Sonoma Film Fest Weekend
The Sonoma International Film Festival has once again rolled into town for the weekend. It looks to be a bit low-key compared to previous years. I don't see any exotic cars around the Plaza this time, for example.Our friend Chris Sawyer is the Consulting Sommelier. But as usual, I'm not doing anything to support the Festival. Why?
Well, because it is a bit of a pointless exercise for us. The Festival attendees are here to watch films and rub elbows with glitterati and each other. They like to do this with a glass of wine in their hand, but it has never seemed to matter which wine it is.
Yesterday I was chatting with a server who works in the local hospitality industry. He had worked a reception for a large party of Festival Patrons the night before, and was unsparing in his criticism of some of them. "They seem to think that badge around their neck entitles them to everything – for free. And they don't tip."
I think the Film Festivals are cool. If I had the time, I would love to attend. From my perspective it is great of Sonoma to lend its bucolic charm to the event, and overall I think the town is happy that the Festivals grace us with their presence. But so far as our business is concerned, I feel like the benefit is asymmetrical.
So here's the deal. As soon as someone associated with one of the film gigs gets Westwood a product placement in a picture that is distributed outside of the Festival circuit, I will supply LOTS of free wine. Wth a smile on my face.
posted 4/02/2009 12:12:00 AM
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