Serena Paull
Project Director, Sony Tropfest
Sony Tropfest Entry Tips

Serena began work at Sony Tropfest in 2000, initially implementing and managing all film entries, distribution and exhibition activities. In 2001 Serena was promoted to Project Director, which includes sponsorship management and procurement, corporate partnerships, industry relations, legal/rights management and media spokesperson.

After graduating from Media Studies at RMIT and majoring in television/film production, Serena began work on a number of short film and video projects. She has a great deal of experience in short film production - some of her credits include Producer, Production Manager and 1st Assistant Director.

Serena's film and television major established a solid background in all facets of production, and her critical major in Cinema Studies secured her position with the Australian Film Institute (AFI) in Screen Events.

Her film festival coordination work includes the 1999 Hong Kong Film Festival, St Kilda Film Festival international component (and national tour) and electronic music video competition, as well as a number of spotlight programs for the National Cinémathéque. She also handled theatrical short film exhibition in her role at the AFI as well as being a member of the AFI Distribution short film acquisitions team.

Notes from speech

Serena explains what the judging process is and highlights some top tips and common mistakes often made by Sony Tropfest entrants:

What is the Sony Tropfest judging process?

All films are seen by 9 judges on three panels who's job it is to whittle the films down to a minimum of 60 films for the next stage of judging. The criteria these judges focus on are:

• Strength of the idea
• Ability to convey the idea

To confirm: Sony Tropfest films are not judged on budget or technical ability

The 60 films then go off to John Polson who judges them with around four judges – he then selects the final 16 that are screened at Sony Tropfest.

Sony Tropfest top tips and common mistakes:

• Ensure you've read the entry form fully and have got all the permissions and releases you need – especially the music. If in doubt call the Sony Tropfest office on 02 9368 0434.
• There is a balance between content and production and remember that content is king. Spend time editing the script so it is as good as it can be.
• Casting: Don't be afraid to ask agents who may have contacts for actors that are out of work and are looking for exposure in good Sony Tropfest movies.
• Sound: Pay attention to it – the audience will put up with a poor image for longer than poor sound.
• Music: Use composers and work with them from the start so they can become part of the process. The Sony Tropfest online message board is a good point of contact.
• TSI: Your film doesn't have to actually be about the TSI – it just has to feature it.
• Time: Your film doesn't have to last the full seven mins, learn where to draw the line and, importantly, how to keep the film moving.
• Your film has to premier at Sony Tropfest – a re-edit of an existing movie that's been screened does not make a new film. Call the Sony Tropfest office if you are unsure.
• Narrative: Learn to tell a story visually. The audience is clever so you don't need to spell everything out.
• Watch a lot of short films – you'll then get an idea of what works.
• Work to MA guidelines – for more information read the entry form.
• Don't limit yourself to what you think Sony Tropfest judges want to see (look at the success of Yin in 2003).