BY CLAY LARROY
Traveling can
be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. You
need to do all of your research so that you don't forget to pack something
important, see what the best methods of transportation are, etc. Avoid crowds
and save money by visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy
your vacation without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go,
learn when the popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for
the less popular time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations
you may have to contend with less than ideal weather. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Choosing
a festival
What
festival to attend depends a great deal on your idea of fun. At many festivals,
you will see big name stars touting their new movies and walking the streets,
shopping in local stores and eating in the same restaurants as the attendees.
Often the media will interview the stars about their feature films and their
reasons for attending. Many times, it is possible to sit in on these live
interviews, an opportunity to see and in some cases, visit, with the actors and
actresses, directors and producers who make the films.
Festivals
typically double as business venues for writers, directors and producers
shopping their scripts, hoping to make contact with the elusive financier or
actor. As with the stars, there are often open interview sessions with
directors, producers and writers.
Legendary
film critics also frequent film festivals. It is always fun to watch the
critics while they see a film for the first time and to hear their initial
reaction. Maybe you will even get a heads- up on the next academy award winning
movie.
If it
is your goal to see and meet these famous people, choose one of the better
known, more established film festivals. Almost every film festival has a web
site. Visit the sites and see who has attended that festival in the past. The
list of past attendees will be a good indication of the caliber of stars,
directors, producers and media that are attracted to this particular film
festival. Next, visit with your travel consultant to find the best possible
travel package to your destination. The most well attended festivals book early
in advance and accommodations can be at a premium. Your travel consultant will
have access to professional booking tools and hotel allotments that they can
often tap into for hard to get bookings.
Film
festivals are also an important networking venue for those hoping to enter the
film making industry. Since so many important "players" in the
industry are located in one spot, the festival creates an opportunity to make
key business connections in a short period of time.
Location,
location, location - always an important factor in any vacation or trip,
location is also something to consider for a film festival vacation. Depending
on your funds, you may wish to choose a trip close to home or one in a vacation
resort. Again, if you want to combine the festival with other activities,
explore the area to see the offerings. Don’t forget to factor in the climate.
If you hate the cold and snow, you sure aren’t going to want to attend the
Sundance Film Festival high in the mountains of Utah in January.
Many
film festivals have added educational components such as workshops,
presentations, classes and hands-on experiences in addition to the film
viewings. There may be numerous opportunities to be exposed to all aspects of
film making at a festival. Want-to-be actors, directors, writers, producers and
filmmakers can get advice from the pros. There may be actual readings,
production sessions and meetings with agents. Some carry workshops on public
relations and marketing films. You may even learn how to finance a movie.
Popular
themes for film festivals include: independent films; documentaries; comedy;
foreign films; gay and lesbian; full-length features; black films; outdoor and
nature films; and music videos. There are even such niche film festivals as the
Bicycle Film Festival, the Screamfest L.A. Horror Film Festival and Roger Ebert’s
Overlooked Film Festival.
Just
as for any successful vacation, proper planning is essential. Some of the more
popular film festivals are booked well in advance. Once you choose which
festival you wish to attend, have your travel consultant check out the local
accommodations. Depending on your price range, you may wish to stay at local
motels or hotels, local bed and breakfast or maybe even camp. Ask your
consultant to check for the availability of tour packages that might coincide
with your visit, and which could mean additional savings by combining air,
hotel and rental car. Taking along the children? Determine what opportunities
are available for all family members and arrange child care at the
accommodations in advance if necessary. If you are traveling to find famous
locations for films, your timing is much more a matter of personal preference
and budget.
Ask
local establishments if they have special film festival packages on lodging and
passes to the movies and events. Some festivals have featured accommodations
where film goers get better rates. This information is usually listed on the
festival web sites or ask!
Check
out the transportation situation at the festival. Not only do you need to know
how you are getting to the festival, will you need transportation once you are
there? It may be a small town and having a car would be a waste of time and money.
Many festivals are doable by walking or utilizing local public transportation
but find out in advance so you aren"t stranded in an out-of-the way hotel
with no means to make it to the films! Get a map of the town to see the spots
where films will be shown in relation to hotels and restaurants.
Determine
if the festival has any dress requirements. Many festivals do require black tie
for special events or screenings in a high-end hotel or venue.
Most
film festival locations have plenty of restaurants and eating establishments
but find out in advance if you need to make reservations. Some restaurants may
be leased to corporate sponsors and you will be left making peanut butter and
jelly sandwiches in your hotel room without proper planning.
You
will also need passes to some events at the festival. Some festivals allow you
the opportunity to purchase various types of passes depending on how many films
you wish to see, events you wish to attend and days that you will be attending.
You may be able to purchase individual passes or packages. There will be a
great deal of entertainment and many parties at a film festival. Find out if
they are private or open to the public and if your passes include any of these
parties. Are workshops and presentations included in the passes? You may need
additional tickets for such extras. Order your passes and tickets in advance.
Keep
in mind that not all festivals have open screenings and events. Notably the
Cannes Festival is largely closed to the public at large and invitations and
passes provided to industry insiders. Research carefully the rules and
regulations of the particular festival you wish to attend.
The
highlight of a festival is usually the closing night when the "Best
Ofs" are awarded, the best documentary, best feature film, best foreign
film, best actor, best writer and so on, sort of like a mini-Academy Awards
ceremony. The event may be fancy or rather casual, depending on the overall
climate of the festival. Awards are usually distributed and it is a good time for
"star gazing."
Film
festivals and film location vacations add a new dimension to travel. Planning
in advance makes sure you make the most of your trip and avoids disappointment.
Ready?
Lights...camera...travel!
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the
journey.” – Babs Hoffman
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