Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/I've made some movies, now what?

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Expert: - 4/20/2008


Question
Hello. I've been directing and writing several films over the past few years along with the acting talents of some friends. These unique and original movies are completed in a tangible form (aside from having a final score). I have heard many positive things from people who have seen them.

These films usually run under an hour and would likely serve well as a blueprint for a studio's consideration in making a full-length higher budget version.

I've never been tempted to enter into any film festivals. What steps would I need to take to get these seen by the right people? Thank you.  

Answer
Jason,

Thanks for writing. I'm sure you could submit them to any festival as they are always looking for new properties. Just follow the guidelines for submission listed on the festival's website. You could spend your time trying to get them seen by the festival director, but my guess is that it would get kicked down to the first level screeners anyway. Usually the festival directors don't review all submissions, only the best from the bunch.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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