Reel Paddling Film Festival – to come to Houston?
February, 2016
by Natalie Wiest
I am proposing that the Houston Canoe Club host the Reel Paddling Film Festival. I will offer to be the “Point Person” for this; Dave Kitson and Paul Woodcock have offered to help as committee members, and I would be quite willing to add members if there are volunteers who want to help and IF the Club will pledge support.
“Rapid Media's annual Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases the world's best paddling films to audiences in Canada, United States and around the world. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle.
"The Reel Paddling Film Festival is a film contest awarding winning films in 10 categories. The winners and other shortlisted films are then toured to more than 100 cities around the world, screening for an audience of more than 30,000 outdoor adventure enthusiasts and their friends and families.
"The Reel Paddling Film Festival is produced by Rapid Media. Rapid Media also publishes four leading paddlesports magazines: Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots and Kayak Angler magazines. Your ticket to a Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour stop includes a free one-year digital edition subscription to all of the above magazines. Special offer details are available in your evening program.”
When is it? Can be any single day, between March 1 and December 1. I propose 3rd weekend in September 2016 for a first attempt.
Where is it? Site as yet undetermined.
How much does it cost? $695 to host it; half at time we reserve the films (on CD). Plus cost of venue if there is a cost. We may solicit vendors as co-sponsors (in return for their advertising). Possibility: Austin Canoe and Kayak, in conjunction with one of their Demonstration days. Rapid Media will supply tickets (included in cost); we can charge for tickets. If we sell 70 tickets @ $10 we make back cost of rental. I do not propose this as a money maker, but as a break-even event, especially for first attempt.
What am I asking for? Board/membership approval of a budget of up to $1500 to move forward with this. $350 to go with application, another $350 when we receive films; $500 for site; $300 for advertising and supplies.
Dallas Downriver Club has done this three times, not overwhelming success and averaged 70-80 people per showing. Citizens Environmental Coalition has hosted a similar event, Wild and Scenic Film Fest for environmental films here in Houston at the River Oaks Theater. Currently on the CEC website, www.cechouston.org
Natalie Wiest
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| The author, Natalie Wiest |