UPDATE: To those of you planning to attend this week, alas, I will not be in attendance. The reason for my change in plans is strictly financial.
Attendance on Friday was very low (and that is directly influencing my financial decisions), but those who were there were rather appreciative, so I'll take that small positive.
When it comes to learning what works and what doesn't, it may be more valuable to gauge the reactions of unbiased audience members, but it sure can be a lot of fun watching family members. One of the screenings had one family member in attendance -- star Brian Gartland's uncle, and they seem to share a very similar sensibility. He laughed his ass off, and that alone made my day.
The person in charge of the screenings at reRun is VERY cool. She doesn't just do the programming, she runs the whole show -- tends the bar, sells tickets, controls the projection, lights, audio, etc., so if you attend a screening you'll meet her. Her name is Hunter, she's very much about providing opportunities to us little-folk, and she herself is working on a filmmaking project. I definitely recommend grabbing a beer and snacks and saying hi to her. Word to the wise -- the Guinness, on draft, comes in a plastic cup that I'm pretty sure is 20oz or close to it (much larger than the industry-standard 14-16oz).
We didn't get any reviews from any of the local press. I was of course disappointed by that, but the reason for it is a little more complex that a simple case of The Man trying to keep me down. I'd offer an explanation, but it involves business stuff that isn't mine to discuss. I promise -- it's nothing scandalous, and we may eventually get the coveted reviews. Maybe.
So, opening night wasn't exactly everything I hoped and dreamed, but it's also true that I suck at promotion so I'm definitely not blaming anyone, nor is this a woe-is-me tale. I'm definitely very happy to have been able to take part in this, and I hope some of you will be able to attend.
