Thailand and Bangkok Creative Film Festival - 9filmfest.com

Are you the next Tarantino, Spielberg or Apichartpong?
9FilmFest has been launched as the most exciting and creative film festival in Thailand.  Bangkok Post Publishing organizes and provides communications outlet for this event.  Our plans for 9FilmFest, are to give all aspiring filmmakers the chance for recognition.  What good does it do to make a short, and have only your family watch it?   Bangkok Post Publishing and 9FilmFest are joining together to bring a truly unique and rewarding event to Bangkok.

What will it take to become the next Tarantino, Spielberg or Apichartpong?
We suggest you review the following before you begin to tell us your story:

PRE-PRODUCTION:
Keep it simple. (KISS – Keep it Smart Simple) Short films can be up to 30 – 40 minutes, but in 9FilmFest, we ask for films 9 minutes or LESS.  Yes, that’s right, keep you films short, but with punch.  And a small film will mean small budget.  So you must think now,  how to make your film with minimal resources.  You thought films, had boom operators, assistant directors, and catering services?  Not necessary for 9FilmFest.  We are interested in content and creativity.  The key is a simple story, just include the number 9, somewhere in your film, either as a visual (your actor wearing a number 9 t-shirt) or an audio (Joe says  “The film starts at 9 o’clock, we should leave for the theatre soon).  These are examples of how your film can include the 9SI (9 Signature Item).  Simple filming, means not only highly focused in story content (for example, one character pursuing something, not six characters pursuing six things…), but also simple in all parts of your production.  Do not construct a set, do not custom make your wardrobe from a tailor.  Don’t plan to shoot in many locations. Tell us your story as a film – simply, cheaply, and well.

Find your story
You can’t make a 9FilmFest film without a story. Your story can come from anywhere – tell us about something deep inside of you.  You know it best, you don’t need a screenwriter, or hire assistants for advice.  That is the beauty of 9FilmFest.  You have control of your film.  We want to know your story.  And that is why two weeks before festival date, all the finalist directors will be invited to Bangkok for a press conference to tell us about themselves and the making of their film. Everyone will now know about the making of your film which will premiere at 9FilmFest on 28 May 2011.  Start writing your script now, refine it, and then move to filming it.  Follow your passion, let your ideas flow, write your script.

Think about your crew
Films need a team.  People to write a story, Actors/Actresses, technical crew for visuals, sound and edit.  Sponsor for money (the sponsors could also be friends who have the equipment who will let you borrow it or work with you for free) and a Director to lead the whole project. In the world of 9FilmFest, we will not be surprised to see someone as the cameraman, editor, actress and director all in one. We all have dreams and we often have to do it all to get it done.  Sam Worthington, the famous actor (Avator, Last Night) started his career making a short ENZO, he produced, directed, acted, cinematographer, and editor of this film.  Ironically, he was a finalist at the festival, yet someone else in his film won best actor!  The beauty is Sam was still discovered for being a finalist film at the festival and his career took off from there.

Directing
The Director is important for laying out the storyboard before the film starts. The Director will be quite busy laying out the jobs of his crew.  From camera angles, to costumes, set design and rehearsing actors.   Lots of film prep will be needed to make the actual shooting run smoothly and capture the script and feeling.  Please also remember that 9FilmFest is open to all sorts of genre, if you have a documentary to enter, then go with that.   Don’t forget as the Director/Producer you will also have to be concerned about the legal issues (music copyright and releases, please see info at www.9filmfest.com)

Finally, if you are unsure of something, don’t hesitate to ask 9FilmFest for help.  Contacts are on the website.  We all want to see your story and everyone is here to help.