Erin Brown Thomas and the Journey to Indie Film Success
Erin Brown Thomas has a story that many aspiring filmmakers can relate to. After submitting her work to over 900 film festivals, she finally found her place in the world of indie cinema. Her journey is not just about perseverance; it's also about passion, community, and the importance of finding the right platforms for artistic expression. As the filmmaker behind "Chasers" and the artistic director of Salute Your Shorts Fest, Brown Thomas has built a career around supporting emerging talent and fostering a space where creativity thrives.
Her film "Chasers," an episodic pilot shot as a 31-minute oner, reflects on the personal and professional sacrifices made in the pursuit of success in the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges, Brown Thomas remains deeply connected to the Salute community, which she describes as a space that balances artists with unique perspectives and supports authentic storytelling.
The Importance of Finding the Right Festival
For filmmakers, choosing the right festival can make all the difference. Brown Thomas emphasizes that the goal should be to find festivals that truly value the work being submitted. She encourages filmmakers to think critically about their submissions and to ensure that the festivals they choose are ones that will provide meaningful recognition.
At Salute Your Shorts, the mantra is "Films with aftertaste." This means that when a film is chosen, it's because the team believes in its potential and future. Brown Thomas stresses the importance of ensuring that the laurels won at festivals actually mean something. For her, the value of a festival lies in its ability to support and elevate the work of filmmakers.
Tips for Successful Festival Submissions
Brown Thomas shares nine essential tips for filmmakers looking to submit their work to festivals:
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Put Real Effort into Your Profile on FilmFreeway
A strong profile on FilmFreeway can significantly increase a filmmaker’s visibility. Brown Thomas notes that creating a compelling first impression online is crucial. She recommends investing in a professional poster design, as it may be seen more often than the film itself. -
Tell Your Film's Story, While Understanding Your Audience
Filmmakers should focus on how they present their work to festival programmers. Brown Thomas suggests that enthusiasm and clarity in communication can make a big difference in how a film is received. -
Do Your Research - and Don't Fall for Scams
Not all festivals are created equal. Brown Thomas advises filmmakers to do their research and avoid scams by understanding what a festival offers and whether it aligns with their goals. -
Pick Your Festivals with Purpose(s)
There are different types of festivals, each offering unique opportunities. Brown Thomas recommends selecting festivals based on purpose, such as networking events or creative residencies. -
Programming Will Teach You What Kind of Filmmaker You Are
Watching films at festivals can help filmmakers understand their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s a valuable learning experience that can shape their future projects. -
Being Memorable Is More Important Than Being Perfect
Brown Thomas values voice and originality over technical perfection. She believes that a film that stands out and sparks conversation is more valuable than one that is technically flawless but lacks personality. -
Most Shorts Are Too Long, but There's a Sweet Spot
Length can impact a short film’s success. Brown Thomas notes that while some films benefit from being longer, others need to be concise and impactful. -
Social Media Feels Like Future Proofing Your Career
Social media can be a powerful tool for filmmakers to connect with audiences and build a following. Brown Thomas uses it to share both successes and failures, helping to create a sense of community and engagement. -
Salute Your Shorts!
Brown Thomas encourages filmmakers to embrace the short film format and to seek out communities like Salute Your Shorts. She believes that supporting these events helps foster a vibrant and inclusive film culture.
Winners of Salute Your Shorts Fest 2025
The 2025 edition of Salute Your Shorts Fest recognized a range of outstanding films across various categories. Some of the winners include:
- Programmers Choice Award: "The Music Store" (dir. Joe Gillette)
- Audience Choice Award: "The Singers" (dir. Sam Davis)
- Narrative Best of Fest: "Live" (dir. Mara Tamkovich)
- Best Local Film: "RAT!" (dir. Neal Suresh Mulani)
- Best Comedy: "Bulldozer" (created by Joanna Leeds)
- Best Drama: "Contours" (dir. Aisha Amin)
- Best Genre Film: "Clementine" (dir. Zoe Davidson)
- Best Super Short - Under 5 Minutes: "Sweet Talkin' Guy" (dirs. Dylan & Spencer Wardwell)
- Best Animation: "Flower Show" (dir. Elli Vuorinen)
- Best Documentary: "Monster Slayer" (dir. Catie Skipp)
- Best Experimental: "Kamikaze" (dir. Ray Smiling)
These films represent the diversity and creativity that continue to define the short film landscape. Through events like Salute Your Shorts, filmmakers have the opportunity to showcase their work, connect with others, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of independent cinema.
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