Dept. of Tourism: Green Bay Film Festival receives $16,950 JEM grant

MEDIA CONTACT:

Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

608-266-0458; djohnson@travelwisconsin.com

Cyndee Sweetland, Festival Director of the Green Bay Film Festival

920-265-0333; festivaldirector@gbfilmfestival.org

Third year event expected to generate almost $150,000 in visitor spending

GREEN BAY, Wis. (Oct. 30, 2012) – Film Green Bay will have increased promotion for the Green Bay Film Festival with the help of a $16,950 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant, presented by Department of Tourism Regional Tourism Specialist David Spiegelberg. The Green Bay Film Festival, March 1-3, 2013, features independent film showings, networking opportunities for film professionals and a restored filmmaking discussion with Walt Disney Studio Representatives. The festival is expected to generate an economic impact of almost $150,000 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores.

“The Green Bay Film Festival continues to establish itself as a premier event for movie lovers and film professionals alike,” said Secretary Klett. “The festival goes a long way to help raise the profile of the arts in Green Bay, as well as Wisconsin, and works to create a positive economic impact in the community.”

This three-day festival is more than just watching movies. The Green Bay Film Festival will feature an interactive component including talkback sessions with filmmakers and seminars on topics such as filmmaking and screenwriting. The goal of the interactive component is to foster a deeper appreciation for film and provide networking opportunities for attendees, which will continue to help the festival grow into a nationally recognized event.

Over 600 films were submitted and over 2000 tickets sold at the past two year’s festivals. Local economic impact from last year’s festival topped $73,000. Marketing efforts will target general movie fans and filmmakers in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. The grant will fund print, online and radio advertisements as well as postage for promotional print efforts.

In fiscal 2012, the Department funded 50 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of over $1.1 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $29 million.

“Film Green Bay is extremely grateful for this partnership and excited to see the Green Bay Film Festival continue to grow as a new cultural event in Wisconsin,” said Cyndee Sweetland, Festival Director of the Green Bay Film Festival. “We had wonderful audience participation at the festival last year. We look forward to sharing these high quality independent films from all over the world with everyone who loves to see a movie!”

JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects, but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: http://www.travelwisconsin.com.