Скачать или смотреть How Film Festivals REALLY Work | Sound & Scope Podcast | Ep. 11

Most filmmakers waste hundreds sometimes thousands submitting to the wrong film festivals.
In this episode, we tell you how to stop.

This episode of the Sound & Scope Podcast is recorded on location at Tees Valley International Film Festival and we’re joined by Katie & Ian Bignell from Festival Formula, film festival strategists with 21 years’ experience helping filmmakers submit smarter, not harder.

If you’ve ever asked:
“Is this festival legit?”
“Am I wasting submission fees?”
“Should I hold out for Sundance, Cannes or Berlin… or just get my film seen?”

This episode is for you!

We break down:
Why film festivals feel like a minefield - and how to navigate them properly
The rise of questionable festivals, award mills, and submission traps
Why the “big shiny festivals” (Cannes, Sundance, Berlinale, SXSW) want a very specific flavour of film
Premiere rules: when they matter, when they don’t, and how they can quietly derail your release
Why the real goal isn’t just laurels - it’s finding your audience
Online vs hybrid vs in-person festivals: what’s actually worth it heading into 2026

Because the brutal truth is simple:
If no one’s watching your film… what’s the point of making it?

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🎬 Want Festival Formula to look at your film?
They offer free feedback and guidance for filmmakers:
👉 fhttps://www.festivalformula.com (contact form)

This episode is co-produced with Tees Valley International Film Festival, recorded live during the festival weekend.

For More info please visit - https://www.tviff.co.uk
Submissions are now open for TVIFF 2026 "The greatest celebration of creative media the world has ever known!" - https://filmfreeway.com/TeesValleyInt...

Chapters:
Introducing Festival Formula and Their Mission to Filmmakers 00:00
How Film Festivals Have Changed Over Two Decades 02:30
Connecting with Your Audience at the Right Film Festival 04:53
What Makes a Film Festival Genuinely Welcoming for Filmmakers 07:29
Why Chasing Only Top-Tier Festivals Can Be a Mistake 13:37
Understanding Online, Hybrid, and Monthly Film Festival Legitimacy 18:23

#Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmFestivals #ShortFilm #FilmFreeway #filmfestivals #IndependentFilmmaker