Film Fest Hacks: How to make the most of your experience
Written by David Cerón Giraldo, Photos by David Cerón Giraldo and courtesy of SCAD
1. Pick Your Movies
Go online, check the schedule, have an open mind and pick your movies. Two years ago, I didn’t buy early tickets for “Shape of Water”. Time passed, until it was too late. Consider: Which stories matter to you the most? Which have actors, directors or producers that you know do good work? What fits your class schedule?
“Not all movies are perfect,” said Hayes Morgan, a senior SCAD Film student. “But if it’s after 7 p.m. it’s bound to be good.”
Once you’ve set your sights on a few movies it’s easier to get tickets. Plus, you can always ask the folks at the Trustees Theatre Box Office for help.
2. Be Early
Hundreds, even thousands of people come to screenings every day of the Fest. With that in mind, it’s worth considering how to stay ahead of the crowds.
For daytime films, be at least thirty minutes early. If it’s a major release, be at least an hour early. Don’t worry, the lines move fast, but you’ll want to find good seats.
I had to sit all the way in the back for the screening of “BlacKkKlansman”, with guest John David Washington, who spoke briefly after the movie. The movie was great, but I could barely see Washington. I showed up early from then on.
3. Get Ready to Move
If you have classes in Arnold, Anderson, Montgomery, et cetera, getting to the movies may be a challenge. Fortunately, the festival also has screenings during the weekend. Otherwise, there are a few advantages going for you.
First, all the venues of the festival are within walking distance of each other. Second there are a few more efficient, techy ways to make your trip. In addition to the special bus routes, yaaou can use a rideshare app to reach a venue, or use a SCAD SoBi bicycle to get to a docking station nearby. (If you’re going to Trustees, for example, the closest bike station is next to Bradley Hall, just across Oglethorpe Square.)
4. Location, Location, Explanation
Near Broughton Street, you can walk to most venues in less than fifteen minutes. (Trustees is on the same block as Lucas Theater.) Plus, famous guests are thrilled to see downtown Savannah.
“Go to the coffee talks in the morning and hang around Broughton to meet celebrities,” said Matt Cartmell, film Junior. “I met many celebrities that way, I talked briefly with Hugh Jackman and shook hands with John Krasinski.”
Top tip: In smaller venues like the SCAD Museum of Art, you may able to buy a ticket right before a movie begins! That’s how I saw “Super Dark Times”, a movie by SCAD alumni (now on Netflix).
5. Don’t Forget to Network
The Film Fest is a great place to make connections. As one of the most prominent festivals in the country, a lot of focus tends to fall on famous guests. Yet there are many great industry visitors.
“I don’t usually have time to see all the movies,” said Christopher Millis, Chair of the SCAD Writing department and screenwriter. “But if you have a pass, you should also go to the events after the movies. That’s where the opportunities for networking are.”
He’s right. If you have access to a nightly post-movie event, don’t hesitate to talk with producers, writers and executives.
“I have formed some great relationships at the Fest that I still keep in touch with,” said Millis.
Once there, it’s recommended to ask industry experts what brings them to the Film Fest, which movies have excited them and their tips for young filmmakers.
With all this in mind, I hope you can make the most of your Savannah Film Festival experience.
Best of luck!
