FILMMAKERS
I see films on the site, linking to places to view the movies. Can I submit for consideration on the website?
Yes, please use the same application form on the website and include a letter with your submission and fee that you are interested in being on the website, with links to websites where users can see/buy the film. Basic submission fee is $50.00.
If I submitted to CineCause, which film festivals will I be considered for?
We look to partner with a number of small to medium size film festivals, where we feel the filmmakers and festivals will really benefit by having a CineCause presentation. Our intention is to have at least one festival partner, in or within close proximity to major media markets. We are currently in discussions with Winter and Spring Festivals. Fall of 2011 festivals included San Diego FF and Naples International FF.
If I submit to CineCause, and am considering one of your partner film festivals, should I apply to one or the other, or both?
Since film festivals all have specific programming agendas and ours is very specific, your chances of playing at a targeted festival could increase if you applied to both. For example, if the film is not selected for a small CineCause Spotlight, it would be considered for the film festival itself if it had been submitted directly to them.
What will be different about the presentation of CineCause films in any given film festival?
There will be targeted PR campaigns in all participating festival communities for the CineCause films and the opportunities surrounding them. A CineCause representative will be at the festival to help support the promotion of the films. For example, audiences will learn about the issues and causes related to films. They will learn about the different opportunities to donate. Whenever possible, participating filmmakers are encouraged to engage in Q&A discussions after the films.
Will CineCause show narrative fiction projects in addition to documentary?
Yes, if the subject is socially relevant or addresses cultural themes, all genres and categories will be considered.
Will travel and accommodations be covered for the filmmakers?
Our participating festivals will all host at least one filmmaker from each film, providing accommodations. Some will be able to offer flights. Others will not. Each festival will have their own hospitality program.
What if I am only interested in certain festivals on your list?
All filmmakers selected to participate in partner film festivals will be notified and it will be their choice whether they choose to accept that invitation to a specific film festival.
How often will you do event screenings?
Our goal is to work with our theatrical partners for one Event Release per quarter, projected to begin Winter of 2012.
How many screens will a participating film play on during an Event Release?
The theater chain will consider each film opportunity on a case-by-case basis. In most cases, films will play on between 15-65 screens across the country.
What will the revenue share be for filmmakers on the Event Releases?
The exhibitor will take 50-65 percent of the box office gross. CineCause will share the net profit 50/50 with the filmmakers.
I’m interested in playing in film festivals, but don’t want to stream the film online yet. Can I participate in an online screening program later?
Of course! Some filmmakers will be on the tail end of their festival run and be interested in streaming films online, while others will be considering additional festival play or distribution options. Whatever works best for your strategy works for us.
I’m interested in streaming the film in conjunction with a particular film festival, but only for a limited time. Is this possible?
Yes! We know filmmakers all have different goals and strategies. Our hope is that we give audiences a chance to see your movie. If they can’t make it to the festival where your film is playing, and you’re open to streaming to audiences across the country for a day or two, they will have a chance to see it.
Who are your partners?
We are talking to two different theater chains and will solidify this program shortly. In addition, we are negotiating with TVN, who provides content to over 55 million homes through a variety of cable partners. See the About us link, which will be updated periodically as we expand our partner base.
Will participating films have an opportunity to secure VOD deals?
Yes! All CineCause films will be considered for VOD opportunities. And again, we understand that you may secure other distribution partners. Any filmmakers who will be offered VOD opportunities will be notified prior to CineCause submission to our cable partners. You will have final approval of any festival, streaming, or VOD participation.
How will CineCause present shorts at participating film festivals?
Short film presentation will differ from festival to festival. In some cases, we will present a short film program around a certain topic. In others, a short film may play in front of an appropriate feature film. Not all CineCause Spotlights will include short film programming.
How will CineCause present shorts online?
In addition to traditional festival play, there will more opportunities for short filmmakers to participate in continuous online screening programs. Some will be part of an Editor’s Pick program, hosted at CineCause.com. Others may be selected to play in a themed program.
Who decides which charity or cause should be connected?
CineCause will link to qualified causes, where there is an obvious connection. If the filmmaker has a specific charity they would like to support, this is fine too. There will often be multiple charities linked from the film pages. We simply request the charity meets quality standards, as CineCause endeavors to only present qualified, transparent causes to audiences.
Will CineCause pay film rentals to the filmmakers who play in participating film festivals?
This will depend on the festivals. Some film festivals may pay nominal rental fees to filmmakers or have a revenue share in place. Others do not. Most filmmakers seek festival play for the exposure, and in this case, to help increase awareness and donations for worthy causes.
CAUSES
Of the donations made by festival audiences and online users, what does CineCause retain?
CINECAUSE will link directly to the donation page at each respective charity site, and not charge a fee or commission. This may change in the future, but there will be ample notice to our filmmakers, causes and users.
How do we update our information on your site?
You can send us any updated information on your organization anytime and we will update within 3 business days. In fact, we encourage updates, photos, videos and any news updates that will keep your detail page at CineCause up to date.
Can we send you a video about the organization to upload?
Yes, but we limit these videos to 5 minutes on the actual Cause Detail Pages. Of course, we can link to additional videos or information at your local site.
What if we would like to reach out to one of the celebrities on the CineCause site? Will CineCause make an introduction?
Yes, we can forward a link to your Cause detail page to the talent’s respective management and they will communicate with the celebrity and respond if there is interest. Please be advised that due to their busy schedules and overwhelming number of requests, it may take some time to hear a response.
We noticed some causes have video interviews with their team and/or celebrities, how can we create one of our own?
Some of these videos were presented by the cause organization, while we supported the production of others. Please let us know if you would like to discuss the possibility of creating a video presentation.
If we wanted to develop a video presentation, to be produced by CineCause, how much would that cost?
There is a range for this fee, depending on many factors, including: Travel, crew needs, participant availability, desired running time, etc. The minimum cost will be $5,000.00. We can set up a conference call if you are interested in pursuing a video.
How did you decide which causes fit with which films?
Most connections were obvious by relating themes, subjects or categories. In some cases, there is no direct correlation, other than the fact that we at CineCause and participating filmmakers want to support worthy causes. While other matches were requested either by the filmmakers or the charity itself.
What if we don’t like our cause being matched to the film chosen by CineCause? Can we suggest another?
Yes, you can suggest another film and we will submit the request the filmmakers. We will not be able to accommodate every request, so we recommend suggesting three additional film candidates.
CELEBRITIES
How do you define Celebrity?
For this first phase of CineCause, we focused our research and outreach on film and TV talent, with some musicians being included; but we are currently developing the concept into other categories. If you are a publicist, agent or manager, and would like to recommend a client, please send email to celebrity@cinecause.com.
As a representative of a participating celebrity, what if I have a new story, photos or video for our talent, how do we get you this to you?
Please send an email with any attachments to celebrity@cinecause.com. If you have a video, please let us know and we will coordinate the transfer of the file via our iDisc. This is a very simple process. We will get the new information up as soon as possible. Please let us know if the news is related to an upcoming event and therefore time sensitive.
What if I have a client who is participating in an upcoming film, either as an actor or narrator, would CineCause be interested in doing a special event with the film and talent?
Absolutely, we will be seeking this type of event that can really make a difference for related charities. These special events present unique PR opportunities that can rally significant contributions in just one night, and generate more awareness for the cause and the film.
What if I represent a celebrity that is interested in being a guest curator for a CineCause Showcase?
We would love to hear from you. Please send an email to celebrity@cinecause.com or contact our offices at (310) 827-5900 with the name of your client and if there is a specific type of showcase or film he/she is interested in. We will be in touch within 3 business days.
What if I represent a celebrity that is interested in participating in traveling to a film festival to support a film and cause?
Same as above! We would love to hear from you. Anytime celebrities participate in festival appearances, particularly screenings connected to charities, the events generate more PR for the cause, film and celebrity; and the net result is more cash contributions for the charity.
NEWS
If I have discovered an article (available online) or video that should be considered, should I bring it to your attention?
Yes! We welcome your ideas. Please send an email to programming@cinecause.com with a link to the article and we will take a look.
SHOWCASES
How are the Showcases programmed?
Our programming team reviews past and current films, considers current events and news connections and then curates accordingly.
Are you open to Showcase recommendations?
Absolutely! If you have an idea for a Showcase, please send an email to programming@cinecause.com and we will be in touch asap.
PARTNERS
Are you looking for corporate partners, sponsors and advertisers?
We are in fact putting together different levels of partnerships and welcome discussions with any and all candidates. Please send a note to info@cinecause.com and we will be sure to contact you to schedule a time to connect.
How will partners get exposure through CineCause?
We will be integrating targeted spaces throughout the website for banner ads, in addition to presenting options for sponsorships through Film Festivals, Showcases and future Newsletters. There will also be off-line opportunities in regions where CineCause presents Spotlights at participating film festivals, from collateral promotions to in theater visual display.
