There are promotional materials that are essential to start getting a film out there, especially those related to the director: such as a photograph, a copy of your ID card (or passport), your filmography and your biofilmography.
Sometimes it seems that biofilmography is not given much importance, and it is confused with a CV or with the filmography itself. When we start preparing distribution materials, it is one of the things we most need to review and explain to directors. Most want to tell too much, and it is usually not about quantity, but about how it is written and being very specific.
You have probably gone back and forth many times over the wording of your biofilmography; it is difficult to summarise years of work in just a few lines. Here are a few brief notes to help you write it:
#1 Only the most relevant details
It is about making a biographical summary of your career as a filmmaker, mentioning the most important films in your filmography. If it is your first film, make that clear; remember that there is a festival circuit specialising in debut films.
#2 Connect the biofilmography to your film
Even if you have an extensive career as a director, it is not necessary to list all the short films (that is what the filmography is for), commercials, or TV series you have directed. Highlight those that best connect with your film. If it is your debut, mention only the most awarded shorts; if you are premiering a new documentary, talk about your previous work as a documentarian, etc.
#3 It must be very short
Every year I come across very long texts. The problem is that festival forms have limited space, and if the text does not fit properly, it gets cut off. I usually ask for a maximum of 500 characters. Although that may seem like little, there are festivals with even shorter limits; L’Alternativa in Barcelona had a 300-character limit in its online form this year.
#4 A single text even if there are several directors
Many festivals do not have forms or catalogues that allow more than one text (and photograph) per director. It is much better to prepare a joint text (and a single photograph with all the directors) to avoid problems and speed up the festival submission process.
#5 Do not forget your personal brand
If your film is successful, the text of your biofilmography will be published on many websites and in festival catalogues. It is one of the most important elements for building your personal brand (again, along with the photograph). A well-crafted text, aligned with your interests, can help spark interest in your film and in your work.
In short, do not forget that it is a good opportunity to talk about yourself, to be known, and to spark curiosity.