film festivals with the most return

[donpatterson]

We will be submitting to several 'horror' themed film festivals. However, the response to HAUNT has been extremely positive (the final edited version not the 'rough cut' version on DVD made for cast, locations and crew) by those outside of the 'horror' oriented viewership. So we are also kicking around submitting HAUNT to Sundance and other non-horror related festivals as well. As you may or may not know, many of these festivals demand that the production is recent (HAUNT will be completed by July 1, 2003) and has not been shown more than at two other festivals (there are so many film festivals to choose from). Which are the best? Keep in mind that Sundance may bring in many people and is highly advertised/promoted, but there are over 800 films (digital and 16mm/35mm) accepted and shown in that brief period of hectic pitches at Park City. We are looking for large audience response (we have seen by test 'audiences' how they will act towards this movie) BUT with distribution reps (A&R) present. We want to sell this flick not market it ourselves. I know many of you out there are trying to do the very same thing. What ideas have you kicked around? We have NO interest in direct to DVD sales. We have NO interest in 'fly-by-night' indie DVD companies. We want a shot at national distribution. Who doesn't -- right? So -- your ideas and suggestions? HAUNT delivers. We just want to know the best delivery system out there!
Don Patterson

[armagecko]

Hey, Don. It's true that many festivals won't accept a movie if it's been previously shown at several other "high-profile" festivals, however many, many festivals don't care. You might check out the trade mags for indy film, like the Independent Film & Video Monthly, for a listing of festivals. I think you'll find that many moderately-sized festivals don't care if you've been shown before (although the movie must be recent) and they still offer you the exposure that you need.

The trick for indy film distribution is in the "PR." If you want to submit to Sundance, cool, but is it better to SHOW at Sundance or to WIN at Nashville, Slamdance, or South-By-Southwest? Basically, submitting to festivals is good for two things: Allowing you and a limited number of paying public to see the film in an appropriate atmosphere, but more importantly, to allow industry people and CRITICS to see the film and COMMENT on it. These critics provide powerful feedback (hopefully, good) like the blurbs you see on all movies: "Spectacular!" "Best Indy of the Year" Etc. This is what sells a movie to a distributor.

After submitting to festivals (any festivals), it's up to you to use the comments and awards from the previous festival to gather momentum and create a new publicity package that allows you and your movie to "ride the wave" into the next festival and create a scene that attracts attention. This is the way films are generally sold. Not after showing once at Sundance (although that has happened).

Even at Sundance, PR is what gets you seen. Have you ever been to a showing at Sundance where there's only 16 people in the theatre? I have. These filmmakers obviously hadn't spent any money on publicizing their film or gathering enough critical praise at smaller festivals to make anyone care about seeing their product. So they were stuck with a theatre full of family and friends - none of which could distribute their movie.

So, there's really no ONE festival that guarantees the most return. I llok at the festival circuit like a war, and each festival is a battle in that war, with the goal being total victory or distribution. Each battle you win is a small victory that allows you continue toward the grand prize. Without the small victories, there will be no total Victory.

Also, don't count out staight-to-DVD distribution. I don't know what your job is on the film (producer, director, etc.) but in my capacity as producer, my main objective is to make sure that my investors see a return. Large or small isn't the real issue, but they need to see a return - or else I've gambled their money and lost. Even straight-to-DVD deals (good ones, not rip-offs) allow you to see a return on the investment. Yeah, the percentage of return greatly increases if you've had theatrical distribution - any theatrical distribution. But even without it, much money can be made from DVD sales, with the right PR and packaging. Just make sure your lawyer looks over the deal!

I hope you find these comments helpful, and good luck with your movie!