You just finished a big horror film festival in NYC this past November.
How well did it go?
The festival was amazing this year. Considering the circumstances, and
how our entire staff came together and pulled off perhaps the best
festival ever is a testament to my son Michael J. Hein [Michael
J. Hein interview - click here], who passed away
suddenly in July 2011. Michael was the founder and director of the New
York City Horror Film Festival since its inception in 2002, and the
festival will continue in his memory.
Who were some of the people who appeared there?
Mr. Wes Craven received our lifetime achievement award while Rob Zombie
took home our very first Michael J. Hein Award for personal achievement
in direction. All this to a packed house and screaming fans. Our panel
included: Moderator Michael Gingold (writer, Fangoria magazine), Bill
Lustig (director, producer, Blue Underground), Dennis Paoli
(writer, Re-Animator,
From Beyond), Alan Rowe Kelly (filmmaker) [Alan
Rowe Kelly interview - click here], Josh
Turi (Emmy award winner for spfx, Saturday Night Live), and Patrick
Rea (filmmaker).
You are making plans for 2013?
Absolutely! As a matter of fact our call for entries begins January 1st,
2013 - so stay tuned, as it's way too early to give anything away just yet.
What is the webpage you have where your fans can see updates for
2013?
www.NYCHorrorfest.com
What, if anything do you do to make your festival different from
others out there?
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I believe what makes us different is our continuing desire to always put
the fans first and treat the filmmakers like we would guests in our home
- as
that's what keeps them always coming back. That and always creating a fun
atmosphere. Since we are the biggest horror film festival on the East Coast there is never a need to compete with anyone else. Our reputation
speaks for itself.
What suggestions might you give others in different parts of the
world wishing to organize such a fest?
Advertising and a professional website are both key to make filmmakers,
fans and sponsors aware of
your event. You would need to find a venue and put down a deposit on the
dates you want before announcing the event publicly. It's a good idea for
you to attend a lot of festivals (screenings, seminars, and parties) before
going forward and be ready to spend hundreds of hours and tons of money
to do it correctly. The most important thing to remember is that a film
festival should always be about the films and filmmakers first and
foremost. Never about you or anything else.
What, in your opinion, makes for a good festival?
Hands down.. the people that are involved. Without their dedication and
full year of planning, meeting, watching films etc there is no festival.
It's a lot of work, but a labor of love from start to finish.
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for letting everyone know the New
York City Horror Film Festival is back and ready to rock your world.
Thanks for the interview!
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