Waive the Economy?

I read in the newspaper that Borders is closing it's doors. The article cited the "poor economy" as the reason for it's demise. I thought to myself, 'why is everyone blaming the ecomony?' Does the media truly believe the economy is the problem? Or the fact that everyone and his brother is blaming any financial trouble on pure economics? Oh sure, my property values have crashed along with the stock market and when gas went up to four dollars a gallon I was hurting. However, I still have a job and I still have a cash flow. I don't know about you, but when I want to purchase a book I go to Barnes & Noble first and if it's not there, I go to Waldenbooks. I rarely shopped or even visited Borders, even though my own book is available at www.borders.com. Maybe this nation currently doesn't have room for a third book store. Plus, you already know my ranting about purchasing online which doesn't help store locations.

Here at CENFLO (www.CentralFloridaFilmFestival.com), every day I receive requests from filmmakers asking for a waiver (free entry into my festival). They say they can't afford to pay the entry fee because of the "poor economy" but what they really mean is, "I'm a filmmaker that didn't budget the twenty-five dollar entry fee for your festival in my marketing budget. Could you front me?" The only reason I say this, is every year I receive more and more requests for waivers. Filmmakers love to spend money on their project but don't believe in the importance of spending the money to market it.

Well, this year they can all blame the economy! Two, three, even four years ago filmmakers were coming up with creative excuses for having the film festival foot the bill to market their product. I never met an Independent filmmaker that had any money. Apparently, they don't learn how to budget in film school. When you budget a film, you need to put aside some money for post production. Yes, most distributors and even festivals would like the film complete with good sound, color correction and even credits that make sense. They also should put aside money for marketing. As a filmmaker ask yourself, "Is my film a commercial piece or festival piece?" If you're a commercial project, set aside money for posters, one sheets, and other deliverables required by distributors. If you're a festival piece you'll still need to plan out where your film is the best fit. Where can you get accepted? What competitions can I win? Most importantly, what entry fees can I afford? You'll also need to set aside money for a press kit. Understand that having the Laurels of a film festival, whether it's Sundance, Cannes, AFI, or even CENFLO, will contribute value to your film.

Filmmakers, know this - Festivals have costs too! There's judging time, guest speakers, advertising, and don't forget screening time. This all costs money. I've learned over the years that festivals compete with each other and always have to make their program bigger, better and more attractive than the year before. Sure, sponsors and advertisers cite the economy for being cheap too, but think about it, take out the paper losses and are we so bad off? Are the stadiums, theme parks and movie theaters so empty that middle class America is hurting that bad? I DON'T THINK SO!

Filmmakers, it's time to do your share to help the economy and not be part of the problem. Tear up those waiver requests and go out and earn a couple of bucks waiting tables or even finding a small sponsor for your film (Grandma might front you twenty!). We all need to do our part so scratch the waiver request and support your local film festivals!

....And Cut!