Hey guys,

A few of more questions for the vetran festival attendies...

I know that the majority of festivals accpet submissions as "rough cuts" or "works in progress" with temp/scratch music and score...

I will be submitting to our first few of festivals with the picture fine cut, though, with some Temp Music/Score and a preliminary Sound Edit.

1. What would the difference be between submitting your DVD/VHS as a "Rough Cut" or a "Work in Progress"?

2. What are the main differences between a Rough Cut submission and a Work in Progress?

3. Should one state on thier DVD/VHS cover when they expect to have the film completely locked?

4. It is our goal to submit for competition, despite the status of our music, so I want to make sure that submitting in these formats does not hurt us in that regard.

5. For the festivals that accept temp music for submission, what expectations do they have for your exhibition format; complete score? Partial Score? A movie that will still be viewable without score?

6. If you work is accpted with temp score, is there a secondary screening by the festival committee of what your exhibition cut would be? I am curious to know how the festival ascertains how a film that works wonderfully when the images are cut against composers like Newman or Zimmer, will be just as good in an exhibition format? (since more than likely, most festival filmmakers won't have the best composers in the business at their disposal).



Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jon.

While it’s true that some festivals will accept a work in progress or rough cut I don’t understand why you would want to show anyone your unfinished movie.

I can’t answer all your questions but I’ll hit the few that I can:

There probably isn’t much of an “official” difference between a work in progress or a rough cut - ask ten people and you’ll get different answers. Both are unfinished movies.

I would think that showing an unfinished movie would hurt your chances. Festivals get so many submissions, I don’t see why they would hold a spot open hoping that you finish on time. I know it’s done in the case of a name director or a movie with name stars - but I don’t know if it’s common practice for filmmakers at our level.

I hope someone with actual festival judging experience can answer number six for you - I’d love to know the answer.

Music is such an important part of a movie. If the score is poor it could really hurt the picture. Even if the final score is great, it’s going to be different than the one they first see.

Again, I can’t imagine showing a festival an unfinished movie.

Yeah... just take more time and finish it up. Make it worth it

Never, ever show anybody outside of your friends and family, anything but your best effort. This from one of my MFA profs at UVa.