There’s something incredibly glamorous about film festivals, movie premieres, and after-parties where celebrities rub elbows with their peers. While we tend to think of these events as part of the “lifestyles of the rich and famous”, the public can often attend – to an extent.
Anyone can go to a film festival, and by knowing the right people, you can work your way into a movie premiere or even an after-party. If you’re a cinephile, a huge fan of certain celebrities, or you just love the glitz and glamour that comes from that “old Hollywood” style, knowing as much as you can about the ins and outs of these events can be helpful.
With that in mind, let’s dig a little deeper into what you should know about attending film festivals. We’ll also provide some tips on attending movie premiers, and even how to get invited to an after-party.
What to Expect at Premieres and After-Parties
Being able to go to a movie premiere is almost as exciting as seeing the film, itself. While the main purpose of the event is to see a new movie for the first time before it’s released to the general public, there’s so much more that goes along with it. One of the biggest perks of attending a movie festival or after-party (aside from seeing your favorite celebrities) is the swag you’ll get! Attendees often receive gift bags, filled with goodies from different companies. Typically, swag bags contain things like:
- Promotional products;
- Personal items;
- Vouchers;
- Luxury gifts.
Companies want their products and services in the hands of celebrities so they can become walking endorsements and advertisers. If a newer company is putting their hat in the ring, they might want to put their products in a swag bag so people at these events look them up or tell others about them. So, it should come as no surprise that most businesses are willing to hand out extravagant gifts. The 2023 Oscar nominee gift bags were valued at $126,000!
Swag bags are a great way for businesses to make traditional marketing techniques work for them in a world that seems to be turning completely digital. These gifts put products directly in the hands of influential people, and while it’s nice to get free stuff, the idea is to look at the companies behind those items and consider utilizing their goods or services. Traditional marketing efforts work better for these types of events because people can actually see, touch, and experience a company’s products, rather than reading about it online or seeing an advertisement that won’t stick with them.
Tips for Attending
If you find yourself at an after-party or movie premiere, it’s perfectly normal to be a bit nervous. Whether it’s your first event or you’ve been to one before, there are some helpful tips you can use to make yourself more comfortable and to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Start by making sure you’re wearing the outfit. The fashion associated with movie premieres and parties is often highly critiqued, but don’t let that stop you from wearing something that makes you feel good. It’s okay to go “all out” and be glamorous. But, it’s just as important to be comfortable and self-confident, or you won’t fully be able to enjoy the event. In addition to looking and feeling your best, keep these tips in mind to make the entire process as smooth as possible:
- Bring a photo ID;
- Carry confirmation information for the will-call tent;
- Understand you probably won’t walk on the red carpet;
- Be prepared to check your camera or cellphone;
- Don’t rush up to celebrities if you see them.
Most importantly, have fun. Not everyone gets to attend events like these, so even if you don’t interact with a famous face directly, soak it all up and enjoy the experience. Additionally, you might not always get invited to the after-party. If you do, accept the invitation graciously! Interested in learning how to make it more likely that you’ll be invited?
How to Get Invited to a Movie Premiere After-Party
There’s no magic formula that will get you invited to a movie premiere after-party. But, if you want to boost your chances of getting access to exclusive events, do your research! Check out the event(s) long before you go, opt for the VIP experience when you can, and get there as early as possible.
At many film festivals, after-parties, and other major events, there will be a limited number of tickets or packages available for people to attend. The sooner you get yourself in line and get the information necessary to put your name on the will-call list, the better.
Going to a film festival, premiere, or after-party is an amazing experience. Sometimes, it’s “who you know” that can help you get your foot in the door. Other times, it’s pure luck. The best thing you can do is plan ahead as much as possible, especially for events that really interest you. If you’re able to attend, you might not be on the same level as your favorite celebrities, but at least for the night, you’ll feel like a complete movie star.