Realistic

for the past few weeks, i've been preparing a ton of stuff to get ready for the American Film Market, which is a couple of weeks away. i'm excited about the trip, and have done a lot of research into a lot of the companies that are attending this year, trying to target the ones i think would be interested in a film like PRAXIS. but i'm also trying to be realistic about it. there are literally hundreds of companies and projects, and scripts, and vendors, etc. that are attending - how can you make your project stand out?

i'm definitely trying to be realistic about the market - it's not the end all be all. what it is is a strarting point, a chance to network with potential companies, meet other filmmakers, exchange war stories, etc. the companies are there to not only there to evaluate yourself as a filmmaker with a single projects, but also as a filmmaker with future projects and as someone they can work with. at the same time, you also have to get a feel for the companies and reps as to whether they are someone you can work with, or whether they're some sort of scam. basically, you have to be a total professional, and everything you do, including any after parties and such, is a reflection of you, and your potential as an overall creative filmmaker.

i've definitely posted a ton of questions on different filmmaker message boards to get a feel for what the market is like for other people - generally, the response is a little mixed. they mainly warn against potential scam artists, and companies that deal with way too many projects that they essentially put your project on a shelf. whatever the case may be, you definitely have to be incredibly alert a focused on everyone you talk to, and go with your instincts as to whether they're legit.

again, i'm still being very realistic with the market - i hope to meet potential distributors, but if not, it's not the end all be all.

on a lighter note, i've been attending a lot of the local film festivals and other local filmmaker functions to get a better feel of what a lot of the local organizations may have to offer. so far, it looks really cool, and because they are local, they are more willing to promote something if it was made in their region. it's also easier to get screenings and you have a higher chance of getting featured in a newspaper or magazine. i've just started with a lot of the local festivals, but hopefully they'll find a place for PRAXIS somewhere...

whatever the case may be, it is important to be both realistic, and positive and ethusiastic about the film - PRAXIS is a visually compelling work. knowing that this is it's strengths, and using that as leverage to set the film apart from other indie films that are out there.