Steven Hindes’ Post

Sundance just announced their Official Selections for their 2025 season… but along with the associated acceptance notification emails comes a slew of rejection notifications. For those of you who had your fingers crossed for an early Christmas surprise and are instead left with a Sundance-branded lump of coal, take heart… Some 2024 Sundance Stats: 17,435 total submissions Features: 5,000+ Shorts: 12,000+ Of the 5,000+ features submitted, approximately 2,700 were international Of the 17,435 films submitted, 4,200 were docs (shorts & features). What was Programmed: 135 total films (.0077% of all submissions) 82 feature-length films (.015%) and 53 short films (.004%), both scripted and documentary And, if you’re not already an alumnus, or didn’t go through one of their Sundance Labs, or don’t have a Hollywood star in your cast, your chance for an acceptance is probably even lower. This is why Sundance is considered a “lottery ticket” festival. Can an unknown filmmaker be accepted? Sure, it can happen. But can you count on that ‘win’ to pay next month’s rent, so to speak? If it’s any consolation, you’re in good company, with many Hollywood directors having been rejected by Sundance early in their careers, including Richard Linklater, Ava DuVarnay, Damien Chazelle and Christopher Nolan! The good news is, there are plenty of reputable festivals capable of giving your film great exposure! While not all film festivals are created equal, many are fantastic opportunities for networking, to build your fanbase, for press, to gain reviews, and potentially may lead to distribution. As a festival programmer for the Garden State Film Festival, I can tell you we're currently in the process of making our schedule for our 2025 event... and we're going to end up rejecting some very good films, as we do every year. Believe me, some of these decisions are tough. It’s important to remember that, if a film festival rejects your film, they are not rejecting YOU. Your film was just not a good fit for them for whatever reason that year. It's so subjective, and reasons can vary... Please know that most festival programmers are filmmakers themselves, and we understand the sting of a rejection. We feel your pain. We're always rooting for you and, if you are not accepted this year, please don't let that discourage you from submitting your next film to us in the future. Keep making your art - we're all in this together! Spend the time to do the research and you will find festivals where your film is celebrated, and you will find your film family! If you haven’t yet watched my free webinar, I recommend you set aside 40 minutes and learn how you can Master Your Film Festival Strategy Like an Insider (Without Making Costly Mistakes in the Process)! Start planning now for your 2025 Festival run! https://lnkd.in/epPGzngW

As challenging as it is to produce an independent film, everything that comes after can be just as difficult. From researching which festivals to apply to, getting the film in front of the intended audience, to finding the right partners for distribution, each step can bring stress and confusion. It often leads us to ask ourselves, “Am I doing the most I can with this piece of art?” For many of us independent film producers, our instinct is to submit our work to film festivals. Personally, I’ve found that with so many festivals out there, it can be hard to determine which ones are worth applying to. How much value do we truly gain from a laurel or from an in-person screening versus an online one? Christine and I had an experience with the Spotlight International Film Festival that completely shifted my perspective on the value these programs can provide to independent filmmakers. Not only did it give us an opportunity to screen "Seen", but it also granted us access to the #AmericanFilmMarket. This experience demystified so much of the journey between completing a short or independent film and getting it in front of the audience it’s meant for. The knowledge we gained made the entire trip to Las Vegas worthwhile—not to mention the opportunity to share our art, connect with talented filmmakers, and learn more about this industry. Grateful for this experience and excited to share "Seen" with everyone in 2025! 💜

What impact does redefining theatrical success have on the film industry? Redefining theatrical success can lead to a more sustainable and audience-centric approach in the film industry, encouraging innovation in content creation and distribution strategies. Read more: [Link to the Hollywood Reporter article](https://lnkd.in/dKyVeWDv)

Interesting article from The Age about the challenges for indie film producers from across the ditch.

🎥 Want to land deals at the European Film Market #EFM? It’s all about preparation and strategy. Learn 5 proven tips to attract movie deals in Berlin. 🌟 👉 Link in comment

New Rules: navigating film’s unfixed future Launched earlier this year New Rules is a series from WeTransfer that aims to demystify the ever-changing creative industry today and explores how to thrive as an artist when so much around you seems to be in a constant state of flux. This series on the film industry, with insider knowledge from a fantastic group of filmmakers and producers, including Opal Films’ own Octavia Peissel https://lnkd.in/ea8NgfBG

Really interesting article from the fascinating Stephen Follows His work usually has great research. His analysis of what to make to win the Oscar for Best Short Film is both hilarious and useful. Everyone has a Substack now, but I’m looking forward to reading this one.

“I always like to tell any new filmmakers that making the film is just half the battle, now it’s time to get people, not just your family and friends, to see your work, And that’s up to you. Now you’ve become the salesman. Get them in the door." -Joe Carabeo Why do Film Festivals matter for the independent filmmaker? The landscape is changing fast. Brands can also make use of the awareness that festivals provide. Check out this article penned by our Founder, Cameron Kit, posted on Short Movie Club. #filmfestival #festivalstrategy #filmfestivals #independentfilm #brandawareness #earnedmedia

Film Festivals: Launchpad for Global Success Discover how film festivals propel independent films to global success! This video showcases inspiring stories of filmmakers pushing boundaries and celebrating diverse voices, highlighting the journey of films like 'The Florida Project' from Cannes premiere to global acclaim. Learn how festivals provide crucial platforms for innovative storytelling. #FilmFestivals #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #CannesFilmFestival #TheFloridaProject #IndieFilmmakers #Storytelling #MovieAwards #FilmCommunity #CreativeIndustry

Recent big-budget films like The Fall Guy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Mad Max: Furiosa have chosen NSW for production, highlighting a strong local film sector. However, industry bodies warn of a skilled crew shortage and insufficient production spaces. Despite NSW's new screen strategy, local filmmakers seek more funding and statutory support to produce unique Australian content, with fears that global productions may shift focus if these challenges aren't addressed. #NSWFilmIndustry #ScreenStrategy #FilmSectorChallenges #AustralianFilm #FilmProduction #CreativeIndustries #MovieMaking #FilmPolicy #FilmFunding #ScreenSector #FilmCrewShortage #NSWGovernment