Lift-Off Help Centre

What is the difference between a Festival and a Showcase

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]The Lift-Off Festivals are held annually in their respective cities. Offical Selections pick up nominations through out the season for the Lift-Off Season Awards, held at the end of the year.

The Lift-Off Showcases are held throughout the year and are hosted in Lift-Off HQ @ Pinewood Studios. Screening with the Showcases is dependent on the filmmakers ability to attend the respective event, and are a superb platform for collaboration, learning and networking. Showcase screenings are held outside of competition however, it is not unusual for Showcase selections to pick up Offical Selections for a Lift-Off Festival.
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What is the online festival?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]At Lift-Off, we hate rejecting talent. There are plenty of great films we cannot accommodate at our global live screenings. Supporting the emerging indie community has always been our number one mission, and we always felt it a shame not to represent these films as best we can.

So we decided to run an online festival that runs tandem with every live Lift-Off Festival, to give deserving work a second chance. It has proven to be a great alternative route for well-supported work and always brings a large audience to these brilliant indie films, maximising their opportunities with the network.
Find out More [/su_expand]

Can I submit to multiple Lift-Off festivals?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Yes. Each of our festivals have different judging panels around the world. We would recommend submitting to multiple Lift-Off festivals to increase your chances.[/su_expand]

Where can I find the festival deadlines?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please refer to each FilmFreeway or Withoutabox submission page for all details and deadlines.[/su_expand]

How do I know which category to submit to?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]The criteria for each category can be found on Film freeway or Withoutabox. Please contact us if you need further clarification, or you think your project somehow fall outside of these lines.[/su_expand]

How can I update my submission?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please update your submission via your Filmfreeway or Withoutabox page directly. If you have any problems please contact the support team at Filmfreeway or Withoutabox who will be able to assist you further.[/su_expand]

How do you find the time to watch all of the submissions?!

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]It's quite a task, let me tell you. Thankfully we have a dedicated global team. Each submissions is passed through our three round judging phase, to ensure that nothing gets missed and each film is given a fair shot.[/su_expand]

Can I re-submit an unsuccessful film?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Yes, our judging panel changes regularly. We have often seen projects get picked up after a couple of attempts. We would also encourage you to become a member of the Network and seek out feedback on our platform.[/su_expand]

Do your festivals require that submissions have a premiere status?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]No, your film’s premiere status will not affect its validity in our selection process, nor does it matter if your film is already publicly available.[/su_expand]

Do you consider foreign language films?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Yes, although we do require subtitles if the main language is not English.[/su_expand]

When will I find out if my project is successful?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]On the festival's notification date, successful filmmakers will be contacted by the Lift-Off team, unsuccessful applicants will be notified via the respective submission platforms.[/su_expand]

Where does my submission fee go?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Whilst we are a not-for-profit organisation, we have to cover our costs, however, we strive to offer instant value by welcoming you to the Lift-Off family and providing you with insider knowledge and support throughout the submission process.[/su_expand]

Are there any situations where you are able to offer fee waivers?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]As I'm sure you are aware, we pay our judges to score our films, we also supply exclusive content to everyone who submits, and invite everyone to become a free member of the Network. It is our way of supplying genuine value in exchange for the submission fees we charge. A submission fee is something we require to facilitate a full analysis of the work.

Professional Members of the Lift-Off Network have access to unlimited fee waivers for all of our 25 city-based festival and in-house showcases, based in Pinewood studios.
Join as a professional member here[/su_expand]

I am unable to pay the submission fee due to the political circumstances in my country, how can I submit?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Unfortunately, as a not-for-profit organisation, we are currently unable to offer fee waivers. This being said our Lift-Off Session is a free festival to submit to:
filmfreeway.com/TheLiftOffSessions[/su_expand]

Do I have to live in the city to submit my film to the festivals?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]No, you do not have to live in the city to submit to the festivals. However, if you are submitting to our First-Time Filmmakers Showcase or one of our International Showcase @ Pinewood Studios you will be required to attend, should your project be selected. City based festival selections are not affected.[/su_expand]

If selected can you provide travel expenses and accommodation?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]As a not-for-profit organisation, at this current time we are unable to provide any accommodation or travel expenses. However, filmmakers who are unable to attend their screenings will be sent the audience review cards via post.[/su_expand]

What is the online festival?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]At Lift-Off, we hate rejecting talent. There are plenty of great films we cannot accommodate at our global live screenings. Supporting the emerging indie community has always been our number one mission, and we always felt it a shame not to represent these films as best we can.

So we decided to run an online festival that runs tandem with every live Lift-Off Festival, to give deserving work a second chance. It has proven to be a great alternative route for well-supported work and always brings a large audience to these brilliant indie films, maximising their opportunities with the network.
Find out More [/su_expand]

What is the Lift-Off Network platform

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]This is our new members' site, a launchpad created for anyone who wishes to have a career within film. From exciting global job opportunities to collaboration, tailored one2one career road-mapping, exclusive content and access to project-ready scripts.

Full members receive free submissions to all of our festivals and showcases.
Find out More [/su_expand]

How can I volunteer at one of your festivals?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please email us [email protected] or by fill out an application form on the relevant festival’s Facebook page.

Lift Off Global Network Facebook [/su_expand]

Do you have any job vacancies?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Work experience opportunities are regularly available at our headquarters at Pinewood Studios in the UK, email us at [email protected] for more information.

We also post regularly on Facebook with office volunteer positions.
Lift Off Global Network Facebook[/su_expand]

How do I submit my project to an Online Festival?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]If you have submitted to a Lift-Off Film Festival you will automatically be considered for the relevant online festival. If your work reaches a certain standard but does not quite make the selection for the live screenings you will be invited via email after the decision deadline for the respective festival. It is then up to you if you would like to take part or not.

Find out More

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How do I submit my project to an Online Festival?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]If you have submitted to a Lift-Off Film Festival you will automatically be considered for the relevant online festival. If your work reaches a certain standard but does not quite make the selection for the live screenings you will be invited via email after the decision deadline for the respective festival. It is then up to you if you would like to take part or not.

Find out More

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I was notified that I was unselected, but then I was told that I selected for the online festival. Am I now selected?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]If you have submitted to a Lift-Off Film Festival you will automatically be considered for the relevant online festival. If your work reaches a certain standard but does not quite make the selection for the live screenings you will be invited via email after the decision deadline for the respective festival. It is then up to you if you would like to take part or not.
Find out More
[/su_expand]

I have been asked to re-submit my film to your platform. You already have it on FilmFreeway, right?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We are separate from Filmfreeway. To participate in the online festivals you will need to upload your film file to our platform.
Find out More
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I'm Having Problems Uploading My Film to the Online Festival

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please follow the step by step instructions in your welcome email carefully.

Uploading your film can sometimes be problematic, and depends on lots of factors like internet upload speeds.

Please make sure that you keep your browser open whilst the film is uploading. If the process freezes, or you suspect something has gone wrong please don't panic. We will do everything we can to include you in the festival.

You will receive an email from the platform when your film is successfully uploaded.

If something goes wrong, don't panic:
1. Upload your film again, if there are any duplicates we will delete them from the server.
or
2. Email [email protected] with a link where we can manually download your film. A Vimeo link works well for this. Our team will then manually download/upload your project to the competition.
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How can I upload my subtitles/captions?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please send .srt files to [email protected], and we will add the file to your film.
[/su_expand]

Why are you charging people to rent the collection?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We must stress that this is not a profit making venture for us (and Lift-Off are a not for profit organisation). Our video hosting platform (Vimeo-On-Demand) is a great platform, but it is expensive. So are the marketing efforts involved in all of our festivals.

We firmly believe indie film should be valued correctly. We hope to find audiences that understand the value of the rental fee - where else can audiences find such an abundance of wide ranging, high quality, true indie work?
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Will screening online affect my chances to screen with other festivals?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]To our knowledge, our online screenings should not affect eligibility for other festivals. The only exception to this could be if the film festival you're looking to feature in has their respective dates running at the same time as the online screening.

The online screening is much the same as being part of our live festivals, except it will be online, in a secure environment, for the world to enjoy. The films are not available freely (only those who pay to watch them have access) and after the week, they are removed from the platform.

That being said please do your own due diligence and check that an online festival screening doesn't jeopardise your eligibility with other competitions.
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How do I submit my project to the Lift-Off Sessions?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Submissions are via our submission partners Filmfreeway.
Submit via Filmfreeway[/su_expand]

I'm Having Problems Uploading My Film to the Lift-Off Sessions. Help!

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please follow the step by step instructions in your welcome email carefully.

Uploading your film can sometimes be problematic, and depends on lots of factors like internet upload speeds.

Please make sure that you keep your browser open whilst the film is uploading. If the process freezes, or you suspect something has gone wrong please don't panic. We will do everything we can to include you in the festival.

You will receive an email from the platform when we successfully receive it.

If something goes wrong:

1. Try to upload your film again, if there are any duplicates on our end we will delete them from the server.
or
2. Email [email protected] with a link where we can manually download your film. A Vimeo link works well for this. Our team will then manaully download/upload your project to the competition.
[/su_expand]

How can I upload my subtitles/captions?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Please send .srt files to [email protected], and we will add the file to your film.
[/su_expand]

Why are you charging people to rent the collection?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We must stress that this is not a profit making venture for us (and Lift-Off are a not for profit organisation). Our video hosting platform (Vimeo-On-Demand) is a great platform, but it is expensive. So are the marketing efforts involved in all of our festivals.

We firmly believe indie film should be valued correctly. We hope to find audiences that understand the value of the rental fee - where else can audiences find such an abundance of wide ranging, high quality, true indie work?
[/su_expand]

What is the difference between a Festival and a Showcase

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]The Lift-Off Festivals are held annually in their respective cities. Offical Selections pick up nominations through out the season for the Lift-Off Season Awards, held at the end of the year.

The Lift-Off Showcases are held throughout the year and are hosted in Lift-Off HQ @ Pinewood Studios. Screening with the Showcases is dependent on the filmmakers ability to attend the respective event, and are a superb platform for collaboration, learning and networking. Showcase screenings are held outside of competition however, it is not unusual for Showcase selections to pick up Offical Selections for a Lift-Off Festival.
[/su_expand]

I don't know where to begin

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We have put together this article which suggests some of the best strategies for making the most of the platform.

Learn more about the best practices for Network Members
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What is the best membership level for me?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]It depends on what you want to get from the Network.

Production Accelerator Membership gives full access to the 5-week online training course plus all of the Professional Membership features.
Learn more about the Production Accelerator here.

Professional Membership works well if you already have a project or two to submit to the Network. Professional Members receive complimentary submissions to all Lift-Off Festivals and Showcases, as well as consideration for your nearest Professional Member screening and Networking event.
Learn more about the features here.

Intermediate Membership works well if you are starting out. You receive access to the support network - the forums, career road-mapping consultations, and the educational programmes. When you have a project for submission to the network, Intermediate members receive complimentary submissions to the Lift-Off Showcases.
Learn more about the features here.

All membership levels can access our Member's Dashboard, where you can find a whole host of tools to help you on the road of your career.
Learn more

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Membership fees are in US Dollars, can I pay in my home currency?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We currently take payment in US Dollars via either Stripe or Paypal. These are the easiest and safest method of payment for everyone.

Don't worry if your home currency isn't US dollars. Stripe and Paypal will convert your currency and pay in the correct currency.
[/su_expand]

How do I cancel my membership?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We are sorry to see you go! Is there anything we could have done better? Please let us know if so.

You can cancel your membership under My Account -> Cancel Membership
Or go here
[/su_expand]

What is the Production Accelerator?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Production Accelerator is a 5-week online course with worksheets, live Q&A calls and free Professional membership to the Lift-Off Global Network. It teaches you how to develop your creativity and connect with the international market.

Learn more about the features here[/su_expand]

Who is it for?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]Production Accelerator is for indie creatives who want to learn how to develop their professional career to a position where they can connect their work with the market and ultimately generate a revenue from their creativity.
[/su_expand]

Membership fees are in US Dollars, can I pay in my home currency?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We currently take payment in US Dollars via either Stripe or Paypal. These are the easiest and safest method of payment for everyone.

Don't worry if your home currency isn't US dollars. Stripe and Paypal will convert your currency and pay in the correct currency.
[/su_expand]

How do I cancel my membership?

[su_expand more_text="More ↓" less_text="Less ↑" height="1" link_color="#47b19d"]We are sorry to see you go! Is there anything we could have done better? Please let us know if so.

You can cancel your membership under My Account -> Cancel Membership
Or go here
[/su_expand]