#AskSparky, is Slamdance's Q&A series where you can ask #Slamdancers questions on Twitter. Our second session took place on June 12th at 11am PST. Josh Mandel, producer and Slamdance alum & programmer was online to answer, in 140 characters or less, questions about filmmaking and programming for Slamdance. The new film he produced, UNCERTAIN TERMS, premieres at LA Film Fest on 6/14.
In case you missed the Q&A, here's how it went down:
JM: Hi guys! @JMMandel here. Today I'm talking @Slamdance programming & producing films. Look forward to your questions. Use #AskSparky hashtag.
Q: First as a filmmaker and then as a Slamdance programmer what advice would you give a filmmaker starting out today?
JM: To kick off our #AskSparky, I'd like to offer a valuable piece of advice to all filmmakers starting out today: watch movies. Lots of them. How can you know what festivals, distributors, audiences are looking for if you don't watch films being made around you?
Q: How do you find the films/filmmakers you produce with?
JM: One of the perks of programming for Slamdance is getting to meet exciting new filmmakers on the verge of breaking out. I found the director of my latest film, UNCERTAIN TERMS, through Slamdance. Nathan was a Shorts alumnus.
Q: What are you most excited about in 2015 programming for Slamdance?
JM: Slamdance 2015 is about expanding the scope and reach, giving more opportunities to filmmakers to connect with audiences.
Q: In terms of time, effort and money, do you think people understand what is involved in the the making of a film?
JM: It's easier than ever to start a film. Crowd-funding, cheaper gear, etc. But, many underestimate one cost: time.
Q: What is the most important part of a short film, for you?
JM: A great short is never too long. Length, style, are secondary. What you're trying to say in your film is key. Voice.
Q: What qualities do you look for in a writer/director you'd consider working with?
JM: Many qualities I look for in a director I want to work with: fresh voice, passion, vision and being a collaborator.
Q: You're the co-captain of Beyond at Slamdance, can you explain to everyone what that category is?
JM: Beyond section showcases films from emerging filmmakers working just beyond their 1st feature, but yet to break out.
Q: What advice would you give to a young filmmaker about how they should distribute their work?
JM: Best advice for distributing your work goes back to watching current films. See which distributors took similar films.
Q: Are you seeing any major trends in your current submissions?
JM: We're early in submissions to note trends. But, we always see trends every year that reflect the state of filmmaking.
Q: Money is a tricky web in film, what are your rules for financing small films?
JM: They say more money means more problems. Micro budget has its own problems. But, major benefit of making small films is the control.
Q: Have you ever found your work available for free online without your permission? How did you feel about that?
JM: I've found earlier films available free online. I'd rather see them on legit sites with higher quality, even for no money.
Q: Any stats on how many Slam films use crowd-funding campaigns?
JM: We'd love to get more stats on Slamdance films using crowd-funding, and not limited to just Kickstarter.
Q: There are some who say that the way to reach audiences today is to give your stuff away for free. Thoughts?
JM: Filmmakers already make too little. Giving away films for free hurts. But, exposure can lead to next film and more money.
Q: What's the most important thing a filmmaker can do to be true to their vision?
JM: Filmmakers can draw inspiration from other films/filmmakers, but should experiment a lot to find their own voice.
Q: If there were one ineffective trend in current indie filmmaking that you could eradicate, what would it be?
JM: Ongoing & ineffective trend in indie film that should die: underwriting characters such that stories lack purpose.
Q: Should young filmmakers still invest in short films or strive for producing their own feature right away?
JM: Shorts are still valuable. Some filmmakers go from directing 1 short to 1st feature. Others need 5 shorts. No rush.
Q: How best for filmmakers who live outside of major film centers to meet collaborators?
JM: Filmmakers are everywhere. A good way to connect with other filmmakers when not in LA, NY etc is at film festivals.
Q: How beneficial can a festival like Slamdance prove to be for foreign filmmakers?
JM: Foreign films shine at Slamdance & introducing foreign filmmakers to US distributors and audiences. Bong Joon-Ho, Marc Forster...
Q: How has Slamdance helped you since your premiere in 2005? #RingersLordoftheFans
JM: Slamdance gave my filmmaking career a jump start with RINGERS. The exposure I got led to distribution and more films. One thing that makes Slamdance unique among other top festivals is that it's programmed 100% by working filmmakers. As a programmer & producer, I work year round to support indie film. UNCERTAIN TERMS was made with the same spirit as the films I program.
Q: So you've got a feature script, a trailer and a package...what's your advice for finding the money to make it come to life?
JM: A good package is important for financing. Seek investors that know your work or like the kind of film you want to make.
JM: Thanks for all the great questions! UNCERTAIN TERMS plays at LA Film Fest on 6/14 & 6/17. Hope to see you there! http://bit.ly/1nLjxQO
This concluded our 2nd round of #AskSparky! Thanks to Josh Mandel & for all the questions, if yours wasn't answered, join us next time!
Stay tuned @Slamdance for our future #AskSparky Q&As!
#AskSparky, is Slamdance's Q&A series where you can ask #Slamdancers questions on Twitter. Our second session took place on June 12th at 11am PST. Josh Mandel, producer and Slamdance alum & programmer was online to answer, in 140 characters or less, questions about filmmaking and programming for Slamdance. The new film he produced, UNCERTAIN TERMS, premieres at LA Film Fest on 6/14.
In case you missed the Q&A, here's how it went down:
JM: Hi guys! @JMMandel here. Today I'm talking @Slamdance programming & producing films. Look forward to your questions. Use #AskSparky hashtag.
Q: First as a filmmaker and then as a Slamdance programmer what advice would you give a filmmaker starting out today?
JM: To kick off our #AskSparky, I'd like to offer a valuable piece of advice to all filmmakers starting out today: watch movies. Lots of them. How can you know what festivals, distributors, audiences are looking for if you don't watch films being made around you?
Q: How do you find the films/filmmakers you produce with?
JM: One of the perks of programming for Slamdance is getting to meet exciting new filmmakers on the verge of breaking out. I found the director of my latest film, UNCERTAIN TERMS, through Slamdance. Nathan was a Shorts alumnus.
Q: What are you most excited about in 2015 programming for Slamdance?
JM: Slamdance 2015 is about expanding the scope and reach, giving more opportunities to filmmakers to connect with audiences.
Q: In terms of time, effort and money, do you think people understand what is involved in the the making of a film?
JM: It's easier than ever to start a film. Crowd-funding, cheaper gear, etc. But, many underestimate one cost: time.
Q: What is the most important part of a short film, for you?
JM: A great short is never too long. Length, style, are secondary. What you're trying to say in your film is key. Voice.
Q: What qualities do you look for in a writer/director you'd consider working with?
JM: Many qualities I look for in a director I want to work with: fresh voice, passion, vision and being a collaborator.
Q: You're the co-captain of Beyond at Slamdance, can you explain to everyone what that category is?
JM: Beyond section showcases films from emerging filmmakers working just beyond their 1st feature, but yet to break out.
Q: What advice would you give to a young filmmaker about how they should distribute their work?
JM: Best advice for distributing your work goes back to watching current films. See which distributors took similar films.
Q: Are you seeing any major trends in your current submissions?
JM: We're early in submissions to note trends. But, we always see trends every year that reflect the state of filmmaking.
Q: Money is a tricky web in film, what are your rules for financing small films?
JM: They say more money means more problems. Micro budget has its own problems. But, major benefit of making small films is the control.
Q: Have you ever found your work available for free online without your permission? How did you feel about that?
JM: I've found earlier films available free online. I'd rather see them on legit sites with higher quality, even for no money.
Q: Any stats on how many Slam films use crowd-funding campaigns?
JM: We'd love to get more stats on Slamdance films using crowd-funding, and not limited to just Kickstarter.
Q: There are some who say that the way to reach audiences today is to give your stuff away for free. Thoughts?
JM: Filmmakers already make too little. Giving away films for free hurts. But, exposure can lead to next film and more money.
Q: What's the most important thing a filmmaker can do to be true to their vision?
JM: Filmmakers can draw inspiration from other films/filmmakers, but should experiment a lot to find their own voice.
Q: If there were one ineffective trend in current indie filmmaking that you could eradicate, what would it be?
JM: Ongoing & ineffective trend in indie film that should die: underwriting characters such that stories lack purpose.
Q: Should young filmmakers still invest in short films or strive for producing their own feature right away?
JM: Shorts are still valuable. Some filmmakers go from directing 1 short to 1st feature. Others need 5 shorts. No rush.
Q: How best for filmmakers who live outside of major film centers to meet collaborators?
JM: Filmmakers are everywhere. A good way to connect with other filmmakers when not in LA, NY etc is at film festivals.
Q: How beneficial can a festival like Slamdance prove to be for foreign filmmakers?
JM: Foreign films shine at Slamdance & introducing foreign filmmakers to US distributors and audiences. Bong Joon-Ho, Marc Forster...
Q: How has Slamdance helped you since your premiere in 2005? #RingersLordoftheFans
JM: Slamdance gave my filmmaking career a jump start with RINGERS. The exposure I got led to distribution and more films. One thing that makes Slamdance unique among other top festivals is that it's programmed 100% by working filmmakers. As a programmer & producer, I work year round to support indie film. UNCERTAIN TERMS was made with the same spirit as the films I program.
Q: So you've got a feature script, a trailer and a package...what's your advice for finding the money to make it come to life?
JM: A good package is important for financing. Seek investors that know your work or like the kind of film you want to make.
JM: Thanks for all the great questions! UNCERTAIN TERMS plays at LA Film Fest on 6/14 & 6/17. Hope to see you there! http://bit.ly/1nLjxQO
This concluded our 2nd round of #AskSparky! Thanks to Josh Mandel & for all the questions, if yours wasn't answered, join us next time!
Stay tuned @Slamdance for our future #AskSparky Q&As!