Making the Most of Burbank Film Fest with President Kurt Patino
Posted on: Sep 24, 2024
Photo Credit: Burbank International Film FestivalThis week from September 25 through September 28th is the Burbank International Film Festival. In celebration, we sat down for an exclusive interview with President of the film fest, Kurt Patino. Kurt walks us through his background, what led him to the fest, how it’s developed over the years and how you can get involved.
Tell me a bit about your background and what inspired you to start the Burbank International Film Festival.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, graduated from USC, had a big interest in becoming a screenwriter. Out of USC, I started working in production, first as a production assistant and then as a second assistant director. Production was really fun, but at one point, you’re out there 12, 14 hours a day trying to get signatures. That life just wasn’t for me at that moment in time.
I said, ‘I think I’m going to look for an office job.’ I started applying for entertainment industry office jobs, got a job as an assistant. First I was a runner, then I became an assistant to a film TV agent which led to me becoming an agent myself.
Later I started my own company and produced a couple of movies.
How would you say the Burbank International Film Fest has evolved since its inception?
I grew up in Burbank, so it really fascinated me. I asked the president at the time how I could start getting involved. I became an advisory board member at first and wanted to build industry awareness and audience awareness for it. Three years ago I was elected president of BIFF.
We really focus on true indie filmmakers. But we had Tim Burton come to the festival last year and the Burbank City Council pronounced September 24th, Tim Burton Day in Burbank.
The best feedback that I’ve gotten is that we seem like a big, prestigious film festival. We aim to be very personal with everyone. Filmmakers loved our volunteers and we just gave great attention to filmmakers and their needs. I think that was the point of a big transition.
We have celebrity presenters at our awards gala. We screen at one of the biggest and most successful AMCs in the country, probably the most successful. Filmmakers get to see their movie on the big screen. All of what we earn through sponsorships and grants goes right back into venues.
For any filmmakers reading this and interested in getting their film into the festival, is there any advice you would have for them in particular or is it a pretty much straightforward submission process?
I think communication is great. You know, letting us know that they submitted and letting us know that they’re excited is, you know, it makes us feel special and when we feel enthusiasm, it gets us excited. We get a lot of submissions. I would say never give up, keep going. There’s a lot of films that are competitive, but there’s a lot of factors that go into choosing. Keep trying. Reach out to us personally. Communication is everything.
Would you give the same advice for someone who wants to volunteer just so they can get experience and network with other people as well, or what’s the best way?
Yeah, we try to look for opportunities to bring people together even before the film festival. They get to meet other filmmakers.
Being involved with as much of it as you can is key. Going to all the panels, going to the after parties, networking as much as you can. I’m an introvert. So going to events is always anxiety ridden for me. But if I can meet one person, make one contact, make one friend, learn one new thing at an event, then that’s a victory, that’s the key.
For this year, is there anything in particular to highlight?
I think that just getting to know as many people as you can, talking about your film and asking about other people’s films, going to watch the other films is all paramount. I love Burbank and bringing it more to the forefront of the entertainment industry for filmmakers through this fest.
Check out the screenings, panels, and after parties and make the most of this year’s festivities.
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