Why Screenwriters Should be Submitting to Film Festivals

By Jessica Hardin

With all the articles I have read out there, we noticed that most focus on filmmakers… but screenwriters are a huge part of the film festival world and experience. It’s time to reach out to what can sometimes be a forgotten group… screenwriters!

Community

Writing can be a lonely profession. As a writer, I know. The wonderful thing about film festivals in general, I think, is the sense of community that they provide. Yes, we all love laurels and accolades but in a world that is increasingly becoming two-dimensional, we have to remember that human connection matters. When you are slaving away on your computer, typewriter, or according to JK Rowling, your notebook, it is very easy to become isolated. More so, garnering representation can be a challenge, so other than friends and family (who will likely tell you what you want to hear because they love you) film festivals provide real, tangible, proof that someone has sat down, taken time out of their lives, and read your screenplay. Will they love it? Who knows, but at least you have taken that tangible step to get your story out into the world.

Networking with Filmmakers

Go to film festivals! Here is a huge industry secret…you do not need to have a project accepted to go to film festivals! Just pay the money and go! There are so many amazing networking opportunities available; not to mention some swanky parties. So many screenwriters meet filmmakers at film festivals who then partner to create some pretty amazing work.

Cost and Energy

Writing a screenplay, while an enormous achievement, is still more cost effective than making a film. Unlike many other film endeavors, you don’t need producers backing you to write one. Get yourself a computer and some software and you are set. Enjoy the accolades that your fellow filmmakers do.

Networking with Other Industry Pros

We have had podcasts at our lounge interviewing filmmakers and screenwriters… it’s is such a fun experience and such a great way to get the word out there about your art. Our jury attends our parties as well as literary agents and managers, investors, and supporters of art and film… cannot think of a better place to have a glass of beer or wine than a film festival, if you are an artist, actor, writer, or filmmaker.

Meeting Potential Investors

“Show me the money!” is a sentiment I think we can all relate to. Other than the $32 trillion in the Caymans, where can we find it? Well, did you know that out of 21 events that attract billionaires worldwide, three of them are film festivals? There is potential there to be hobnobbing with some heavy hitters without paying the $200 to go to that fundraising dinner, or shelling out major cash for a silent auction item.

Publicity

Even if you cannot physically attend a film festival, now you have some serious bragging rights. Now when you send out query letters to whomever, you have proof that a total stranger read your screenplay and loved it. That says something. As someone who has worked in literary offices, it goes a long way that someone else has vetted this script before you dive in for a couple of hours. Your screenplay and name is now in print in the Film Guide, as well as the website. Congratulations. You have now been immortalized.

Awards

And guess what? Now you are eligible for an award! These things look pretty
spectacular on your mantle. And these are actual, attainable goals. It isn’t a false promise. We invite around 30 screenwriters every year and every single one is eligible for an award.

Education

Our fest has a fantastic panel sponsored by the Scriptwriters Network. We certainly learn a lot every year, and guess what? It is FREE. Panels, seminars, lectures, workshops… they all offer incredible info and insight, as well as another opportunity to network with fellow writers. Some festivals host panels with agents and managers. These opportunities can be difficult to find, so take advantage of all the legwork and schmoozing fest staff has done to get the VIPs to show up. If they can show up, so can you!

Tips for Acceptance

Obviously, write the best screenplay that you can! Before submitting, I would have a few trusted people (who will be honest with you) review it. There is a lot of competition out there and you want to present your very best work. This is also why I personally do not recommend submitting, “works in progress” to filmmakers. Why submit something that is not yet as good as it can be? Other than that, take a few moments to write a cover letter. Better than that, personalize each one. Why do you like this particular fest? Have you heard good things? Are they well known for something? Are you from the area? Anything that personalizes you is great. We had a screenwriter submit (and was accepted) who was a real life police officer who had
experienced some pretty amazing things while on duty, so that shed light on his screenplay and gave the experience layers.

Post-fest

Keep up your relationships with film festivals. They are growing, just like you, and in five years a small niche festival could rival Sundance. A lot of fest directors I know love talent, but even more so, they love good people who bring a positive energy to their fest, and have some understanding as to how hard people work, and how stressful putting one together can be. Keep on a festival’s radar via social media. Your connections made today could catapult you to enormous success in the future.

Jessica Hardin was born in Illinois and moved to South Carolina with her family as a teen. She received her B.A. from Smith College where she spent her Junior year studying at the National Theater Institute in Waterford, Connecticut and the British American Drama Academy in London, England. She moved to New York City where she worked as a professional actress, and also worked for personal managers, talent agencies, and casting directors. While visiting Los Angeles she fell in love with both the city and her husband. Both actors, while they toured the festival circuit they saw a void in their hometown city of Pasadena and decided to found the Pasadena International Film Festival.