Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Yaniv Waisman · Accepted Answer

“Love it.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Yaniv Waisman · Accepted Answer

“Loving it too much. Kidding. But also don’t push people too much. Don’t try to sell people immediately. You have to first have the connections. Don’t be too pushy.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Yaniv Waisman · Accepted Answer

“‘If I volunteer this year, can we make it a paid job next year?’
“Don’t let yourself volunteer too much. Find a way to earn money, and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Ask for the next step.”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Yaniv Waisman · Accepted Answer

“Passion.”

Question 5

What is a Film Programmer?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Film Programmer is an individual who participates in the sourcing and selecting of movies for a film festival. Pending their position at a film festival, a Film Programmer might focus more on outreach to Filmmakers regarding the submission of their movies, the evaluation of all submitted films, and the scheduling of the selected films for the screenings during the festival.

Question 6

How does Sundance Film Festival work?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The Sundance Film Festival was founded more than 40 years ago, and since its inception, has become arguably the most prestigious film festival based in the United States. As a result, the festival has become highly selective in terms of the films shown at the event and the individuals invited to participate in it.

Question 7

How many films are submitted to Sundance?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

As of the most recent count, approximately 9,000 short films and 4,000 feature films are submitted to Sundance each year. To provide context for how difficult it can be to have a film screened at this particular event, only about 120 of those 4,000 feature films will be shown in a given year at Sundance.

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