Fantastic Fest, Post-Festival Strategy and Catalina Festival Access
Even brilliant films get overlooked. The difference between ignored and selected? Strategy—not luck.
Fantastic Fest Is Live—And Genre Eyes Are Watching
Midnight energy. Fan buzz. Critics on high alert. Fantastic Fest (Sept 18–25, Austin) just kicked off its 20th anniversary—and the lineup is loaded with world premieres built for late-year traction.
This isn’t just a party for horror and sci-fi fans—it’s a pipeline. A strong FF reception can catapult your project into final-quarter bookings and put you on streamer radar before Sundance season even starts.
Your Move:
If you work in genre—horror, thriller, sci-fi—this is your signal to prep a “midnight-friendly” micro-pitch kit:
• 1 still that oozes energy
• A 45–60s captioned clip
• A 3-sentence hook explaining why the crowd screams here
Then track reviewers filing from Austin and DM the ones raving about films like yours.
👉 Fantastic Fest Official Site
👉 Deadline Coverage
👉 Austin Chronicle Overview
Your Last Festival Screening Isn’t the End—It’s the Leverage Point
Festival buzz is loud—especially in headlines: breakout premieres, standing ovations, “bidding war” whispers. But here’s what most filmmakers miss—visibility is not the same as leverage.
Whether your last screening was at a top-tier fest or a local gem, what happens after the laurels is what determines momentum.
Press fades. Applause fades. What sticks is what you strategically reinforce. If you’re not following up, amplifying coverage, and directing attention where it matters—you’re letting your best assets collect dust.
Your Move:
Block 60 minutes this week to craft a “Post-Festival Update” that includes:
1. A punchy paragraph recapping your key wins (audience reactions, quotes, press, panel moments)
2. A still or 60-second clip that shows the energy in the room
3. A simple follow-up message for warm leads, reviewers, or potential buyers:
“Here’s what’s happened since [festival name]—and what’s next.”
Festival buzz is a door. Leverage turns the handle.
Spotlight: Catalina Film Festival (Sept 24–28, 2025)
Catalina brings two strategic assets most festivals don’t: access and intimacy.
Yes, it’s scenic. Yes, it’s smaller. But that’s exactly the point. Catalina blends LA-adjacent networking with focused energy—away from big-city chaos and hallway scramble. This is where meaningful convos with distributors, publicists, and programmers actually happen.
This isn’t about showing up. It’s about showing up prepared. Panels are great—but strategy happens before and after the panel.
Catch me in person: I’ll be speaking on the “Festival, Markets & Distribution” panel Sunday, Sept 28 on-island.
🎟 Catalina Info + Panel Details
Your Turn:
Which upcoming festival are you using as a launchpad?
Reply and let me know. I might spotlight your strategy in next week’s issue.
Final Thought
Film Festival Insider™ Weekly isn’t about more news—it’s about more traction. Because being visible is just step one. Being chosen takes strategy.
Until next week,
Heather
Quick Recap:
• Fantastic Fest = genre launchpad — horror, thriller, sci-fi: prep your midnight pitch
• Post-festival leverage is key — your buzz only works if you work it
• Catalina = small fest, big access — prep now for meaningful connections
👉 Strategy, tools, and support: filmfestivalinsider.com
Film Festival Insider™ Weekly
Film Festival Insider™ Weekly is your no-fluff guide to the festival circuit. Each week, Heather Brittain breaks down industry news and festival trends—then shows you what they mean for your film. Get clarity, context, and action steps to submit smarter and gain traction. Because strategy—not luck—is what gets films selected.
