Santa Barbara Festival: Many Thanks to Those who Helped Filmfestivals.com

Working together in the SBIFF media office from morning till next morning for two weeks (and for some of us, beyond), one bonds with the publicity staff fairly intimately. The synergystic work between journalists and publicity staff in getting the news out about films and events is a necessity. However, in some places the bonds are stronger than others. This was the case in Santa Barbara. As a newspaper sports columnist and features journalist for the last seven years, I have had the fortune of working with some good people in large areas of sport (including the Olympics, the NBA, and Major League Baseball), politics, and large studio film. However, they all pale in comparison to the publicity folks at the SBIFF.

The first person who was the most responsible for making this blog possible, is Mo Mc Fadden. The camera shy Mo, the Santa Barbara contact for press, got this server rolling by persistently "bugging" editor Bruno Chatelin into getting coverage. She not only was a great publicist, but a supporter and surrogate mom to filmmakers and wayward journalists alike. Her able assistant Roberta Vaughan (top picture on right) was the best in championing films and connecting them with the right person. She was the "can-do" gal. With her in this picture (for once), was photographer extraordinaire Becky Sapp. Becky, the photog from WireImage, supplied most of the shots from this site including Philip Seymour Hoffman, George Clooney, Naomi Watts, and the directors panel. Her late night work to get the photos to this blog were more than asked for. In addition, WireImage editor Nikki Wantz was the goddess by getting filmfestivals.com whatever we needed, whenever we needed it. Her sense of humor kept things real.

The second picture is of national publicist Carol Marshall and her husband Tom. Carol and her publicists Alanna Kordell (third picture far right with filmmakers from "Night of the Dog" Peter Donovan, Peter Atencio, and Eshom Nelms), Stephanie Hope, and volunteers Melanie Marquez, and Kim Field were (among many other things) able to secure interviews for stories and posts about Academy Award nominated directors Gavin Hood ("Tsotsi"), (upcoming) Hany Abu Assad ("Paradise Now"), writer/producer Grant Heslov ("Good Night, and Good Luck"), writer Diana Ossana ("Brokeback Mountain"), and wave files via introductions to Philip Seymour Hoffman as well as critically acclaimed actress Maria Bello. Their tireless efforts in keeping the press apprised of the happenings of the festival was an amazing gift.

(Ms. Melanie and Nikki Wantz at left)

In addition, a few volunteers went above and beyond the call of duty, Frank "Furanku" (pictured with volunteer Katie Chambers) was the resident philospher and good humor man. Linda Schad (not pictured) the office self described "library nazi" kept things in order in regards to screeners and press kits. Her demeanor and friendliness was a much appreciated calm amidst the oft happening storm. Thanks Linda.

Lastly, many thanks goes to Bruno Chatelin, who allowed this journalist to go as far as he could go despite not knowing each other. The opportunity and experience was tremendous. The only thing I disagreed with him was on the inclusion of a self portrait. Since he is the boss, I reluctantly added a picture (on left) with the insistence of including two quality individuals who have made my experience at the SBIff a pleasant one, filmmaker Joel Bender ( who along with his producer wife Manette Rosen did "Karla") and SBIFF Program Director Cevin Cathell. They, along with Artistic Director Roger Durling, filmmakers, staff, and volunteers, made this a memorable time. Lastly, thank you to Tami Snow and Horny Toad clothing company for taking pity on this scribe's thrift store wear and supplying me with some cool duds.

(*Please note: The blog is not over. There is more to come! Next Stop: Bermuda) (Top two pictures taken by Mike Takeuchi), (Better pictures taken below by Ms. Rebecca)