In our on-going mission to further educate our loyal and disloyal readers (we don't take sides), we've decided to throw you a little knowledge about Press Junkets. How did we come by this knowledge? Because I, your faithful author and webmaster, Matt, am a film critic ("Boo!", "Hiss!", "Boo-urns!") and have attended press junkets over the past year.
So before we go any further, what is a junket? I don't ask to condescend but rather because a lot of folks I've encountered and told about my work aren't familiar with the term. So here, according to Merriam-Webster, is a junket:
Main Entry: 1jun·ket
Pronunciation: 'j&[ng]-k&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ioncate, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *juncata, from Latin juncus rush
1 : a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet
2 a : a festive social affair b : TRIP, JOURNEY: as (1) : a trip made by an official at public expense (2) : a promotional trip made at another's expense
So as you can see, as a film critic, I will attend a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet.
If only. But a boy can dream.
The most accurate definition is the last one: "A promotional trip made at another's expense," which is really the best kind of trip, depending on the locale. In my line of work, the locale is usually either New York City, or most often, Los Angeles. But why would anyone pay for such a thing? Why would studios pay perfectly good money to fly out a nobody like myself (you're too kind), put me up in a swank hotel like The Four Seasons, and let me throw questions at movie stars, writers, directors, and even producers! [Note to studios: you know that we know that you know that we hate interviewing producers unless they're prolific or charismatic]. While there's no real way to get inside the minds of studios, there is a business rationale and that rationale is, in a word, publicity. While our reviews may be negative and hurt your movie, interviewing movie stars is neutral and that's good enough. Your star sells the movie, sells their next project (which is hopefully at the same studio), sells a bit of their personal life, and the paper or website or TV show the writer works for gets to sell advertising. Everyone wins. But especially me, and here's why:
Junkets are a great gig. Simply put, if you can get paid for this kind of job, you've got it made in the shade. As ticket prices rise, there's simply no better way to see movies. Of course, it helps if you really love movies (if you're reading this website, I assume you do, so good for you!). But before you can interview the people behind the movie, you have to see the movie and you get to do it not at your own expense, but at screenings.
There are two types of screenings:
1) Press-only screenings: These are usually held in the morning or early afternoon. It's only you and the other critics from your area and it's my preferred way to see a film because there's a mutual respect and no one's going to be obnoxious. We all understand that this is a fun job but it's still a job.
2) General Audience screening: I used to attend these as a member of the general public before I became a critic and got sweet, sweet access. Now this kind of screening is free. It's before the film opens for general release (although this window can be as long as a month before the film opens or as short as the night before). It's admittance by screening pass only. You get these passes usually from magazines like mine (INsite Atlanta, first plug!) or Creative Loafing or the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (I have no passes, but would you care for a hug instead? [note: hugs not valid for admittance to free movie screenings]) by either showing up at a certain place at a certain time (usually a restaurant or other reputable business; if it's a back alley or abandoned warehouse, you're probably not getting a pass but are in for a good ol' fashioned mugging) or by just shooting off an e-mail.
But once you got your pass, you're still not in. The pass is not a ticket. Studios and by proxy the various screening-sponsors give out way more passes than available seats so it's first come, first serve. If you want to get a good seat, you have to show up at least an hour before (the more excited you are for the film, the earlier you should show up). Now as a member of the press, my seat is reserved so I get to bypass the entire line and have you hate me. I can feel your hate and it feels delicious.
So far, this sounds like a raw deal for you and a great deal for me. But now we get to why I don't prefer these screenings: the sponsors. You see, if and when you finally get in the theatre (oh, by the way, did I mention how you'll be molested by security to make sure you have no recording devices? Leave your cell phone in your car and thank me later), you won't be treated to painful advertisements but rather, to free movie swag. People go nuts for swag. I'm as guilty of this as anybody but I try to maintain some dignity about it. Others decided they lost all their dignity and self-respect a long time ago and will go from seemingly-normal person to frightening mental patient at the words "Free T-Shirt". Yes, the sponsors have promotional goodies for you but you must answer their question about the radio station or TV station or publication or maybe, just maybe, a question pertaining to the stars of the movie you're about to see, and if you answer correctly, that precious t-shirt is yours. Enjoy. As for the sponsors, well, while I understand that they have a job to do and since they're sponsoring the screening, they should be allowed to do it, let's just say that if this were a final exam in How Not To Annoy The Ever-loving Hell Out Of Me, they would be expelled for gross failure (it's like regular failure, but worse!).
Finally, the movie is screened, I take some time to form an opinion (I usually bring a friend with me so I have a sounding board), write my review, and if there is no press junket, that's where our story ends. But since this series is called "Junketeering" and this is only part 1, I think we both know that there's a sequel in the works...
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Promos!
We have three new promos for upcoming show on June 19th after Independent Lens. Please enjoy these videos of our host Mike Brune being great. Then, please share them with your friends because sharing is caring and if you don't care, then you're a sociopath, and no one likes a sociopath.
Promo 1
Promo 2
Promo 3
Promo 1
Promo 2
Promo 3
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
I'm Still Exhuasted From The Greatness
Last Sunday night I attended the taping of our June 20th show. I can't tell you where and I can't tell you who but I can tell you that our show is going to blow you away (the C-47 website promoting the C-47 show? Shock!).
I know it sounds like I would be positive no matter what, but believe me, as the web guy, I was the most useless person there and that's a good thing because all the talented people were busy setting up lights, making sure that even the shortest of segments came out perfectly. Our new host Mike Brune was charming, funny, and the interviews he conducted were educational even for the most educated cinema studies major like myself.
So why was I there? Well, other than swiping all the food from the craft services table (I was starving from watching other people work so hard), I wanted to see the interviews and get a taste of the upcoming show. And much like a mother bird regurgitating food to her younglings, I share that taste with you and it's delicious.
Oh, and our website is about to go atomic but instead of death and mindless, painful destruction, it will be full of content and rich, fascinating material. Get ready because C-47 is about to come at you in a big way.
Seriously. You may want to invest in an underground shelter of some kind. Just make sure it has Internet access.
I know it sounds like I would be positive no matter what, but believe me, as the web guy, I was the most useless person there and that's a good thing because all the talented people were busy setting up lights, making sure that even the shortest of segments came out perfectly. Our new host Mike Brune was charming, funny, and the interviews he conducted were educational even for the most educated cinema studies major like myself.
So why was I there? Well, other than swiping all the food from the craft services table (I was starving from watching other people work so hard), I wanted to see the interviews and get a taste of the upcoming show. And much like a mother bird regurgitating food to her younglings, I share that taste with you and it's delicious.
Oh, and our website is about to go atomic but instead of death and mindless, painful destruction, it will be full of content and rich, fascinating material. Get ready because C-47 is about to come at you in a big way.
Seriously. You may want to invest in an underground shelter of some kind. Just make sure it has Internet access.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
4 Documentaries at Eyedrum
On Sunday, May 6th at 8 PM, the Community-Based Media Initiative at GSU gives voice to three Atlanta communities through four documentaries: Refugee Teens from Clarkson High School, African American Clowns, and DV Visa African Immigrants. There is a $3 suggested admission and the proceeds will benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Upcoming Festivals in Atlanta
Animation Attack!
http://www.animationattack.com
July 12 - 14, 2007 - entry deadline extended to: May 1, 2007
The First Annual Animation Attack! will bring you animation of every format and genre with plenty of discussions, panels and demonstrations.
http://www.AUFF.org
August 22 - 25, 2007 - entry deadline: May 30, 2007
The Fourth Annual AUFF presents five days of independent and underground cinema from across the world with live music, art
and plenty of late night parties.
DocuFest
http://www.docufest.com
September 27 - 29, 2007 - entry deadline: May 30, 2007
The Second Annual DocuFest
Atlanta Horror Fest
http://www.atlantahorrorfest.com
October 2007 - entry deadline: June 30, 2007
The Second Annual Atlanta Horror Fest combines the best in indie horror films with live music and many dark and delicious special events.
Entry fees to all festivals are as follows:
$20 for shorts (under 45 min.)
$30 for features
email us at festivalleague@gmail.com with any questions
Free Screenings at the 31st Annual Atlanta Film Festival
Did you know you can see films for free at the Atlanta Film Festival?
Come to the Teen Screen screenings and see what tomorrow’s directors are doing today!
Landmark
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta
ADMISSION IS FREE !
REEL TEENS
Monday, April 23, 2007 @12 noon
These teens get real through intimate video blogs, docs about their families, and their everyday issues being a teen. This is a no-holds barred look of subject matter through the eyes of teens.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 @ 4:00pm
Animation, Experimental, Arts, Music Videos, Public Service Announcements, and more!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 @12 noon
Showcasing our international teen directors, we’ll show films made about diverse cultures, and films by teens who have diverse cultural backgrounds. Teens also open our eyes and redefine what it means to be American.
Thursday, April 26, 2007 @ 4:00pm
Teens are making movies that matter. See the process through pictures of teens developing their social conscience and finding their voice.
Friday, April 27, 2007 @ 12 noon
Come for a matinee of horror, thriller, suspense, sci-fi, mystery and all that is a little out of this world!
C-47 + AFF2007 + You = GREATNESS.
You can't argue with that equation. It's science.
C-47 will be at this year's Atlanta Film Festival. Oh hey, you're gonna be at the film festival too? That's cool. We should totally hang out. Here's where we'll be.
FILM BUS! - C-47 goes on a trip around Atlanta with filmmakers outside the community as we try and convince them that not every place in the city is named after Ted Turner and that Atlanta is a great place to make movies, even if those movies aren't about Coca-Cola or Hartsfield Int'l Airport. The bus is kind of full, but check this blog and it will be just like you were without the stopping to go to the bathroom every five minutes.
PANELS! - You know all those panels you're planning on attending so you can learn to be a better filmmaker. We're co-sponsoring those! You'll see us at...
The State of Independent Film - Current trends in indie filmmaking and why you need to know about them.
The Write Stuff - Everyone has a great idea for a movie but few know how to translate that idea into the write...I mean right format. And after you finally commit that great idea to the page, what's next?
International House of Production - Minus the hearty breakfast but plus a delightful buffet of knowledge about distributing and exhibiting your film beyond the comfy shores of the United States.
Conversation on Animation and the Making of First Flight - DreamWorks animator Kyle Jefferson takes you inside the creative and technical process of making this animated short film.
Getting The Right Rights For Your Documentary Film - Nobody wants to get destroyed by the legal system when making a documentary (unless they're making a documentary about getting destroyed by the legal system). This panel will talk about how to successfully navigate shark-infested legal waters.
A Conversation With Will Packer And Rob Hardy Of Rainforest Films - How do you distribute films without losing your love of films? Isn't it a fact that the business side of filmmaking crushes souls? Packer and Hardy will tell you how they've managed to brave film distribution with souls still intact.
Get Your Act Together! Your Business Act! - Hey, you're an awesome actor so why do you keep getting turned away from auditions for being too "human" or too "oxygen-dependent"? Where's your super-agent who's gonna fight to get you every part you richly deserve? Attend this panel to find out how you can balance your craft and your business acumen.
INTERVIEWS! - Upstairs from the Landmark Midtown Art you'll find a bar called The Independent. Inside The Independent, you'll find the Filmmakers Lounge where we'll be interviewing festival participants and you'll be sharing stories of filmmaking over a beer, if you're so inclined.
We'll also be attending screenings, after-parties, and all other kinds of happenings. So if you're at the festival, come by and say hello! Don't be rude. Say hello. Don't see us from across the room and avoid eye-contact and be all awkward. We're your best friend when it comes to independent filmmaking in Atlanta. So now that we're so close, you only have to introduce yourself and watch this space!
C-47 will be at this year's Atlanta Film Festival. Oh hey, you're gonna be at the film festival too? That's cool. We should totally hang out. Here's where we'll be.
FILM BUS! - C-47 goes on a trip around Atlanta with filmmakers outside the community as we try and convince them that not every place in the city is named after Ted Turner and that Atlanta is a great place to make movies, even if those movies aren't about Coca-Cola or Hartsfield Int'l Airport. The bus is kind of full, but check this blog and it will be just like you were without the stopping to go to the bathroom every five minutes.
PANELS! - You know all those panels you're planning on attending so you can learn to be a better filmmaker. We're co-sponsoring those! You'll see us at...
The State of Independent Film - Current trends in indie filmmaking and why you need to know about them.
The Write Stuff - Everyone has a great idea for a movie but few know how to translate that idea into the write...I mean right format. And after you finally commit that great idea to the page, what's next?
International House of Production - Minus the hearty breakfast but plus a delightful buffet of knowledge about distributing and exhibiting your film beyond the comfy shores of the United States.
Conversation on Animation and the Making of First Flight - DreamWorks animator Kyle Jefferson takes you inside the creative and technical process of making this animated short film.
Getting The Right Rights For Your Documentary Film - Nobody wants to get destroyed by the legal system when making a documentary (unless they're making a documentary about getting destroyed by the legal system). This panel will talk about how to successfully navigate shark-infested legal waters.
A Conversation With Will Packer And Rob Hardy Of Rainforest Films - How do you distribute films without losing your love of films? Isn't it a fact that the business side of filmmaking crushes souls? Packer and Hardy will tell you how they've managed to brave film distribution with souls still intact.
Get Your Act Together! Your Business Act! - Hey, you're an awesome actor so why do you keep getting turned away from auditions for being too "human" or too "oxygen-dependent"? Where's your super-agent who's gonna fight to get you every part you richly deserve? Attend this panel to find out how you can balance your craft and your business acumen.
INTERVIEWS! - Upstairs from the Landmark Midtown Art you'll find a bar called The Independent. Inside The Independent, you'll find the Filmmakers Lounge where we'll be interviewing festival participants and you'll be sharing stories of filmmaking over a beer, if you're so inclined.
We'll also be attending screenings, after-parties, and all other kinds of happenings. So if you're at the festival, come by and say hello! Don't be rude. Say hello. Don't see us from across the room and avoid eye-contact and be all awkward. We're your best friend when it comes to independent filmmaking in Atlanta. So now that we're so close, you only have to introduce yourself and watch this space!
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