Distribution : Can I submit an older film of mine to current festivals? by Giovanni Tartaglia

The Jersey City International Television & Film Festival accepts submissions of older movies! Good film/storylines are timeless. Visit our submissions on https://filmfreeway.com/festival/jcitff

Thank you Craig!

Only other slight obstacle, is I have not yet obtained the rights to the ending song in my film. Not sure how much music rights would cost...

Take the song out

Read the festival rules.... They will tell you if there is a cut off date. Of course older films can look dated because of technological advances and this might affect its chances of selection...

Rafael, I cannot take the song out, it is the PERFECT song, I can't imagine any other one that would make the ending just as powerful.

Michael thank you for the info!

Giovanni, just remember that it is a Short Film, so if it's costly or difficult to get the rights for the song, you should start considering other choices, For the audiences it really isn't gonna make a difference. I can understand that for you as a Director is very important, been there.

Hi Giovanni, I checked with our Director of Submissions who is also a filmmaker and producer and she advised me that we could not accept your movie if you don't have rights to use the music. I agree with the other comment that you should use another song! Good luck

I should add your film isn't completed until you have obtained all the rights. My advice is to talk to a film composer and let them make a piece of music that creates a similar mood.., you may well find someone doing a relevant course prepared to do it for free..,

I agree with the song choice. Either replace it or work hard on obtaining rights Once you do, check out the Helios Film Festival - http://heliosfilmfestival.org - https://filmfreeway.com/festival/HeliosFilmFestival

If it contains any mental health related topic then please submit to the Mental Health Channel Online Film Festival! More information www.mentalhealthchannel.tv/film-festival Submit now! www.filmfreeway.com/festival/MHCOFF

Giovanni, you can likely get a "festival license" for the song (unless it's a VERY famous song/performer) at a greatly reduced rate as long as it is only shown in festivals. All rights must be cleared or you put yourself AND the festival at risk of a lawsuit.

Hey Giovanni, we have a great webinar coming up on clearances and what you need to have covered to get distribution after festivals. Stay tuned to the education section because I think it would be great for you!

To add to Robin's great comment not all artists have control over usage. Sometimes it's just the label. Depends on the artists deal but Robin is correct in that it could be an obstacle. Never compromise on the music. Find something else that is affordable and works if you can't license this track but never just throw anything in there. You're only as strong as your weakest link. I handle replacement tracks all the time when it's cost prohibitive, etc.

Thank you all so much for the advice! I am currently in search of a song that fits the same mood AND have the rights to! I really want to get this film to audiences out there, I put my heart and soul into this project, and never was able to showcase it at big festivals.

Maryosha Eggleston THANK YOU so much for the links! I had never heard of filmfreeway.com I just created my account now.