FFMP

Randy Finch is an associate professor of film at the University of Central Florida. A few years ago he had a thought: what if college students interested in making films for a living had the opportunity to work hands-on with people who are already doing it? At the same time, Randy took over a class in the UCF film program called The Film Producer. The course was initially designed to focus on the role of a producer as it pertains to the usual raising funds, pulling together the creative team, keeping things organized... blah blah blah.

Randy turned the class inside out with his new idea: the Film Fest Marketing Project.

What the FFMP does is outline a course that works in partnership with a film festival in the same community as the college. Over the last few years the students at UCF in Orlando have worked with the staff, volunteers, and most importantly the filmmakers at the Florida Film Festival. My own experience with this project at the 2010 FFF was one of pure enjoyment and satisfaction. So much so that I've since joined Randy's team to evolve the project for future classes and develop the website so that other universities and film festivals can utilize the FFMP.

The FFMP wears many different hats: it acts as a tool for filmmakers to get their films recognized by a community that they otherwise have no connection to in the weeks (or even months) before the festival. It help the film festival gain more recognition within their community. And most importantly it gives college students an opportunity to display their passion, work ethic, and street smarts to industry professionals, which can lead to connections that are worth a lot more than the cost tuition for three credit hours.