#15 - Interview with Larry Laboe, Co-Founder of New Filmmakers LA. - Pt 2

What It Covers

Larry Laboe, co-founder of New Filmmakers LA, shares strategic advice for emerging filmmakers on building sustainable careers, selecting film festivals wisely, and maintaining momentum in an oversaturated competitive industry landscape.

Key Questions Answered

• •Continuous Production: Filmmakers must constantly create new work because industry professionals care about current projects and pipeline content, not past achievements. This requires maintaining relentless momentum across writing, directing, or producing to stay competitive in the marketplace.
• •Festival Strategy: Film Freeway lists over 12,000 festivals. Filmmakers should research the 100 best-reviewed festivals category, examine which filmmakers succeeded there and why, then strategically select festivals based on specific goals like press coverage, industry connections, or audience engagement rather than submitting broadly.
• •Budget Considerations: Submission fees represent only a fraction of festival costs. Filmmakers must calculate travel expenses, accommodation for multiple days, and time investment before committing. Prioritize local festivals or those offering direct access to agents and managers when resources are limited.
• •Validation Limits: Playing at prestigious festivals like Sundance does not guarantee career success. Many past Sundance selections still lack representation or consistent work. Filmmakers must continue networking, creating new content, and pursuing opportunities regardless of previous festival achievements or accolades received.