CENFLO 2008 - 2009 - 2010

In 2008 at the Osceola Center for the Arts (Kissimmee) we sold 497 tickets. This included all access passes, seminars and daily movie tickets. This year at the West Orange 5 theater and Ocoee Hotel venues we had 889 patrons. Quite a record! However, I was hoping for one thousand but it gives us something to shoot for next year. We saw advertising and sponsorship revenues drop by almost seven thousand dollars. Companies like FINAL DRAFT, MINI MOVIE CHANNEL, MEDIA DISTRIBUTORS, and PUBLIX cited economic problems and pulled their support. Hopefully, they will rebound and support us next year. We also increased spending this year with the hope of creating awareness of the festival and it's economic impact on the community. Speaking with Ocoee, Mayor Scott, who attended all three days, I believe we succeeded in that accomplishment.

However, like most businesses, there will be some economic changes to CENFLO in 2010. We are dropping at least two categories from our lineup. I believe each category should be able to support itself with entry fees and local ticket sales. Both our Mini Feature and Gay & Lesbian categories failed to meet the required amount of entries and local interest and will be dropped. The "Celebration of Gay film," party and block of Gay themed movies placed a heavy economic burden on the other film categories. In short, we're going back to the basics.

Shorts, Documentaries, Features, and even the Best Florida Project will all return. We are currently working on a program for High School student filmmakers and hope to have it in place for 2010. Our "Breakfast with the Screenwriters" panel was a huge success and we will renew the program and add a "Breakfast with the Producers" and a third breakfast to be announced for our lineup in 2010. We will also cut back spending on hotel rooms and parties. Unless there is a sponsor willing to pick up the entire cost there is no sense. Filmmakers are always willing to meet somewhere and pay a cash bar to unwind. Tambora's Restaurant was an excellent example of a local business helping out. They offered a 20% on all food and offered "Happy Hour" drink prices. We will look into expansion where the community benefits and the festival doesn't get stuck with the tab.

We will also be adding a few things including celebrity guests. Right now, I'm heading to Lake Tahoe, Nevada, to meet my hard working wife (she's working the Bonanza 50th Anniversary Convention). The festival and the convention will be over and we can spend a few days unwinding and making plans for next year. Fear not! The economy will work itself out. The world needs film and we're here to makes sure we do our part to protect the industry here in Central Florida.

And cut........