Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs Reel Plan?
Reel Plan was created by award-winning short film director, Jon Gann. Gann’s films have played dozens of festivals around the globe. Through his experiences, he created the DC Shorts Film Festival – one of the most influential showcases of short films in the US. He has also worked with film festivals across the country to raise the professionalism and integrity of these events. He also created a regional non-profit association of film professionals and enthusiasts to create a stronger film community. Gann is connected with dozens of film festivals, industry professionals, universities and film schools, and thousands of filmmakers. He regularly speaks at film events and seminars.
Does this really work? $500 is a lot of cash.
Yes it does. And no it’s not. $500 is probably what you spent on craft services and tape stock – both necessities to get your film made. And $450 is the cost of entering about a dozen film festivals – of which you might see a success rate of 1 or 2 screenings. Doesn’t it make more sense to plan your strategy so the success rate if closer to 30-40%?
$500 = entry into 10 festivals. With a standard success rate of 10%, that equals one or possibly two screenings. Or a real cost of $450 per festival.
$500 + $200 = entry into 5 festivals with a Reel Plan. With a Reel Plan success rate of closer to 30-40%, that translates into 2 or 3 screenings. Or a real cost of $200 per festival.
Why would Reel Plan pass on my film?
Having served as judges for past festivals and screening events, and our ongoing communication with dozens of major and niche festivals, Reel Plan consultants have a finger on the pulse of what is playing – and more importantly – what will be playing tomorrow. Some films don’t fit into these plans. Others lack a level of professionalism. Still others need too much work to make it financially viable for the filmmaker to continue. We will be brutally truthful in our Stage 1 analysis. Please take the criticism as it is intended: an honest evaluation of what you have to present to the world. The truth often hurts. That’s life.
Are there any guarantees?
We will not make any promises we can’t keep. That’s why we won’t take on every film. Reel Plan will try our best to provide you with a strategy that makes sense for your film and the suggested festivals we think might want to take a closer look at your project. In some cases, we might make additional contact with festivals on your behalf. However, it is your responsibility to implement the plan; Reel Plan will follow-up with an ongoing evaluation of your progress.
Are there examples of Reel Plan’s successes?
A sample analysis is available.