My week at the film festival

Photo of Trustees Theater from here.

Every year, Savannah has a film festival. It is small, but brings in many film industry buffs. For example, last year I met Tommy Lee Jones and Guillermo Arriaga. Its not all fun and games - at least not for me - because the only reason I'm there is for work. This years was the 10th year of the festival, meaning it was bigger and better - or just more work for those of us putting it on.

Before I tell you who came to town, let me explain that I spelled names wrong on purpose because I know my work is tracking news & blog coverage. I really don't want them to find my blog - so I'm trying to beat the system.

Okay, back to famous people who came to town - Michaell Dougglas, accompanies by his wife Catherine Zetta Jones, the Redggrave siblings - Corin, Vanessa and Lynn. (By the way, I didn't think I'd seen any movies with Corin until I watched his video tribute. He is the obnoxious father in BBC's "Persuasions," based on the novel by Jane Austen.) Timothy Dalton - a former James Bond - who spent the weekend with is 11-year-old son when he wasn't judging films. Bret Ratnr - who is a sleaze ball, but has directed some big hits like XMen 3, the Rush Hour series, etc... Charli ROse - who seemed a little vain about always looking good. And David Benniofff, the screen writer for "Kite Runnner," which has been in the news lately for some controversy.

So that was the line up, now here are some of my favorite moments from the week:

This is me and Emily in front of the red carpet for opening night. About 2 minutes before Douglas, Catherine Z., and the Redgraves show up, someone realizes no one brought barriers to keep frenzied fans from mobbing the guests. So far, everyone had been very polite, standing on the edge of the sidewalk and waiting. But we knew once Catherine showed up, things would change. So what did we do? Emily, 2 Events girls (from henceforth known as the Stepford girls for their constantly perfect makeup, hair and dress), and myself become a human blockade, stretching our arms out and planting our feet as the fans surged towards the red carpet. Camera flashes were everywhere, people pushed and shoved - yet somehow our forces stayed strong.
Did I get to meet Catherine and Michael? No. But I did get to hold their frenzied fans back. That's almost as cool...At least that's what I tell myself.

My other favorite moment also happened the first day of the festival when I sat at the registration table. People wonder in and just look at all the material spread out. This one old guy starts perusing the pamphlets. I am about 2 seconds away from asking him if he'd like a Guide to see more about our special guests and screenings. Thank goodness I said nothing! Across the room, someone calls his name "Corin, come here for a minute, please." Yes, Corin Redgrave - one of our special guests listed in the guide with his PICTURE and all. Phew! I escaped complete embarrassment on that one. This is why I just prefer not to talk to famous people.

That same day, I did see and successfully recognize Timotthy Dalton - only Scott had to tell me later why he looked so familiar. I knew he was famous, but couldn't remember he was a Bond boy.

Anyway, that was my week - almost rubbing elbows with stars, but not really. But after seeing how Catherine got stuck talking to old snobby men and women that weekend, I'm okay with being an average Melissa.