There are now so many film festivals that entering your film individually can be a huge task. Instead, indie film-makers (and animators) can create one upload to a single portal, and then apply through Film Freeway for as many competitions as you choose to enter.
Film Freeway
Film Freeway is all about entering film festivals. Entering your film project for festivals is a time-consuming job - but it is necessary if you are looking to get exposure for your film and hoping to get your work noticed. Film Freeway makes it all much easier, by allowing you a single upload of your project, which can then be linked to individual festivals.
IMDB
One major advantage of entering your film project into festivals is that this will get your film listed at the The Internet Movie Database. The IMDB, is the principal portal for finding people who work in film and broadcast media. It's where you go to look people up.
Being listed is important. Anyone in the movie business who isn't listed, needs to be.
Getting Listed at IMDB
The simplest way to create a profile of your own at the IMDB is to attach yourself to a project which is already listed on the IMDB. This could be a student film, or a short project which is deemed worthy of inclusion. IMDB don't list every project that gets made - there are simply too many. But if your film is being entered into festivals and - best of all - winning prizes, it will get listed at IMDB.
What does it cost to enter film competitions?
The fees vary immensely - from nothing to quite a lot. First, enter your project for the free ones, then take a hard look at your budget. In the end, it's up to you as to how many festivals you want to enter.
Updating your details at IMDB
Once your film is listed at the IMDB, you can add the names of yourself and your cast and crew to the database. You do this through the IMDB tab marked "update" or "edit page". It takes a little while, and the interface is a bit fiddly, but once you get the hang of it, it works.
Submission of names is not automatic, so be patient. IMDB will review your submissions and, assuming all is well, post them around a week later. Now, with any luck, your name and those of your colleagues are listed online. Now you can start editing your profile, to add your CV, your demo reel, and links to your website. Remember, your goal is to create an online space for yourself as an industry professional.
Sometimes you will see a project at IMDB that should have your name on it, but doesn't. Don't feel aggrieved - it's not personal. All you have to do is go to the project page and update it by adding your name.
For some tips about how best to manage Film Freeway, see this post.
---Alex
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