Recent content by First at Bat

I agree. I don't feel that a laurel from a new event would hold much value in regards to distribution or any other types of sales/deals. But I do feel that the film makers that don't have recognition could benefit from winning an award. If I break it down, this event will not draw a massive...

On the other side however, it might not be a bad idea to market it as a regional festival and take it down to baby steps. This is something that I would love to see grow and become an actual well-known event. If I focus more on this region (marketing), the submission field will more than...

@directorik, Of all the things I've heard, and not just from this forum, is as you put it, "butts in seats." Which is actually why I want a good prize package(s). So if in the worst case, no one showing up, the film maker at least gets something out of it. Something that they can at least take...

Do you think a laurel from a first year festival (unknown) would cut it on it's own? *Granted, the name of the town is an internationally known city and the city name is a part of the festival name.

If you have never used editing software before, start basic. The fundamentals are all there. If you start on "pro" programs you will get lost unless you are a natural, which could be the case. But if you're asking preference, I'm all Adobe. *embrace the bins*

DISCLAIMER: I am not a graphic designer and/or print artist. Anytime I need to make a flyer, posters, or handbills I use Illustrator and Photoshop interchangeably. But I'm sure I could do it all on just one of those programs (see disclaimer). But if you want something basic and on the fly...

@indyjones, I agree with the awards concept. Being of a limited budget and new, my hope is to create attractive award packages. Once everything (production wise) is set, I will contact companies that I have worked with in the past to see if they would help with the prizes. Prizes such as a new...

I've gotta say that I'm really happy with the way this thread is turning out. A lot of great thoughts and advice. I'm giving all of them serious thought as well as implementing a lot of these ideas. I can not thank you enough, all of you.

Terrifying for sure and I agree with what you are saying in regards to watching the films. I would love to go purely for my viewing pleasure but it's hard enough to watch the "big box" films. I am not against watching them (indies), but like you said, most are pretty bad. So that only brings up...

@mlesemann, I completely agree. That is one of the reasons I have not Officially announced the event. I have hired freelance PR reps for press releases and I plan to contact as many newspapers, bloggers, mags, listing sites, universities, radio, etc. Promotion is one of, if not the most...

@directorik, The first thought that popped in mind in response to your question was one I don't care to share. I feel the same as most others, not proud of that but I'm being honest. I guess showing really good movies, I do plan on packaging a trailer of all the finalists so maybe I can spin...

@mlesemann, Thanks for the tip. I will check that festival out and maybe even try to reach out. The networking luncheons/breakfasts is a great idea and I'm sure I could pull that off. Hopefully I will have enough of a turn out to make it work this year. I really appreciate all the thoughts...

I have always been a fan of saying it in as few words as possible. If one word gets the point a cross, why use two. It adds black to the page and it's more work for the readers. Plus the spec script usually gets chopped up before it makes to production. If you are shooting it, write it however...

@sweetie, in all honesty my goal for the festival is to provide another outlet for film makers. In this area there isn't much to offer for the independent film maker. I really just want to create a stage to show films that other wise would not be seen (short of their families). @directorik...

Thank you both for the response. @directorik - That is definitely an issue i've been thinking about. I live in a tourist town so I'm hoping to draw from the tourists themselves to help fill the seats, and being a first year event the cost of admission will be relatively cheap. Hopefully I can...