1st IFP Market Screening

Our first IFP screening was at 10:30 am this morning. It was less than stellar, in that the projection equipment had some picture and sound issues and I had to replace the Digital Betacam tape I had sent the IFP screenings coordinator with the backup DigiBeta I was carrying with me. I wasn’t a boy scout, but I am always prepared. Once the switch was made, everything ran smoothly from there.

Cast member J. Todd Howell (“Scott Pierson”) and composer Nelson Starr were in attendance, which was great. They were excited to see our work on a good-sized screen. To tell the truth, so was I – this was the best I’ve ever seen the film look when projected. It was perfect in that regard.

Because we were the first screening of the day, not many people were even at the Angelika yet, let alone in our theatre. General consensus seems to be that everyone is coming to our Wednesday showing, which is 11:45. But the people who did see it today were all talking it up and raving about how good it looked. Positive buzz never hurts.

We also managed to catch a few other screenings and saw some very good work. “Popaganda” about the subversive art of Ron English – produced by an actor pal of my uncle’s, Antone Pagan – was a funny and thought-provoking standout. But there were several that we enjoyed.

I did finally catch up with my old buddy Tom, who I mentioned a few days ago. He’s an entertainment attorney now. We’ve made plans to catch up further on Wednesday and talk some business – now that we are working in the same field.

Our producer Steve Briscoe arrived this evening from Buffalo and he’s ready to get rocking tomorrow. The only person we’re missing is my wife Laura. Then all would be perfect.