Friday, July 29, 2011

When submitting: Not-to-do Checklist

Being part of a group of film screeners for a mid-level film festival the last two years, I have observed a few tendencies of filmmmakers submitting their films. Some of these tendencies, in my opinion, can impact the chances your film gets to the next step. The impact might seem incremental, and in many respects, they are probably just that. However, with the probability of your film making it to the second round incredibly slim, avoiding negative points with the screeners might help in the end. At the very least, it'll leave the decision on your work, rather than how you submitted your film. At the very most, you'll have saved yourself time and effort on superfluous things.

Don't be pretentious or presumptuous
Assume that the screener knows how to operate a DVD menu. I saw one case where the DVD menu said "Use the remote to select play." Be careful how you list "cameo" or "special" appearances. It really cannot be either of those things unless they are even slightly well-known. It will just come off as silly.

Don't include anything but the film
This includes DVD jackets, DVD labels, booklet inserts, and letters/notes. DVD jackets, unless it is incredibly accurate and well-written, it can create false or misleading expectations when the film is actually watched. As for the other three, screeners generally don't have time to read them or they don't care to read them. In terms of data not to include, trailers, blooper reels, anything but the film itself. Just a waste of space, in my opinion. The screener, again, won't have to time to watch them. I say just keep it simple. The only exceptions are 1) if it is a working cut 2) it contains temp music/soundtrack, then a small note would be appropriate.

Don't allow corrupted screeners
This really goes without saying. Test your screeners. If it fails, guess what is the chance of acceptance?

Don't assume copyright clearance
If you have copyrighted songs or film clips in your film, listing them in the credits doesn't qualify as clearance. I know it works on YouTube sometimes, but if there is even a question of copyright violations, it won't make it to the second stage, even if your film is brilliant. Obviously, screeners don't know every copyrighted song or film in the history of music and film, but if it is popular enough or well-known enough, it will raise huge red flags. If you do have clearance to use "Saving Private Ryan" in your short, you'd better write a small note saying you do or make it clear in the credits "Used with permission."

None of this will matter, of course, if your film is no good or if your film is just absolutely brilliant. Since you probably don't think it is either, for better or worse, it is important to (or don't) do everything you can to help bump your chances. Remember, film festivals have a limited amount of slots and they are looking for every reason to say no. And lastly, remember screeners are people, too, and you just never know what makes them tick.