FAQ Part 2
Q: How do I submit to the festival?
A: Our online submissions instructions will be posted when we open the call for entries on July 1. Until then, we encourage you to invite the friend that you've had longest in the world to take a look at your most recent edit and then be blunt with you. This helps, we swear!
Q: Why do I have to create a "slamdance.com" account?
A: The purpose of opening an account is that so you can save and update your applications (or multiple applications) without losing them, and so that our office staff don't have to enter your information by hand. We've had a lot of people who filled out their application and then lost it before they could finish and print it out. It's also a way for us to make sure that only legitimate users can submit information to our database, and makes it easier for people who do multiple submissions to avoid retyping. It also means that you're registered to comment on the message board or vote for Anarchy films, so feel empowered.
Q: Hey, that's a cool form you've got there! Can I just keep filling it out over and over again?
A:Yes. The web submission process allows you to update your application at any time by clicking the "update" link on the Filmmaker Site Main Page. You can also update your contact information by clicking the "update account" link in the filmmaker account box on any Filmmaker Site page.
Q: OK, so I hit the submit button, but just got some ASP error message. What gives?
A: There may be some bugs in the system, in which case, just email a copy of your error message and send it (with a description of your problem) here.
Q: But I don't want to have to retype all that info on every damn festival application form I fill out - can't you just figure it out from my press kit?
A: Most of the things that we're asking for are things that you'll undoubtedly need for other festival applications, your press kit or your website. If you haven't already written them, now would be a good time. We'd recommend writing these up in whatever word processing software you've got (be it Word, Text, HTML, whatever), and then saving it for later. Then, when you fill out our entry form, you can just copy and paste into the appropriate boxes! Likewise, if you've already written this sort of stuff for some other purpose, it should be no problem to cut and paste into our form - as long as it's text, it should paste in there just fine.
Q: What if I've got multiple directors, producers, etc. - is there room on the form for that?
A: Yes, but make sure you use commas after each name. (But please no "&" or "and".) Except for the cast: In their case, hit "return" and put each one on a new line (though try not to list more than eight people in a single category).
Q: What about all my executive producers, co-executive producers, associate executive producers and assistant producers? Can I list them?
A: We only have limited room for "Producer(s)" - please use it judiciously. Try to only list the one or two people who actually get the "Producer" credit - we don't usually list other producers in our program (unless they're particularly notable).
Q: How should I list my title?
A: If you had a hankerin' for a definite (or indefinite) article in your title (like "the" or "a"), please type it in as "Title, The" rather than "The Title" - and if you've got pretentions of grandeur by insisting on lower case for your entire title, please save it for the poster.
Q: Where it says music, is that the composer or what band is on the soundtrack?
A: It can be either. But if you've got the Rolling Stones on your temp track and don't have the rights, it's best to stop kidding yourself and stick to your cousin Bobby as the composer.
Q: On "running time," should I say the exact number of seconds?
A: No. Please just round to the nearest minute - our system will only accept integers. (So your 3 minute, 20 second short should be entered as "3" rather than "3:20")
Q: What if I haven't had any previous screenings?
A: Just write no previous screenings.
Q: What's a "url"?
A: If your film has its own website (or maybe a page on another festival's website), just copy down the exact web address (including the "http://www." part).
Q: Where do I send my material?
A: Please send all material to our office: Slamdance Film Festival, 5634 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA 90038 USA. If you want to submit your package in person come on down. If it's outside of office hours you can drop it through the mail slot. The office is located on Melrose between Larchmont and Gower, just down from Paramount. There is metered parking in front or free 2 hour parking on Gower. If your package doesn't fit -- don't leave it outside on the street, just go next door for a cup of coffee or across the street to Astroburger and try us again shortly. The Slamdance office is almost always open Monday through Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm, unless we are having an office holiday at the race track.
Q: Can I submit more than one project?
A: Yes, but they should each have separate entry forms, and preferably be on separate DVDs or VHS tapes. You'll of course need to send in the appropriate entry fee for each project. You'll also save on multiple submissions.
Q: When's the submission deadline?
A: The early 2009 submission deadline is Monday August 25th. The final submission deadline is Friday October 10th. As long as your package is postmarked by these deadlines, that's what counts (unless you're sending it by ocean clipper from New Zealand and it gets here in March).
Q: Is there a difference if I apply earlier?
A: Yes. Number one, it's cheaper (early entry fees are $20 less, and you can mail things regular mail rather than overnight). Number two - you'll have the satisfaction of knowing your film is already entered into the festival, and will be watched by programmers that are better rested. Having said that, if you really think you'll have a significantly improved version of your film ready for the late deadline rather than the early one, then by all means go for the late one.
Q: What are the submission fees?
A: The early deadline fee is $25.00 for all films under 40 minutes, and $40.00 for all films 40 minutes and over. The final deadline fee is $45.00 for all films under 40 minutes, and $60.00 for all films 40 minutes and over. Entry fees are payable by check (from a U.S. bank) money order, U.S. travelers cheques in U.S. dollars or credit cards. Slamdance cannot accept bank transfers or western union wires. All fees are non-refundable. All fees payable to: "Slamdance Film Festival." There is a $25 fee for returned checks.
Q: Hey, I'm a poor starving filmmaker - what the hell is up with these outrageous entry fees!!!?
A: As struggling filmmakers ourselves, we feel your pain. Unfortunately, though, it costs a lot of money to put on our little festival (remember, it's held at one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country). Our best suggestion is to submit early (to get the cheaper fee) and to also familiarize yourself with the festival (through the web site, or ask around) to see if your film is the sort of thing that we're likely to consider. When all's said and done, it's a hell of a lot cheaper than submitting to Cannes!
Q: So Slamdance accepts credit cards?
A: Yes, fill in your information through our online submission process.
Q: If I submit a work-in-progress in time for the early deadline, can I resubmit a more finished version a few weeks later?
A: No. Sorry. (We used to allow this sometimes, but with the number of tapes we now get, it just proved too unmanageable. Sorry. Simply list the temporary elements on your DVD or VHS.)
Q: Should I submit a full press kit?
A: No. We should have all the information we need from the aforementioned material. You can log into your Slamdance filmmaker account as frequently as you like to update your information. Slamdance will always have the most recent information on file. You should, however, definitely have press kits standing by, because if we accept your film, we'll need that press kit as soon as possible.
Q: What's the deal with submitting rough cuts? is it worth it?
A: Yes, by far the majority of our submissions are rough cuts in one form or another. Don't panic. Our programmers have learned to assume that the film they are viewing is not finished. If you are really worried, list the temporary elements either in your submission cut, or outside on the tape or DVD itself. Slamdance has also been known to show rough-cuts on video at the festival. You should definitely submit. Remember if you get into the festival, you'll have until late December to finish editing and post.
Q: Do you films on any type of DVD?
A: Yes, we perfer DVDs, and are currently phasing out VHS. However, universal technical standards still don't exist for burning and copying DVDs, so please read the following FAQ carefully. Slamdance invites all projects in all categories to submit on DVD with the following conditions: DVD's must be submitted in plastic safe (amaray) cases. These are the industry standard push-button hub, literature clip, full sleeve for artwork, plastic cases. Size is 5 1/4" by 7 1/2". No other cases of any kind will be accepted. If you do send an alternate case it will be discarded and replaced. Please don't waste money or efforts on artwork that fits other cases. DVD's must be formatted for Zone 1 / North America. International applicants should send ALL REGION DVDs. DVD's must be formatted in MPEG video using the codec of your choice. Neither QuickTime (.mov) or Microsoft (.avi) files are accepted. DVD's must not include labels or stickers of any kind: only laser printed artwork, if any, should be on the disc itself. Many consumer labeling products (like stickers) can actually damage the disc and make it unplayable in our systems. If you are burning a consumer disc please write your Project Title, Film ID# and Contact # on the disc with a black Sharpie pen. PLEASE test your consumer-burned DVD on several makes and models of players BEFORE sending it to our offices. Do not send a DVD and a VHS. Technical problems can delay review of your submission.
Q: Can you return my videotape if I don't get into the festival?
A: Submissions are NON-RETURNABLE. Please do not send original masters. Sorry, we can not return any part of your submission (press kits, video tapes, fancy delivery items, etc.) even if you stop by the office to pick it up in person and ask very nicely. There are just too many submissions to make this possible.
Q: What if we don't have a videotape ready, but we're going to be having a print screening in LA?
A: We get a lot of invitations to screenings during the fall months. Our policy is if your film has been officially submitted, we will forward the screening information onto our programmers. However, we really can't make any promises about getting someone to a screening. Keep in mind, all our programmers are volunteer filmmakers who, likely as not, have to work late at their temp jobs and have to take the bus home 'cause they can't afford gas and car insurance. So PLEASE, for your own sake, do not spend hundreds of dollars setting up a screening just for us. Even if one or two programmers do make it to a screening, we still require a DVD of one sort or another (even if it's only a roughcut video) for the rest of the programmers to view. (If you are having a screening, though, and there's going to be, say, free booze, you should definitely mention it.)
Q: What if I'm a poor European or Australian or Sri Lankan who didn't get enough government subsidies to afford an NTSC version of my film, and can only submit a PAL or SECAM tape?
A: You're in luck! Slamdance is the proud owner of a multisystem TV/VCR. So, yes, we are now happy to take a look at your PAL VHS submission! In addition many of our programmers have multi-region DVD players so if you really can't send an Region 1 DVD, send a foreign version, yes make sure this is clearly marked on your DVD. If you've got a choice, NTSC is still better for us.
Q: What if the film's not in English but I can't afford subtitles?
A: You'd better hope that at least one of our programmers speaks your language. Don't tell the INS, but fortunately our staff includes people who speak Spanish, Korean and Canadian. But remember that if you get in, most of our audiences just speak English - so you may want to think about subtitles.
Q: Right, so I can just send in a personal check from my French bank account payable in Euros?
A: No way, man. No Eurocheques. No personal checks with "Rupee" crossed out and "U.S. dollars" scribbled in. Entry fees must be paid by U.S. addressed bank check, credit card, international money order, or U.S. travelers cheques - in all cases they must be in U.S. dollars. Slamdance can not accept bank transfers or western union wires. Make all checks payable to: "Slamdance Film Festival." Hell, send U.S. cash if you have to!
Q: Can a group of us poor, starving Australians or Sri Lankans or whatever get together and use one international money order and mail in our submissions together?
A: Yes, as long as the fee covers the cost of each individual submission (and it's in U.S. currency), then that's not a bad way to cut back on bank fees and mailing costs. But if you do this, make sure the entries, submission forms and the money order are all really carefully labeled. Another suggestion is to find a friend in the U.S. to pay your fee from their own U.S. bank account and send in the check separately. If you do this, make sure they clearly label the name of the film on the check.
Q: I'm an auteur who doesn't like to be disturbed at home, so should I put my big Hollywood agent down as the contact info on the application form?
A: We would strongly encourage people to put the director down as the primary contact person. At least put down the producer who will be at home and available in November. Our experience shows that producers, agents, lawyers, publicists and producers reps will come and go - but the director rarely changes.
Q: What's that fine print in the rules about requiring that the Grand Jury and Audience winners mention something about you guys in our poster if we get distribution - hey, we love Slamdance, why wouldn't we do that?
A: Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, but unfortunately not all distributors see things that way. The savvy ones happily shout it to the rooftops that it was at Slamdance. But other distributors have failed to see the critical and marketing advantages of mentioning a prize from Slamdance - despite what the filmmakers may have wanted - and frankly, the films haven't always done so well. Coincidence...or just plain chance?
Q: Do you guys ever share your database with anyone else?
A: We have, on rare occasion, shared our database (typically just emails or names and addresses) with organizations that we think might be good for filmmakers to hear from like new distributors. So, if you really, really don't want anyone else to get hold of your address, then let us know. In any case, we will ask you beforehand if sharing your name with another organization is something you want.
Q: What's this Anarchy option on the application?
A: If you have a film under 10 minutes you're eligible for Anarchy - Slamdance's online film competition. Each monthly winner gets two screenings at Slamdance, competing with the other monthly winner for the annual Global Anarchy Award in Park City. Simply write 'Yes' next to Anarchy Submission on your application, send a duplicate DVD or VHS of your short film and add $15 to your entry fee. That's a $10 savings off the usual anarchy cost. For more information about Anarchy go to www.slamdance.com/anarchy