FILM FESTIVALS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

The Basics

▸ By Karen Dee Carpenter

 

 

Nobody will give you an opportunity—or money!—as a film director before seeing what you’re able to do. Directing a short film is a good way to build your skills and showcase your talents, and it isn’t nearly as expensive as a feature film.

But it still costs money, and to be done well, it also takes time and focus. You might have to shoot several shorts before the elements unify to create a compelling and meaningful experience for an audience. But once you have a strong film in hand, it’s time to share it with the world.

This essay will discuss film festivals as a way to showcase your work as a director (and possibly writer). We’ll look at success stories of directors ...

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