Legitimate contests?

[LifeCaptured]

When it comes to filmmaking contests and festivals, how do you separate the scams from the legitimate events? What are some red flags that warn you away. I'm pretty bad at figuring out when something is a scam.

 

[Fairytale Studios]

What are some red flags that warn you away.

If an organization is constantly running contests with a large entry fee, then that could be a warning sign. If there is a large window for submissions, then that might be a warning sign as well.

 

[ePIC]

I always check on previous winners just to make sure that they're real people and not a stock photo masquerading as one of us. I also look at the prize. It should be good, but not too good. There's definitely an acceptable range, though.

 

[LifeCaptured]

Those are some great tips you guys. Thanks for not ribbing me about the question. I feel like I should know a scam when I run across it, but I'm still pretty new to the industry and am getting my bearings slowly but surely.

 

[ShutterUp]

You have to check if there are any highlights from previous editions. It is easy to know a scam by checking some background information. Does a website detailing the participation requirements exist and are the fees reasonable?