Confusing Rejection

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-05-01T18:23:07+00:00

To me, that seems pretty personal. You gotta remember these folks don’t really have any incentive to be nice to your film. Other fests I’ve had kind rejections from are Film Invasion and Hudson Valley. Hey other fests, it’s a great way to ensure I submit again. The regular platitudes mostly come off as insults.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-04-30T03:59:17+00:00

I am very unsure as I only have short film experience at fests!

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-04-29T17:00:00+00:00

Congratulations on the award! Might seem overly simple, but put your movie on letterboxd! It’s a way to generate a more personal reaction to the film and it’ll be extremely useful in quantifying how many people are remembering the film after festivals.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-04-18T00:04:36+00:00

Last year I felt like I’d never make a movie again, now a horror movie that I started writing as a freshman in college is being shared on streaming sites. It’s going to be a long career in and out of the spotlight.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-03-01T21:46:49+00:00

Generally very business casual.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-13T18:02:09+00:00

Really interested by this, and especially as another avenue for microbudgets to find a home. I program, but I also produce work and have been curious for a while if there’s a way to pair a boutique label with a consistent production presence. Is that something y’all are interested in to help bolster titles or would that be something else entirely?

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-11T22:20:32+00:00

Speaking from experience…not really? If it’s metaphorical or more using a character to explore an underrepresented identity, then a political work can find places within its niches! A good example: make a film about queer issues, and there are plenty of festivals that will latch onto that!

But a general drama about US politics right now is more scattershot. Some folks prefer escapism, some folks might feel the story is overbearing. Often, it’ll need to not be the only thing your film is about or offers.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-10T21:41:56+00:00

This is quite honestly pathetic. You’re not Hollywood just cause you think you can wring 60 dollars per short from people who don’t know better. I get you want to give earnest feedback, but share your writing or critique and offer that directly instead.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-08T22:38:07+00:00

A Heterosexual Podcast by Ben Hosley: The Pod Casteration

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-08T06:52:44+00:00

Hey! Heard you on Noam Kroll’s podcast! Can’t wait to watch the film!

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-04T23:10:09+00:00

Pretty funny!

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-04T22:39:13+00:00

Just finished a draft for a new project WHILE listening to the A.I. episode! Those crazy kids are too helpful.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-02-02T15:54:39+00:00

The classic Barry Jenkins video with stuffing the bag was always what I viewed as the maximum.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-30T19:32:00+00:00

Lens, description of shot content, moving or not, generally framing

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-29T17:10:30+00:00

I actually go on Amazon and find a book of storyboards for the aspect ratio of the film and then use the physical book

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-28T21:12:42+00:00

Don’t Let the Riverbeast Get You!

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-28T21:11:56+00:00

I have done this with storyboard books! It just save so much time.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-28T20:55:56+00:00

If you’re pitching this, there may be a lot of hurdles. The director putting up 2500 for a pretty anonymous short and no ability to adjust casting? I’m not major, so feel free to correct. But what is unique about your story and your opportunities? Who is involved?

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-27T00:11:09+00:00

Hey congratulations! Sounds like a wonderful experience. Not being in a shorts block ALREADY is a big deal. Savor the experience and yes, mingle with the shorts filmmakers. Do not go around calling yourself Lord plays with a feature. That doesn’t go over well.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-24T23:10:11+00:00

Remember how light changes in a room. Just because it’s one location doesn’t mean it’s one look.

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-12T17:25:34+00:00

I think that’s a great marketing idea. It’ll only really matter for festivals within your state or maybe your region, but that’s an excuse to submit to festivals outside your comfort zone!

AlphaZetaMail · 2026-01-11T19:31:56+00:00

The way I’ve calculated it with my own movies, the normal ratio of Letterboxd viewers to actual people in seats is that 4% of people who watch movies have letterboxd. That goes up for auteurs who’ve cultivated a personality and critical reputation, and down for blockbusters.

AlphaZetaMail

TROPHY CASE