Every year that I've done this blog, I see a big spike in readers around the time we're announcing our lineup for that year's festival. During the off season (like now) my readership drops. Of course, I understand this. It's human nature. That, and I don't write as much during the off season.
But folks, once you've submitted your film, it's too late to apply any knowledge you might gain from this blog. The idea is that those of you facing the blank page, or just starting production, or just beginning to think about your festival submission strategy, might learn from the mistakes of others.
Now is the time to be reading, not when you're eager to find out if you've been selected or not.
To help you get started, I've compiled a list of the best of Dances With Blogs. I hope these posts will help you on your journey from concept to completion. I also hope they will help you make a better movie, because we sure get tired of seeing the bad ones.
In honor of upcoming year 15, here are, in no particular order, the 15 best posts from the past two years.
Think Positive
The important thing to note in this post is the importance of your world premiere status. Be advised, Dances With Films takes this seriously. If you get into Sundance, Toronto, or the like, fine take it. If not, DWF should be on the top of your list. We will work with filmmakers by contacting you early if you're under consideration, so keep that in mind as well. Year 15 we're going to be tougher on this than ever, so spread the word, and plan accordingly.
No News is Bad Advertising
This is another good blog to read as you're considering your submission strategy.
Artistic Cross Training
This is a theme running through all my work, here and on From The Write Angle.
Voice
Possibly the most important aspect of any of the arts.
Louder, Faster, Funnier
Tips from the stage.
Top Ten Story Lines
Trends we're seeing too much of.
The 180 Degree Rule – One of my favorites
Great Isn't Good Enough
Three Cheers For Romance
Art and Business
One Lousy Point
The Never-Ending Need For Independence
Rules of Criticism
One Worked, One Didn't
Post Production Stress Syndrome
That's it. Please tell your friends to check this stuff out now while we can still help them.
Thanks for reading.
4 comments:
Nice recap Robert, hopefully I'll learn my lesson for next year.
Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I look forward to seeing your submission.
Will probably be the same film as last year with my current rate of rejection :)
We did have a film that was rejected the first year. The filmmaker then made changes based on what he read in this blog, resubmitted, and I *think* he won an award.
So, you never know. Take a good hard look at your film, get in touch with the festivals that have passed to see if you can get a variety of feedback, re-cut, and see what happens.
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