This past year I have been to four film festivals and I am looking forward to going to more because they have all been so much fun. Earlier this year I went to AutFest, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the LA Film Festival. Last week I went to the 21st Los Angeles International Shorts Film Festival. As some of you know I am a big fan of Full House & Fuller House. John Stamos tweeted that he would be doing a Q&A at the festival since he directed one of the shorts. I figured that attending the LA Shorts Film Fest would be a great chance for me to meet John.
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John Stamos directed a short film called Ingenue-ish which stars his girlfriend, Caitlin McHugh, and Josh Peck. Ingenue-ish was one of six shorts selected for opening night. Tickets for the opening night included access to the after-party which was great! Before the screening began several of the directors and actors walked the red carpet.
After John had finished taking pictures on the carpet I was finally able to meet him. I have seen John at several events over the years but have never had the chance to meet him. My interaction with Uncle Jesse was amazing! After the screening was over I met him again and had him sign my Jesse and the Rippers t-shirt.
I didn’t know what to expect at the LA Shorts Fest. Opening night took place at the Regal Cinemas near LA Live in Downtown LA. Six short films were shown with a Q&A with the directors and a few actors after. Other recognizable participants were Robin Wright, Matthew Modine, Michael Flatley, and Dean Cain.
Robin Wright (House of Cards) directed a short film called The Dark of Knight. She mentioned that a lot of people from the House of Cards worked on the short with her. It was a great experience because it gave several people the chance to try something new. This was Robin’s first time directing, her assistant is now a producer, and members of craft services were members of the art department.
Matthew Modine from Stranger Things directed a short called Super Sex which was a hilarious and delightful film. The best part was a surprise appearance from actor Ed Asner who I was blessed with a chance to meet earlier this year at AutFest. Actor Dean Cain was in an emotional short called State of Ward. All six of the short films were well-made and unique. As an actor and writer myself, the experience gave me a lot of inspiration.
Following the screening and the Q&A, everyone went to Triple 8 for the after-party at LA Live. John Stamos was among those at the after-party which made the night that much better for those who had not had a chance to meet him yet. The Los Angeles Shorts Film Festival is a great way to see great entertainment and meet people too. Not only did I get to meet John but I also got to speak with other people who attended the festival and hear their stories and experiences. This is a great way to network with other people in the industry. As far as film festivals go this one is quite affordable so I definitely recommend checking it out.