This fall I attended a panel at the Austin Film Festival to support a friend who was speaking. Chris Holland, another contributor over at Slackerwood and a principal at B-Side, has extensive experience programming film festivals, and had some practical advice for filmmakers when submitting their films.

His advice included things like:

• Only submit to festivals that would be a good fit for your film
• Distracting gimmicks and packaging will not help your film get selected
• Don't take it personally if your film doesn't get selected
  • Selections are based on categories and matching the film festivals style
  • Failure to be selected does not automatically mean your film isn't good
  • Some years a category gets so many great submissions, even good films get rejected
• Make sure every disc has basic information on it, like the film name, and contact information
• Understand and follow the guidelines for submission

I kept thinking as I listened to Chris talk, that not only where these practical tips for filmmakers, but anyone submitting their work for selection, whether in a competition like a film festival, or a job search.

Same principals apply.