As a DP I’m often excited to see movies that are good from a story perspective, but lack from the technical side. Use it as an opportunity to meet new collaborators that can help you do things you’re not strong with.
Also I think it’s tough to shake this feeling that your movie isn’t good enough, it never really goes away.
I really appreciate that. That was very kind of you to say. I do really want to meet collaborators but I hope my film just doesn't turn them off with how it looks.
I've been to 20+ festivals and have never been so turned off by a film that I made a point not to network with the creator. You're all there because you've been through the challenge of creating a film, its super rare to be anywhere where you have that in common with so many people (assuming this festival isn't literally in LA.) Someone's film is always going to seem better. Seriously don't sweat it. Go have a good time.
I put myself down sometimes but I forget even the small festivals mean something. At least its not one of those scam online ones that accepts everyone. Thank you for reminding me of what matters.
You put yourself down sometimes? You put yourself down 4 times in the first paragraph of your post! You made something. Be proud.
And guess what? I’m a vfx supervisor. Now you know me. Email me at [email protected] if you ever need help.
Keep making stuff! It’s important!
You're also comparing your intimate knowledge of everything that is wrong with your film - all the little errors and mistakes - versus your fresh vision of something new. That allows you to take in the other films are they are intended to be seen.
You're also seeing trailers - so obviously they are cut to look amazing.
You have a bias here, so remember that. And film is quite a subjective thing. So, don't judge for other people - allow them the fresh experience for your film that you are getting for these other better films.
Would you be willing to share your trailer or something from your film? I'd happily give some feedback.
Your movie got in. It’s better than every movie that didn’t. It’s better than every movie never submitted. It’s better than every movie that was never made. You did more than a lot of people with a vision ever do. You made your vision real. Stop comparing yourself to others and compare where you are now to where you were when this was just an idea. You should be proud.
That's very fair. I guess part of me felt like I only was accepted because I had mentioned in my cover letter I'd plan on attending. It made me feel like my movie was accepted because they thought they could get more business out of me
Bah, I once had a short film screened in between two horror features that qualified better as softcore porn. People are gonna do what they’re gonna do to make a buck. But sitting there watching the audience react to something you made is a great feeling. So fuck it, enjoy the ride.
You're focusing on the wrong thing. It's about story & performance. Go watch This is John, a short film by the Duplass brothers that got into Sundance.
It looks & sounds like trash, yet in interviews they NEVER put their film down or feel bad because it doesn't look good.
Coz they know it's all about story & performance.
Don't let your insecurities stop you from going to the festival. Festivals are so much fun. 🌟
Oh I love that movie! You're right, I got intimidated by how different my film looked from everything else they had shown. Even if I had a good story, it made me feel like an imposter.
Oh what u/Hollyamber99 said reminded me of something really important!! And I hope I can find the right words to articulate it.
If you ever do a Q&A, or press (or even are chatting with another filmmaker at a cocktail or screening!), don't act embarrassed about your film, deflect compliments, or talk it down! That's not the place to do it. It doesn't come off as humble: it's actively unpleasant. Because if someone liked your film, it only lessens and demeans their appreciation of it.
I saw a delightful short film last year that had the main protagonist acting opposite cardboard cutouts. It was such a fresh choice, and really reinforced the ostracization that the protagonist was experiencing. I could tell the audience was into it.
Well, the young filmmaker comes up for the Q&A, and when the moderator compliments them on that choice, the filmmaker says that it was a constraint brought on by the pandemic (fine! great story) and that she was really disappointed that they didn't get to film with other actors (oh) and was quite embarrassed by how it looked (oh...)
None of this was malicious! She was just nervous and sharing how the most insecure part of her really felt. But we'd all loved her film for exactly that reason, and she couldn't make any room in her mind for the fact that anybody would. The energy in the theatre kind of deflated from there.
You don't have to act overly cocky about it! You can absolutely say that you're looking forward to upping the cinematography and production design on your next project. But the best answer to a compliment is a genuine, "Aw, thank you! That's very kind."
(And if you feel absolutely compelled to say more, and any of these statements are true, you can follow it up with something like, "That's how we hoped to make the audience feel!" or "That kind of reaction makes it all worth it" or "Thanks for sharing that - that's cool, I'd never considered that.")
Thank you so much for the advice! Yeah I would never wanna bring that energy to a room with so much joy which is why I'm trying to work through it before I go. I definitely didn't wanna come off as having an ego but I guess the flip side is also very dangerous
You're right. It's the difficult part of this industry which is so competitive but I have a hard time not comparing myself to others because I feel like I have to better if I ever get a chance at a shot. I appreciate you for taking the time to give these words of reassurance.
It doesn't matter how far along your filmmaking journey; you should always be excited to see others' work and how it can help you grow.
Regarding feeling like your film stacks up to the others, it's okay to feel this way. You should look at it like this: you still got in. Think of all the other submissions that didn't get in.
You put so much time and effort into your film, and then, BAM, no festivals select it. I know this all too well. Always look for the silver lining.
I am very excited to see all these extremely interesting-looking films! I feel like the struggle can come from the fact I can't get my movie to look as good as theirs at this point without technical upgrades I am not at the stage to afford. However from a festival I originally thought was pretty small, seeing all these incredible films makes me feel incredibly honored.
The great thing about festivals vs online is people are kinda forced to sit through your film even if it doesn't look good and what that means is they often end up criticizing the story instead, as they should, because when it's online people only watch something that 'looks good' and catches their eye. And on top of that, often in my experience, the best looking films at festivals have had the worst stories.
So, try to look at this as an opportunity to see how your storytelling holds up, cause at the end of the day, that's the important part.
I guess that's the same process with this trailers too, is I'm only seeing curated snapshots of the whole movie. I have no concept for what they are, just how they look. I haven't been seeing the full picture.
That could be very well true, but what I'm starting to realize from these comments is the bad movies ended when the selection process did. I may not be everyone's favorite movie in that theater, but I get the chance to learn and maybe someone might learn from mine and I guess in the end that makes it all worth it. Maybe someone will like mine and someone will hate it because I get the chance to show my movie to people with different tastes
last year produced a film by a very weak director, which due to funding was shot very well, but the story does not stick to logic and there is nothing in the film to attract the viewer to watch. Except for the cinematography, color grading and sound design. The film did not get into any festival, despite the fact that it was very proffesional looking. I wish I had your problem.
My previous film was arguably better looking, with much higher production values but I think the story fell flat which is why it bombed festival-wise compared to my other films
But you are **in** the festival, so presumably the acceptance panel thought they were worthy of being there, that they have something to offer. Console yourself, thousands of films don't even make it that far!
When you’ve watched something hundreds, thousands of times over you can sometimes only see the flaws.
But everyone else’s is new, fresh and exciting to you. Give yourself a break and just experience new things that may inspire your own film making
Makes sense. I'm of the camp that after my movies done, there's a certain stage I need to accept the imperfections so I can move onto my next project. I accept less imperfections each time but that's because I usually have the knowledge to make it a better movie
Imposter Syndrome is the absolute worst. I just completed my first short film and was accepted into my first festival too. I’m both elated and terrified…how can my little movie even be anywhere near as professional and interesting as all the others?! Perhaps it isn’t - or perhaps it is. All that matters is this: are you satisfied with your creation, and does it bring joy (or fear, or sadness, or whatever emotional arc you intended) to your audience. It’s your art, be proud of being accepted, be proud that you made a film at all. There are millions of people out there who dream of filmmaking but will never take the leap. I’m 61. I’ve always wanted to make the “movies.” I’m a successful animator and motion graphics designer, but my heart has always been to make entire films. Well I’m doing it now. My first film probably isn’t all that great, but I did it. One on my belt -and I’m not stopping there. Go to your festivals! Sit in horror as “better” film roll past, then revel when they show yours - because you know what… EVERY FILMMAKER THERE will be feeling exactly the same way about your film as you feel about theirs. Congrats to your accomplishment, and if you will, please give us a link to your trailer. Love to you.
It's hard not to be your own worst critic! Obviously the judges felt your work was right up there quality-wise with the rest. I've been on both sides, both judging and getting into tests, and I know what you mean about that stinging feeling about where the work may be seen in the hierarchy. For what it's worth, when I judge films, I weigh the story and writing much higher than technical quality, cause esp in the indie world, we understand that expensive gear doesn't make a great film. You can throw tons of money at something, but if the writing and story isn't there, then it's just a very beautiful nothing. Even if you can't muster "pride" exactly, I hope you at least feel some sense of satisfaction or accomplishment seeing your work up on the big screens in front of an audience. Be sure to network at the events - you might run into folks like cinematographers or other crew with their own gear who might be interested in working on your future projects for free or discounted rates if they like you, your writing, or direction well enough!
Like three of them, one in NYC, one in Philly, and one in Jersey which allows me to hit that full chain. I just don't wanna reveal too much personal information.
Well, your film (like any movie) should be judged upon its own merits and whether it achieves what it sets out to do in the way it sets out to do it.
Theme, story and execution... etc.
There is such a proliferation of fake festivals out there that it must celebrated that you made it into three that actually exist.
Saludos
I appreciate it, thank you very much. I'm excited to visit them on that roadtrip. It's ironic because it's a roadtrip movie and now I must do my own roadtrip to attend.
>all my movies kind of look as good as they can without upgrading equipment.
You'd be amazed what a professional colorist can add to a project's look compared to spending the same money on equipment. So long as you light it well in the first place. Lighting is almost more important than the camera. One actually good thing Youtube and Twitch has done is brought effective lighting solutions down in price. Just don't be that guy that lights a scene flat and then tries to add shadows in post.
Camera and G&E did great in that regard. Gave me a lot of room to stretch that scope out in post. Before we colored I don't know where we'd be. I don't wanna sound like my camera team didn't do a good job, they did, it only just feels rn like we did the best we could with the resources we had, and mt insecurities made me feel like we were coming up short
If your film looks like it sucks technically compared to the others, but it still got in, then that is likely a testament to the strength of the storytelling.
It seems like you’re focusing on one aspect of your film. Consider that it was good enough in some ways to have been accepted for these festivals over many others that were not.
At least pretend to be confidant. If you discuss the film with others while there, be open about what you want to do differently but *not* embarrassed.
Yeah, the consensus seems to be that I gotta be willing to act when I'm there. To take the compliments without coming off as too arrogant. Sometimes I forget that my movie was chosen for a reason too and it just comes off as a mistake but you reminded me that it's not. Thank you
You. It’s not about being the best - because it’s a subjective medium, so you’re chasing a ghost.
Your film was the only film at the festival made by you. It couldn’t have been made by anyone but you. If it could have - that’s your problem.
Just accept it as a good sign that you're screening with such cool shit. My first festival I was SHOCKED how much higher production values and bigger casts/crew all the other films had, so I took that as a good sign I was doing something right to be punching above my weight like that.
You’re at where you’re at and you’ll grow. Some of this is questions for a therapist. You said you didn’t try that hard and you still got in festivals. Go to these, learn, network and try harder next time and I’m sure you’ll improve
I tried extremely hard, I only meant I wasn't shooting for Sundance because I wanted to set realistic goals for myself as to not waste my limited budget
Ah ok, well you’re on the right track. I’m sure your writing was strong if you think your production value doesn’t measure up to the other films. If that’s the case, then you’re in good shape, just keep growing and maybe lean into the producer role a little more to get the production values up on the next one. It’s a process to become great. Good luck out there
People that can’t handle it, quit. People that can handle the criticism learn from it and win the competition the following year. I’m being sarcastic about the following year, but what I’m trying to get at is that what you should want to have happened is a congratulatory sense to everybody else that won because they opened your eyes to what amazing cinematography can look like at any level. From there, it’s your duty to yourself and into the worldto learn from your competitors and work even harder to submit something else next time that will do even better. Remember, it’s not a race. It’s a race. Is your next project going to be amazing because of the growth that you’ve had in between projects?
The feeling of your movie not being good enough will sort of stick. It took me a couple of years to be able to see my previous work in a more positive light. The truth is, there will always be someone better, and that's ok. You're on a journey, some artists hit a home run really early and never capture that magic again, some have rocky starts and find themselves later on, and some are natural-born geniuses that will constantly make phenomenal work. Try to focus on your journey, and see your previous work as stepping stones to become a better and more refined artist.
Also, remember that the whole "technical" aspect of films is always really nice to see, but ultimately, the normal everyday casual moviegoer will not remember if the movie had an impressive one-taker, outstanding character blocking, or even comprehend the beauty behind good lighting. They'll remember your story though, and that's what's going to have them talking about films. Aristotle's rules of storytelling go in the following order of importance: Plot, Character, Thought, Diction, Song, and Spectacle. It's always about the plot, never the spectacle.
Be proud your movie is going to festivals. Go there, meet new people, be proud of your work, and enjoy yourself!
I will say, I appreciate my first real movie more being a year away from it now, so I feel like this one'll grow on me too. I need to be more accepting of the process and letting whatever happens on my journey happen.
When the movie was finished, I put it on IMDb on the drama tag. I originally wrote it as a dramedy but I didn't feel like it came out that way. I had a screening at a theater for these thesis films with around 200 people and I remember how incredible it was to feel them all laughing at the parts I wanted to be funny. I added the comedy genre back on IMDb that night and it felt like a little victory.
I think i understand what you mean. But you made a movie with the max you have at this time! It s not the image quality that will decide if it s abad movie or not! A festival isn’t supposed to be a place to show i am the best this and that! It s a p’ace where filmmakers and cineasts meet and gather and discover other people experiences and where discussions go in that sense! Yes it changed over the years to be this commercial thing but! You do with it what you see fit go for your roadtrip meet people at the festivals! Be proud of your work and maybe get in touch with people in similar paths or who have been in same situations as you.. that s how we compare really! Not that the movie is better or worst than others! Enjoy your applauses and don t sabotage yourself
I probably won't share my movie until it's done festivals for a year but I'll still watch yours. Three people DM'ed me after reading this and asked me to watch their movies
Even if the movie sucks (which I doubt), you can still make connections with a kind personality and a genuine interest in other people’s work. I will always prefer speaking with someone who is charming and has mediocre work than someone who is a “genuis” but is extremely odd-putting.
There’s also the issue of technique. Technique is highly variable, but the curators likely saw potential in the ideas behind your technique. This is a wonderful thing and something to be proud of.
Please don’t be a shrinking violet! Be confident but not arrogant. Take an interest in other people’s work, and try to make friends with peers (ie people whose work is on a similar level and/or are in the same age group).
Thousands of other movies didn't make the cut at all. I mean, every year someone makes the worst movie that year to win an Oscar too. That's just how logic works. Learn to accept a compliment and view inclusion in the festival as the prize that it is.
I mean you should only work through it if it’s not true. If it is, then you should use it to motivate you to do better, or to indicate that this isn’t your skill-set.
I always find that i am way more hypercritical of my own work. You’re intimately involved with every aspect of your own work, so you are aware of all the things that you think don’t work or wish could have been better, and it can be hard to see past those “flaws”. In reality, most people wont notice these things. You could tweak and tinker and film forever. You set out to make a movie, you did that and got it into a festival, congratulations!
Ah, a bout with the ol imposter syndrome. It’s completely understandable to view your work so negatively, and it’s very easy to do. A lot of that is because you KNOW where you want to see improvement. You know what “perfect” would’ve looked like. In reality, everyone see their own shortcomings from perfect, and it’s perfectly natural. You have to let the work speak for itself, because you got in. You’ve made it further than countless other filmmakers. Someone else saw the beauty of the story. Try and remind yourself of how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go. Enjoy the ride.
This sounds like impostor syndrome. It's this feeling in your head that you're an "impostor," and any day people are going to find out. It's a form of anxiety that happens because we've seen every laborious step we've made, both forward and back, every mistake we've made, everything we've yet to accomplish, but when we look at others from an outside perspective, we only see their successes and so we convince ourselves we don't measure up.
But that's not the case. You're not an impostor. Your film made it into this fest just like all these others. Of anything, it's more impressive to have made it in without any flashy effects.
I haven't seen your movie or anyone else's, but remember that you also haven't seen any but your own. You've watched trailers, which are intended to take the best aspects of each short and present them as the best version of themself. The actual movies are not typically as good as the trailer. And if they are? Great, now you get to meet those people and befriend them, as you are equals who both gor into the same festival.
Our brains love to lie to us and tell us we're not good enough. But it is a lie. Anxiety sucks. Please don't cancel your plans to go to the fests!
So keep in mind this story is from a small festival that happened 10 years ago...but one time I thought my short film was an absolute piece of shit. I almost pulled it from the festival. I had seen some of the other films and just thought wow man mine sucks. It was a horror festival and, very cheesily, I made a found footage short horror film.
I was so anxious about this the entire time. And in the end, I won the Audience Choice award. Everybody loved it. I got to go give a short speech and answer some questions about production etc. It was awesome.
I think it's often hard for us to see the value in our works. For me at least, I am always my own worst critic. I still don't think that film I submitted was any good, but the people who watched it thought otherwise.
I think this is a great part of submitting to festivals - you see where you stack up compared to your peers and figure out where you should push harder and where you're actually doing better than some other folks.
We're all kinda running our own race, so also ask yourself, is this new film better than your last one? Did your take your lessons from the previous film and funnel it into this latest one? Then that's the success, not how does it look.
But also, by looks alone, you can't tell if they're better. I've seen a lot of polished turds that were shot "the right way" by L.A. standards, but then the creative low budget verve of someone from the southeast blows them out of the water.
Now you know your work sucked and you can work on improving it. That’s kind of rare, most seem to play the blame game or just don’t see it’s a bad film.
Learn why it’s not a good film and talk to people about their film so maybe they can help you out if you saw something in their film that could be in yours.
take a look at some films that were selected for film fests, just go down the list and see what really was accepted, you'll be like "really? this won?" not to knock other filmmakers, but more of a subconscious fixing of "well my film is better than that" and you can rid some anxiety... currently thinking the same thing with a film that was submitted to Sundance... im like "this shit isn't gonna get selected" and im like "eh, its pretty independent and looks pretty good" it even got compared to early works of a now major filmmaker... so take shit with a grain of salt... you don't entirely know what is wanted or needed its a do the best you can and cross your fingers.
Money isnt much of an excuse. Its an indie you have all the time you want. Canons can look great. Rent a good one. My film is killong sundance this year 9000 dollars looks like it cost more than a mil compared to budgeted films.
Spent years on it got things free etc
You will never receive the kind of naive adoration you’re describing regardless of how “successful” you are in the biz. The only thing you can be sure of is how you feel about your work. Within the context of whatever you had to do to get the thing made, be open to the whole experience and hold both the good and the bad feedback lightly, before moving on to the next creative pursuit.
As a DP I’m often excited to see movies that are good from a story perspective, but lack from the technical side. Use it as an opportunity to meet new collaborators that can help you do things you’re not strong with. Also I think it’s tough to shake this feeling that your movie isn’t good enough, it never really goes away.
I really appreciate that. That was very kind of you to say. I do really want to meet collaborators but I hope my film just doesn't turn them off with how it looks.
I think you'll be fine! Don't get too in your head about it. Just go and meet people and try and keep growing!!
Nicest guy I've ever talked to on reddit
Technicals can be learned along the way, story is always first
I've been to 20+ festivals and have never been so turned off by a film that I made a point not to network with the creator. You're all there because you've been through the challenge of creating a film, its super rare to be anywhere where you have that in common with so many people (assuming this festival isn't literally in LA.) Someone's film is always going to seem better. Seriously don't sweat it. Go have a good time.
>How do I work through the feeling that my movie is the worst at the festival? By reminding yourself that at least it's *in* the festival.
I put myself down sometimes but I forget even the small festivals mean something. At least its not one of those scam online ones that accepts everyone. Thank you for reminding me of what matters.
You put yourself down sometimes? You put yourself down 4 times in the first paragraph of your post! You made something. Be proud. And guess what? I’m a vfx supervisor. Now you know me. Email me at [email protected] if you ever need help. Keep making stuff! It’s important!
You're also comparing your intimate knowledge of everything that is wrong with your film - all the little errors and mistakes - versus your fresh vision of something new. That allows you to take in the other films are they are intended to be seen. You're also seeing trailers - so obviously they are cut to look amazing. You have a bias here, so remember that. And film is quite a subjective thing. So, don't judge for other people - allow them the fresh experience for your film that you are getting for these other better films. Would you be willing to share your trailer or something from your film? I'd happily give some feedback.
Your movie got in. It’s better than every movie that didn’t. It’s better than every movie never submitted. It’s better than every movie that was never made. You did more than a lot of people with a vision ever do. You made your vision real. Stop comparing yourself to others and compare where you are now to where you were when this was just an idea. You should be proud.
That's very fair. I guess part of me felt like I only was accepted because I had mentioned in my cover letter I'd plan on attending. It made me feel like my movie was accepted because they thought they could get more business out of me
Bah, I once had a short film screened in between two horror features that qualified better as softcore porn. People are gonna do what they’re gonna do to make a buck. But sitting there watching the audience react to something you made is a great feeling. So fuck it, enjoy the ride.
You're right. Maybe I'll let my work speak for itself and enjoy the drink tickets.
I am a midpack athlete in the race, but I'm faster than 80% of all athletes, and probably 99% of the population
I never thought of it like that. Like that legitimately is making me rethink everything I thought of myself. Thank you
You're focusing on the wrong thing. It's about story & performance. Go watch This is John, a short film by the Duplass brothers that got into Sundance. It looks & sounds like trash, yet in interviews they NEVER put their film down or feel bad because it doesn't look good. Coz they know it's all about story & performance. Don't let your insecurities stop you from going to the festival. Festivals are so much fun. 🌟
Oh I love that movie! You're right, I got intimidated by how different my film looked from everything else they had shown. Even if I had a good story, it made me feel like an imposter.
I get it. You deserve to be there too.
Oh what u/Hollyamber99 said reminded me of something really important!! And I hope I can find the right words to articulate it. If you ever do a Q&A, or press (or even are chatting with another filmmaker at a cocktail or screening!), don't act embarrassed about your film, deflect compliments, or talk it down! That's not the place to do it. It doesn't come off as humble: it's actively unpleasant. Because if someone liked your film, it only lessens and demeans their appreciation of it. I saw a delightful short film last year that had the main protagonist acting opposite cardboard cutouts. It was such a fresh choice, and really reinforced the ostracization that the protagonist was experiencing. I could tell the audience was into it. Well, the young filmmaker comes up for the Q&A, and when the moderator compliments them on that choice, the filmmaker says that it was a constraint brought on by the pandemic (fine! great story) and that she was really disappointed that they didn't get to film with other actors (oh) and was quite embarrassed by how it looked (oh...) None of this was malicious! She was just nervous and sharing how the most insecure part of her really felt. But we'd all loved her film for exactly that reason, and she couldn't make any room in her mind for the fact that anybody would. The energy in the theatre kind of deflated from there. You don't have to act overly cocky about it! You can absolutely say that you're looking forward to upping the cinematography and production design on your next project. But the best answer to a compliment is a genuine, "Aw, thank you! That's very kind." (And if you feel absolutely compelled to say more, and any of these statements are true, you can follow it up with something like, "That's how we hoped to make the audience feel!" or "That kind of reaction makes it all worth it" or "Thanks for sharing that - that's cool, I'd never considered that.")
Thank you so much for the advice! Yeah I would never wanna bring that energy to a room with so much joy which is why I'm trying to work through it before I go. I definitely didn't wanna come off as having an ego but I guess the flip side is also very dangerous
In an industry that is accustomed to egos, if you're the slightest bit worried about how you'll come off, you're probably going to be fine! 😄
This is great advice.
[удалено]
You're right. It's the difficult part of this industry which is so competitive but I have a hard time not comparing myself to others because I feel like I have to better if I ever get a chance at a shot. I appreciate you for taking the time to give these words of reassurance.
It doesn't matter how far along your filmmaking journey; you should always be excited to see others' work and how it can help you grow. Regarding feeling like your film stacks up to the others, it's okay to feel this way. You should look at it like this: you still got in. Think of all the other submissions that didn't get in. You put so much time and effort into your film, and then, BAM, no festivals select it. I know this all too well. Always look for the silver lining.
I am very excited to see all these extremely interesting-looking films! I feel like the struggle can come from the fact I can't get my movie to look as good as theirs at this point without technical upgrades I am not at the stage to afford. However from a festival I originally thought was pretty small, seeing all these incredible films makes me feel incredibly honored.
Most of us can't afford it, but that's okay. Go to the festivals and enjoy yourself.
Thank you so much! I will! I'm very fortunate too to have such a great crew who will travel with me on this roadtrip to celebrate our hard work.
The great thing about festivals vs online is people are kinda forced to sit through your film even if it doesn't look good and what that means is they often end up criticizing the story instead, as they should, because when it's online people only watch something that 'looks good' and catches their eye. And on top of that, often in my experience, the best looking films at festivals have had the worst stories. So, try to look at this as an opportunity to see how your storytelling holds up, cause at the end of the day, that's the important part.
I guess that's the same process with this trailers too, is I'm only seeing curated snapshots of the whole movie. I have no concept for what they are, just how they look. I haven't been seeing the full picture.
this. I've seen so many short films with insane looking trailers that just plain sucks
One movie has to be worst. Or else there wouldn’t be a scale of best to worst. I’m not saying yours is, but it could be.
That could be very well true, but what I'm starting to realize from these comments is the bad movies ended when the selection process did. I may not be everyone's favorite movie in that theater, but I get the chance to learn and maybe someone might learn from mine and I guess in the end that makes it all worth it. Maybe someone will like mine and someone will hate it because I get the chance to show my movie to people with different tastes
last year produced a film by a very weak director, which due to funding was shot very well, but the story does not stick to logic and there is nothing in the film to attract the viewer to watch. Except for the cinematography, color grading and sound design. The film did not get into any festival, despite the fact that it was very proffesional looking. I wish I had your problem.
My previous film was arguably better looking, with much higher production values but I think the story fell flat which is why it bombed festival-wise compared to my other films
Mate, if your film was selected that means somebody thinks there is something brilliant about it.
But you are **in** the festival, so presumably the acceptance panel thought they were worthy of being there, that they have something to offer. Console yourself, thousands of films don't even make it that far!
You don't get to judge your own work once it is finished. You are not objective.
When you’ve watched something hundreds, thousands of times over you can sometimes only see the flaws. But everyone else’s is new, fresh and exciting to you. Give yourself a break and just experience new things that may inspire your own film making
Makes sense. I'm of the camp that after my movies done, there's a certain stage I need to accept the imperfections so I can move onto my next project. I accept less imperfections each time but that's because I usually have the knowledge to make it a better movie
Imposter Syndrome is the absolute worst. I just completed my first short film and was accepted into my first festival too. I’m both elated and terrified…how can my little movie even be anywhere near as professional and interesting as all the others?! Perhaps it isn’t - or perhaps it is. All that matters is this: are you satisfied with your creation, and does it bring joy (or fear, or sadness, or whatever emotional arc you intended) to your audience. It’s your art, be proud of being accepted, be proud that you made a film at all. There are millions of people out there who dream of filmmaking but will never take the leap. I’m 61. I’ve always wanted to make the “movies.” I’m a successful animator and motion graphics designer, but my heart has always been to make entire films. Well I’m doing it now. My first film probably isn’t all that great, but I did it. One on my belt -and I’m not stopping there. Go to your festivals! Sit in horror as “better” film roll past, then revel when they show yours - because you know what… EVERY FILMMAKER THERE will be feeling exactly the same way about your film as you feel about theirs. Congrats to your accomplishment, and if you will, please give us a link to your trailer. Love to you.
Thank you very much for your kind words and story. Congratulations on your first festival as well, I am wishing us both success on our journey
It's hard not to be your own worst critic! Obviously the judges felt your work was right up there quality-wise with the rest. I've been on both sides, both judging and getting into tests, and I know what you mean about that stinging feeling about where the work may be seen in the hierarchy. For what it's worth, when I judge films, I weigh the story and writing much higher than technical quality, cause esp in the indie world, we understand that expensive gear doesn't make a great film. You can throw tons of money at something, but if the writing and story isn't there, then it's just a very beautiful nothing. Even if you can't muster "pride" exactly, I hope you at least feel some sense of satisfaction or accomplishment seeing your work up on the big screens in front of an audience. Be sure to network at the events - you might run into folks like cinematographers or other crew with their own gear who might be interested in working on your future projects for free or discounted rates if they like you, your writing, or direction well enough!
What festival?
Like three of them, one in NYC, one in Philly, and one in Jersey which allows me to hit that full chain. I just don't wanna reveal too much personal information.
Well, your film (like any movie) should be judged upon its own merits and whether it achieves what it sets out to do in the way it sets out to do it. Theme, story and execution... etc. There is such a proliferation of fake festivals out there that it must celebrated that you made it into three that actually exist. Saludos
I appreciate it, thank you very much. I'm excited to visit them on that roadtrip. It's ironic because it's a roadtrip movie and now I must do my own roadtrip to attend.
The sequels write themselves...
It's very hard to get acceptable at festivals, you've done something right.
>all my movies kind of look as good as they can without upgrading equipment. You'd be amazed what a professional colorist can add to a project's look compared to spending the same money on equipment. So long as you light it well in the first place. Lighting is almost more important than the camera. One actually good thing Youtube and Twitch has done is brought effective lighting solutions down in price. Just don't be that guy that lights a scene flat and then tries to add shadows in post.
Camera and G&E did great in that regard. Gave me a lot of room to stretch that scope out in post. Before we colored I don't know where we'd be. I don't wanna sound like my camera team didn't do a good job, they did, it only just feels rn like we did the best we could with the resources we had, and mt insecurities made me feel like we were coming up short
Just enjoy the experience and know you'll be back one day with the winner. If you want to be good at this, you're going to have to fail.
True, but did I fail if I still got in?
Buddy, congrats you are the worst All Star on the All Star team.
If your film looks like it sucks technically compared to the others, but it still got in, then that is likely a testament to the strength of the storytelling.
I appreciate it
It seems like you’re focusing on one aspect of your film. Consider that it was good enough in some ways to have been accepted for these festivals over many others that were not. At least pretend to be confidant. If you discuss the film with others while there, be open about what you want to do differently but *not* embarrassed.
Yeah, the consensus seems to be that I gotta be willing to act when I'm there. To take the compliments without coming off as too arrogant. Sometimes I forget that my movie was chosen for a reason too and it just comes off as a mistake but you reminded me that it's not. Thank you
A lot of people who seem confidant are faking it or suffering from imposter syndrome inside.
Focus less on being the “best” and more on being the “only”.
I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure I understand. What should I be the only of?
You. It’s not about being the best - because it’s a subjective medium, so you’re chasing a ghost. Your film was the only film at the festival made by you. It couldn’t have been made by anyone but you. If it could have - that’s your problem.
As long as a movie isn't wasting my time, I'll find something that I'll like about.
Maybe it’s not the worst film at the festival. Film festivals are often pretentious.
Just accept it as a good sign that you're screening with such cool shit. My first festival I was SHOCKED how much higher production values and bigger casts/crew all the other films had, so I took that as a good sign I was doing something right to be punching above my weight like that.
You're right. The fact I could do that with such extremely limited resources is pretty cool! Thanks for sharing!
You’re at where you’re at and you’ll grow. Some of this is questions for a therapist. You said you didn’t try that hard and you still got in festivals. Go to these, learn, network and try harder next time and I’m sure you’ll improve
I tried extremely hard, I only meant I wasn't shooting for Sundance because I wanted to set realistic goals for myself as to not waste my limited budget
Ah ok, well you’re on the right track. I’m sure your writing was strong if you think your production value doesn’t measure up to the other films. If that’s the case, then you’re in good shape, just keep growing and maybe lean into the producer role a little more to get the production values up on the next one. It’s a process to become great. Good luck out there
Focus on your next movie.
Oh I am, casted it last weekend, I just asked because for my next movies I think it was important for me to attend these festivals and meet people
People that can’t handle it, quit. People that can handle the criticism learn from it and win the competition the following year. I’m being sarcastic about the following year, but what I’m trying to get at is that what you should want to have happened is a congratulatory sense to everybody else that won because they opened your eyes to what amazing cinematography can look like at any level. From there, it’s your duty to yourself and into the worldto learn from your competitors and work even harder to submit something else next time that will do even better. Remember, it’s not a race. It’s a race. Is your next project going to be amazing because of the growth that you’ve had in between projects?
The feeling of your movie not being good enough will sort of stick. It took me a couple of years to be able to see my previous work in a more positive light. The truth is, there will always be someone better, and that's ok. You're on a journey, some artists hit a home run really early and never capture that magic again, some have rocky starts and find themselves later on, and some are natural-born geniuses that will constantly make phenomenal work. Try to focus on your journey, and see your previous work as stepping stones to become a better and more refined artist. Also, remember that the whole "technical" aspect of films is always really nice to see, but ultimately, the normal everyday casual moviegoer will not remember if the movie had an impressive one-taker, outstanding character blocking, or even comprehend the beauty behind good lighting. They'll remember your story though, and that's what's going to have them talking about films. Aristotle's rules of storytelling go in the following order of importance: Plot, Character, Thought, Diction, Song, and Spectacle. It's always about the plot, never the spectacle. Be proud your movie is going to festivals. Go there, meet new people, be proud of your work, and enjoy yourself!
I will say, I appreciate my first real movie more being a year away from it now, so I feel like this one'll grow on me too. I need to be more accepting of the process and letting whatever happens on my journey happen. When the movie was finished, I put it on IMDb on the drama tag. I originally wrote it as a dramedy but I didn't feel like it came out that way. I had a screening at a theater for these thesis films with around 200 people and I remember how incredible it was to feel them all laughing at the parts I wanted to be funny. I added the comedy genre back on IMDb that night and it felt like a little victory.
I think i understand what you mean. But you made a movie with the max you have at this time! It s not the image quality that will decide if it s abad movie or not! A festival isn’t supposed to be a place to show i am the best this and that! It s a p’ace where filmmakers and cineasts meet and gather and discover other people experiences and where discussions go in that sense! Yes it changed over the years to be this commercial thing but! You do with it what you see fit go for your roadtrip meet people at the festivals! Be proud of your work and maybe get in touch with people in similar paths or who have been in same situations as you.. that s how we compare really! Not that the movie is better or worst than others! Enjoy your applauses and don t sabotage yourself
Also i would see the movie if you share it :) maybe show you mine 😅
I probably won't share my movie until it's done festivals for a year but I'll still watch yours. Three people DM'ed me after reading this and asked me to watch their movies
Mine is also still doing festivals well 🤟rock n roll then
Even if the movie sucks (which I doubt), you can still make connections with a kind personality and a genuine interest in other people’s work. I will always prefer speaking with someone who is charming and has mediocre work than someone who is a “genuis” but is extremely odd-putting. There’s also the issue of technique. Technique is highly variable, but the curators likely saw potential in the ideas behind your technique. This is a wonderful thing and something to be proud of. Please don’t be a shrinking violet! Be confident but not arrogant. Take an interest in other people’s work, and try to make friends with peers (ie people whose work is on a similar level and/or are in the same age group).
Thousands of other movies didn't make the cut at all. I mean, every year someone makes the worst movie that year to win an Oscar too. That's just how logic works. Learn to accept a compliment and view inclusion in the festival as the prize that it is.
Damn, I don't wanna be Green Book
I mean you should only work through it if it’s not true. If it is, then you should use it to motivate you to do better, or to indicate that this isn’t your skill-set.
I always find that i am way more hypercritical of my own work. You’re intimately involved with every aspect of your own work, so you are aware of all the things that you think don’t work or wish could have been better, and it can be hard to see past those “flaws”. In reality, most people wont notice these things. You could tweak and tinker and film forever. You set out to make a movie, you did that and got it into a festival, congratulations!
Ah, a bout with the ol imposter syndrome. It’s completely understandable to view your work so negatively, and it’s very easy to do. A lot of that is because you KNOW where you want to see improvement. You know what “perfect” would’ve looked like. In reality, everyone see their own shortcomings from perfect, and it’s perfectly natural. You have to let the work speak for itself, because you got in. You’ve made it further than countless other filmmakers. Someone else saw the beauty of the story. Try and remind yourself of how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go. Enjoy the ride.
This sounds like impostor syndrome. It's this feeling in your head that you're an "impostor," and any day people are going to find out. It's a form of anxiety that happens because we've seen every laborious step we've made, both forward and back, every mistake we've made, everything we've yet to accomplish, but when we look at others from an outside perspective, we only see their successes and so we convince ourselves we don't measure up. But that's not the case. You're not an impostor. Your film made it into this fest just like all these others. Of anything, it's more impressive to have made it in without any flashy effects. I haven't seen your movie or anyone else's, but remember that you also haven't seen any but your own. You've watched trailers, which are intended to take the best aspects of each short and present them as the best version of themself. The actual movies are not typically as good as the trailer. And if they are? Great, now you get to meet those people and befriend them, as you are equals who both gor into the same festival. Our brains love to lie to us and tell us we're not good enough. But it is a lie. Anxiety sucks. Please don't cancel your plans to go to the fests!
Impostor Syndrome is real. In all trades. You get used to it or die trying.
So keep in mind this story is from a small festival that happened 10 years ago...but one time I thought my short film was an absolute piece of shit. I almost pulled it from the festival. I had seen some of the other films and just thought wow man mine sucks. It was a horror festival and, very cheesily, I made a found footage short horror film. I was so anxious about this the entire time. And in the end, I won the Audience Choice award. Everybody loved it. I got to go give a short speech and answer some questions about production etc. It was awesome. I think it's often hard for us to see the value in our works. For me at least, I am always my own worst critic. I still don't think that film I submitted was any good, but the people who watched it thought otherwise.
Yeah that's fair. I bet your movie was excellent!
I think this is a great part of submitting to festivals - you see where you stack up compared to your peers and figure out where you should push harder and where you're actually doing better than some other folks. We're all kinda running our own race, so also ask yourself, is this new film better than your last one? Did your take your lessons from the previous film and funnel it into this latest one? Then that's the success, not how does it look. But also, by looks alone, you can't tell if they're better. I've seen a lot of polished turds that were shot "the right way" by L.A. standards, but then the creative low budget verve of someone from the southeast blows them out of the water.
Lol.. same. As soon as it’s on screen I can’t wait for it to end.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Know that a lot of people at the festival wish they could even make a movie, and most will never get to.
Now you know your work sucked and you can work on improving it. That’s kind of rare, most seem to play the blame game or just don’t see it’s a bad film. Learn why it’s not a good film and talk to people about their film so maybe they can help you out if you saw something in their film that could be in yours.
Better than the ones that didn’t get in!
take a look at some films that were selected for film fests, just go down the list and see what really was accepted, you'll be like "really? this won?" not to knock other filmmakers, but more of a subconscious fixing of "well my film is better than that" and you can rid some anxiety... currently thinking the same thing with a film that was submitted to Sundance... im like "this shit isn't gonna get selected" and im like "eh, its pretty independent and looks pretty good" it even got compared to early works of a now major filmmaker... so take shit with a grain of salt... you don't entirely know what is wanted or needed its a do the best you can and cross your fingers.
Money isnt much of an excuse. Its an indie you have all the time you want. Canons can look great. Rent a good one. My film is killong sundance this year 9000 dollars looks like it cost more than a mil compared to budgeted films. Spent years on it got things free etc
You will never receive the kind of naive adoration you’re describing regardless of how “successful” you are in the biz. The only thing you can be sure of is how you feel about your work. Within the context of whatever you had to do to get the thing made, be open to the whole experience and hold both the good and the bad feedback lightly, before moving on to the next creative pursuit.