Post Visions!!!

Before the festival I really didn't know what to think. I felt that our teams as ready and prepared for the day and I was just excited to just meet the filmmakers. When Jill and I first picked up Zach and Chris, we were blown away with how easy they were to talk to and how much we could share. They were so kind and we were able to show them around OUR school and town, so that was really fun. Not only that, they were excited to SEE this place.

Once the actual festival began, I felt like there was such a community spirit. Everyone respected one another on our team and was willing to help no matter what. I know at some point, I wasn't the mic runner, but that person wasn't there, so I was. Each event went really well and I was so proud of our team. I think the filmmakers and scholars were also blown away at how on top of it we were- by just being undergrads.

My part really came at the after party as the Awards Coordinator. I had thought about what I was going to say but I'm really happy with how it went. I wasn't nervous at all on stage (the gin and tonic may have helped that) but I think most of all I was excited to give away these awards. I felt that the filmmakers really didn't expect anything- they were all so kind and I made an effort to get to know each of the filmmakers I gave an award to. It was just such a great feeling to finally give away these awesome awards out.  I had been stressing over them for the past months and it was finally the time where I could share this accomplishment with them.

If I could go back, I think I would have presented the working films award a bit better. I was not as familiar with what the winner was receiving- which I should have checked over before hand. Honestly, other than that- I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was such a great day and event overall.

Everyone working together as a team really made it what it was. I doubt that there was one filmmaker or scholar who left feeling like they didn't have fun or learn from this experience. Constantly people were talking about how welcoming it was and how they wished this type of thing existed at their university. It really was such a great event and I am proud and humbled to have been apart of this festival:)

Week 11

This week I've been really getting ready for the event. Not that I haven't before, but i'm putting the final touches on everything. Monday and Tuesday I attempted to reach out to those that said they would give us something on the phone. I then received two declines and still no answer from the other two. Its unfortunate because I still feel that something is missing from the audience winners. Since our Visionary winner has now become our Narrative winner- I am going to give his super 8 film kits away to an audience film winner so at least theres that.

This week I've made a new spreadsheet- with just this years donors. I also made a new tab that explains the status of their donation. I am responsible for making my own certificate for several of them and there are still a couple that are in the process of mailing it to me. This has been helpful as I want to make sure the presentation of the awards are as pretty as they can be! I also want to get fun grammy style envelopes to put the "winners" names in. This way it will be fun to open the and find out with everyone for a more surprise way:) Looking forward to giving them away!

Hours this week:
Meeting- 2 Hours
Time calling- 2 Hours
Time organizing/printing- 5 Hours

Week 10

Visions this week was very important. I've been so concerned with reaching this $6,000 goal that it stressed me out a bit. I was able to call and email many people and it paid off. I was still a bit nervous to present wednesday since I knew I only had $3,400. It was such a relief to hear that the $6,000 is just something we are aiming for and not make or break. I was really happy to present and it couldn't have gone better. It is a bit scary that there are only a couple weeks left, but as long as I can try my hardest, I hope I'll be able to get as close to that $6,000 as possible!

I can't wait for the festival. Its getting closer and closer and I'm so proud of everyone. I love how this class/Festival has run. Everyone is willing to help each other and I can't wait for the day to finally come!

Time Calling: 3 hours Total
Time Emailing: 5 hours Total
Meeting time: 1 hr. & 1/2 Total

Week 9

This week started off a little discouraging. I had Emailed a lot of people before leaving for Spring Break so I was hopeful to have responses after returning. This was not the case, so the beginning of the week was a bit upsetting and I attempted to call and email festivals and businesses again. I left many messages, got a couple solid No's and some maybes. I've been getting stressed since the festival isn't that far away and I am very far from the $6,000 amount. I recently just received a festival pass in New York as well as another donation so this has been a relief and the motivation I needed to continue on! I'm hoping as long as I continue to think positively and contact as many as I can, I'll be able to to reach close to the goal that was set!

Hours reasearching, contacting & calling this past week: 6hrs.
Meeting Time: 1 Hr. & 30 Min.

Week 8

Spring Break!

Week 7

This week I reached out to many Film Festivals in order to get badges for the winners. I contacted at least 3 Festivals for each filmmaker (Even some in Prague!) and the way I see it, if we get a badge from more festivals for one winner, the better it will be for them! I am still following up with past people I've contacted, although I am not getting as great of a response. It is very important that I am able to push very hard this past week before we get into March. Time is of the essence, and I really want to make sure we have great awards to give out!


Meeting: 1 hr & 20 min.
Research & Emails: 3 hrs

Week 6

This week as been busy busy! I have gotten so far $1,100 towards Awards. I have also physically received one of the products in the mail already. I am very happy with this, but do realize there is still a ways to go. I'm hoping that when I get the festival submission we will be on our way even more. I still need to follow up with people and push for another round of Emails so that I can be 100% sure for those who have not yet responded that they are not interested. My Goal is to have at least $4,000 (if not more) before I leave for spring break!

I am very happy with how our programing went. I feel certain that we can a great line up of films and papers! Its really great that everyone is able to communicate and share thoughts openly.

Reading Papers: 2-3 Hours
Emails: 4 Hours
Class: 10 Hours