Flashback to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Earlier this year, Open Air Photobooth participated in The 2014 Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s studio-themed after parties, by providing guests with a red-carpet photo booth rental experience. This event has been one of the highlights for the Open Air Photobooth team and reflecting back begins to stir up excitement.
The eleven day celebration took place during January 30th, to February 9th in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Each year this prestigious event is presented in Santa Barbara’s historical theaters, such as The Arlington, The Granada and The Lobero. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) presents more than 200 films and hosts over 75,000 film enthusiasts which includes: industry professionals, reporters, critics and independent filmmakers. Guests are able to network, share ideas and see new work from emerging artists. SBIFF also conducts a variety of panels and award ceremonies, for some of the world’s most recognized actors, directors, producers and screenwriters. Those who have been honored this year include: Leonardo Di Caprio, Martin Scorsese, Oprah Winfrey, Cate Blanchett and Emma Thompson.
The Opening Night Gala took place in the Paseo Nuevo mall, an electrifying scene was set in the classic Spanish architecture, which transformed the open air mall, into a vibrant film theme soiree. Guests were able to experience some of our cities finest gourmet foods and drinks, while enjoying live entertainment. For this evening, Open Air Photobooth provided two photo booths, one for the VIP lounge and another for the general admission area. Late into the evening, crowds of people lined up to capture the excitement and memorialize the glamorous event with a high quality photo keepsake. Filmmakers and their crew gathered for group shots to commemorate all their hard work. Other attendees were eager to take photos with those in the film industry that they admire. Guests were given single image, 4”x6” prints with commemorative branding. While guests were waiting they were entertained by the slide show of the images projected onto the outdoor wall of the Nordstrom building. Inside the V.I.P lounge, we attached a monitor to the top of the photo booth which showed only the V.I.P guest’s photos. Open Air Photobooth adds an element of interactive entertainment to every party and we are constantly evolving to improve our guests’ experience.
The celebration of cinema continued with a series of studio themed after parties set in the beautiful Lobero Theater. After the final film screening, the curtains would fall and the stage would be set for a world class party. These events were coordinated by one of Santa Barbara’s best event planners, Jill Remy of Jill & Co. Events. This has been her third season organizing the SBIFF’s esteemed after parties and she has been an important contributor to the Film Festival’s growing recognition. Each year the Film Festival is evolving; expanding with additional elements, increased sponsorship and added excitement. Jill is highly organized and is a pleasure to work with. With over a decade of experience in the event industry, she prides herself in only working with the best vendors available. Jill began working with Open Air Photobooth while organizing weddings at the Firestone Winery many years ago. Since then, Open Air Photobooth has been a consistent resource. Jill requires the highest standards of excellence in customer service and has expressed that Open Air Photobooth has continually exceeds her expectations.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is about honoring creative individuals in the film industry and creating an atmosphere for ideas and relationships to blossom. SBIFF celebrates diverse points of view and honors those who have enriched our culture through film. SBIFF 2014 was an invigorating eleven days, and as we approach next year’s festival the city of Santa Barbara will be full of anticipation.
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