First time hitting the festivals as a filmmaker? Well, congratulations! Now, what the heck do you do when you get
there? Here’s a short run down
of some basic DOs and DON’Ts, based on my past experiences.
DOs:
1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: Sign in, get your tickets, SWAG Bag and
Filmmakers Badge and whatever else is offered or needed to get into the various
screenings, panels and parties.
2. GET PRESS:
Find Press Badge people and hand them your Press Kit, flyer or poster
and tickets to your film. Smaller festivals
may not have Press Badges, so just use your best judgment. The goal is photos and interviews. You may
not win an award, but great press is its own reward.
3. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: Hand a business card to press folks BEFORE they start interviewing. It can help them during the interview or later in
editing. Then, get their card before they
leave to follow up & build relationships. Hand cards to other folks, but AFTER they ask for it: establish
interest first; mindless card shoving is pushy and annoying.
4. LOOK GOOD: Pause after each question to allow
for a good edit point and repeat the question before answering or incorporate it
into your answer. Also: repeat your film’s
title often so it gets in the final interview, no matter how they edit it.
5. STAY POSITIVE: Avoid confrontational & budget
questions: you could turn off or lowball
a prospective buyer. Focus on the pitch
you’ve practiced and stick to it...with a smile.
DON’Ts
1. DON’T BE LATE: You are making an example of how you are on
set and in production meetings. Be on
time to all screenings and panels. It’s
rude to show up late. People will notice and be turned off instantly.
2. DON’T LEAVE EARLY: I see this time and time again. If your film is part of a block of films (as short
films usually are) do not get up after your film and leave if there are more
films to follow. It’s disrespectful and
we all see you and no one wants to work with a rude, selfish jerk. Stay for the entire block. Also, don’t leave early right after your film
because people may want to talk with you about it and it could lead to a new relationship
that will prove valuable in the future.
3. DON’T BE THAT GUY: In the theater, turn your cell phone off. Phone ringing, buzzing and even the glow of
texting and tweeting are all beyond offensive in this arena while the films are
playing. Again: you are making an
example of how respectful you are to your peers. And don’t talk during anyone’s film. Ever.
4. DON’T BAD MOUTH:
Do not say anything negative. Not
about a film, filmmaker, or anyone. It
only makes you look bad. Even if you
leave and go to a nearby bar or restaurant; you never know who else from the
festival may be there as well. Festivals
are about celebrating, honoring and building relationships. Keep it that way. Negativity will only harm you.
I hope what I listed is helpful. If you have other things you think are just as
important, please feel free to leave a comment. I want film festivals to be joyful for everyone. After all, they call it a festival for a
reason.
Now, go out there and be festive!
