Filming for the festivals at DVinfo.net

Nathan Quattrini · July 5th, 2007, 08:45 AM

Ok, I have a Canon A1. I aim to send the film I am starting in August to the festivals next year. How should I film it so it would be film fest ready? Does that mean I`m filming for projector? Or do they run them off DVD? I would assume 24f, and most likely in HD just for future use. I`m really unsure of all of it, I`m getting used to the camera, but have done all of my tests in 60i so far. Also, I will be editing it, so what kind of workflow would be good for doing such a film in 24f (or p...whichever the canon has). All input will be helpful and thanks in advance.

Richard Alvarez · July 5th, 2007, 09:09 AM

First log on to withoutabox.com then look up the festivals you think would be the most likely to accept your film. What are THEIR requirements? Most will want a DVD screener at least for previewing purposes. IF you are accepted, some will want a higher quality dub. Some will ask for a mini-dv cassette. Some will want a Betacam master, some an HD master. It all varies from festival to festival.

And budget an average of thirty dollars for each submission. Sure, some are free, some are a lot more than thirty. But it all adds up.

Nathan Quattrini · July 5th, 2007, 10:43 AM

A DVD screener being just a throw together? Or just the actual film on DVD? And what do you mean by an HD master? Could that be on an HD DVD and/or miniDV? Time for me to learn the lingo for this side of the film making

Meryem Ersoz · July 5th, 2007, 10:51 AM

take richard's advice and go to withoutabox.com - you'll get many of your questions answered there.

your film needs to be completed to submit, in 99% of circumstances.

Richard Alvarez · July 5th, 2007, 11:31 AM

A 'screener' is what you send to the festival for their decision making process. It may or may not be the final 'show' reel/projected version.

Again, go to www.withoutabox.com and look up the festivals that might be appropriate.

Decide first, WHAT is you film? Long or short? Documentary or Fiction? Does it fit into a specific genre? Do YOU fit in a specific genre? - That is, do you qualify as 'student'? Some festivals are aimed at students, or have special categories for them.

By "HD" I mean that some festivals will require the show reel be on an HD Cam master tape.

Again, CHECK WITH EACH FESTIVAL before submitting. You're just going to have to do your own legwork, no one here can answer on behalf of 'all festivals'.

July 5th, 2007, 08:45 AM	#1
Nathan Quattrini Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warwick, Rhode Island Posts: 740	Filming for the festivals Ok, I have a Canon A1. I aim to send the film I am starting in August to the festivals next year. How should I film it so it would be film fest ready? Does that mean I`m filming for projector? Or do they run them off DVD? I would assume 24f, and most likely in HD just for future use. I`m really unsure of all of it, I`m getting used to the camera, but have done all of my tests in 60i so far. Also, I will be editing it, so what kind of workflow would be good for doing such a film in 24f (or p...whichever the canon has). All input will be helpful and thanks in advance. __________________ Cinematography Site

July 5th, 2007, 10:43 AM	#3
Nathan Quattrini Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warwick, Rhode Island Posts: 740	A DVD screener being just a throw together? Or just the actual film on DVD? And what do you mean by an HD master? Could that be on an HD DVD and/or miniDV? Time for me to learn the lingo for this side of the film making __________________ Cinematography Site

July 5th, 2007, 09:09 AM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	First log on to withoutabox.com then look up the festivals you think would be the most likely to accept your film. What are THEIR requirements? Most will want a DVD screener at least for previewing purposes. IF you are accepted, some will want a higher quality dub. Some will ask for a mini-dv cassette. Some will want a Betacam master, some an HD master. It all varies from festival to festival. And budget an average of thirty dollars for each submission. Sure, some are free, some are a lot more than thirty. But it all adds up.

July 5th, 2007, 10:51 AM	#4
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	take richard's advice and go to withoutabox.com - you'll get many of your questions answered there. your film needs to be completed to submit, in 99% of circumstances.

July 5th, 2007, 11:31 AM	#5
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	A 'screener' is what you send to the festival for their decision making process. It may or may not be the final 'show' reel/projected version. Again, go to www.withoutabox.com and look up the festivals that might be appropriate. Decide first, WHAT is you film? Long or short? Documentary or Fiction? Does it fit into a specific genre? Do YOU fit in a specific genre? - That is, do you qualify as 'student'? Some festivals are aimed at students, or have special categories for them. By "HD" I mean that some festivals will require the show reel be on an HD Cam master tape. Again, CHECK WITH EACH FESTIVAL before submitting. You're just going to have to do your own legwork, no one here can answer on behalf of 'all festivals'.