Submission Drive 2015 is Officially Open!
Welcome! Whether this is your first time submitting or your 31st time, this blog post aims to answer any and all of your questions to make your submission process as easy as possible!
You may have noticed we’ve made a few changes to our submission drive! Of course, we still have Withoutabox; a simple and easy way for you to submit. If you already have an existing account you can just click here and begin your submission!
If you chose to not submit via Withoutabox you can use our other submission form, which you can find right here!
So what’s changed? Rooftop is shifting over from our old paper submission form to an online form. It is a simple and easy to use process. Rooftop Films is also is making a push for filmmakers to submit password protected online links. By using the online submission form and sending us a link, it will not only save you money, but speed up your submission process!
We aim to make things easy for you, so if sending us a DVD or BluRay works best for you, we still accept those.
Moving on to more pressing questions, whenever I meet filmmakers, the first question that comes to mind is what sorts of films are you looking for? At Rooftop Films we look for films that break down the boundaries. We search for films that are innovative, personal, and even eccentric. We love animation of every form and documentaries that vary from personal portrait to political; films that range from satirical narrative comedies to the avant garde. Whatever your medium may be, we’d love to have you submit.
Since we accept all different films, genres and formats, we’re constantly searching for the new great thing. We take films of any length, ranging from shorts to features. The only real requirements we have for submission are the following: If it is a feature length film (50 min or longer) it must have been completed after January 1st, 2014. If it is a short film (up to 49 min) it must have been completed after January 1st, 2013.
In addition to accepting films of any length, genre or format, we also accept works in progress. So if the deadline is approaching and your film isn’t complete, you can send in a rough copy of your film. We just ask that you make sure it’s a rough cut you’re happy with and proud of. Please keep us up to date on the film and send us the finished version once you have it. If you feel like you aren’t going to make a deadline in time, or that your film won’t be ready in time, please email us at submit@rooftopfilms.com for further information.
In addition, please contact us if you’re worried about not being able to pay the submission fee. 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. Filmmakers with lack of funds, please note that no film will ever be turned away due to lack of funds. Furthermore, anyone who submits a film to Rooftop Films will automatically be given 2 free tickets to use at any one Rooftop Films Summer Series Show.
If you have any more questions regarding submissions, please free to email submit@rooftopfilms.com! We’re happy to answer any and all questions. You can also check out our submission guidelines here.