2016 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival
The “Pre-Show”
On Tuesday, April 27th, at approximately 4:15am (EST) I stepped out of my apartment, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, and stepped into the backseat of an awaiting taxi. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering not only why I would be awake at such an ungodly hour, but why I should also be so damned excited about it. Well, it just so happens I was starting my journey to the 7th annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Despite CMH being a prominent presence at the festival for the past four years, this is the first time I have been able to go. Needless to say, I was ecstatic…even at 4:15 in the morning. So, after cab ride, a TSA pat-down, a 2,451 mile plane ride and another cab ride, I arrived in the heart of Hollywood and instantly knew I had reached the mecca of Classic Films.
Seriously, though. The place had 4-story high monuments to classic film reaching for the sky.
And of course, upon my arrival I immediately got down to business. After dropping off my luggage at the hotel, I made my way to the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres for the TCM Film Festival press conference. The panel consisted of General Manager Jennifer Dorian, Managing Director Genevieve McGillicuddy, Senior Vice President of Programming Charles Tabesh, and TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz. Unfortunately, Robert Osborne was unable to attend this year’s press conference due to illness. Although everything from programming to TCM’s new exclusive fan club (TCM Backlot) was discussed, my interested was piqued with the mention of TCM’s upcoming streaming service, FilmStruck.
FilmStuck will be collaborative effort between TCM and the Criterion Collection to bring you a brand-new, subscription streaming service that will allow viewers to sift through both company’s massive film libraries. The service will also feature The Criterion Collection’s archive of supplementary features such as commentary, director interviews, and more. Whether you’re a fan of classic, art-house or international film, FilmStruck will mostly certainly have a film (or 50) that you are sure to love. Available for subscription later this fall, they can count on this gal for a subscription…as long as it’s fairly priced.
Oh, and did I mention I got a picture with Ben Mankiewicz. Because I totally did.
Annmarie, Benny-Boy, and myself! Can you tell I’ve been up since 2:15 am?
And all of that was just the pre-show – The Festival hadn’t even technically started yet. So, stay tuned dear readers because coming up next I’m going to tell you all about my Red Carpet adventures and the full restoration of one of my favorite romances, Brief Encounters.
…..
Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub
,
