Found a method, in case anyone else is curious... https://lutify.me/support/documentation/how-can-i-change-the-strengthopa...

I'm curious about this too although I do think the staff picks are usually really good! It's one of the ways I discover shorts. I know a lot of Short of the Week films crossover so maybe submitting to them may be a round about way of getting noticed for a staff pick?

Yeah, you clearly missed the point Michael. You can always cut something down but reshooting may not be an option, this was a good tip as he talks about getting different angles as well as shooting available B Roll shots to help break up the edit -this is a professional mindset, not amateur like your making it out it be.

You're film doesn't need to be shot on a top of the line camera (especially if you can't afford it). There is this mentality with young filmmakers that if they shoot on a Red or Alexa they will have a professional film under their belt. Shoot on what you can afford... Just trying to share some advice and maybe I'm talking to the 23-year-old me but all that being said look into the site Sharegrid if you want to rent from peers. Their pricing is very reasonable.

"Professional" - Defined as the size of a screen shown to clients -or someone who is willing to pay over a grand for a 7inch 720p monitor. Yeah, okay.

You could reach out to film sites like this one, post links on boards, and list on withoutabox (website). Also, I just checked out the site for this contest and on the "how to submit" page it says entries are due by "October 2017" so, anyone seeing that would think this is an outdated contest. Might be the main reason you are not getting many submissions. Updating that would be good.