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About That Popular 'Black Films Don't Sell ...A Conversation w/ Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest Founder Floyd A. B. Rance III
Established in 2000, Run & Shoot Filmworks is a national transmedia company that creates innovative content across all forms of media, including television, digital, feature films, music programming, commercials, events, and original photography.
The brainchild of couple (photo above) Floyd A. B. Rance III and Stephanie Tavares-Rance in 2002, RSF established the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fesitval which was designed to provide an upscale platform dedicated to showcasing and honoring emerging filmmakers.
Now in it’s 10th year, the Run&Shoot Filmwork’s MVAAFF is an emerging event on the radar of many entertainment executives and industry tastemakers.
The 2012 festival kicked off yesterday, August 7th, and will run until this Saturday, August 11, with a solid lineup of films that includes several titles previously profiled on S&A, like Wolf, Butterfly Rising, Alaskaland, The Last Fall, The Bluest Note, Brooklyn Boheme, and others; as well as conversations with notable talents, its HBO short film competition, and much more.
I had the opportunity to chat with Floyd Rance over the phone about the festival - past, present and future - and a summary of that conversation follows:
Q: For those who aren’t familiar with the festival what is the elevator pitch? And could you clarify the title of the festival?
A: It's full name is the Run and Shoot Film Works African American Film Festival at Martha’s Vineyard. Essentially myself the executive director and my wife co-founded the event, and like I mentioned, it is now ten years old. Macy’s is our presenting sponsor as well as HBO as one of our awards sponsors; Saatchi & Saatchi is an awards sponsor as well. Lacoste and CNN are also on board along with local sponsors. August 7 is the start date to Saturday August 11th. We have shorts, documentaries and feature films, this year particularly, the 10th year, we have a wonderful line-up 60 plus films... some amazing features, documentaries and shorts. Not unlike any other year, but the 4 feature films are very strong.
Our festival is the only film festival and Af-Am film festival that has a advertising partnership and component with a Global Advertising Agency. Saatchi&Saatchi has been a partner with us for the past 4 years and it has been an excellent and symbiotic opportunity for all involved. In many respects, emerging filmmakers don't consider nor understand commercial advertising. They don't see it as a viable option for their careers. Commercial advertising is a very difficult industry to get into and just to have the opportunity to have the Saatchi jury to view their work, attend their workshop and then have face to face with one of their senior EVP's in that relax environment is priceless. It's a partnership that took 3 years to create. The Saatchi&Saatchi team value the partnership and take it very seriously.
Q: Are you looking for World Premieres for your festival?
A: No not particularly. I mean I don’t like to disqualify a film because its been screened elsewhere, or at another festival, or at another African American festival. I pay attention to that, but its neither here nor there.
Q: With this being the 10th Anniversary is there anything special planned?
A: Yes there are some special things.
Its not a celebrity festival. They attend the festival but we try to cater to the filmmaker . . . we call it the filmmaker film festival. So we really try to cater to the filmmaker and make them the stars of the events. They aren’t overshadowed by anyone or any particular event.
This year we are doing pretty much what we typically do but in different venues. So if you have come before it won’t be a predictable event. You’ll be like, oh wow I have never been here before or done this before. We make the location part of the actual event to create a newness.
In addition to all the screening, we are doing we are doing a few Q&A’s.
The Harlem fine arts show will be there with a tent. They will have a lot of artwork there. A reception will be held at their tent.
Saatchi and Saatchi will be doing a commercial production workshop. We are doing what we call our color conversation with S Epatha Merkerson. And our Anchor the HBO short film competition which will take place on Saturday evening.
Q: What’s your take on the black film festival circuit? Too many? Not enough? What’s your general opinion?
A: I don’t know about not enough; there are a plethora of African American festivals. From what I know, they run the gamut from level 1 to 10 and it changes from year to year. One year they are operating at 10 and the next year at level 5 or 6 or whatever. I’ve been to a few over the course of my life but my wife and I haven’t done the circuit, trying to see what this one is doing, versus what that one is doing. We try to be competitive, but we aren’t trying to put anybody down or talk bad about anybody. I think sometime that happens. I think that’s just life.
We should be competitive but not competing with one another. It is competitive with sponsorships specifically. That’s what fuels the event. If the sponsorships go down, the event goes down.
From what I know, just about every state has an African American Film festival. I personally would consider ourselves at the top of the food chain in terms of content that we screen, content we attract, and word of mouth.
Our sentiment is genuine in terms of knowing the road from which the filmmaker has to walk, and that is why we cater to the filmmaker. We care... not to the point of being taken advantage of by the filmmaker but we care.
This is a passion and this has been a long time in the making. We’ve always done events. We are event people. My wife is a PR person; she has that background; and I’m a production person, a film person - I have that background. So we fused our two passions together and this was born. It is like our third child. Its genuine; we care about the event. We care about the Filmmakers. We care about our sponsors as well.
Q: How do you get the films that screen at your festival?
A: We have a submission process. The internet has been a phenomenal tool in attracting potential filmmakers; facebook and twitter especially help.
Q: Helped you in what way?
A: Word of mouth. Folks come, have a good time, have good screenings. I don’t know if you have been here or not; it’s a very tranquil peaceful type location. And people like that, and gravitate towards that. The whole emphasis behind it was to create this kind of network for filmmakers. The guy from new york can come and meet that guy or girl from California, or Texas, or Louisiana. They can hopefully start working together and helping each other out. I’ve seen that happen - people get together and collaborate, and help one another out. It gives birth to something else.
Q: Do you ever go after films that you want?
A: That’s a good question. We typically try to have one studio release. And that typically would be the one film we go after. We see what is coming out down the pike, and we put in our bid. You win some and lose some in that regard.
We have had some successes like Idlewild. Sometimes they reach out to us, or sometime we reach out to them.
Q: What about on the Indie level
A: No we haven’t really reached out on the indie level. I know some people may be scouring the web trying to procure films internationally, but we don’t do that.
Q: So you just have the submission process and that’s how you get your films?
A: 90% as well as word of mouth.
Q: You are kind of in the rare position it seems; I've spoken to a number of Festival directors, who are more aggressive in their searches for films. You seem a lot more laid back.
A: That’s a great way of describing it. I think that would change the complexion and feel of your event. More than likely you are gong to have to pay to get the films. Then you have to try to recoup the money you paid for that film. Then the focus is on that film versus all these other films at the festival.
You are going to feel that. You go to an event and everyone is talking about so and so is here. And you are like, who am I? I must be chopped liver over here. Some people respond to that; some people are into names and celebrity; some people are not. This way we are all on the same level. This way you generate more conversation and less pretentiousness. People are devoid of their titles and now you are just your first name, and you can have more of a conversation with someone.
Q: So you and your wife live in Martha’s Vineyard?
A: No we don’t live in Martha’s Vineyard. The original event was going to be in Barbados, but 9/11 happened, and that kind of shut down everything. My wife and I would go to the vineyard just to hang out, and one year she was working an event there. Some filmmakers came and we ended up screening thier films and a lightbulb went off. That is how the event started. We screened the films and had a line around the corner.
Q: It seems like you have a respected festival here, among filmmakers. I'm curious about the long-term growth of your festival, and whether you can sustain this particular approach.
A: The short answer would be you put the seed in the ground, pour water on it and it grows. If something grows that you don’t like, you just clip it off, and continue to grow; it just grows a different way. That’s the approach to the event. You work hard and people see you working hard and they appreciate that and support you.
One thing that we prided ourselves on from the very beginning... now I am giving away trade secrets (laughter)... We don’t have conflicts in our schedule. If you want to, you can come to every single event; that is what your pass gets you. We try to make sure you can go to every single screening if you want to. Although we have a conflict every now and then, because the event has grown.
We screen shorts by first timers coming out of grad school or undergrad. You can’t discount them because of that. You have to give them some inspiration. They deserve a screening . That’s the only way you are going to create filmmakers. Every filmmaker out there, even the big ones, had to get feedback along the way from someone.
Its not just a film festival.
The con is its in a difficult location. So some people can’t come because it's so far and and they have to pay for the airline fee, and lodging and the places to stay aren’t inexpensive. If I had my druthers, it would be a little more affordable for the filmmakers to come. That’s the one thing.
Q: Its like a community . . . . a community of black film lovers.
A: I can’t speak for any of the other festivals... I do know that mine is more along those lines. It's almost like for those five days we create a family environment. Because its so packed in, its so tight that by the fifth day you know folks. So we get a lot of repeaters. That is the vibe. People definitely gravitate towards that.
Q: In terms of the future of the festival any plans to expand?
A: Well what we are going to do is spawn another event from this festival, in a different location. It may be in Carolina. Its going to be smaller a “The Best of“ kind of event. The top three features and documentaries will be screened. The shorts from competition and and maybe a few other things.
Q: You are not a market festival. But are you trying to attract distributors?
A: Well I was approached this year by a distributor. Absolutely why not. We are definitely trying to make partnerships with distributors. That is definitely on the immediate agenda.
Q: So what is the general make-up of your audience?
A: African American - but that is something else that makes our event unique and interesting. We have a diverse group from 21-55. So we see is grandma, the parents and the children. It goes back to what we were saying earlier; its more a family family reunion type of vibe. They come from as far as California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Michigan, Ohio all across the country. Actually they come from all over the world; people have come from as far as London and Africa as well.
This is one of the few major black film festivals I have yet to attend; I planned on going this year, schedule permitting; alas, my schedule didn't permit. So I'm writing this, sitting in my home office, in Brooklyn, NY, as the festival goes on in Martha's Vineyard.
But, I'll have no excuses for not going next year!
Thanks to Floyd for the time, and for those who are in attendance, feel free to email me with your overall reactions to specific films, events, or the festival in general!
Check out this year's festival booklet, with all the goodies HERE.
80 Comments
CHRIS | August 31, 2012 8:51 PM
Hey, I posted some comments about a week ago that was later from this page. I commented on how Ebony magazine's festival article was better covered than Shadow and Act's controversial one sided interview. Ebony's article gave equal exposure to the festival AND the filmmakers who helped make the festival successful. AmerstedamNews.com posted another more balanced article today on the festival. Sounds like someone on staff like to promote and dish out negative criticism on hard working african american artists but don't like to take it. I wonder if they're gonna remove this post too ....
Former Filmmaker | August 21, 2012 9:58 AM
First off I think it is great that so many people have commented on a film festival - It does make me a bit sad that there are so many haters out in the universe. I have submitted and have been accepted to the MVAAFF a couple of times. I have enjoyed myself and have garnered several contacts and made friends.
Floyd&Steph do a great job on putting this event on. Martha's Vineyard is not an easy place to do an event ( my family has a home) as the island frowns on advertising and "big companies" They attract an upscale crowd of folks that want to mingle with other folks.
It is not a celebrity event - if you want that,pay 1,500 and go to Miami and get your photo taken with some D list actor who will do NOTHING for your career.
The sponsors MVAAFF attracts is excellent and they do events outside of the film fest - I attended the Color of Conversation event they did in NY after the film fest and again Floyd&Steph did a great job! They had former filmmakers on the panel - That is great exposure.
Saatchi offered an artist in residence program to a former filmmaker for her excellent film WAKE. I will also have you know that that film did not win that year.
Films have been screened on HBO as well.
The boatride is awesome - I do not know ANY film fest that does anything for ALL the filmmakers who attend. They do that. If the food was bad - How is that their fault?? I sure they were upset. If the boat was rocking - You saw the weather that day and decided to attend anyway - Again, how is that their fault. When I went it was blue skies and the food was great!
Filmmaker brunch - again, who does it for ALL filmmakers?
All Access pass to the entire event - Have not seen that - Access to their sponsors? Really at ABFF you can't even say hello - Floyd&Steph encourage you to speak to them.
Yes, they were in Vineyard Haven for the past 9 years and moved it to a much better screening venue in OB. I am sure they knew it would "upset" some uptight folks". I am sure they are working with he island o make that better.
Filmmaker packet - So you wo't read it? They over communicate to all filmmakers about the event.
Some one made a comment about vacation film festival? What is it that you want? ABFF,Sundance, Tribeca are all destination events - WTF??
The price to attend MVAAFF is the cheapest I have seen - ABFF is joking with that price as are the rest of them.
Worst fest ever - Not even close - I will support this fest and will encourage others to do the same.
I have been to Sundance (a party, if ur not Alist forget it) ABFF ( D list celebrity gawk fest with NO opportunity for filmmakers) I know the dude who won this year at ABFF and he got a video on demand deal. What is that??
Tribecca (for white folks).
They all do the same thing it depends on where you want to spend our money!!
Support all film festivals of colors and get over your self!
Floyd&Steph keep doing what your doing! I support your efforts!!!
JANET | August 19, 2012 12:35 PM
At the end of the day, movie enthusiasts (the general public) are the bottom line. We are the ones who pay for the movie tickets, dvds and the cable bill to keep the industry going. Without us, there is no film business. So watch how you talk to people. Yea, I'm taking it personal @careycarey. Janet from Brooklyn.
CareyCarey | August 19, 2012 10:07 AM
"in other words, it's gonna be one big shit sandwich and we're all gonna have to take a bite." - Full Metal Jacket. For the "black" movie enthusiast/crowd: Don't ttttt-take this aaaaa-ass whooping ppp-personally - Harlem Nights. And last ...Sundance has swag, Cannes has yachts... Telluride has class." â John Horn, Los Angeles Times. "Well CareyCarey, what are you trying to say?". I am sure glad you asked. Listen folks, play time is over... the film business is not a charity and you gotta pay to play. I said that to say some folks need to get them some business and stay out of Floyd's and Stephanie's kool-aid. I am dead serious. There's nothing more pitiful than folks gossiping and signifying about business matters they obviously know little about. First, from the standpoint of the filmmaker, it's his or her job to have done ALL their homework ( i.e. budget, production cost, advertising, travel, which festivals suits their goal and why, distribution plan, etc) before they decide to make a film. Second, each festival is unique in it's own way. It's the filmmaker's job (do their homework) to determine which festivals fits their "goals" and overall plan. From the standpoint/perspective of the movie enthusiast, the same applies. Each of us has our own reasons for attending film festivals and thus, should do OUR homework to discern whether or not OUR goals and desire will and/or can be met. Case in point, I am a film "enthusiast" who has attended film festivals. Without question each are disticntly different. The first time I went to Telluride's film festival, I was a rookie. Short story... I drove there and the cost for passes and lodging was... could hurt a poor man's pocket. I paid approxiamately (don't remember) in excess of $200 a night for a flop-house hotel. No rooms went for less. The top passes cost around $4000. The EXPERIENCE... in one word... WONDERFUL! The second time: I flew there... had to take a 1 hour shuttle to the festival (it's in the mountains) and I didn't stay in a flop house :-). What was "I" looking for from THAT festival (what were MY goals?). So now we've arrived at the goals/objectives/motives/cost/time, misery, pain and struggles of the directors/hosts of each film festival. In short, there's a cost to be the boss and the film business is no game for the weak, ill prepared, uninformed punks and cry-babies. Listen, Marthaâs Vineyard African American Film Fesitval is Stephanie's and Floyd's baby. It's their party ( their vision and they paid the cost to be that boss) and therefore whatever they want to do, or however they want to do "it", that's THEIR business... now get "YOU" some. Besides, truth be told, they must be doing something right because they've been talking care of business for TEN YEARS! Now... Don't ttttt-take this aaaaaa-ass whooping ppp-personally but... Film Festivals... it's yo thang, do what you wanna do, I can't tell you, how to do YO do. Of course filmmakers go to show their films and thus reap the rewards of doing so. Some go to meet the stars. Others go as an addition to their vacation. Many go simply to bask in the conversations of film.
Janet | August 19, 2012 1:19 AM
I'm a movie enthusiast. I read the article about Jeff Friday and went to ABFF's website. How does he feel comfortable charging $1250.00 for an all access film pass and $625 for an all access film pass without the souvenir bag to watch his movies over the course of FOUR days? ABFF sounds like another expensive vacation festival in South Beach FL. I also read the second article about Diarah Spech and the African Diaspora Film Festival. It seems like the only black film festival with a squeaky clean image. They probably stay away from high profile films with celebrities or wanna be celebrities because they are very demanding and difficult to please. I am also a fan of Shadow and Act. There is over 150 comments to the article regarding Zoe Saldana replacing Mary J Blige to play Nina Simone. Good stuff.
Courtney | August 18, 2012 6:36 PM
Wow. We've never gotten this much attention to a film festival conversation post. As a contributor to this site, I thought I would add to the conversation by alerting you all to past interviews with black film festival heads that we've done to give you other POVs. The first is with Jeff Friday of ABFF. The second with Diarah Spech of the African Diaspora Film Fest. http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/a_black_film_festival_undressed_-_abff_2011_wrap-up AND http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/a-black-film-festival-undressed-a-conversation-w-african-diaspora-international-film-fest-co-founder-diarah-ndaw-spech
I'M THE REAL JUSTSAYING | August 18, 2012 1:42 PM
@Nadine, Why would filmmakers such as (True Films and DFilms1) volunteer their time when they are filmmakers who attended the film festival? Before someone can help with strategic planning, the film festival directors should do more strategic planning of their own. How do you NOT attend other film festivals and healthily compete with other film festivals serving your target filmmakers? To me, that comes off as arrogant and too confident. Even the best of festivals attend other festivals, see what is out there, and assess what they are doing to be better. A festival can try yes, but why call yourself a filmmaker's festival and market it as such when you haven't reached that point yet? It's already been 10 years. I am interested in where they are at NOW! There are wayyyyy to many film festivals out there scamming struggling filmmakers, and I feel Black filmmakers are even more susceptible when their film doesn't make it into more "main stream" film festivals and are compelled to only travel the Black film festival circuit. Some of these festivals survive off the plight of black filmmakers. It's a very tough place for these filmmakers trying to become established, and just as we shouldn't celebrate mediocre films like they are the top of the top we shouldn't do the same for film festivals either. I think that filmmakers need an outlet to talk about such things where many can see the comments and NOT be judged upon it! They need to become smarter and develop a more critical eye. Filmmakers, as I've read here, are disgusted, but constructive criticism is viewed as hating and no one wants to be regarded as a hater in this business...@Tom, yes I took notice of the film questionable festival website and two other filmmakers True Films and DFilms1 gave their feedback. They were not happy with their experience and any other comment under their names that suggests otherwise had to be written by someone else...I think there are more filmmakers who think it could have been better but too many people are afraid of being judged for giving constructive feedback. They don't want to be regarded as complaining and THAT TOO can be an advantage for film festivals that are not doing what they are supposed to do. they will continue to fly under the radar. I don't think everyone should use their real identity, because I think the constructive criticism is more important than who is writing it. If you ask me, the TRAILERS and FILM STILLS/SYNOPSIS should have been on the website on the first page. From the looks of the website, it doesn't come off as a filmmaker's festival for me...
Nadine | August 18, 2012 11:42 AM
I was supposed to go this year, calendar did not permit. I'm a little horrified by the responses this wife and husband team are getting for doing something a lot of people were not able or moved to do. I do honor those who felt "let down" by the festival, but I do think that this should be a perfect opportunity to volunteer your time, or strategic planning. I mean, let's try to not write off a festival that is trying... They have a great idea and I can't wait to see where they will be in 4 years, but until then we can try to help them! Also, maybe Stephanie should talk more to soften the image and the elevator pitch modified for different audiences (drop the financials part when speaking to the people unless you are explaining prize money for filmmakers...)
Tom | August 18, 2012 11:29 AM
After reading all the feedback, it looks like only one or two of the same filmmakers are complaining about this festival. Doesn't seem like a lot if there were 63 films involved. I mean if you're looking for exposure, everyone should use their real identity and tell the world about your film on this site. This is the perfect forum. Is there a trailer on youtube? If you're selling a book, can I find it on Amazon? Regards, Tom B. from Wisconsin.
KANYE MOMENT | August 17, 2012 8:55 PM
Lol, remember back in 2004 when Kanye West threw a tantrum at the American Music Awards? He got invited to the event and spent a lot of money to perform but didn't win any awards, lol.
WARNING | August 17, 2012 3:36 PM
This comment section has been compromised..... People from the MVAAFF camp is using false names to attack concerned writers that question the effectiveness of their film festival... This is an incredible learning tool for rising filmmakers to learn about this film festival and tactics. Read the earlier comments and notice how the later comments suggest that someone is writing under other writer's names all to preserve the tacky MVAAFF image. Cover has been blown. I'm JustSaying:)
volunteer | August 17, 2012 8:00 AM
Hello Floyd & Stephanie,
I just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to experience an amazing weekend as a filmmaker. Not only was I exposed to a new and stunningly beautiful section of our country, I departed from the journey with a wonderful set of new friends who I will support, and who will support me in my creative endeavors. The atmosphere you've created at your festival is truly the best I've experienced anywhere. I will make sure that anyone who is willing to listen to me will know how awesome MVAAFF is. Congrats on 10 years! I look forward to seeing you both again on the island.
Cheers,
-tD
Writer/Director - "I Can Smoke?"
Winona | August 16, 2012 11:46 PM
Hi Stephanie! First I would like to say I thoroughly enjoyed the films and documentaries I was able to view last week. Thank you for allowing so much creativity come to life on the silver screen.
DFilms1 | August 16, 2012 11:43 PM
" The CNN Outstanding Documentary Award is such an honor. Our film retells a 40-year old event and to be recognized by the leader in history-making coverage of news events is tremendous validation to any documentary filmmaker. As a first-time director, this win is thrilling, especially given the incredible pool of films."
Deborah Riley
Kelly | August 16, 2012 11:40 PM
I truly had a wonderful time. xo
-Kelly
VictoriousFilms | August 16, 2012 5:33 PM
I had a wonderful time and plan on going again next year.
There was a 9 year girl and her 12 year old brother handing out flyers for their film, there were other filmmakers handing out postcards as well. Their screenings were very well attended. Every film/filmmaker no matter how big or small has to do some form of promotion. That's par for the course. Keep LYAO...You got out hustled by a 9 year old girl.
miracle | August 16, 2012 9:51 AM
well said...however, the doc you mentioned was entitled "The Contradictions of Fair Hope"
TProductions | August 16, 2012 7:09 AM
Sounds like a bunch of bitter filmmakers who didn't win any cash prizes to me.
Tiffany | August 15, 2012 11:28 PM
Lol, can't we all just get along ..... Although I felt a little lost because they moved everything, hopefully MVAAFF could offer some bus schedules or phone numbers to taxi companies in their programs for next year. Besides that, overall as a festival goer, I thought the festival was great and I look forward to attending in the future.
It's an expensive trip so if you can't afford the commute don't go. Try Urbanworld FF or ABFF because they usually show the same films any way and are more accessible. I don't mind the cost because it attracts a more classy crowd and deter knuckleheads. If S. Epatha Mekersen (LAW and ORDER) felt comfortable enough to attend the festival with her sister, come through the crowd at the afterparty especially during Nelly's song "it's getting hot in here" and not get harrassed, then that's where I wanna be. Her documentary "Foot Wash" rocked by the way. Jerry Lamothe's film "TOMBS" was also hot and his work is always quality. Another favorite film was about a football player called "The Last Fall" and it was picked up for distribution according to the Q&A. This is good stuff.
Overall, all of the films were great because some of them already screened at ABFF in July and will screen again at Urbanworld this September in NYC. Now all three festivals can't possibly screen junk. I think ABFF cover expenses for filmmakers ONLY in competition. MVAAFF may want to consider this to up their game in order to grow and attract more viable independent filmmakers or else they'll get stuck with a bunch of student films like in the past.
I attend every year! | August 14, 2012 11:51 AM
You all sound like a bunch of "haters" where is your film festival? They work hard to put this event on. The location changed this year because the other venue was small - they outgrew it.
They screen 63 films half of which would not get accepted anywhere else. If you don't like it go toSundance and see if they accept you and also see if they give a shit about you. Go to other black festivals and see if the founder AND the sponsors will even let you speak to them. They do a great job.
Prehaps your film was wack! that is why no one came. I have been on the boatride in the past and had a blast! The weather is out of their control - Which other festival even does that?? The Filmmaker brunch - who does that? Please tell me which film fest feeds ALL the filmmakers?? Your a vegan - your issue - make sure you have your own food.
Distribiution deals/press - I saw press and they interviewed who they wanted to. Distribution deals - How do you know know that did not happen. Filmmakers need to chill - you had a 10 minute short and you feel like you the world belongs to you - get over yourself.
Lodging - really - which festival puts up ALL their filmmakers - NONE that's who.
Black folks need to hold each other up! Stop the HATE. See you in MV in 2013!!
LeonRaymond | August 14, 2012 11:43 AM
Wow - I am copying these comments this time cause this was a buyers warning and well done cause all those folks are looking behind and issuing a warning, cause we do the worst thing - we see "Oh Black film fest, so this must advance my standings and my film" worst trap that continues to be laid down!!! -I was not there never entered only going by the heartfelt post which there seems to so many-I'm shocked but not surprised!!!
Akimbo | August 14, 2012 11:10 AM
Wow, this is really interesting feedback! Just from the interview above, it seems that they collect the sponsorship/advertising dollars and sit on it. Before I even got to the comments, I couldn't help but notice how much time the creator spent talking about all the sponsorships they have. Then, he went on to say they don't aggressively pursue films (meaning they don't spend money to bring in the hottest/best content. Add to the fact that they, as a company, are eager to attach themselves to a studio film, but won't take a risk on a good indie...game peeped. Gotta respect the semi-honesty, though. Too bad.
Film Festival Goer | August 13, 2012 9:22 PM
I attended the festival and wish there was some type of free van service or carpool for the festival .... trying to get around was a little stressful.
DFILMS1 | August 11, 2012 1:05 PM
The absolute WORSE film festival I've ever been to in my ENTIRE LIFE. The most recognizable talent this past weekend was disappointed and complaining about this festival. Tacky from beginning to end. Absolutely no respect whatsoever for the filmmakers and that's evident in the way the films are NOT promoted, and so many other ways. This is the first festival I've ever attended where the filmmakers were NOT FED. Filmmakers were complaining about how horrible the filmmaker boat ride was, cold chicken and hard biscuits, no food for those who didn't eat meat and bottles of water. Absolutely outrageously bootleg and a waste of filmmakers time and resources. I am NOT supporting this festival another year because they are "black" and it's in the "Vineyard". Black filmmakers BEWARE!
True Films | August 10, 2012 6:11 AM
There is no doubt that Stephanie and Floyd are a "nice couple" but black filmmakers beware, if you are looking for an expensive getaway or an excuse to check out Martha's Vineyard by all means come but if you are interested in a worthwhile festival experience do NOT waste your time or your money!
1. Martha's Vineyard is expensive! Of course they don't pay for lodging which is understood (I guess) but they provide VERY LITTLE if ANY information to filmmakers (many
Of whom have never been to the island) about what to expect! You'd think they'd have a filmmaker packet that included places to eat (maybe some coupons) info about transportation, something. Trust me when I tell you they don't!
2. I think that the most offensive and upsetting way they waste filmmakers time is by NOT promoting their festival. When you get to the island locals have NO idea the festival is taking place. I hear you can't advertise by placing billboards around the island but these festival founders have to find a way. When you arrive they ask the filmmakers to go out and "promote" their films. Are you Fckn serious?! To whom!?!? You'd think that after 10 years ALL of the screenings would be well attended, they're not! So unless you're in competition or screening on the weekend expect 20 people if that at your screening. Taking into consideration how much people spend to get to and stay on the island and the fact that they're calling this a filmmakers festival would make one assume that they'd atleast do adequate promotion, they don't!!!
3. Disorganized! Do we register over here or over there!? Who knows! Oh the registration site changed!? We had no idea! Good luck figuring shit out on your own!
4. Absolutely NO opportunities whatsoever! Again if you just want an excuse to go to MV and screen your film go for it but you can forget about any real opportunity here an that goes for the BEST of films here! No deals! No distribution opportunities not even for web series! Nothing at all!
5. Q&A is a JOKE! Atleast at the earlier screenings At this venue there is no stage. There is NO press here. None! No pictures being taken of filmmakers while they are doing the Q&A. Nothing at all!
6. My thing is this: for black filmmakers who are traveling this far and paying this much to come, Stephanie and Floyd need to regroup and MAKE sure that all films are well attended and filmmakers are getting the most in a real way out of this experience!
7. Totally REGRET spending this much money coming to this festival!
I'm not trying to bash these "nice folks" I just want to be honest with other filmmakers about what seems to be a common experience for filmmakers with this festival (we talk amongst ourselves).
I wish them the best but they have to do better!
Test | August 10, 2012 5:46 AM
Test
Test | August 10, 2012 5:43 AM
Test
Justsaying | August 8, 2012 5:25 PM
When you visit the Martha Vineyard's African American Film Festival site and you look at the headlines/tabs... you see "about Run&Shoot" and that gives you info about the company. When you look a little more to the right and place your mouse over "About the Festival" Your options are: The Founders, Directions, and volunteer options. You will get information about the founders (their back ground) how to get to there and how to volunteer/FAQ. How come they don't have a MISSION for the film festival up there??!!!?? Now if this is a filmmaker's film festival, how come you don't have a direct link listing all of the films from 2011 and previous years? Where are the trailers!!?? But I do see A DIRECT link to Run&Shoot's films, commercials, music videos etc. I hear you're not guaranteed a Q&A. Q&A sessions are the best opportunity for filmmakers to engage with their live audience... Not a market festival..No strong distribution presence after 10 years...difficult location...expensive lodging etc....Not looking to compete with other film festivals...no declared mission...no definite Q&As....laid back...
Tombs | August 8, 2012 4:19 PM
Very nice couple, had to chance to meet them both during their festival a couple of years ago.