INTRO TO SIDEREEL
SideReel Film Festival emerged as a vibrant response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly a year after the film industry came to a halt, uncertainty still loomed over filmmakers, unsure of when or if their projects would resume production amidst ever-changing safety guidelines. In this backdrop, SideReel Film Festival emerged as a beacon of creativity, offering a 48-hour film challenge where participants from around the world could write, plan, and produce a new film in a single weekend. The festival welcomed aspiring filmmakers at all levels, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.
THE CHALLENGE
The primary challenge faced by the SideReel team was organizing a fully remote film festival, an unprecedented endeavor given that established festivals like Cannes and Sundance had been canceled the same year. With varying health codes and restrictions across different states and countries, there was little precedent on how to navigate such an event. Many nations were still in lockdown, practicing social distancing, and staying at home. While emphasizing the importance of adhering to health precautions, the festival aimed to reignite the joy of filmmaking during a time when many were concerned about the future of their craft.
To ensure that films were created exclusively during the challenge, participants were required to incorporate specific elements into their submissions. These elements, such as the color blue, a dirty dish, or the line "that is why you must keep dreaming," were announced during the launch event, ensuring a level playing field for all teams. Additionally, the festival sought to foster networking and connections among filmmakers. During the introductory meeting, participants had the opportunity to learn more about each other, aided by a film festival bingo game designed to eliminate any awkward silences in the Zoom environment.
Project Goals
- Tie into company mission of promoting storytelling worldwide
- Colour scheme relate to company colours (magenta and gold)
- Time and filmmaking elements working together in a design
- Creative should feel fun, messy, exciting and inspiring
THE PROCESS
During the creative exploration, the team delved into various design options. The final designs captured the essence of filmmaking and time elements, exuding a vibrant and engaging vibe. These designs were then deployed across various platforms, including the festival's website, social media channels, film posters, swag items, and web graphics. Additionally, the team crafted laurels to be awarded to the festival winners, adding a touch of prestige to their accomplishments.
THE OUTCOME
The inaugural year of SideReel Film Festival exceeded all expectations, garnering an impressive 160 signups from 80 different countries. On the final day, the team received ten submissions that truly embodied the festival's theme—Hope. The festival provided a global stage for filmmakers to showcase their talent, bringing together diverse voices from around the world and creating a sense of unity through the power of storytelling.
