Fresh Features
So You Wanna... Direct
For the past 13 years. The 1 Reel Film Festival has been one of the nation's largest celebrations of "cinematic brevity." Each year the Festival attracts over 20,000 film-goers, filmmakers, and top industry members to screen some of the world's best short films. The 2006 event featured more than 100 films by directors representing 13 different countries. From stop-motion animation to documentaries to music videos, there's something for everyone at the 1 Reel Film Film Festival.
For the past 13 years. The 1 Reel Film Festival has been one of the nation's largest celebrations of "cinematic brevity." Each year the Festival attracts over 20,000 film-goers, filmmakers, and top industry members to screen some of the world's best short films. The 2006 event featured more than 100 films by directors representing 13 different countries. From stop-motion animation to documentaries to music videos, there's something for everyone at the 1 Reel Film Film Festival.
Though you may not be winning an Oscar or rubbing shoulders with Scorsese and Spielberg anytime soon, here are a few tips to help you bring your movie to the masses…
Get Started
Think making a movie requires millions of dollars in financing and a fleet of fancy cameras? Think again. Thanks to recent advances in video technology, it's never been easier (or cheaper) to create, edit and share your movie with others. "I've seen some great short films that were made on a camera phone," said Beth Barrett, Seattle International Film Festival's Programming Manager and Programming Director for the 1 Reel Film Festival. "You don't need to buy a 35 millimeter camera to shoot a good film."
Tell A Story
Whether you're filming the next installment of Jurassic Park or a quirky two-minute short, the key to any great film is developing an engaging narrative. "Beginning filmmakers are often times more concerned with production values, and they forget that they still have to tell a story," said Barrett. Stunning visuals and dramatic special effects can only carry a piece so far. In the end, it's the story that the really captures an audience.
Be Yourself
According to Barrett, far too many young filmmakers fall into the trap of imitating the work of other directors. "I can't tell you how many Tarantino-esque films I have seen," said Barrett. Though emulating a great director's style can be an excellent learning tool, it's important to strike out on your own and create your own vision for your films.
Get Some Feedback
Now that you've made your movie, you'll probably want to share it with people besides your friends and family. By seeking out local film societies, you'll be able to screen your films for people who will provide you with constructive criticism and helpful advice. Want to share your work but don't want to go through the trouble of actually leaving your house? No problem. Post your films on YouTube or MySpace to increase your audience. Also, be sure check out WithoutaBox.com, which is full of lively forums and serves as an excellent networking site for budding filmmakers.
Submit Your Stuff
For those interested in submitting a film to 2007 Bumbershoot's 1 Reel Film Festival, the submission deadline is May 1. All films must be submitted through WithoutABox.com, and all submissions must clock in at 30 minutes or less, credits included.
While foreign language films are highly encouraged, directors should note that they must be accompanied with English subtitles. All films must be submitted on half-inch VHS (NTCS of PAL) videotape format or DVD. Filmmakers who are accepted into the festival will be notified by June 15.
Well, there you have it. Now that you've got some tips, it's time to grab your storyboard, adjust your lenses, and shout "Lights. Camera. Action."
For more information and official rules, check out the official 1 Reel Film Festival site.
Selections from the 2006 1 Reel Film Festival
"One Rat Short" Jury Prize in Animation —Alex Weil
"Winner Takes Steve," —Jared Hess
posted April 16 '07 at 12:43PM by eschwimmer in film, get involved, so you wanna
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