Film festivals are a great way to showcase your film to a wider audience and get recognition for your hard work. However, submitting your film to a festival can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. This is where film festival screeners come in. They are responsible for watching and evaluating the films that are submitted to the festival.
What is a Film Festival Screener?
A film festival screener is someone who watches and evaluates films that are submitted to a festival. They are responsible for selecting the movie that will be shown at the festival and for providing feedback to the filmmakers.
Screeners are usually volunteers or paid employees who have experience in the film industry. They are also expected to have a good understanding of the festival’s programming goals and audience.
How to Become a Film Festival Screener
If you’re interested in becoming a film festival screener, there are a few steps you can take to get started:
- Gain Experience in the Film Industry: Most film festival screeners have experience in the film industry, either as filmmakers, critics, or industry professionals. This experience gives them the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate films and provide feedback. If you’re just starting in the industry, consider taking courses or workshops to develop your skills. You can also gain experience by working on film sets or volunteering at film festivals.
- Research Film Festivals: Research film festivals that interest you and find out what their programming goals and audience are. This will give you a better understanding of what they’re looking for in a film and what kind of feedback they expect from screeners.
- Network: Networking is important in the film industry, and it can help you connect with festival organizers and other industry professionals. Attend film festivals and industry events, and join online communities to meet other filmmakers and industry professionals.
- Apply to be a Screener: Once you have the necessary experience and knowledge, you can apply to be a screener at a film festival. Most festivals have an online application process, and you will need to submit a resume and cover letter.
Tips for Succeeding as a Film Festival Screener
Once you become a film festival screener, there are a few things you can do to succeed in this role:
- Watch Films Carefully: As a screener, you’ll be watching a lot of films, so it’s important to pay close attention to each one. Take notes as you watch, and be sure to evaluate the film based on the festival’s programming goals and audience.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Filmmakers rely on screener feedback to improve their work, so it’s important to provide constructive feedback. Be specific about what worked and what didn’t, and offer suggestions for improvement.
- Meet Deadlines: Festivals have strict deadlines for submitting feedback and selecting films, so it’s important to meet these deadlines. This shows that you’re reliable and committed to the festival’s success.
- Stay Up-to-Date on Industry Trends: The film industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes. This will help you evaluate films more effectively and provide relevant feedback.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a film festival screener requires experience in the film industry, knowledge of festival programming goals and audience, and networking skills. To succeed as a screener, watch films carefully, provide constructive feedback, meet deadlines, and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the film industry, consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the film and TV industry and can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this competitive field.
