When you hear the phrase "film festival", you might think of Sundance, Cannes or even Toronto. But what about Big Bear? The town is famous for its outdoor activities and the best Big Bear cabins California has to offer, but for over a decade it's also been home to an International Film Festival (BBIFF). Every September, Big Bear cabins are booked solid by avid movie fans seeking quality movies, not movie stars. But it's not just this one town--small communities around the world are realizing the excitement and economic benefits that come with film fests.
In contrast to events in bigger cities, small fests are community-oriented, cozy and perfect places for showcasing emerging talent and networking. They are progressively becoming more common in small towns, thanks to their ability to boost tourism and the economy. For example, the BBIFF attracted over 5000 visitors, many of whom stayed in local Big Bear cabins.
To make your event as successful as possible, keep it non-profit. To reach this goal, focus on regional films and offer free family screenings. It's also a good idea to network with other fests (both regional and larger) as well as improve your programming selection with panel speakers and Q and A sessions.
Above all, you need to treat your guests like gold. This might include throwing fun parties, serving delicious food and driving them to and from the airport. If you show your town's true hospitality, you will gain numerous repeat guests and a positive reputation.
To maximze your attendance, you also need to develop a highly creative event that is both educational and filmmaker-friendly. You should screen shorts, high school student creations, independent features, animation, family movies and documentaries. Give out awards for each category and hold a special sidebar/cultural showcase and a screenwriting competition. As well, arrange for accommodation sponsors, such as a list of Big Bear cabins or other lodging on your website.
Having multiple niche festivals will give an even bigger boost to the economy. Take a look at Big Bear: they hold a horror film festival every October and while it's not as well-known as the BBIFF, Big Bear cabins are still booked up. With each successful event, your town will not only gain respect in the industry, but also an healthy increase in tourism.
In contrast to events in bigger cities, small fests are community-oriented, cozy and perfect places for showcasing emerging talent and networking. They are progressively becoming more common in small towns, thanks to their ability to boost tourism and the economy. For example, the BBIFF attracted over 5000 visitors, many of whom stayed in local Big Bear cabins.
To make your event as successful as possible, keep it non-profit. To reach this goal, focus on regional films and offer free family screenings. It's also a good idea to network with other fests (both regional and larger) as well as improve your programming selection with panel speakers and Q and A sessions.
Above all, you need to treat your guests like gold. This might include throwing fun parties, serving delicious food and driving them to and from the airport. If you show your town's true hospitality, you will gain numerous repeat guests and a positive reputation.
To maximze your attendance, you also need to develop a highly creative event that is both educational and filmmaker-friendly. You should screen shorts, high school student creations, independent features, animation, family movies and documentaries. Give out awards for each category and hold a special sidebar/cultural showcase and a screenwriting competition. As well, arrange for accommodation sponsors, such as a list of Big Bear cabins or other lodging on your website.
Having multiple niche festivals will give an even bigger boost to the economy. Take a look at Big Bear: they hold a horror film festival every October and while it's not as well-known as the BBIFF, Big Bear cabins are still booked up. With each successful event, your town will not only gain respect in the industry, but also an healthy increase in tourism.
About the Author:
Along with having the best California cabins California has to offer, Big Bear is also home to a popular international film festival. Every September, California cabins are booked solid by thousands of avid movie fans. To find out more about small town festivals, read this interesting article.
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