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.
Compared to similar events in larger cities, small festivals are cozy, community-oriented and wonderful places for networking and showcasing emerging talent. And because they attract visitors from around the world and boost the economy, they are increasingly popular additions to small towns. During the BBIFF, for example, over 5000 people attended, with many staying 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.
Most importantly, you need to take care of your guests. Small towns are known for their hospitality, so it's important to take care of the little things, such as shuttling guests to and from the airport, throwing parties and serving great food. By treating everyone like gold, you'll gain a favorable reputation and guests will want to come back year after year.
To increase your attendance, make your event as creative, educational and filmmaker-friendly as possible. You should screen high school student creations, shorts, animation, independent features, documentaries and family movies. Hand out awards for winners in each category and hold screenwriting competitions, cultural showcases and special sidebars. Also, include a list of sponsored accommodation on both the website and program, such as a list of Big Bear cabins or other places to stay.
To help out your community even more, hold multiple niche festivals. Big Bear, for example, holds a horror film festival in October. It's not as famous as the BBIFF, but Big Bear cabins are booked regardless. With every successful event, your community will see a healthy tourism increase and gain industry respect.
Compared to similar events in larger cities, small festivals are cozy, community-oriented and wonderful places for networking and showcasing emerging talent. And because they attract visitors from around the world and boost the economy, they are increasingly popular additions to small towns. During the BBIFF, for example, over 5000 people attended, with many staying 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.
Most importantly, you need to take care of your guests. Small towns are known for their hospitality, so it's important to take care of the little things, such as shuttling guests to and from the airport, throwing parties and serving great food. By treating everyone like gold, you'll gain a favorable reputation and guests will want to come back year after year.
To increase your attendance, make your event as creative, educational and filmmaker-friendly as possible. You should screen high school student creations, shorts, animation, independent features, documentaries and family movies. Hand out awards for winners in each category and hold screenwriting competitions, cultural showcases and special sidebars. Also, include a list of sponsored accommodation on both the website and program, such as a list of Big Bear cabins or other places to stay.
To help out your community even more, hold multiple niche festivals. Big Bear, for example, holds a horror film festival in October. It's not as famous as the BBIFF, but Big Bear cabins are booked regardless. With every successful event, your community will see a healthy tourism increase and gain industry respect.
About the Author:
Along with having the most amazing Big Bear cabins in California California has to offer, Big Bear is also home to a popular international film festival. Every September, Big Bear cabins in California are booked solid by thousands of avid movie fans. To learn more about small town festivals, read this interesting article.
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