BUSINESS EDU
Lights! Camera! Action! Underwater Film Festival Success Tips by Christopher P. Weaver & Michael Salvarezza , ecophotoexplorers.com, NY
F OR A DIVE OPERATOR, a dive club, or any other type of dive business, connecting with your customers, constituents or dive buddies can be a challenge. Because we are all interested in the underwater world and draw inspiration for our dive adventures from the exploits of others, an underwater film festival could be the right vehicle to bring your target audience together. As producers of the Long Island Divers Association Annual Film Festival in New York for over a decade, and as participants in other film festivals as speakers and presenters, the lessons we have learned over the years could help save you a lot of grief as you plan your special event. Why Do a Film Festival? To begin your planning, you first must decide why you are planning to put this event on. Is it a fundraiser? Is it a way to
expose worthy underwater filmmakers? Is it to bring your dive club together for a fun evening of films followed by a party? The answers to these questions will help shape your event. For example, a fundraiser needs to have a compelling reason for people to pay good money to attend. This could include valuable raffle prizes and giveaways to drive higher prices. An event designed to showcase the work of photographers and videographers needs high-end projection and A/V equip- ment and a venue that displays their work in the best possible way. A dive club event should include an after-party where divers can socialize and plan their next dives. Themes and Experiences If you're planning an underwater film festival – particularly one built around ocean conservation, diving, exploration, or underwater cinematography – the biggest challenge is making
45 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker