This seems at first like a good idea... but I have to take issue with your statement... ----------------------------- Begin Original Text ----------------------------- " Outside of a festival, it is very difficult to get anyone in the industry to watch a film by an untried filmmaker." ----------------------------- End Original Text ----------------------------- This is just not the case. All the distribs I know are living in total fear that they might miss the next big "thing". This is why Miramax must have 12 people in Sundance? Why is October et al at every festival? Why do the labs tip them off about a "hot" film before the print is even dry? And the phones ring. If the film is in fact "festival quality" the best place for a new feature is in a major festival where there is a rare chance a bidding war can take place between established distributers or where you can snare a top sales agent. Berlin and Toronto are great for this. This situation may give a first look advantage to some West Coast agents and distribs... but if they pass where are you then? The bad buzz starts before you even get out of the gate. If the buzz is good... chances are it would be even better in a festival with real critics and programmers. The major fests that I know want the world prems... and although this is not a "festival" it is a public screening in a major market. Nevertheless... Best of luck. But not returning the tapes... That is a bid rough on the film makers. ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]