Well, it seems this film festival train is going to keep on chugging along for a while. So I guess we’ll just keep riding it as long as we can. Of course, last weekend (as previously mentioned) we had two going on at the same time. Two of us went to one of them, and two of us went to the other, each across the country from the other.
Director Jerry Alden Deal, Production Designer Renee Prince, Transmedia Architect Jay Deal, Transpo Coordinator Mark OLeal
We picked up an award at each festival. In Vancouver we got an award for Best Spiritual Film, and in Ohio we got a First Place Family Feature award. Also, I did a Q & A at the one in Vancouver, WA, and there was a scheduled Q & A at the one in Hudson, Ohio, but that one didn’t happen because the festival didn’t allot the time for it. I normally try to stay positive about these events, as I know they are hard to put on and are mostly manned by volunteers. However, I am going to offer some constructive criticism about how these festivals can do a better job. Big surprise, huh? I imagine most filmmakers have had festival experiences they’d just soon forget, and probably complain about. Right?
Executive Producer Berry Deal picking up award
Better communication is at the top of my list. Obvious? Well, we’ve had all kinds of experiences at these festivals and the ones that do it best usually have this down as a priority. At least make a concerted attempt, and with clarity too, please. Yes, this can solve so many other problems.
Better time allotment is up there on my list. Our film’s screenings and Q & A’s have usually seemed pretty rushed, if we had one at all. I know I’ve talked to disappointed viewers afterwards, ones who wanted to ask me something but didn’t get the chance. So I try to hang around afterwards in a hallway, or wherever we can find quiet real estate. We have also had them scheduled, and then told there was no time for them. Bummer.
Better organization could obviously always help. Yes I know, because you’re usually relying completely on volunteers, it can be hard to get good help. But at least get people who have a passion for film, and are people-friendly to boot. Both qualities in your volunteer help are needed to make it work!
Better venues and projection quality. We have experienced the total gamut here. From very good projection and venues, to places I might not normally even enter. And oh my, please, a projectionist who knows what they are doing. Do they not have developed ears and eyes, and can’t tell when you can barely hear the dialogue or even see the too-darkly projected scenes? Quality control goes a long way with the audience, as well as preventing the filmmakers from cringing to see how bad their films can, but should not, look on a big screen.
Which brings me to my last gripe. Politeness. Can go so far. Ah, the simple pleasures. Just a ‘please’ or a thank you’ or ‘how can I help you, or … well, you get the message. Please drop the arrogance. Leave that to us big-egoed filmmakers. Sorry guys (and gals), but we can be pretty bad too. So, how about we all just drop the pretenses, chill out a bit, and try to enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime moments?
Because filmmakers, think that this could be your last film festival, and festival people, think this might be the last festival you can put on. How would you act then? Maybe, savor the moment? And enjoy each other’s company? Because we both need each other. Filmmakers need a place to screen their films, and the festivals need their content. And we’re all there for the audience. Right? Which is how we should always be thinking about this, if we want to improve their experience. So, we all can come back next year and savor those unique moments again.
One final remark. We have four more film festivals on the horizon. One in September in South Texas, and three on the same weekend in October. Yikes! We’re still trying to figure out how we’re going to manage that. We’ll keep you posted.
JAD
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