ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years ago - Chris Aitken

As someone who runs a comedy short film programme/festival it depends on what you're after? If you really believe in your film as a great piece of comedy then surely you really want it in with that competition. Although you might not win a prize being in a strong programme can be it's own reward. It has also been said to me by some of the filmmakers that I've screened that their comedy films do stand out in other festivals, but not in a good way. I can't speak for other non-comedy festivals but I find they can be more kinder to longer shorts with comedy but is maybe more focussed upon the story than the comedy, which is not a bad thing. If you believe your film is suitable for a certain festival and want to go for it, then do so. There's no harm in admitting your film might not be for certain festivals.

11 years ago - Pierre Stefanos

It sounds like a broader comedy, so yes, I would encourage the mainstream fests being the first recipients. I could be wrong but I do think the comedy fests may be more interested in the laugh-out-loud comedies more so. Either way, best of luck!

11 years ago - Pierre Stefanos

Hi Steve,

Not a silly question at all, though perhaps one which puts the cart before the horse. Worry about awards after you've made a great short.

That said, while my first short was a comedy and did very well at mainstream festivals, it did not play in any of the 3 comedy fests I entered it in. So I cannot speak to the initial question you've asked about one vs the other, but I did win a number of Audience Awards at the ones it did play.

As for what a mainstream festival may favor in terms of its jury prize, it's wholly dependent on the type of festival (international, regional, local) and the jury itself. Short dramas that are good are rare, hence when made well, they would likely win a major international festival. A strong comedy may have a better chance at a smaller festival where the dramas are just okay. But again, make a great award-worthy film first, then worry if it will get into your first choice fests, and then wonder about awards. A Sundance short from 3 years ago never won a single award that I'm aware of, but played at least 50-70 fests internationally and helped its director get his now-acclaimed feature debut made.

10 years, 12 months ago - Steve Ramsden

Many thanks!

11 years ago - Steve Ramsden

Thanks Pierre and Chris - I'm asking as I'm in the final stages of finishing a new short which most people I've tested it on seem to find rather funny and relatable (more funny as in 'yes we've all had that happen' rather than trying too hard to get laughs-out-loud). So broadly I guess it counts as a comedy. Perhaps I should try entering it in mainstream fests as well as comedy ones and see how they respond. Many thanks, Steve