## **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** 

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## **-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. 

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**Next meeting set for Tuesday 28th November 3.30. ER to chair.** 

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## **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