Volunteers needed for Big Bear Film Festival

   The Big Bear Lake International Film Festival is seeking a few good volunteers to help during the 2009 event held the weekend of September 18-20. For the second year in a row, Gloria Meade will spearhead the volunteer effect as committee coordinator.

   Meade is a familiar face in the Valley because of her involvement with the Historical Society, CATS, and many other groups.  Meade has relied on non-profits to pitch in and help each other in the past and predicts that this year folks will come together again to assure a successful Film Festival event.

   Meade says “the Film Festival is a worthwhile project for the community, attracting people from all around the world and is an economic boost to Big Bear. Volunteering is an easy way to help your community and requires little other then a nice attitude and a smile.”

   There were approximately 5000 attendee’s last year and expectations are that there will be a 10% increase this year. People are needed to assist in set-up, clean-up and a variety of operations. Meade lists some of the arena’s where volunteers are needed as ushers, Gala Event crew, Wrap Party crew, Hospitality crew, public relations, ad sales, registration, production, operations, runners, servers, panels, and merchandise sales.

   People who volunteer are not required to work the entire time. Meade will assign four- hour shifts so that volunteers will have ‘time-off’ to view a few movies or socialize with filmmakers. Among the perks, enjoyed by energetic volunteers are movie passes for the entire weekend and an opportunity to attend “by invitation only” special events.

   To become a volunteer or committee member contact Gloria Meade at 909-585-6541, or by e-mail at volunteer@bigbearlakefilmfestival.com.

   The 10th Annual Big Bear Lake Film Festival and Screenwriting Competition is September 18-20. The festival screens independent films and showcases emerging film and screenwriting talent. Screenings include feature length films, short films, student films, animation and documentaries. Ventures are the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center and Village Theater North.

   The 2009 sidebar presentation will feature films about pets and animals. In keeping with this theme, the pre-festival movie screening held Thursday, September 17 will be “Dr. Doolittle.” This is a joint venture between the Film Festival and the Historical Society and again Meade will be at the helm so expect a few special surprises before the opening credits row.

   Activities during the festival include an opening night movie, a gala opening night party, a wrap party, hospitality suite, and a pitchfest. Following the gala party, is the presentation of the Community Appreciation Award which will be given to John Grandi. Friends of John Grandi can acknowledge John’s achievements by placing ads in the program schedule brochure. Lifetime Achievement honors will be awarded to three prominent industry professionals to be announced. For more information or to purchase a tribune ad for John Grandi, contact a Festival representative at 909-866-3433 or online at bigbearlakefilmfestival.com.

   Tickets to the Opening Night Gala and all Festival events can be purchased at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center (PAC) Box Office, 39707 Big Bear Blvd., in Big Bear Lake, by phone (PAC) 909-866-4970 or online at the Film Festival website www.bigbearlakefilmfestival.com.

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