Free Publicity FAQs
Q: If I’m selected, what’s the general process?
A: First, we send you an email and let you know. Then, you simply tell us exactly which website or film link you’d like us to advertise (in most cases, it is the same link that you send us on our form). Next, we discuss which footage from your film we’d like to feature in our lessons. Last, we email you 8-10 questions for your interview and then we begin advertising your film.
Q: How does Film Editing Pro select which films qualify for free publicity?
A: We are looking for high-quality films that demonstrate solid filmmaking fundamentals and contain the types of footage that we are looking for to teach a variety of techniques in our tutorials.
Q: When do I find out if I qualify?
A: Within 24 hours.
Q: How will I know when the publicity starts?
A: As we have many qualified applicants, there may be a delay of up to 1 week before the advertising begins. Once we start sending people to watch your film, we will send you a personal email and let you know. We will also email you the time & date that your film/interview will be featured on the Film Editing Pro blog so you can check it out.
Q: How does the interview work?
A: It’s pretty straight-forward. We will email you 8 questions asking about you, your film and the filmmaking process. We try to throw in a few questions about the editing, since after all, that’s our main focus. Once you send back your responses, we’ll read through them and email you 2 more follow-up questions that go a little more in-depth on interesting topics from your responses. Then we type it up and send it to you for approval — just to make sure you’re happy with how it sounds.
Footage Sharing FAQs
Q: Why is Film Editing Pro looking for footage?
A: At Film Editing Pro, our goal is to provide quality training to filmmakers, students and professionals who are looking to improve their video editing skills. Rather than create our own footage for use in video tutorials, we decided it would be more authentic to demonstrate editing techniques using real footage from real filmmakers. We also thought it would be a great way to highlight the many talented people creating amazing films.
Q: Will I be credited for my footage on the site?
A: Of course! Beneath each course, we will list the filmmaker(s) who donated the footage being used. We are also happy to provide a link back to your portfolio or demo reel so that people can find you, hire you, or just admire more of your work.
Q: What type of footage is Film Editing Pro looking for?
A: All types! We have a variety of film editing lessons we’d like to create, each of them requiring different footage. For example, our lesson “Sound Design 505: How to Build Suspense”, will require footage containing a scary scene and ominous environment, whereas the lesson “Music Editing 101: Introduction to Music Editing” could utilize many types of footage to demonstrate the technique. In short, we have a list of what we’re looking for and it’s pretty long!
Q: How will I know what footage you’d like to use from my film?
A: We will send you a list of certain scenes and shots that we’re interested in.
Q: Do I send you a copy of my final film or the uncut footage?
A: In order for us to properly teach the editing techniques in our lessons, uncut scenes from your film are required. Since learning how to edit is all about knowing what parts to keep and what parts to cut, working from your original shots is what we need to do. We understand the desire for filmmakers to ensure that their footage isn’t used inappropriately or in ways that harm their actors’ image. We are very sensitive to these concerns and are happy to discuss this further by phone or email to ease any fears you might have.
Q: How do I send the footage?
A: We provide several options. 1) You can upload the files to our secure FTP. 2) We can FedEx you a small drive with pre-paid postage back to us. 3) If you live in the Los Angeles area, we’d be happy to meet you in person!
Q: Will my footage be downloadable?
A: Yes. We will allow Film Editing Pro students to download some of the dailies/rushes from the film so they can edit along with the training course. All footage will be attributed to you and you will retain all copyrights and ownership. If desired, we can also place a watermark on the footage with your name and copyright. The details of this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Is there anything to sign?
A: We will send you an simple agreement for us both to sign. It will basically state that we won’t do anything with your footage that you aren’t comfortable with and that you give us permission to use it in our lessons. Pretty basic stuff.
Q: What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
A: Please feel free to email advertising@shortfilmpublicity.com and ask us!