Hey Everyone,
The festival was amazing, and the most fun I have had in a long time. As I walked into the lobby, several people knew who I was. This was very surprising to me because strangers don't know who I am. The lobby was extensively decorated to the hilt with movie paraphernalia. Not only that, but when you walked in, there was a RED CARPET!!! It's crazy, but I didn't even think to take a picture of this. As I walked into the auditorium, I saw my filming buds all siting in the front row.
As the audience was being seated, I saw Andrew Nelson (The Assistant Director) come walking in. I was really glad that he was able to make it, but was disappointed that he had leave half way through for work.
Andrew Nelson
The lights dimmed and the movies began. The quality of films were much better than last year, which is really great to see. I would have to say that my favorite film was "Fairy Tales: A True Story". There was an extreme amount of potential in that film and was cut together very well. I was disappointed though, to find out that the director was a going to be leaving for college next year. He would have made a great addition to the film club.
My brother had his iPhone with him, and took about 100 pictures throughout the eventful evening. As he did, he was uploading them to treemo, thus anyone in the world could have scene live updates from the festival. This picture below of my film Preordained, is great because it looks as if it truly in a theater.
Screen Shot of Preordained
After all of the films were screened, it was time for the Elkie award which is based on audience response. The read off the names people would whoop and haller for the movie they liked the best. Once they reached the end of the list, they decided that there was a tie between our film and one of the other films. So they did a recount. Again, it was too close for them to truly decide so they decided to give the Elkie award to both of us. I love the picture below, because it shows almost our entire film group. Remember folks Andrew Nelson and Joe Gish also put a great deal of effort into this film as well, so in reality our group consisted of nine people.
From left to right: Niki, Luke, Trey, Jack, Cameron, Erik, and Kalan
So after this, they had a small acution and handed out prizes for the raffle tickets people bought before the show. During this time Lucas came over, and talked to me. It's always fun to see people from previous films that you have worked on. I mentioned to him that I am starting a internet TV series titled "I am Jedi". He seemed very interested and was willing to financially help out as well as act. This is most definitely a double plus.
Lucas Lahmeyer from Volition
So, after the prizes were handed out, it was time to announce the 3rd, 2nd and 1st place winners. I was extremely nervous and it seemed as if it took for ever until they reached first place. And when they did, all of that went away. We along with the other two winning teams, walked up on stage and we were handed our scholarship and cash prize.
The Preordained team
Left to Right: Erik, Luke, Niki, Jack, Trey, and Kalan
In the end, it was quite the evening, but the strangest thing is, last year I feel in some way was more fun-not to say that this night wasn't, but I think last year everything was so completely new to me that it added to the excitement. Still this year had its bonus of being the second time around, and thus I knew what I should improve on. What was that? Next year did you say? Yes, I am most certainly looking forward to next year, believe it or not, but in the car on the way to apple bees, I was actually thinking of what I might do next year, and how I need to improve on this years film.
Joe was able to make it to the second half which was great. To me he's like a filmmaking brother. It was actually he and his brother Chris that really gave me my start in film. Joe has had part in ever film I have ever made.
Niki and Joe Note: the camera you see there is the camera used for Preordained.
As everyone began to pack up and leave the auditorium the press wished to speak to me. This was a great deal of fun. They asked me about what getting first place meant to me. They also asked where the inspiration for the book (of which the film is based on) came from, and about a dozen more questions. My interview with them was much longer than the Peninsula daily News.
Being interviewed in person is definitely more easy than over the phone. You have the ability to use facial expression and body movement to really convey what you are talking about.
Well folks, it was a splended evening, and now I must go to bed, but before I do It is importent that I thank two more people for their support and help with this years film. Mrs. Kawal who has done so much for me this year and last. Also I want to thank Ms. Corly, of whom would listen to me talk about the trials and errors of the film making process as well as continue to encourage me to march forward with my film. Its very important to have that kind of support from your teachers. When we were on stage accepting our awards, I saw her standing close to the stage. It really meant a lot to me that she was there and that she really cared about my project.
Sincerely,
Jack Simmons
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
