Four essentials in staging film festivals and competitions are: facilities, films, equipment, and an audience. Basic steps in getting these essentials together are outlined. Surveying available facilities first helps you gauge the scale of the festival, estimate the likely costs and receipts, and plan for the projection equipment necessary. Commercial films may sometimes be available free if your festival is not aimed at making a profit. In competitions, films must be solicited, a jury chosen, and decisions about prize-giving made. Equipment should be ordered well in advance of the event. Advertising is important in getting an audience, and the pacing of films during a showing is important in keeping them interested. Appendixes provide a list of international competitive film categories and a sample release form. (JK)