The lowdown on film competitions

Film is a competitive art, one in which who you know – or who knows you – could mean the difference between making it in the business.

With the plethora of homemade video being shared online, filmmakers need a way to stand out among the crowd and be recognized for their hard work and talent. One way to achieve this is submitting work to film festivals and competitions.

So here’s the lowdown on three upcoming national film and video contests.

The Scene First student film festival looks to give high school and college students an opportunity to show films, network with industry professionals and receive training from film industry experts.

Selected films will be screened at the Scene First Student Film Festival, scheduled for June 14-16 in Wilmington, N.C.

The festival will include film screenings, panel discussions and workshops. Workshop topics will include distribution, financing, digital media, entertainment law and special effects.

Filmmakers must submit their work by April 2 and winners will be notified by May 11. The entry fee for each film submission is $25 and students may enter as many films as they want

“Scene First will provide young filmmakers with the knowledge and tools they need to advance their art,” said Frank Capra Jr., president of Screen Gems Studios and honorary chairman of the festival. “It’s the ideal location for student filmmakers to screen their films while meeting and learning from some of the most talented people in the industry.”

Film festival categories include:

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