Some of these are general, but you’ll also see one or two and think, ‘hm, I’m not quite sure that’s something I need to do/worry about.’ Do not panic. It just means you are a normal human being who isn’t filled with my challengingly high level of neuroses.
Rule #1 Get my badge early.
Never fails – I arrive on Wednesday, a full day before the event starts, and somehow I always manage to pick up my badge on Thursday. Not this year! In fact, I’ve already checked this off the list, so…well done, me.
Rule #2 Play I Spy.
I always forget where the outlets are in the Driskill and in the SFA lobby. One of the first orders of business today is to map them all out in my head, for future powering of laptop. This will become very important when all of the obvious outlets are in use. Also good to remind myself where the CVS, Starbucks and Jimmy John’s is. Because inevitably I will visit all three.
Rule #3 There’s no crying in Austin.
Well…unless it’s a particularly moving film or something. I don’t know why but I am 3 for 3 on experiencing some kind of weird crying jag / depression while I’m here. Ironically, this year has probably been shitty enough for me, that at this point anything that might have frustrated or upset me in years past is junior league and not worth the effort this year. Unless I’m hit by a car, there will be no crying in Austin. And even then…might as well laugh. I’m here to have fun, right? RIGHT? (Ok, self, glad we cleared that up.)
Rule #4 Do not mix types of alcohol.
It never ends well. If I start with wine, stick with wine. If I start with mixed drinks, end with mixed drinks. No more than two different kinds of liquor at any given time. Rule #4b of course is, alternate with water. Duh.
Rule #5 Maybe this year we could see a friggin movie?
Yeah, I know. It’s ridonkeylush — my fourth year at the Austin Film Festival and I still haven’t seen a…single. Solitary. Film. Seriously, what’s my problem? Oh yeah, see Rule #4.
Rule #6 No commiserating with bald heads.
Not really a rule, per se, as a reminder to not be an idiot.
Rule #7 Ignore panel topics.
Okay, I know, that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but I’ve learned over time, that whatever the topic of the panel is, is most likely irrelevant. Pay attention to who is on it. Spread the love around. I don’t need to see Matthew Weiner in every one of his panels. I just don’t. I do, however, aim to get Petrie’s ‘shot of inspiration’ this year. I’m always denied.
Rule #8 Muy Thai will not save you from pepper spray.
I have seen it first hand. Secondary reminder: Saturday night’s alright for fighting. Hook ‘em Horns.
Rule #9 Don’t be afraid of a nap or two.
Naps are your friend. Especially around 4 pm before some drinking begins.
Rule #10 Update the blog.
Because I always forget to do so when I’m here.
Rule #11 No time like the present. If someone sees me shrinking back against the wall, afraid to talk to a writer/agent/manager/exec, would you please slap me silly? I’m here for a REASON. Start acting like it.
I think that covers it for now…
Posted under randomness
This post was written by Shawna on October 21, 2009
Decent advice. I’d also add “BE THE BALL”, but that would be mainly for my own idiot amusement and less for any practical use.