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Fantastic Fest Guide #3: Newbies and Non-Badgeholders

By Jenn Brown on September 23, 2009 - 1:00pm in

Fantastic Fest 2008: Awards

Are you a Fantastic Fest Newbie? Check out our Fantastic Fest Training Series, the rest of our Fantastic Fest Guides, and read on for info on some of the more confusing elements of attending the best and biggest genre film fest in the world. 

Shakey Face Explained. One of the great things about the Alamo/Fantastic Fest folks is their love for the ridiculous and purely fun. Only they would do something as silly as taking pictures of a shaking face, and turn it into a contest.  Last year, a prize was awarded for the best Shakey Face badge picture. While not everyone can do them, the results are definitely conversation starters. 

A full explanation of how to do a good shakey face is available from the individual badge registration links, but you can see three new examples of what it looks like online, in slow motion glory, with Zack and Tim in one video, and Cal Smith in another.  If you want to be the King or Queen of Shakey Face 2009, consider these tutorials, as the top finalists will have a live slo-mo shakey face-off.  I take no responsibility for you choking on food or drink when you watch, so be warned. 

The parties. The coolest geeks in the world plan the funnest parties. Don't miss the signature events, Fantastic Feud and Fantastic Debate, either.  Zack Carlson says there's a third -- currently secret -- component being added to the debates this year as well, which already include boxing (which is now mandatory, not optional like last year). This is arguably one of the most festive of festivals, so don't bypass the fun just for films. 

Repo usherettesSeating priority. Last year Fantastic Fest implemented a seating ticket system. These "seating tickets" eliminate long lines, line leeching and the uncertainty of getting into screenings. Seating is prioritized based on the ticket numbers, and the ticket number indicates your seating priority. It really does help -- you'll know if you're definitely getting into films by that morning, or if your chances are slim. Full details are on the Tickets and Badges page on the Fantastic Fest website. Read that page top to bottom if you're confused; it's very thorough, and will answer most questions. Don't attempt to cheat the system, as it will cost you your badge.

This example may help: Nick has a a regular badge, Nora snagged a VIP badge, and Asta didn't get a badge. All of them have figured out their schedules, and all three want to go to to the same films. Nora, with her VIP badge, gets to pick up her seating tickets on Wednesday for Thursday's shows. Nick, with a regular badge, can pick his up at 2:40 on Thursday, because the first show starts at 4:10. Asta, with no badge, has to wait until 15 minutes before each show to see if she can get in.

Nora is guaranteed to get in, if she gets to the theater up to 15 minutes before the start.  Nick is not guaranteed to get in, and is dependent on the following:  1) theater size; 2) VIP attendance, 3) guest attendance; 4) Number of no-show guests and VIPs.  Asta's chances depend on 1-4, plus 5) number of regular badgeholders with tickets who actually show up. Fifteen minutes prior to the start of show, Asta may have the chance to purchase a single ticket depending on all of the above. Neither Nick nor Nora can give Asta their ticket, even if they wanted to.

But all is not lost. The "every VIP is guaranteed a seat" means that the number of VIP badges is not more than the number of seats in the smallest theater.  That means not every seat in the two big theaters will be VIP-filled. And just because someone picked up a seating ticket does not mean they'll actually show up. The same is true for special guests. I had a regular badge last year; I got in on a standby ticket for one screening, and yet another where no more standby tickets were available. Chances are much better after opening weekend. 

What's a regular badgeholder to do?  Plan. This year, it's harder, as fewer films have encore screenings. But the selections are strong, so just because you don't get your first choice every time doesn't mean you won't see a good film. Try looking at the Buzz on the B-Side schedule to get an idea of which films people are adding to their schedules.  After the fest starts, you can check ratings and reviews, which can also help you prioritize. And remember, after Sunday, your chances for getting into screenings will skyrocket. 

Best bets for non-badge attendees.  If you don't have a badge, fear not. Focus on galas, panel, feast, and end of fest. While it will be difficult to get into Alamo screenings at the beginning, the later in the festival, the fewer attendees, especially after the weekend.  Specific events are also open to the public, so tickets may be purchased online. Click the following links for more information:

Any suggestions from other Fantastic Fest veterans?

Fantastic Fest runs from Thursday, September 24 through Thursday, October 1 at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar and the Paramount. Follow @fantasticfest and @slackerwood on Twitter for updates.