FILM CRITICS WANTED
Still Searching!
"The Film Forecast: A Marketing Research Project" is still searching for individuals interested in serving as film critics for the June 10-12, 2008 event scheduled for Big Bear Lake, California.For those of you who have already secured your position as a film critic for "The Film Forecast", we want to give you an update and let you know there are still spaces available. The cut-off date is May 15, 2008.
We'd like to give you an update about the activities you'll enjoy in addition to your participation with evaluating films. One of the first events to take place is the Opening Night Film & Reception that is actually open to the public. The film focus group may attend this as part of their package. The location is the beautiful outdoor Amphitheater at the Discover Center in the San Bernardino Mountains. The location is absolutely terrific. If you have friends or family coming to Big Bear Lake with you, you can invite them to attend the Opening Night activities. The opening night event is $50.00 per person but again, film forecast members attend at no charge. This is a public screening. As attendees, you'll be able to also experience a press conference before the screening starts.
After screening 2 films the first day (June 10), you will be our guests on a Progressive Dinner Tour of million dollar homes in Big Bear Lake. Your first stop will be appetizers and beverages and with each new stop, you'll get another course of your evening meal. It's going to be a fun and incredible experience…dinner and impressive homes.
On June 11 (Wednesday), filmmakers attending the event will go on a tour of the area hosted by the Film Commissioner's office of San Bernardino County. The filmmakers will be shown locations for future film work. While they are on this tour, you'll be the guest of a local Art Gallery, exclusively for you, to view a collection of World's Fair Souvenirs down through the years. The Gallery is planning a very nice reception for you while you view the exhibit. The exhibit has never been seen before. The same evening, you have the option to attend another public screening presented at the beautiful Performing Arts Center in Big Bear Lake.
Then on the last day immediately following the last film, you will be our guest for a cruise and party on the beautiful "Miss Liberty" showboat. You'll cruise Big Bear Lake as a guest of The County of San Bernardino. Food and a most incredible view of the lake and the surrounding area will be a great way for officials to bid you "good-bye" and thank you for your participation over the previous 3 days.
Now, an update about your film experience. You will be working as film critics in its truest form. You'll view the film, complete an in-dept questionnaire without any discussion (at this point) with your colleagues and then after turning in your questionnaires, the discussions will start. Members from publicity agencies, film distributorships and professionals from the film industry will want you to clarify and support the comments you made in your questionnaire. They are searching for information that will help them promote the film when it is released and some of the filmmakers or distributors may be evaluating your comments as to how they might consider making changes. You may also be viewing a "director's cut" of the film and not even the final copy. The information you contribute is going to be taken very seriously. Our film programming team leaves the first week in May for the Cannes Film Festival where they will be meeting with industry officials who want their films to be a part of the film forecast.
Here's one thought that we want you to be aware. Remember, you are a film critic. Yes, your enjoyment or lack of enjoyment of a film is important; however, it's important that your comments are about the structure of the film. The impression you have of the film will hopefully come from an objective position. Don't hold back any of your thoughts. They will be valuable. Although we have to remember that filmmaking is an art form which could make it a very subjective opinion, the moderators will be looking for constructive comments as to why you liked something and why or why you didn't like it and why. We've heard the moderators who are helping with the discussions following the films refer to the experience as a workshop for them. Your comments may save a piece of the film from the cutting room floor or it may put a large section of the film "on" the cutting room floor.
On Tuesday morning (June 10), you will have a fabulous breakfast at The Northwoods Resort (the host hotel) where immediately following you'll have an orientation and briefing as to how things will happen over the next 3 days. It's during this time that you'll receive your credentials for the event. Lunch is served each day and you'll have a great variation of food over the 3 days and yes, we've not forgotten those of you who are vegetarians. Don't forget to make your hotel reservations at The Northwoods Resort (1-800-866-3121). Call during regular business hours and identify yourself as being with The Film Forecast to receive a special $89.00 rate. The rate is for 1 or 2 people per room.
You are going to be in excellent company. Film focus members are great film enthusiasts. You'll be participating with people from film societies, film festivals, film instructors, film publicity teams, film distributors, and film programmers from film festivals searching for new films and the actual filmmakers themselves.
Within the next few weeks, you will be receiving an update on some of the films, background about the filmmaker and bios of the moderators. Lastly, you can expect a fun and educational time during your time in Big Bear Lake, California. We are pleased that you are joining us and to invite anyone interested to join us today.
The Film Forecast: A Marketing Research Project
www.thefilmforecast.org (web site)
Contact: infofilmforecast@dc.rr.com or Craig Prater (760-831-7349)