The Macon Film Festival: Take One

*the above movie was shown at last year’s Macon Film Festival and was attended by the director, this year the sequel will be shown

I went to my very first Macon Film Festival just last year. Yes yes yes, this self proclaimed expert of Macon had not been yet. Greatly because in years past I was either too busy with work or my kids or just didn’t think I could fit in the time. But over the past couple of years I have made it my mission to push myself out of my comfort zone and to go and see and do more things. The Macon Film Festival was easy enough because it is downtown and as a student- well I had a free pass to many showings. So, why not?

Before I get ahead of myself, let’s go over some of the basics. I had the chance to speak with Terrell Sandefur, this year’s festival chair, about the Macon Film Festival.

 

Make It Work Molly: So, how did the Film Festival get started?

Terrell Sandefur: The Film Festival started as a result of the renovation with the Cox Capitol Theatre. Tony Long was trying to create events that would draw people to the theater. One of his tenants was Tabitha Walker and [he was talking to her about ideas] and then they brought Craig Coleman on board, who was an art professor at Mercer. And the three of them starting putting this festival together. Then they came to me because they wanted to have an after party…. I ended up going out and raising money for the after party and the first festival. Through the planning of it I [also] became the media relations person for it. It started with a very small group of people [the three of us] and B.J. Dunwody.

MIWM: So, you started out with those board members and now you have how many?

TS: We have twelve members, and we’re going in to our ninth year. We started out at just the Cox Capitol Theatre and have grown to three theaters downtown: the Cox, the 567 and the Douglass Theatre. We have four days of films that screen all day long and all three theaters.

MIWM: What would you say has been the economic impact? Like when it comes to traffic in downtown Macon over the years but also the residual effects when it comes to drawing filmmakers to the area?

TS: I’ll tell you, it is a definite impact just during the festival buy the sheer numbers of people who are in downtown Macon day and night- eating, staying in the hotels, drinking in the bars- the restaurants definitely see it. Filmmakers, patrons, [and more]. It brings in millions of dollars to Macon.

Of course, this may seem like a silly question on my part- but I think we take for granted just how long it has taken to get films like Need for Speed and 42 here… however I digress…

TS: And we’ve got these smaller independent films that bring thousands of dollars as opposed to the millions that Need for Speed and 42 did. Macon looks amazing in a movie and we are listed in the credits of these movies and people take note of it. We really consider downtown Macon to be a movie set on its own and we’re camera ready for these filmmakers. There definitely is serious economic impact. And it gives Maconites a sense of pride to see their hometown on the big screen unlike any other. Everybody likes movies and can relate to them. 

Jonathan, the director of the Hay House, told me that the filming of that Lifetime TV show made their budget for the entire year when that show was filmed. Without that t.v. show they would not have made their budget. 

The city makes money off of the streets being blocked off- from parking lots being used. We all benefit.

MIWM: Would you say you have had the level of cooperation from city officials that you have needed for these projects?

TS: Oh yes- we definitely have. Especially when these big budgets come in.

MIWM: Is there anything you would want to highlight for those who aren’t familiar with the Festival?

TS: I think film festivals can be intimidating for those who don’t know HOW to fest, but we have a headquarters starting the Monday before the festival and it will be staffed and you can ask any questions about how to do this.

We have got a gorgeous, historic downtown that most towns would die to have and these filmmakers love it and it’s so nice to see Macon through their eyes and to get to hang out with them during the festival. They love to meet those attending the festival also- and it’s a great value! You can see all kinds of movies for less than what you would pay at the theaters- and those in the after parties with drinks and food and it’s less expensive than a night out on the town.

I will have another blog post to specifically go over questions about How To Fest for the Macon Film Festival as well as ticket prices. Sound interested? Have questions? Send them my way!!

Or you can also click here.

Thank you to Terrell Sandefur- I can’t wait to share with y’all more of what I learned!

Love to all y’all,

Molly