Hello! I’m Jim.
I've worked in film festivals for almost twenty years. They can be daunting, so I demystify them for filmmakers and help them dip a toe in their murky waters and put their best foot forward. I also curate films, mentor, and sometimes I write. It's nice to meet you.
My Approach
After almost two decades in the film industry, it’s clear that there are still many misconceptions and inaccuracies around festivals and how they work. More importantly, how they can work for YOU, the filmmaker. What are festival looking for? Do you need to know someone on the inside? What’s the deal with waivers? It’s confusing, and it’s a minefield.
Think of me as your own personal festival AMA. You can hire me for a “brain-picking” session or we can get more in depth with a rough cut review, script coverage, or one-on-one festival consultation. Ever wondered what you should wear to a premiere? I have thoughts on that too.
Hit me up for a free 20 minute introductory consultation, and let’s see what we can do together.
Filmmaker Services
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Festival & General Consulting
Are you an emerging filmmaker looking to get your film into festivals? I can help with best practices, dispel some myths and make the most of your in the festival ecosystem.
Perfect for filmmakers, programmers and other film creatives who don't know where to begin. There are no questions out of bounds!
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Rough cut review and script coverage
I’ll review your rough cut or script, at any stage, and offer detailed feedback relating to general festival potential from the perspective of a professional film programmer.
Rates for this can vary enormously, but I strive to keep them competitive. Please reach out for more info.
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Mentoring
This is a tough industry to break into, let alone to thrive. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and sharing knowledge with transparency and understanding can really help inspire and nurture your professional journey. What can I do to help you on yours?
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Panelist, moderator, Juror, Lab Advisor
I have extensive experience hosting panels, moderating Q&As, introducing films and much more. I’ve also been on countless selection committees and juries for film festivals, labs and pitches. Send me a message and let’s see if I can contribute to yours.
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Curating
I’m a veteran career film programmer, at both large and small festivals and events, and I have developed a robust International reputation. Get in touch for more information on my curatorial approach and my rates.
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Writing
I can provide professional synopses, reviews, web copy, essays and more. My most recent publication can be viewed here. Please contact me for rates.
Lets talk!
Still not sure? Set up a free 20 minute intro with me and let’s see what we can do. It’s important that we have a rapport if we’re going to work together, so let’s have a quick chat and see if we vibe. This is also a great way to discuss complex bespoke requests and get a clearer sense of the corresponding rates.
About me
Based in Texas, born and raised in Wales, I am an independent film curator, primarily for South by Southwest Film & TV Festival (SXSW), where I have programmed international and documentary features since 2009. My other curatorial and consulting work includes Curaçao International Film Festival, Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival, Adelaide Film Festival, KINO! Germany Now (Goethe Institute/German Film Office), and PANORAMICA for PLAY Acción Cultural in Spain. Every month I curate and host the public-facing KINO! Film Salon in partnership with Telescope Film.
I have consulted and participated on numerous international festival juries, panels and committees including Cannes Docs, EFM, FICCALI, Locarno Industry Academy (Bogotá), REC Festival, and Sarajevo Film Festival. I have also mentored Latin American students for London Film School, and guest lectured for University of Texas Department of Radio, Television and Film.
FAQ
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Let’s talk. We’ll start with a free introductory consultation to figure out your needs. From there we’ll assess the right path forward.
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As a baseline, a standard consultation lasts 60 minutes and takes place over Zoom. Other forms of collaboration are available and may extend over multiple sessions. Set up a free intro session and let’s see what makes sense for you.
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As a general guide, my hourly rate is around $250. That said, pricing is bespoke and depends on the depth and breadth of our collaboration. My aim is to make this accessible and equitable, with room for flexibility based on your circumstances. We can discuss more in our intro session, or reach out using the contact form.
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I’m a film industry veteran, across multiple disciplines. Most of my experience is in festival programming for events of various sizes. I have built a reputation for integrity, transparency and a deep enthusiasm for emerging filmmakers. I’m passionate about this, and I believe access to information is vital if the industry is to flourish.
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Well… it's a little more complicated than that. I will give you best practices, and help you optimize your strategy as you consider your next steps. My approach is festival agnostic and the tools I can give you will be applicable to almost any festival on your wish list. But ultimately, it’s your film and your planning that will get your film into festivals.