Q. Dear Stetson, I would like to enter Pets in the City Magazine’s PAWPARAZZI Film Festival this year. My film is about a bearded dragon, is this Film Festival only about dogs and cats? I am slightly intimidated to submit my film because I’m a beginner and this will be my very first festival entry. I want to tell everyone how my bearded dragon has changed my life. Also, is this the same festival as PetDance? Andrew
A. Andrew, thank you for asking. Last year, our festival name was PetDance, but it is being re-launched as the PAWPARAZZI Film Festival going forward. Like PetDance, PAWPARAZZI is an international film festival, open to amateurs and professionals alike. The PAWPARAZZI Film Festival is for all species, do not be intimidated to enter your bearded dragon film, just go for it! When I was a young dog, I was scared to act in my first movie, but the director helped me gain the confidence I needed, and now I’m the Robert Redford of the PAWPARAZZI Film Festival! Let me take away all your fears right now with the following information in 5 easy steps.”
#1 PRODUCE YOUR FILM. Choose a category, write your script and start filming. Use a digital movie camera or even a cell phone. Find a friend to help with the editing or do it yourself, get a professional sound booth to work with you on voice overs or do it yourself on your computer. The categories are:
- Drama
- Comedy
- Animation
- Documentary/Advocacy
- Youth
#2 ENTER the PAWPARAZZI FILM FESTIVAL. All entries must be postmarked on or before December 20, 2015. The submission fee is $25. filmfreeway.com/festival/pawparazzifilmfestival.
#3 ENTRIES MUST CONFORM to the rating standard of PG or lower. To submit in the Youth category (under 18), you must have a parent sign the entry form as well. No limit is imposed on the number of entries, but each film will require its own entry fee and entry form. Everything you need to know is posted on petsinthecitymagazine.com/paparazzifilmfestival.
#4 UPLOAD YOUR FILM onto filmfreeway.com/festival/pawparazzifilmfestival. If the film is in a language other than English, it must be subtitled or dubbed in English.
#5 PLAN TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL by plane, train, or automobile. It’s going to be held at the Megaplex Theatres Gateway, 165 South Rio Grande St., downtown Salt Lake City. The PAWPARAZZI Film Festival opens at 10 a.m., on Saturday, January 23, 2016.
That’s it! Pretty easy, right?
Proceeds to benefit Best Friends Animal Society
