Each week, we are presenting a member of our Visions4 staff, so you can get to know the behind-the-scenes work (and the bright-n-shiny personalities) that goes into putting together an event like Visions Film Festival & Conference. This week, I am bringing you our Director of Hospitality, and the Video Race Coordinator. These women work extremely hard, but you would never know it, because they both maintain an amazingly calm and collected demeanor.
Our Very Talented Hospitality Director: Zoë VanDerPloeg
DC: Did you choose your position? If not, why do you feel that you were chosen for it?
ZV: Shannon recommended it to me last spring, so I didn’t really chose it…But it would’ve probably been what I would’ve chosen anyway. I like doing all the logistics for the events-within-events (Video Race, parties, catering, etc.) and I like how high energy and team-oriented this position is. Plus my team is awesome.
DC: What has been your most difficult task this semester? Your favorite?
ZV: Keeping up with everything! This semester is crazy. Parties, outreach, Video Race, helping Jillian with sponsorship, Swag Bag donations – we all have big stuff to do. Plus all the little stuff like e-mailing the filmmakers and scholars and doing budgets. And more so than some of the other departments, our bulk of work is this semester and goes right up to the day of the event. This isn’t all locked down yet, but I can tell you hands down that I bet planning the Friday dinner and the After Party with Ally will be my favorite. Plus putting the Swag Bags together once I actually get some merchandise in will be cool, too. Anything that will make the guests say, “Wow, this is really cool.”
DC: What advice would you give for the next person to fill your position (individually/as a department)?
ZV: Well, I know that it is going to be Ally. So I would tell her to keep being her vocal, no bullshit self, but to maybe have a little more patience for people and tasks that she gets frustrated with easily.
DC: Where
do you feel that your team has contributed the most to V4, so far
(individually/departmentally)?
ZV: Parties
and outreach events. Although they are
officially for PR and fundraising, I feel like another benefit to those events
is that it helps draw our class together a bit outside of the confines of the
Edit Lab.
DC: What
are you looking forward to most during V4FFC?
ZV: Meeting
all our guests! And everything going
smoothly…
DC: What
part of V4 are you most proud of (individually/departmentally/VISIONS as a
whole)?
ZV: I think our Art
Department is badass. Although they were
dragging their heels a bit into this semester, they have really gotten
everything together and I think their defined campaign adds momentum to our
whole group. Because of their awesome designs,
Shannon was able to get more money for t-shirts, stickers, and bags. That makes me, the Swag Bag person, look
super good – but I couldn’t have done it without them.
Zoë has been the single, uniting voice driving the Visions4 Staff this semester, which has kept everyone at the top of their game.
So, Zoë, this "YOU-DA-(WO)MAN!!!" is for you...
Our Tenacious, Taylor Woodell, Helming the Amazing Video Race
DC: Did you choose your position? If not, why do you feel that you were chosen for it?
TW: I did not choose my position. I feel as though I was picked for it because Shannon has seen how I function as a producer, I am very diligent, thorough, and have a positive out-look, therefore I think those qualities transfer well into my Visions job title.
DC: What has been your most difficult task this semester? Your favorite?
TW: The most difficult has been staying on top of all of the logistics that go into planning the video race. Oddly enough, the most difficult tasks have also been my favorite! I love seeing the progress Video race has made thus far.
DC: What advice would you give for the next person to fill your position (individually/as a department)?
TW: Work ahead, always have a back-up plan, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
DC: Where do you feel that your team has contributed the most to V4, so far (individually/departmentally)?
TW: We have contributed to making a face for Visions, and we also have contributed a lot to what goes on the day of, ranging from what our guest will experience (how they will see Visions and Wilmington,) as well as creating an awesome mini-event/ the video race.
DC: What are you looking forward to most during V4FFC?
TW: I am very excited to get to meet some amazing filmmakers from around the U.S. I also am just as excited to see how all of our (The V4 Staff’s) hard work has paid off!
DC: What part of V4 are you most proud of (individually/departmentally/VISIONS as a whole)?
TW: I am very proud of Jillian realizing and going after getting Visions a grant! That is a huge deal and could give the all future Visions an even greater leg up. It gives the festival so many more opportunities to flourish and develop!
Taylor has been an amazing networking resource for many of the V4 departments. No matter what questions or leads someone has had this semester, Taylor seems to always say, "I know somebody we can talk to." Her connections (and cheerful smile) have helped out everyone.
Taylor, this "HIP-HIP-HOORAY!!!" is for you...
There you have it, folks! A badass Art Department, overwhelming and neverending work, diligence, and cool swag bags, are just the tip of the V4 iceberg. Check back each week as we spotlight another Incredible-tastic member of our Visions4 Family.
Dallis Frie Covey
Print & Media Relations Copywriter
Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference
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