Film festivals are an excellent place for moviemakers to showcase their new work. Not only will they be reviewed but also possibly bought by a distributor. Once the filmmaker has finished their movie, the next goal is to have as many people see it as possible. Debuting at a festival will help to gauge how successful it will be when it gets international distribution. However, before this can happen, there are several parts of the creative process that need to be completed.
The Script
This is one of the most important parts of creating a feature film. The idea needs to be original and interesting. The characters should be engaging. A good script will keep the audience hooked for the entire running time. This is easier said than done. It is worth reading the scripts of successful movies. Doing so will help writers to understand better what does into the best screenplays.
Pre-production
Before filming can begin, the budget needs to be sorted. Getting finance is a big hurdle but can be accomplished if the script is good enough. This stage is also the time for getting the cast and crew hired. The overall logistics of production are worked out, and locations are booked for filming. Pre-production can take anywhere from weeks to years before it is completed.
Production
The success of a production will depend on how much planning has gone into it. During this stage, time will be a significant factor. There will only be a limited amount of days to get all of the filming done. Unforeseen obstacles may also need to be overcome. This could include bad weather, mechanical failures and sick cast or crew members. A good director will be able to adapt to these scenarios.
Post Production
Editing style can seriously affect how a movie looks. Putting together shots and scenes in a way that keeps the audience interested is an art form. Therefore hiring a professional editor with experience and skills is essential. Post-production might also entail bringing the cast into a studio to overdub their lines. This stage will also be the time to add any digital effects.
Marketing
One of the biggest challenges for any filmmaker is getting the general public to notice their new work. Submitting it to film festivals is a good idea. So too is creating poster artwork and trailers. Doing so will hopefully mean people know about the film before its festival debut.