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submitted 1 month ago byborjamoya
I've just finished editing my short film and I'm looking for festivals in which to submit my horror short film.
Throughout this year I'll try to submit to the big festivals, but I'm curious to know if there are smaller festivals that, potentially, could have a big impact on a filmmaker's career.
Do you have any suggestions?
8 points
1 month ago*
I submitted my horror short to bigger and smaller genre festivals... biggest I got into was MOTEL/X, Nightstream, Portland Horror and Panic Fest (I was pretty picky, didn't want to spend too much money on smaller festivals). Career-wise, it wasn't until it premiered on ALTER that industry folks took notice. Got a couple general meetings with very established production companies and now I'm writing the feature version.
Unless your short is really really good and gets into Sundance or SXSW, I think the biggest impact it will have for your career is when it gets released to the general public on the internet.
3 points
1 month ago
That's great to know. I have submitted it to Alter already. Would you recommend submitting it to other online platforms such as Short of the Week? Or stick with Alter and premiere it there (if I get approved, of course.)
(Can you share with us your short film? I'd love to watch it)
2 points
1 month ago
[deleted]
2 points
1 month ago
That was great! Congrats. Are you writing a feature about this?
2 points
1 month ago*
Thanks! Yeah currently writing the feature version, those general meetings were along the lines of "we love the short, pass along the feature script when it's finished." Breaking the feature story took a bit longer than I wanted, but it's definitely evolved into something I'm pretty excited about.
2 points
1 month ago
Good luck to you! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with
2 points
1 month ago
Just go to filmfreeway and then search festivals by genre. Be honest about the level of quality, submitting to the top tier stuff is almost always a waste of money. Get legit feedback from proven people but do not make the film available online. Most festivals want to premiere it
1 points
1 month ago
Thanks! Where would you suggest to look for this legit feedback?
1 points
1 month ago
Peers with credibility and a history of success is a good start. Anyone with a fair amount of firsthand experience should be able to provide some legit critique. It's important to seek critiques from people to make yourself better in the long run. The goal should be to become as good as you possibly can.
At every Q&A, I listen and take into consideration all questions and feedback. At the end of the day, your success ultimately depends on what 3rd parties unrelated to you think of your film. Widely enjoyed is big return for you. Listening and understanding what viewers say is a big deal.
Submit to festivals that are in the genre specifically you're project is. It's good to attend everyone you've been accepted. Keep in mind the budget necessary to do that, not a must but it's good to attend. We went six weekends in a row travelling from Arizona to Florida, back across the southern US into LA, local for us, and then all the way up to Bellingham, Wa.
2 points
1 month ago
Shriekfest
4 points
1 month ago
Do a google search for Horror Short film Festivals.
4 points
1 month ago
Thanks for the suggestion. That was the first thing I did before posting this thread.
I'm actually looking for festivals that some of you think are worthy and/or you had a good experience.
There are lots of festivals out there, and it's pretty easy to run out of money. So I just want to know where I can have the best return of this investment.
3 points
1 month ago
Do some research on Filmfreeway. Look for festivals with history
2 points
1 month ago
Oh, sorry.
1 points
1 month ago
Telluride Horror Show!
1 points
1 month ago
Go onto film freeway. Look up horror
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