Fantastic Fest Training #1: Beer and Sleep

Earlier this year, some local film geeks started a running joke. In the post-SXSW glow, we brainstormed ways to train for Fantastic Fest. It was a good excuse to drink, but it seems like something more people might be interested in. So to help you prepare for arguably the most fantastic and festive of film fests, I'll be passing on some sage advice, and looking for some from you.

The two fundamental areas requiring training revolve around sleep and alcohol, although there are more areas of concern. Last year, some events lasted past 3 am, and drinking at Fantastic Fest is a given. Between the table-side service and parties, the alcohol flowed. Many beers at the Ritz in the last few months have been consumed all in the spirit of "Fantastic Fest training."

Me, I'm not much of a drinker. I'm that person known to throw beer away because it's been sitting in the fridge for too long. I don't drink much at festivals because, when it comes alcohol, I'm a lightweight. So in recent months, I've been indulging in a beer or two at Alamo screenings to work up some semblance of tolerance.

Sleep is something scarce for most Fantastic Festers. The debates and karaoke last until the wee smalls, and even dawn. Sitting through four, five ... even six films every day for eight days adds up. Non-VIP badgeholders need to pick up their daily seating tickets in the morning or risk missing out on preferred shows, with some screenings sold out by 10 am. Full-on Festers might get four hours a sleep most nights.

This week is a strong training week; twice this week I've been at late night screenings, not getting to bed until well after 1am, and getting up by 8 am. I'm also one of the lucky few going to Cinemapocalypse on Saturday to watch movies from dusk til dawn. That seems like good training for Fantastic Fest as well as Butt-Numb-a-Thon.

I made it to the gym before 8:30 this morning after getting out of In the Loop at midnight last night, so I think the sleep-dep training is working. Cinemapocalypse will be the real test, as it'll be an all-nighter.

You have more than a month to work on the sleep deprivation, so I recommend catching a midnight show of In the Loop or District 9 with a bucket of beer tonight. We will be talking more about Fantastic Fest training in the weeks to come leading up to the festival.

Slackerwood contributors queried friends and readers on Twitter, looking for tips about the best ways to stay awake. Our own Jette, who can't drink coffee, swears by Tangerine Sour Altoids. @ReelDistraction, recommended beef jerky for the wee hours. I haven't a clue, and I'm getting a little nervous, especially since caffeine doesn't work on me.

Have any suggestions for staying awake? Use the hash tag #fftraining and reply to @slackerwood.

[Photo Credits: "Devin Beer Buckets" by Jenn Brown: Veteran Alamo staffer Devin Steuerwald is already in training, working out with buckets of beer and wine. "Fantastic Fest 2008: Fantastic Feud" by Jette Kernion: Some of these festgoers train year-round.]