Assignment Part Uno...THE RESEARCH:

Like sand through an hour glass, so are the film festivals of our lives...

I was pretty stoked to find out that my film festival to research was Indie Grits, a Columbia, SC based film festival. My interview is with co-director Seth and is at 11am.

http://www.indiegrits.com/
2. Started by Andy Smith in 2007.

3. Indie Grits exists to provide DIY media-makers in the Southeast an exciting venue for showcasing their work. We want to show off the talent, energy and films emerging from the Southeast and broaden the film culture in our hometown Columbia and across the region.

4. I think this film festival does a good job on implementing their mission. Even though films are their main point, this festival features music, puppetry, art installations, and even food. The majority of which are representatives of the south. They accept all levels of entries. Also, all submissions must have a tie with the southern states to be qualified for entry, as well as, must include an application that explains your tie with the south.

5. It is in Columbia, SC at the Nickelodeon Theatre.

6. The event runs April 11-20.

7. Online, DVD, DVD video, BluRay, MPEG, Mpeg2, Quicktime

8-9. Nov. 8, early bird=$15, Dec. 6, Regular= $20, Jan. 3, Late= $25, Jan. 17, Ext. Late= $35

10. Anyone is eligible to submit as long as the entry has ties to the southeast; however, they really aim to promote films made by filmmakers in the 18-35 age group.

11. There is a student category, but again, must have ties with the Southeast. 

12. Same as submissions

13. Same as submissions but also includes: 8mm, 16mm, DCP

14. 71 films, last year non-competitive screenings were the first four days. Competitive were the last four days.

15. The blocks are around 2 hours each. But there are 25 different screenings.

16. This really just depends on how many films they accept. Some shorts are 45 seconds, some are up to 10 minutes. I'll have to ask Seth on specifics.

17. A complete pass is $200 for non Nickelodeon Theatre members. $175 for members. You can purchase passes online or at the door.

18. This festival has a ton of sponsors ranging from local dentists, newspapers, jewelers to more corporate businesses like YMCA, Zoe's Kitchen, and Whole Foods.

19. There are opening night sponsors: Zoe's Kitchen and Sheraton Hotels. Then three other categories: indiegrits sponsors, presenting sponsors, and supporting sponsors. All are located on the front page of their website.

20. I didn't find a kickstarter or indiegogo for indie grits, but there were specific films featuring indie grits in their kickstarter. However, that kickstarter was unsuccessful. 

21. This blows my mind. They have food, puppetry, art installments, and cinemovements (live music with films). I love all of these ideas...except puppets, they creep me out. They also do a lot of family and kid oriented things like "family hip hop day" ...WHAT?? awesome!

22. The cinemovements have definitely propelled the film watching experience into a live and interactive and yet old school approach. 

23.  The layout is easy to use. Everything that wondering cyber viewing guests would needs is very neatly laid out for them.

24. However, for me trying to find out specific details was quite difficult. I spent a lot of time on multiple websites trying to find answers. If i was trying to submit a film or wanting to buy a pass, I would probably have already given up, which is a shame because this festival just seems so damn cool.

25. I just answered that... I googled a lot. 

26. The changing poster pics on the front of the home page. Also, the huge picture of the indie grits trophies makes it seem pretty legit. Also, the only link that is in color is the "buy tickets" link which is quite clever.

27. I honestly don't like the animated pictures. I think they're ugly and distracting, but that's definitely an opinion. 

28. I think that there's enough information for the everyday website visitor. And it's bare, but i'm kind of a minimalist when it comes to aesthetics. 

29.  I like it. It's really not too busy.

30. I would obviously keep this website more updated. At first all i could find was "Update coming soon". That's when i had to branch out to other websites. Also, i'd find a better way of listing off all of the films and blocks being shown.

31. I would keep the bareness of the website. It's clean and professional.