By: Bryan Seltzer Sr. Editor, Director, Photojournalists
Photos by: Bryan Seltzer, International Press Association Director, Sr. Editor, Photojournalists
I received an email that coverage of this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival by outside media/photographers, those not hired by the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) or big wire outlets, will not be allowed to participate in the Good Will, Promotion and Covering of their Festival this year. Interesting and strange. The message from Austin Good of Scenario, a Communications Company operating in Los Angeles and New York reads, “Due in part to the ongoing strike, we are not credentialing photographers outside of the festival’s house crew and primary wire outlets.” Then continues, “Please feel free to resubmit for credentials at next year’s event and we look forward to working with you in the future. Thanks, and have a great weekend! ” WOW!
What does the strike this have to do with the NBFF? Are some of their staff members on strike? I don’t think so…. Having been covering the NBFF for many, many years posting articles and sharing my photos, at no cost, to those attending, participating and the Film Festival directly, it is quite a slap in the face!
On another note though. I also work with the San Diego Film Festivals team as well. Apparently, they do not have the same problem with the strike and have offered press/media access to me for All events, including the opening/closing and all other special ones, which, the Newport Beach Film Festival is restricting this year to the press and media that are given Press Access this year. So, I guess I’ll be doing with the San Diego Film Festival, that starts on October 18, all that I would have been doing for NBFF and with open arms!
Click on the link below for a sample of my work and postings in the past for the Newport Beach Film Festival…
Newport Beach Film Festival Is “Off The Wall” With Wheels Flying High – IPA News
Although there is still time for the Newport Beach Film Festival to see the value of those very close to them, I’m not sure they will see the light before it’s too late! I really like working with the Newport Beach Film Festival and all of the staff so I hope they WILL change their position for 2023!