moviemaking

The UNITED FILM FESTIVAL

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Films & Screenplays

The United Film Festival offers the opportunity for filmmakers to submit to six unique festivals in Los Angeles, New York, London, San Francisco, Chicago, and Tulsa. With a different programming committee in each city along with rolling deadlines, they are able to showcase a diverse line-up of narratives, documentaries, and shorts.

UFF offer special United Packages to submit to all six cities at once, or three cities of your choosing. Submitters also have the option of adding Feedback to their submission, allowing them to receive notes from our programming committee after the festivals.

UFF Screenwriting Contest offers even more opportunities to both short and feature screenwriters in Comedy, Drama, and Horror/Thriller categories.

New York , Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Tulsa, London – Go to the website and be a part of the UFF 2013.

Voted among the “25 Coolest Film Festivals” by MovieMaker Magazine, UFF presents thought-provoking Q&As with industry and celebrity guests in an intimate and welcoming setting. Held in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles at two historic venues, UFF takes full advantage of its exciting Hollywood locale, and draws passionate crowds of film-lovers who enjoy the dynamic slate of humorous, touching, and innovative programming presented. Special events at past festivals have included the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to screenwriter Carl Gottlieb (Jaws), actor Dabney Coleman (War Games), and Oscar-nominated director Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond).

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
United Film Festival’s focus is to bring together talented filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, thus creating a “United” showcase of creative energy and talent. It is a film festival for everyone, and a place where art and community come together.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
All narrative, documentary, and short films are in competition for both Jury and Audience Awards, and the festival additionally presents an award for Best Student Short Film. Winners receive filmmaking software to aid their future projects, and are honored with an engraved trophy at the Awards Night ceremonies. What’s more, filmmakers can purchase feedback from the programming committee, and discounted “United Special” packages are available for filmmakers wishing to submit their work to more than one UFF event.

For the chance to exhibit your work and enjoy networking opportunities with industry players and like-minded artists, submit your film to the United Film Festival today!

 

 

 

 

The Florida Film Festival 2013

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22 Annual April 05, 2013 to April 14, 2013

Each year the Florida Film Festival premieres the best in current, independent, and international cinema. Now in our 22nd year, we invite movie lovers to discover the world waiting for them in the dark. This year’s Festival features more than 160 cutting-edge films, some 100 visiting filmmakers and special guests, and special events you’ll never forget.

An oasis for both film lovers and filmmakers in the Southeast, the Florida Film Festival is an annual showcase for the best in American Independent and Foreign Cinema. This 10 day celebration of filmmakers and their art includes an American Independent Film Competition for features, docs, shorts, and animation, along with an International Showcase, Spotlight Films (those already with distribution), Midnight Movies, Florida Student Works, Special Screenings,Tributes, Special Guests, Panels & Seminars, parties, and more. The programming is dominated however, by the American Independent Film Competition, where films are eligible for Grand Jury Awards, Special Jury Awards, and Audience Awards.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Florida Film Festival was named one of the top 10 festivals in the world by festival guru Chris Gore in his 2001 edition of The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, 2nd Edition. Nestled in at number eight (alongside such prestigious events as Sundance, Toronto, Cannes, Berlin, and SXSW), the Festival continues to showcase the best in American independent and foreign cinema.

In recent years, special guests and forum hosts included Barry Levinson, Cloris Leachman, Glenn Close, Ken Russell, Jon Voight, Emma Stone, Edward James Olmos, Allison Anders, Gabriel Byrne, Jason Lee, Joe Pantoliano, Ed Burns, Campbell Scott, James Caan, Alan Rudolph, Leelee Sobieski, Peter Falk, Judy Greer, Peter Bogdanovich, Chazz Palminteri, John Waters, Joan Chen, Anthony Bourdain, Jennifer Tilly, Malcolm McDowell, and Mary Stuart Masterston. Past years’ guests include Oliver Stone, Gena Rowlands, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Steve Buscemi, and William H. Macy. Festival seminars have included such film industry notables as Bingham Ray, Victor Nunez and Blair Witch creators Dan Myrick and Ed Sanchez; cinematographers Haskell Wexler and Bill Butler; animators Bill Plympton and Corky Quakenbush; screenwriters Shane Black, Mike Werb and Guinevere Turner; distributors Bob Berney and Tom Prassis; and producers Gale Anne Hurd, Mike Medavoy, and Roger Corman.

The Florida Film Festival is pleased to announce it has been accepted as a qualifying festival for the Oscars in the category of both live action and animated short films. The winners of the Grand Jury Awards for Best Short in those categories will automatically qualify to enter the Live Action Short Film and Animated Short Film categories of the next years’ Academy Awards.

The Florida Film Festival’s primary sponsor is Full Sail University.

LA COMEDY SHORTS and SCRIPTS

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Los Angeles, California – USA, April 4 to 7, 2013

LA Comedy Shorts (and LA Comedy Scripts) CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Regular Deadline ends November 6th, 2012 so submit your comedy short film or comedy screenplay/TV script now.

NEW for 2013: now accepting comedy TV spec scripts!

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
LA Comedy Shorts (and LA Comedy Scripts) is dedicated to getting talent noticed while offering filmmakers and screenwriters an incredible festival experience in the heart of the entertainment industry.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
LACS is proud to offer cash prizes in a variety of categories, including Best Comedy Short, Best Comedy Animated Short, Best Comedy Student Film, Best Feature Comedy Script, Best Half-Hour Comedy TV Pilot Script, and Best Half-Hour Comedy TV Spec Script. In addition to cash awards, screenwriting winners will receive airfare and accommodation reimbursement (up to $1,000 USD). All winners receive industry software and meetings with management and production companies, and attending filmmakers are granted VIP passes to all screenings and special events.

LA Comedy Shorts (and LA Comedy Scripts) concludes with a red carpet gala, complete with the hottest faces in comedy on hand to present top-notch prizes. For your chance to take part, submit your comedic short film or script today!

The 5th Annual LA Comedy Shorts (and LA Comedy Scripts) (LACS), is proving that short-form filmmaking can yield huge laughs and attract big crowds. Named one of the “Top Ten Film Festivals in the United States” by The Brooks Institute and twice voted among the “25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by Moviemaker Magazine, LACS is a premier opportunity for comedic filmmakers and screenwriters to have their voices heard by industry professionals who can advance careers.

Featuring four nights of unforgettable parties and networking opportunities, LACS draws some of the biggest and best names in the business – with judges and panelists including Bryan Cranston, Julie Bowen, Aisha Tyler, Wayne Brady, Key and Peele, and Bob Odenkirk – and is sponsored by outlets like Cartoon Network, Funny or Die, Atom TV, and Freemantle’s Atomic Wedgie. The result is a festival that’s packed with opportunities to make connections, swap stories, seek out advice, and share in a few laughs. Festival winners are guaranteed industry meetings, and more than a dozen writers and filmmakers have secured development deals as a direct result of the festival.

Over the past four years, winning scripts and films at LACS have been requested by esteemed industry players like CAA, Disney, Gersh, Benderspink, and ICM. Tom Hoffman with Fremantle Media (American Idol, America’s Got Talent) says of LACS: “We’ve found many talented comedy filmmakers since year-one, and only expect to find more in the years to come.”


PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL

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Now Accepting Films and Screenplays for the 2013 Phoenix Film Festival

Phoenix, Arizona – USA
April 4 to 11, 2013

UPCOMING DEADLINE
October 29, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Phoenix Film Foundation is a non-profit organization whose programs promote the exhibition of independent films and conduct educational outreach that teach the art of independent filmmaking, with the goal of supporting artistic appreciation within and outside of Arizona.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Filmmakers and fans alike rave about the festival’s program and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. “Almost every screening I had was sold out, or close to it,” remembers Kurt Kunne, director of Shuffle. “The staff couldn’t [have been] more welcoming, the events were terrific and the feeling of fraternity between the filmmakers there was really special. I made more friends at the Phoenix Film Festival than at any of my other stops on the festival circuit this past year.”

Last year, the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theater transitioned to an all-digital projection format prompting multiple filmmakers to acclaim that PFF offered the crispest image on the festival circuit. Phoenix Film Festival loves films and the people who love making and watching them. To add your voice and enthusiasm to the next installment, submit to the Phoenix Film Festival today!

The 13th Annual Phoenix Film Festival (PFF), is an eight-day celebration of filmmakers, storytelling, and the creative community. Offering fantastic crowds, incredible parties, and great networking opportunities, PFF is not only the largest film festival in Arizona, it’s some of the most fun you can have on the festival circuit. The festival’s homebase is the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theater, where seven screens are commandeered for a program that includes more than 150 films and attracts 23,000 attendees each year. With all of the excitement contained to one state-of-the-art venue, PFF truly fosters great relationship-building between filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Participating in PFF increases visibility and prestige for filmmakers and their films in ways that have successfully launched careers; each feature film in competition will screen a minimum of three times during opening weekend, with additional screenings available for winning films. All participating feature filmmakers are treated to a complimentary five-night hotel stay. All exhibiting filmmakers, regardless of their film’s length, will also receive two VIP passes that guarantee front-of-the-line access to premiere screenings and parties.

Though the focus of PFF is on independent films and the talents who make them, the festival has also attracted a broad range of celebrity guests, including Academy Award-winners Marcia Gay Harden and Cuba Gooding, Jr., Academy Award-nominees Peter Fonda and Laurence Fishburne, and acclaimed filmmaker John Waters. PFF and its staff are dedicated to connecting filmmakers with like-minded artists and warmly welcoming all guests, from up-and-coming talents to established industry veterans.

 

The New Media Film Festival

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Los Angeles, California – USA
June 11 to 12, 2013     Upcoming Deadline: November 3

The New Media Film Festival is an event held annually that celebrates the interactivity of new technologies and formats for Media and Cinema with global consciousness. A festival that Honor Stories Worth Telling that are created by people of All Ages-All Cultures-All Media.

It showcases 3D and animated shorts, web series, mobile media, apps, and music videos, awarding over $45,000 in prizes and offering distribution to non-traditional and web-based filmmakers of the digital era.

The 4th Annual New Media Film Festival connects filmmakers from around the world with industry leaders in Los Angeles. New Media Film Festival presents a dynamic slate across 17 categories, including feature-length projects, tablet-based media, web series, 3D films, music videos, animation, and more. In addition to a personalized movie slate award, winners in each competitive category receive a combined $45,000 USD worth of in-kind prizes, including an on-demand webinar of their choice and an industry resource book connecting them with professionals who can provide career-launching exposure.

This year’s New Media Film Festival opened with an exciting spread of terrific stories, including the Los Angeles premiere of Ray Bradbury’s Kaleidoscope. Additional festival highlights include the world premiere of the Swedish drama A Secret, and an industry panel featuring the minds behind some of the most beloved web series, including Emmy-nominated writer Jane Espenson (Buffy, the Vampire Slayer). The New Media Film Festival proudly exhibits “The Best in New Media: What’s New, What’s Next…honoring stories worth telling.” Submit today!

The THIN LINE FILM FEST

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Texas’ International Documentary Film Festival

UPCOMING DEADLINE
October 31, 2012 – Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Thin Line Film Festival aims to educate and entertain Texas audiences through the presentation of the best and most relevant documentary films from around the world. It strives to create a high-quality festival experience for all filmmakers, attendees, and volunteers.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Particularly adventurous festival guests can register for the DocuDenton 7K: a race to create a short documentary on a subject unique to Denton, Texas. For this exciting competition, teams of one or more draw a random topic from a hat and then have five days in which to shoot and edit a short documentary. Every film that finishes on time is screened during a special event at the festival and competes for a cash prize. Registration for DocuDenton 7K includes an all-day workshop with Dallas-based documentary filmmaker Mark Birnbaum (Swingman).

Documentarians: Whether you are looking for a dynamic slate of films, a bit of healthy competition, or the big-hearted spirit of Texas, the Thin Line Film Festival has it all. Submit today!

Thin Line welcomes filmmakers who push the boundaries of their craft. The festival explores the full depth of the documentary genre, celebrating hybrid forms such as docufictions, mockumentaries, docudramas, animated documentaries, and others, alongside more traditionally structured films. Thin Line recognizes that a documentary is driven not only by the facts it employs but also by the innate creativity of its maker, and the festival applauds that creativity above all else. Thin Line even slips a “fake” documentary in among the “real” ones each year – and doesn’t tell you which is which.

Nearly every film screened at Thin Line is followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, and this year, $20,000 USD in cash and prizes will be awarded to the best long-form and short-form documentaries. The festival also puts an emphasis on establishing community and camaraderie amongst attendees; between Thin Line screenings, visitors enjoy parties, rock out with local bands, participate in a wide variety of industry panels and lectures, and explore the local Texan culture. As a fully walkable festival, Thin Line gives its guests absolute freedom to enjoy this celebratory experience exactly as they wish.

2013 QUEENS WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

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New York, New York – USA
March 5 to 9, 2013
 
Upcoming Deadline: November 1

QWFF celebrates the independent filmmaking spirit by encouraging the novice and the student filmmaker, featuring filmmakers who take chances to bring us challenging stories and by providing screening opportunities for that overlooked, yet gem of a film.

The 3rd Annual Queens World Film Festival (QWFF) creates a robust and exciting program aimed at launching careers and thrilling audiences. Always putting the filmmaker first, QWFF provides top-notch screening experiences at unique venues, and groups films thematically to maximize marketing and press opportunities. The festival hosts additional screenings for its festival films throughout the calendar year, providing talented artists with plenty of opportunities to make their voices heard.

Last year’s opening night gala, hosted at the renowned Museum of the Moving Image, unveiled five world premieres, three New York premieres, and welcomed a sold-out crowd. Taking place in one of the most dynamic boroughs of New York City, itself one of the most diverse communities in the world, QWFF is more than a great place to tell and enjoy cinematic stories; it’s an ideal environment in which to hatch your next great idea. Submit your work to the Queens World Film Festival today and discover the incredible community, support, and exposure opportunities for yourself!

 

Festivus Film Festival

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6 Annual January 23, 2013 to January 27, 2013

Over the years Festivus Film Festival has received coverage from virtually every major media outlet in Denver.

We’re very excited to announce that the sixth annual FESTIVUS Film Festival is coming up January 23-27, 2013!

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
REAL indie flicks for REAL indie fans!

FESTIVUS Film Festival was created to support and encourage independent film and filmmakers. We strive to provide the best possible platform for filmmakers to present your work to the public. Add to that: healthy screening attendance, plenty of networking opportunities, and parties you will tell your children about. This is the film festival event that you do not want to miss.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Festivus Film Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality indie films to our awesome Denver audience.

Our organization began in 2007 as a response to what we saw as a independent film vacuum in Denver. Our humble, yet promising Festivus Film Festival 2008 was our first attempt to fill that vacuum. After rave reviews we decided we were on to something. Fast forward to the present, and we’re now in the planning stages of Festivus Film Festival 2013, our 6 year anniversary! After being named one of the 20 Coolest Film Festivals in the US by Moviemaker Magazine, our 2012 fest was our biggest yet. Coverage from virtually every major media outlet in Denver, dedicated and passionate volunteers, edgy high-quality programming, and an exciting and fresh brand has made us one of the hottest young festivals in North America. Festivus Film Festival is the can’t miss event where you can see great new indie flicks, meet talented up-and-coming filmmakers, and party like it’s the last day on earth.

Year 5 was our best season yet, and we’re building on all our success to make Year 5 even better. Films are once again screening at two very historic favorites: the Bug Theatre and the Oriental Theater. Our passholder’s lounge will be located at the Next Gallery directly across from the Bug Theatre. Nightlife events will be held at a variety of top-notch venues around the Denver area. We’ve even added a 5th day to pack in more action for our filmmakers and film fans. Stay posted to the website for updates and a detailed schedule!
ORGANIZERS
Johnathan McFarlane (Festival Director) ; Johnathan McFarlane (Festival Director) ; Kate O’Neill ; Kate O’Neill ; Kate O’Neill ; Kate O’Neill ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim DeMasters ; Tim Sorensen

FIRSTGLANCE FILM FESTIVAL

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Hollywood, California – USA
April 13 to 15, 2013

UPCOMING DEADLINE
November 1, 2012 – Late Deadline

Named one of the “Best Film Festival Investments” by Movie Maker Magazine and “One of the Festivals for the Rest of Us” by Time Magazine, FirstGlance has become a leader in mid-sized film festivals.

Applauded by filmmakers and attendees as one of the best programmed festivals, FirstGlance accepts all genres and shows an amazing mix of short and feature length films, the best indie films on the festival circuit, before they hit theaters.  Audiences vote for “Best of the Fest” and are invited to come mix and mingle with filmmakers, cast and crew at great after parties.

FirstGlance Film Fests brings indie filmmakers and audiences together all year long too!  With our short online contests, and our “Show Us Your Shorts” mixers and screenings, FirstGlance Independent Film Festivals works to get filmmakers the attention they deserve.

FirstGlance Film Fest Philly and FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood offer filmmakers great prize packages, Theatrical and digital distribution opportunities, filmmaker awards and a personal touch not matched by any other festival.

FirstGlance continues to refine and improve upon its already stellar reputation each season. This year, FirstGlance’s “Best of the Fest” winner will nab a red carpet premiere and a one-week theatrical run in a 450-seat, state-of-the-art theater on the Las Vegas Strip, valued at $35,000 USD. All Official Selections will be honored with an awards package and a complimentary all-access festival pass valued at $150.

In the past six years, more than 90% of features programmed at FirstGlance have earned theatrical distribution or online distribution through cable, VOD, and online retailers. By offering such exposure and networking opportunities, FirstGlance proves it is more than a festival that draws locals to a few good films – it’s an experience dedicated to providing talented filmmakers with the exposure and contacts they need to build an exciting and fruitful career.

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
FirstGlance provides a casual, competitive forum in which professional, first-time, and student filmmakers can exhibit and promote their creative endeavors. The festival has a long history of mixing amazing indie films with the best that Hollywood has to offer.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
To assist with the marketing and promotional efforts of its Official Selections, FirstGlance offers the Filmmaker Incentive Program – allowing independent filmmakers who may have budget constraints to take full advantage of the advertising power of the festival. All Official Selections can take part, free of charge, in the FirstGlance trailer network – a network that has gleaned more than three million views on streaming partners including YouTube, Facebook, MetaCafe, and Twitter. It’s no wonder that Joseph A. Garcia (Producer, The Butcher) gushes, “FirstGlance is an amazing festival.”

Notable alumni of FirstGlance Film Fests include Jeff Wadlow (Kick Ass 2), Michael Rymer (Battlestar Galactica), Laurie Seidman (Medium), as well as Bryce Dallas Howard, Mary Stuart Masterson, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Danica McKellar, to name just a few.

Whether you’re looking for a career boost or just a great Los Angeles screening experience, submit your film to the FirstGlance Film Festival Hollywood today!

 

 


United Film Festival – Screenwriting Contest

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2013 Season
Los Angeles – April / May
New York – May
London – June
San Francisco – Aug./Sept.
Chicago – Sept.
Tulsa – Oct.

This contest offers an amazing opportunity for screenwriters with work in many different genres. Visit the Submissions section of our website for more information on how to submit.

Along with submitting your script, you may also choose to purchase Script Coverage of your submission, which offers more in-depth analysis of your submission, including an evaluation of Originalty, Story Structure, Characterization, Dialogue, and Mechanics. Submission fees will increase as we get closer to our final deadline so submit today!

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The United Film Festival Screenwriting Contest, now in its third year, is an opportunity for the United Film Festival to continue to grow our expansive United network and provide a forum for those who often get overlooked in the world of film production – “the screenwriter.” The United Film Festival screens cutting-edge independent films and highly acclaimed classic movies with the audience in mind in six unique cities -Los Angeles, New York, London, San Francisco, Chicago, and Tulsa.

After ten years running successful filmmakers in these cities, our commitment to bringing together talented filmmakers and screenwriters from diverse backgrounds, thus creating a “United” showcase of creative energy and talent, has extended to our Screenwriting Contest. We are commited to providing opportunities for our large and constantly growing network of filmmakers through outlets including our distribution division, United Films. As of 2012, United Films acts as a sales representative for over 50 independent titles, many of whom are United Film Festival alumni or former submitters.

Our Screenwriting Contest calls for short and feature scripts in the following categories: Drama, Comedy, and Horror/Thriller. We will announce three finalists in each category (Feature-length Drama, Feature-length Comedy, Feature length Horror/Thriller, Short Drama, Short Comedy, Short Horror/Thriller) in April 2013 and winners will be announced and honored at the United Film Festival – Los Angeles in May 2013.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
A Tulsa native filmmaker, Jason Connell and his production company Connell Creations founded the United Film Festival – Tulsa ten years ago, expanding to Los Angeles & New York in 2007 and San Francisco, Chicago, & London in 2009. As a result of these six unique festivals, we have built a large network of filmmakers and in 2011, we continued to expand that network by creating a forum solely for screenwriters with the United Film Festivals Screenwriting Contest. Winners are honored at the United Film Festival – Los Angeles.

United Films, the distribution division of Connell Creations and the United Film Festival, continues to support the United network by offering opportunities to filmmakers beyond our festival. We have celebrated many successes through this avenue, and many of those films were originally United Film Festival submissions.

Another way we connect to our network of filmmakers and screenwriters is by offering an option for submitters to receive Coverage, designed to provide valuable insight by sharing comments from our Reading committee. Coverage is optional and can be added to any submission.

In addition to creating the United Film Festival, Jason Connell directed and produced the heartwarming documentary “Strictly Background” in 2008, and has produced critically acclaimed films such as “The Rock-afire Explosion,” “Cleanflix,” “Gabi on the Roof in July,” and “Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians.”

Our United Film Festival – Los Angeles, where Screenwriting Contest finalists will be honored, takes place at the Los Feliz 3 Cinemas.

Los Feliz 3 Cinemas
1822 Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

United Film Festival
http://www.theunitedfest.com