SLOW FILM FESTIVAL DEBRIEF MINUTES 1/11/23
Attendees:
-
Emily Richardson (Trustee)
-
Helen de Witt (Trustee)
-
Peter Treherne (Trustee)
-
Ryan Powell (Director)
Minutes:
1. Programme
-audiences and audience feedback
-
Feedback was very positive. With hopefully more questionnaire responses to come.
-
The session on Buddhist filmmaking was particularly appreciated.
-
Other comments included the great atmosphere and vibe at the venue.
-action points for next year.
-
Main points were more contextualising introductions from programmers and filmmakers, and more conversations and time for Q&As.
-
More programme information on the website.
-
ER suggested giving filmmakers a required word length for their info on the website.
-
RP intends to have feature submissions for next year and add additional programme elements with accepted feature films.
2. Publicity, marketing and website
-effectiveness and feedback
-
Audience was largely gained from social media activity, mostly led by Ed Smyth.
-
RP suggested Ed should be paid for this work next year.
-press and other responses
- Sight and sound and LUX covered the festival in their listings but there weren't any previews or reviews.
-action points for next year
-
As the venue helped little in promotion, ER suggested they are provided with a media pack. Although they did have all the information at their disposal this year.
-
It was discussed that targeted media partnerships could be looked into for future years, for instance with Mubi Notebook Alt/Kino
-
Programme information should also be on the website, with images, as well as on the Eventbrite page.
3. Venue and Production
1
-feedback
-
The venue was appreciated for its ambience and placing within green space.
-
The pew seating was comfortable.
-any problems and issues
-
The venue was small, so ticket sales limited which had an impact on the budget.
-
The cafe was closed for the final break on the Saturday.
-
There weren't any blackout blinds in the main room which caused a problem when the sun was out. There was also sound leakage in the annex.
-
A serious tech problem was avoided as the staff member was present but may not have been.
-
The beer companies card reader wasn't working at first, but they got it sorted.
- action points for next year
-
Investigate if a bigger venue is possible.
-
Consider a dedicated tech assistant volunteer.
-
Use the venue's location close to Wanstead flats for possible sound artist pieces and walks.
4. Visiting filmmakers and hospitality
- feedback
- Filmmakers were happy with their screenings, including Melanie Manchot with her Masterclass.
-any problems or issues
- Filmmakers were all from London as the travel bursaries were not taken up.
-action points for next year
- Perhaps offer travel costs for the feature filmmakers.
5. Volunteers
- feedback
- The volunteers did a great job.
- any problems or issues
- None
-action points for next year
- Consider a placement from the Birkbeck MA film programming and curating. HdW to make introduction between RP and Janet McCabe, course director.
6. AOB inc. any other action points for next year
BUDGET
-
Expenditure was £8000 and income £4800. The shortfall needs to be addressed and accommodated in next year's budget.
-
Income generation may make finding a larger venue imperative.
-
RP suggested a fundraising event for Palestinians with a screening of Foragers . This was supported, however may be more effective if it was done in partnership with the London Palestine Film Festival.
2
Next meeting set for Tuesday 28th November 3.30. ER to chair.
3
SFF 2023 COSTS
INCOME
Money in account Filmfreeway Sales Eventbrite Sales Online showcase ticket sales
Revenue from 343 submitions 70 tickets sold 49 at £7
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
LICENSES/SPEAKER FEES
Twin Peaks Meliane Manchot
EVENT PRODUCTION
Venue Hire Event Insrance (public liability)
PUBLICITY
Website Vimeo Programme printing Mail Chimp
WAGES
Director Programmer 1 (Andy Key - freelance) Programmer 2 (Ed Smyth - freelance) Programmer 3 (Cate Elwes - freelance)
TRAVEL
Travel expenses for Cate (Programmer) FOOD
TOTAL
REVENUE SPEND REMAINING
£6,533 £3,439 £1,090 £343
£11,405
£300 £150
£1,000.00 £40.00
£320.64 £200.00 £147.00 £240.00
£4,050.00 £500.00 £500.00 £500.00
£18
£7,965.64
£11,405 £7,966 £3,440