Louisville International Festival of Film
I was a volunteer for the festival for the opening year in 2009 as well as the second year and 2010. All of us students from Central Michigan University were a major part of the festival and were told by the founders of the festival Conrad and Brett Bachman that it would not have been possible without us. I had full access to all aspects of the festival which was quite amazing. When our bus arrived in Louisville students were immediately thrown into assignments that included setting up for the opening night premier featuring Jennifer Lawrence. Myself and other volunteers had the opportunity to walk around the city with our festival shirts on to promote the festival. For the opening night I had the amazing experience of working the red carpet. Throughout the night I stood next to the backdrop where actors such as Jennifer Lawrence, Doris Roberts and Kathy Joosten were interviewed. I also had the opportunity to watch the premiere as well as monitor the cocktail party after. Throughout the rest of the weekend I rotated working the information tables, screening films and working VIP events. Both years I had a wonderful experience and I learned interesting aspects of the film industry. I think it was extremely beneficial to experience a festival for it's first year as well as another year after. I am so thankful for my professor Lorie Tuma for organizing this experience for the event management students at CMU.