Why upload your films and scripts to the ISFO page?

In the last days, a couple of you got in touch, expressing worries about uploading films to the site via youtube and vimeo because the work is not copyrighted. The same issue applies to the scripts and is unfortunately something every film maker/ writer will have to consider for him/herself. Below we will try to give you an overview of the issue and explain why we feel that adding to your ISFO portfolio is a good thing.

 

What are the dangers of uploading films to youtube/vimeo and scripts to the ISFO page?

 

The big dilemma that young film makers face is how to promote their films without losing the rights to their work. Unfortunately both youtube and vimeo work on a sharing basis which means that once you upload your product, everyone can have access to it and will be able to download it (at least to some extend). In theory, your film might be copied by someone and then shown somewhere else or as part of someone else’s portfolio.

 

Secondly, once people have free access to your material, some festivals might not consider the film as an entry as there is little reasons for people to come to a festival if they can watch the film at home on the sofa. You will not be able to advertise its premier.

 

Thirdly, your film and script will become a non-exclusive product and production companies and agents will be unlikely to pick it up as a commercial creation, eg you will probably not be able to make money with it. So, if making money with the films that you have got in your portfolio now is your aim, free uploading might not be for you.

 

Hm, that is pretty depressing. So what are the advantages?

 

It’s not all as bad as it sounds. Starting with the last issue from above, very few young film makers are getting involved in film production and screenwriting because they want to make money with their products right now. Of course they would not say no to some financial gain, but the films they are making and scripts they are writing while they are students are there to help with the learning process and act as part of their overall portfolio as soon as they leave uni.

 

Publishing your work online does not only give you the advantage of being able to say that a certain number of people have seen your product, it also enables you to received feedback for your work! As this was one of the reasons why the ISFO was founded, we would strongly encourage you to put yourself out to there and hear what other people have to say. Accepting well meant criticism and receiving praise will make you a much better writer/ film maker and the skill of understanding what other people see in your work is something that will benefit you all your professional life.

 

Lastly, uploading your work to your ISFO portfolio will also allow other people to see what you have been up to and we are strongly hoping that members will get in touch with each other, offering collaboration. If you upload your script, someone working on the other site of the world might be really interested in bringing it to the screen and wouldn’t it be amazing to see your work come to life? It is the aim of the ISFO to get as many professionals as possible involved, too, so someone in the film industry might pick up your newest creation, too...