FestForums Goes to 11 with Harry Shearer & Maureen Ford
The 9th semi-annual FestForums (FF) Santa Barbara takes place November 14-16, at the Hilton SB Beachfront Resort. Its full-on educational and entertainment programs address cutting-edge technology, sponsorships, talent, ticketing, scheduling, working with brands, operations, sustainability, charitable work, innovation, and safety. FF truly is unique as it unites festivals and events from around the world of all sizes for collaboration, camaraderie, and professional development. With the inclusion of FF to our town since its inception in 2015, we continue to be the bedrock of innovation and creation for festivals worldwide.
Highlights this year are Lifetime Achievement Awards for contributions to the arts to actor Dennis Quaid, musician Michael McDonald ( with Chris Pelonis presenting), and actor, musician, and comedian Harry Shearer who will receive his award from his Spinal Tap band-mate, actor, and director Christopher Guest.
The conference theme is “The Year of the Woman,” with White House videographer Hope Hall; entrepreneur Lesa Ukman; RI poet laureate Lisa Starr; festival producer Giselle Coy; Another Planet VP of Special Events Danielle Madeira; actor and musician Nia Peeples; Tribeca Film Festival project manager & producer Rachel Mandel; and Anita Cotic, Toronto International Film Festival director & Film Office and Event Production. FF Woman of the Year Award goes to Maureen Ford, president of National Sales for Live Nation.
The team behind this impressive machine is its two founders, 39 board members, 65 sponsors, three crew, and one mascot! Laurie B. Kirby, Esq. co-founder of FF, took 10 for our behind-the-scenes interview:
Q: How did the concept of FF begin?
A. Stuart MacNaught and I are the co-founders and co-presidents of FF. I’ve been an attorney most of my life, and made my escape back into the arts when my children were grown, and I took over the Newport, Rhode Island, Film Festival. I ran that and another half-dozen film festivals including U.S. Sports, Ojai, and Barbados. I worked in many aspects of indie film, as producer, distribution, and consulting. Stu is an amazing marketing, advertising, and PR expert who owned an ad agency back East for many years with clients like the Newport Folk Festival, Dunkin Donuts, and Hasbro. At an SXSW, we truly cooked up FF on a cocktail napkin! We love education and collaboration, so we built an event for Festival organizers and those who are interested in them to meet, network, and discuss how to be safer, more profitable, and creative. Festivals are a cultural and tribal experience that we as humans crave. What’s more rewarding than engaging people, films, music, food, beer, wine, and parties in Santa Barbara?
Since starting FF, talk about the scope and growth from its first conference to 2018.
Stu and I had no idea how many people would show up the first year. All I had was my Rolodex of friends and colleagues after years in the entertainment business. We pulled a Jerry Maguire and made it work! It was magical and we were off to the races. We have had literally hundreds and hundreds of festivals attending, as well as artists, musicians, directors, actors, chefs, and creatives. This year, we will probably double attendance from our first year. We expanded to San Francisco and NYC.
What festivals are represented & encouraged to attend?
We encourage all types of festivals, as they suffer with the same pain points: getting an audience, building a brand, working with talent, safety, production, and more. Festivals attending include: Sundance, Tribeca Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, N.Y. Food and Wine, LA Food & Wine, San Francisco Film Festival, Ultra Fest, Governors Ball, SXSW, JayZ’s Budweiser Made in America, Lollapalooza, Live Nation Festivals, Summerfest, Global Citizen Festival, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Woodstock, Newport Folk Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, Austin City Limits, Life Is Beautiful, Vans Warped Tour, Disco Donnie Presents, AfterShock, Glastonbury, Bottle Rock, Stage Coach, and hundreds more.
Who’s Who on the panels?
Harry being interviewed by Christopher will be a highlight. Hope Hall, Obama’s videographer in the White House will be another amazing speaker. Woodstock founder Michael Lang will be there, best-selling author Jonas Koffler, and celebrity photographer Guy Webster should be terrific.
Who’s Who on the entertainment schedule?
Michael McDonald, Chris Pelonis, Carly Jo Jackson (the number one artist on ReverbNation), Kenny Loggins and Dennis Quaid with his band will all be performing. DJ Carla Bea will be our official DJ.
What is the Best in the Fest Award based on?
Best in the Fests is our annual award ceremony recognizing North America’s leading festivals. We will be awarding one winner from each festival type: Music, Arts, Film & Culture, Food & Beverage (consumables), Sustainability, Innovation, and Charity for a total of nine winners.
Up to what date can peeps register, and what are the packages?
Registration can take place right up until the conference, but certainly it is helpful all the way around to pre-register, as the badge will be ready as well as a goody bag!
There are many options: a pass with a room at The Hilton; the Friday Awards show and a concert with Dishwalla, Michael McDonald, and a special appearance from Kenny Loggins; the Lifetime Achievement Awards for Michael McDonald, Harry Shearer, and Dennis Quaid with performances; The Rockshop Benefit concert Wednesday 7 to 10 pm; the luncheon and Guy Webster talk on Thursday.
Is there VIP and student pricing?
All passes are VIP. Everyone coming is a VIP in our book. That’s why we have massages available, aromatherapy, hair and makeup, and more for everyone there! The only distinction is between festivals and non-festivals in terms of ticketing. We do have discounts for students. All passes are available on the FestForums.com website.
411: FestForums: Wednesday, November 14, 5 pm to Friday, November 16, 6 pm
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