We’re moving the Troutbitten Film Festival to the springtime. Our new date is March 20, 2027. Some excellent submissions have come in, and we’re expanding plans for the event. Thanks to everyone who has expressed such excitement for this film fest.

All of the details are below . . .

Freedom and flexibility are one of the things I love most about this Troutbitten Project. Back in late June, I began intense work on the Troutbitten YouTube channel, because my friend and creative partner, Josh Darling of Wilds Media, had to move on from routine work with Troutbitten to focus on his own projects. I couldn’t be happier for Josh, and I’m grateful for all that I learned from him over the six years we made videos together. I’ve now taken on all the Troutbitten video work myself — and I love it.

My focus this summer became consumed with establishing weekly Troutbitten videos, so the Film Fest plans had to be pushed back to the spring. Likewise, the Troutbitten book release was tabled until my next offseason from guiding, and I’ll begin the final publishing process in January.

Thanks to everyone for your support of the Troutbitten Project.

Here’s all the information about the Film Festival. Please be in touch if you have any questions.

Details for the Event

On March 20th, 2027, Troutbitten is hosting a Film Festival at New Trail Brewing Company in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and we want you to be there. We’ll gather to share fishing stories, a few beers and good times. The event will feature door prizes with gear from many of the best companies in the fly fishing world, and we’ll have awards for some of the selected films.

What’s This?

The Troutbitten Film Festival features genuine experiences. It’s about the woods and the water. It’s about wild places. It’s about the friendships and stories we all collect from a life on the water. It’s not about exotic locations. It’s not a big fish contest or a big camera contest. If you’re resourceful, you can create something beautiful and endearing for the Troutbitten Film Festival with your iPhone.

Your videos can be raw and organic, but they should also be polished. Edit to tell a story, to create a mood and capture emotions. Be creative with your work, and make a film that shows something special to you.

The Troutbitten Film Festival is as much about the hangout as the footage. So mark your calendars and watch for more information in the coming months. And if you’re a creator, get out there, shoot some great stuff and send it our way.

Submission Guidelines

• 2-10 minutes
• 4K preferred, 1080 minimum
• 16×9 (Landscape)
• MP4
• H.265
• 24fps or 30fps

Length
Create a video between two and ten minutes. We’d love to mix in short-form videos between long-form selections.

It’s About Trout
This is Troutbitten. So skip the tarpon and permit footage from your trip to Belize. Big trout or small, browns, bulls, bows or brookies: chase fish and show the adventure.

No Spot Burning
Naming your location does nothing to further the story, but it can draw unwanted attention to the area. Talking about the region is fine, but keep river names or signage off the screen.

Film and Edit HD
Use high resolution. Yes, the files are larger, but filming in 4K lends the chance to zoom in while editing. 1080 is the minimum. 8K is unnecessary.

Audio Matters
Don’t overlook the sound. In-camera mics are rarely good enough. Pick up a simple shotgun mic, or take a look at something like the DJI Mic 3.

Landscape View
Videos should be ready for a 16×9, landscape presentation.

Edit for Art
Think about what you love most about the films that inspire you, and be a creator. Remember this: there’s fishing, filming and editing. Each is equally important.

Send It
Email me at domenick@troutbitten.com, with the words “Video Submission” in the tile. In return, I’ll send you a link to upload your video. Also, feel free to email with questions.

Fish hard, friends.

Enjoy the day.
Domenick Swentosky
T R O U T B I T T E N
domenick@troutbitten.com