Whenever I meet people the number question I always get is, what does Rooftop look for when programming?
For the next few weeks, I’ll be writing blog posts devoted to submissions and programming questions. This week’s post deals with submission questions.
Q: What types of films can we submit?
A: We accept films of any length, in addition to this we accept films from all genres. So whether it’s a documentary feature or a horror short submit away!
Q: I plan on submitting my film to other festivals (e.g. Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca) if I get into these festivals will it have a negative impact on my chances of screening with Rooftop?
A: We’d be lying if we said we don’t love it when we get to have a World or even a New York premiere of a film. That being said, Rooftop is always looking for original and unique films that we can screen to our audiences. When programming we look at the films first and if and where it screened second.
Q: I am in the middle of completing my film, but I don’t think I’ll have a final version ready in time to meet Rooftop’s submission deadline, do you accept rough cuts of films?
A: Of course we do! We only ask that you keep us up to date on the film and send us a finished version of it once you have it.
The number one question I am always asked is in regards to submission fees. If nothing else Rooftop Films is committed to helping filmmakers as much as we can. We believe that as a festival it is our responsibility to make your lives as easy as possible. That’s why we have a low reasonable submission fee that we only ask that you pay once, regardless of how many submissions you send in that year. Filmmakers with lack of funds fret not, no film will ever be turned away due to lack of funds. Furthermore, anyone who submits a film to Rooftop will automatically be given 2 free tickets, to use at any one Rooftop Summer Series show.
Also, if you have anymore questions regarding submissions, please feel free to email submit@rooftopfilms.com we’re happy to answer any and all questions!