How to Sell Your Screenplay at a Major Film Festival (Santa Barbara, Sundance, etc.)
Hello everyone!
Recently, I attended two major film festivals: Sundance Film Festival 2025 in Park City, Utah, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2025 in Santa Barbara, California. It was a fantastic experience where I met many talented screenwriters, filmmakers, and industry professionals. This post is about how to sell your screenplay at big festivals and some thoughts on the future of Sundance.
Selling Your Screenplay at Film Festivals
Film festivals are not direct marketplaces for screenplays, but they provide the perfect opportunity to network with producers, directors, and agents who are looking for their next project. The key is preparation, strategic networking, and follow-ups.
✅ Have a solid pitch – You need a compelling logline and one-sentence hook that makes your script stand out.
✅ Connect with filmmakers – Many indie directors at festivals are looking for strong scripts to produce.
✅ Attend industry events – Panels, networking mixers, and filmmaker Q&As are great places to meet decision-makers.
✅ Follow up professionally – If someone shows interest, send a brief follow-up email with your one-pager and logline.
Sundance Film Festival is Looking for a New Venue
One big discussion at Sundance this year was about relocating the festival to a different location. Park City, Utah, has been home to Sundance for decades, but there are growing concerns about logistics, costs, and accessibility.
Why Santa Barbara Could Be an Ideal New Home for Sundance
I personally think Santa Barbara would be a perfect location for Sundance for several reasons:
🌞 Better Weather – Unlike Park City’s freezing temperatures, snow, and icy roads, Santa Barbara offers mild weather, making networking much easier. Cold weather, slush, and slippery streets are not ideal for industry professionals trying to connect.
🚶♂️ Walkable Festival Layout – State Street is closed to traffic, making it easy for attendees to move between theaters, hotels, and networking events.
🎭 Plenty of Theaters & Hotels – Santa Barbara already hosts SBIFF, proving that it can handle a large-scale film festival.
💰 Cost-Effective & Accessible – It’s closer to Los Angeles, making it easier for more Hollywood executives, producers, and filmmakers to attend without the high travel and lodging costs of Park City.
Would Santa Barbara be a good new home for Sundance? I think so! What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
How to Sell your screenplay?
Selling a screenplay at a film festival—whether it’s the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), Sundance, Cannes, or TIFF—requires strategy, preparation, and networking. While festivals are not direct marketplaces for screenplays, they offer valuable opportunities to connect with producers, agents, and industry insiders who can help bring your script to life. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
1. Research the Right Festival for Your Script
Not all festivals are equal when it comes to selling a screenplay. SBIFF, for example, attracts both Hollywood executives and independent filmmakers, making it a great place to network. However, Sundance, AFM (American Film Market), and Cannes have more direct industry-driven marketplaces.
✅ Find out who is attending – Look at the guest list, industry panels, and networking events.
✅ See which films are screening – If they match your script’s genre, their producers might be interested in your work.
2. Have a Killer Pitch Ready
You won’t have time to explain your entire script to industry professionals—so develop a 30-second elevator pitch that highlights the genre, hook, and why it’s a must-see film.
Example:
“It’s John Wick meets Mad Max—a retired assassin must protect a convoy of refugees across a cyberpunk wasteland. High stakes, explosive action, and a strong female lead.”
3. Print Professional Materials
Prepare industry-standard materials:
✔ Logline & One-Pager – A brief but powerful summary of your script.
✔ Short Synopsis – One paragraph detailing the story and characters.
✔ Business Cards – Include your email, social media, and a link to your portfolio.
4. Network Like a Pro
💡 Where to meet buyers at SBIFF & other festivals:
- Industry panels & networking events
- Filmmaker Q&A sessions
- VIP lounges & after-parties
- Coffee shops near festival venues
👋 How to approach people:
- Don’t be aggressive—introduce yourself naturally.
- Compliment their work and find common ground before pitching.
- Be concise—executives and producers are busy.
5. Target Indie Filmmakers & Producers
Big studios rarely buy scripts from unknown writers at festivals, but independent filmmakers and producers looking for their next project do. Approach directors and production companies whose work aligns with your script’s style.
🚀 Tip: Some festival films don’t have strong scripts—filmmakers may be looking for their next project.
6. Attend Industry Panels & Pitch Events
Many festivals, including SBIFF and Sundance, have pitch sessions where writers can present their work. Sign up for pitch events, workshops, or mentorship programs where you can get direct feedback from professionals.
7. Follow Up After the Festival
If you meet a producer, agent, or filmmaker interested in your script, send a follow-up email within 48 hours. Keep it short and professional:
Subject: Great Meeting You at SBIFF – [Your Script Name]
Body:
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [event/location] during SBIFF. I loved our conversation about [topic you discussed]. As promised, I’m sending over the logline and one-pager for my screenplay, [Title].
Let me know if you’d like to read the full script—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
8. Consider a Film Market Instead
If selling is your priority, film markets like AFM (American Film Market) or Cannes Marché du Film are better suited for script sales than traditional festivals. At SBIFF and Sundance, you’re more likely to make connections that can lead to a sale later rather than an immediate deal.
Final Thoughts
Selling a screenplay at a festival is about relationships, persistence, and strategic networking. Don’t go expecting to sell on the spot—focus on making connections that lead to future opportunities. By researching attendees, preparing your pitch, and networking effectively, you can increase your chances of getting your screenplay into the right hands.
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