Good Times, Sad Times, and Old Times at RBSFF

Howdy howdy, Indiana. Timmy here with the scoop of what's going on here at the Really Big Short Film Festival. Before we get to the latest news from RBSFF Central, we want to express the shock and frustration that we, (and many of you,) felt at hearing of the losses of Brad Renfro and Heath Ledger since our last posting. We are (needless to say,) all BIG movie fans around these parts... it's a big part of the way we've grown up and the way that we interact with and understand the world around us. When we lose those people who have helped us to make those connections, be they actors, directors, composers... we often feel as if we have lost a little bit of that ability, that understanding, that world. Renfro and Ledger were talented, talented young men who have had their share of lights-out performances, and the fact that their careers and lives have been tragically halted disheartens us greatly. Our best thoughts go out to those who loved them.

While all that has been quite sad, we've had a lot of reasons to be very excited around here! THE SUBMISSIONS ARE IN, FOLKS! Craig has already taken a look at most of them, and I'll tell ya, we've got a great field of competitors this year! Many of the submissions are from new competitors, which excites us because we know that the talent pool is growing here in Indiana! There's comedy, drama, documentaries, and all sorts of fun that will be coming your way this February 22nd and 23rd! Filmmakers, stay tuned to this channel, because we're going to have the TOP 12 listed RIGHT HERE and also on http://www.reallybigshortfilmfestival.org/ this coming Monday! If you're planning on attending the Festival, (and you'd better be!) we're going to have plenty of updates leading up to the big weekend... so get ready to come on down to the IMAX Theater here at the Indiana State Museum, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show VERY SOON.

Last year's event was a total smash, which is why we're expecting a great time this year, as well. Following the hard work put in by Festival Founder and BossHoss, The Internet's own Craig A. Mince, over 50 submissions came in from around the state of Indiana. Everyone from Pros to Amateurs, Seniors to High Schoolers got involved and shared their work with us. Our Friday Night Picture Show showcased our 3 top films; Steve Marra's Evidence of Life, Sarah Mynett's In the Blue, and Duncan Alney's Happiness. We packed the IMAX full of Indiana film fans, had a forum with the directors, and left a lot of people with a great experience. BUT as much fun as last year was, Craig and I are looking forward to an even better event this year! Show up, or suffer the taunts and ridicule of ALL your friends!

OK, so how many of you turned out for Cloverfield last week? A) Who loved it, B) Who was disturbed beyond belief, and C) WHO CAUGHT THAT THING IN THE LAST SCENE!!!! If you didn't go back and see it! You'll know what I'm talking about as soon as it happens! We also TOTALLY dug the new trailer for the Star Trek movie, and I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing Rambo this weekend. (Gimme a break. I love Stallone.) We'll also be doing the first round of judging this week, so get ready to hear who we picked! In the meantime, Craig and I will be pushing U2 3D here at IMAX, (Come see it. I can promise you won't regret it.) and coming back NEXT WEEK with more news and info, along with our thoughts on who would win in a game of Wii Boxing: Rocky Balboa or Jake La Motta. Keep your sticks on the ice, Indiana, and CLUTCH FIRST!

THE TIME IS NEAR!!!

Howdy folks! It's your blogmaster, Timmy, here. We here at RBSFF are awaiting the month that lies ahead of us with great anticipation... for both the fun and trying times that will lead to another successful festival! We're so glad for the support and submissions that many of you have already given, and we're looking forward to more coming soon... BUT... that time is drawing near. Remember, the deadline for submitting your applications is this Friday, January 18.

We've already recieved a few great submissions for this year's Festival, but we want to make sure that as many people as possible get the opportunity to compete! Many of you have stated that you've got a great film in the works, but need just a little more time, so here's what we're doing... IF you get your application in to us here at RBSFF Central by COB, (Craig tells me this stands for Close of Business) on January 18, we will accept your DVD film submission up to COB (there it is again,) on January 24th. Again... this deal only applies if we have recieved your FULL aplication. Need a little time? Take advantage of this chance to tidy up those loose ends!

Again, we're more than happy to accept them after the date, but only if we've received your submission by COB this Friday. If it's any later, we won't get it! Craig and myself will be out seeing what Cloverfield's monster really looks like... and we're not missing out on that for ANYTHING! So, go to http://www.reallybigshortfilmfestival.org/ for more information, as always, and get those apps to us ASAP! We're looking forward to what you've got to show us and your audience!

OK gang, I'll be back in a couple of days with a retrospective of last year's festival... with no Colts game this weekend, it's back to life at the movies for me! In the meantime, take care of yourselves, and Clutch first, Indiana!

The REALLY BIG SHORT FILM FESTIVAL IS BACK!

Alright, amateur filmmakers... the time has come for you to stop messing around with party videos and show YOUR state what you're made of!

The REALLY BIG SHORT FILM FESTIVAL will be returning to the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum on February 22 & 23. Our purpose is to showcase the work of local filmmakers connected with the State of Indiana through half-hour-or-less short films. There are no categories, no restrictions, just a great forum for you to showcase your talent!

The deadline for entries is quickly approaching, though! Submissions must be received by January 18th. Know that you'll be ready soon, but need a little more time? We've got your back! As long as your application is in by the 18th, we will accept a DVD copy of your submission as late as the 24th of January. Go to www.reallybigshortfilmfestival.org for more details.

The top 12 submissions will be selected on January 28th, and will then go to a panel of several industry judges with Indiana ties. Judges will include Angelo Pizzo, (Acclaimed writer of Hoosiers, Rudy, and The Game of Their Lives,) Steve Marra, (Filmmaker and winner of last year's RBSFF,) Chuck Lofton, (Indianapolis Broadcasting Icon,) and Mickey Maurer, (Indiana Business Journal and MyStar Communications,) and more to be named soon! On February 22, the top 3 films will be screened at the IMAX Theatre with all three filmmakers receiving a cash prize. The top 12 will be screened on the 23rd, with a possible feature film to follow!

For those who wish to support Indiana filmmaking, still looking for sponsors as well! For complete details, including contacts and film regulations, visit www.reallybigshortfilmfestival.org, or look for our page on Myspace. Get shooting, Indiana! Your public awaits!