks during the Cannes Film Festival.
No wonder, film festivals are a major tool to boost the career-prospects of a film-maker, producer, director, actor or any film-professional. If you can, start attending film-festivals, now!
Film Festivals from the actors' perspective
A few actors have shocked me when they ask me a seemingly naive question?
What’s the big deal about attending a film festival?
What is there in it for me?
Really, you got to attend a film festival before asking such naive questions. Many an actor, famous ones at that, have kick-started their career at film-festivals!
Attending a film festival is all the more important for actors, because actors get work, primarily out of the visibility factor they have!
Attending a film festival means actors (male or female) get to meet the movers & shakers in the film & entertainment industry. All the top producers, directors, casting directors, studio-executives worldwide – the very key people who define cinema - converge in one place, the film festival. Getting access to them is easier, particularly at the after-parties, where the mood is chilled out & relaxed. As already mentioned; many actors have been cast at film festivals and built life-long contacts. Actresses particularly, might leave a mark on the Red Carpet of various film festivals; filmmakers might cast them, impressed by their charm & persona! This is primarily the reason actresses clamour for the Red Carpet invites of any major film festival. Indian actresses like Aishwarya Rai & Sonam Kapoor are known for their Red Carpet walks during the Cannes Film Festival.
No wonder, film festivals are a major tool to boost the career-prospects of a film-maker, producer, director, actor or any film-professional. If you can, start attending film-festivals, now!
