This was a talk given by DocFest Programmer Hussain Currimbhoy. It was a talk designed for the MA
documentary students but Chrissie invited our 'Refuge' group along, and I'm pleased that she did as it was a really interesting talk about what goes on in the preparation of film festivals and what the intention is behind the various events that festivals run.
Hussain explained about his role choosing from a short list of submitted films, the programme for DocFest. The committee devises 'strands' for a large number of the films to be shown in. Around 120 films are screened as part of DocFest and it helps the audience and delegates navigate the programme if there are strands to follow.
Some of the films submitted may not get screened in the cinema but will make it onto the DocFest Videotech page to be viewed online. DocFest also offers competitions and prizes for outstanding films.
Hussain advised that when budgeting for a film, festival costs should also be included in the budget from the start. Most festivals will charge for submitting a film and if the film does get accepted then there will be travel and accommodation costs involved should the crew wish to attend the festival. It is always worth asking the festival organisers for a waiver. Some will give discounts or waiver the submission fee.
DocFest charges £25 for each film (under 30 mins duration) submitted.
Hussain also talked about whether there may be issues regarding premiere rights. Is there any agreement holding you back from screening at each festival. Similarly, some festivals will want the premiere rights which include not having the film available online prior to the festival screening. This should be checked in advance.
It was really interesting to hear from someone who actually works for a film festival as it helped to demystify what goes on and what we can expect as filmmakers.
I was a volunteer and delegate at DocFest 2013 and I felt quite intimidated as a delegate so often fell back on using my volunteer status to talk to industry professionals. I mentioned this to Hussain and Colin Pons who was present at the talk and they agreed that it was a good way to get talking to people. Once I have gained confidence regarding how the festivals work and recognise that everyone is there for the same reason and with common interests it will get easier being part of the event as a delegate.
Hussain talked about the MeetMarket networking event and it's aims to bring people together and after this talk I feel more comfortable about using this event to meet people. One thing Hussain mentioned about the MeetMarket and it's process of filmmakers talking to commissioners is that (as in all negotiations with commissioners) there may be a certain amount of compromise to be had to get the contract / funding. Commissioning editors will require films for their particular audience and although our film idea might fill the brief for the most part, they may want some changes made. At this point it is up to the filmmaker to decide whether they are willing to compromise their film and vision.
We were advised by Hussein to follow certain protocols when entering films for festivals. He advised that we make clear, simple websites giving information about the film, the story and the crew. I have already done this for the documentary and drama films that I am producing at level 6. He also told about the importance of production stills. These give an idea of the look and mood of the film and are also required for festival websites and brochures. In our Production lessons this year Chrissie also told us about the use of production stills and how important they are. It was something that I hadn't really thought about previously. I always take lots of photographs when we are shooting but never really consciously taken production stills. I will definitely do this from now on.
When submitting a DVD copy for a film festival Hussain suggested that we submit in a plain DVD case. Make sure the title, running time and our contact details are on the case but no fancy graphics. If submitting online eg Vimeo, make sure that the upload is password protected.
Submission Don'ts:
Don't blanket bomb festivals. Make sure film is relevant to festival, otherwise it might cost to submit a film that will never be considered.
Don't pester organisers by constantly asking whether our film has gotten in. Be polite to organisers and realise that they have many films to process and will respond when they can.
Don't overload communication: be concise.
Don't send gifts. If the film is what the organisers want, it will get used.
DO prepare for rejection. Our films may not get in for any number of reasons. Don't be disheartened.
If our submitted film is accepted DON'T announce it until the festival organisers it's okay to go ahead.
Also, research who is going to be there, find out who else will be showing at the festival and take the opportunity to talk to others.
If our film is shown, bring the whole crew to the festival. Show enthusiasm.
Q&A
In the Q&A session Hussein gave the following replies to our questions:
Music in documentaries: do not overpower the film with music. Music can suggest emotion and 'put you in a place' but it can also be detrimental to the visuals if overused. Keep it subtle.
In interviews the face is a powerful, emotional tool. Use the interviewees face and eyes to show emotion.
Technical brilliance is secondary to a good story. It is the subject that has to be exciting.
The whole talk, and the Q&A discussion was really fascinating. It has made festival structures seem a lot more clear and I would be more confident now about attending festivals as a delegate and using the event to my advantage.
I learned a lot from this talk about what is required of me, as a producer, regarding submission, exhibition and distribution of our films and what festival organisers would be looking for.
I am really pleased that we were invited to attend this talk.
