Keeping it reel

If you’re looking for a sunny comment or two regarding the Newport

Beach Film Festival, then Todd Quartararo is the man to look for.

The director of marketing for the festival has public relations so

down that no question is capable of yielding even a hint of

negativity. But when it comes to the relatively young festival, which

continues to grow and attract films of all shapes and sizes,

Quartararo has the luxury of being the head backer of a fine product.

Quartararo doesn’t believe that his appreciation for movies like

“Bring It On” demeans his position with a festival that prides itself

on screening quality films, but it does leave him off the selection

committee.

That’s fine, he says. His job is to try to sell out every theater,

regardless of the film, not to tell people how much better one film

is than another.

Quartararo took a chunk of time out of his crazy schedule Thursday

(the last day of regular screenings at the festival) and answered

some questions posed by Assistant City Editor Mike Swanson.

The Newport Beach Film Festival continues to grow in size and in

attracting some bigger budget movies. What factor is contributing to

its growth most?

The Newport Beach Film Festival has finally hit a critical mass

with both filmmakers and audiences, coupled with the fact that Orange

County is a powerful market for film. Seeing bigger budget films

premiering at Newport is a natural progression.

As the festival’s marketing director, do you struggle more in

attracting the filmmakers and other people in the business to the

festival, or attracting filmgoers to see the movies?

We are so fortunate to enjoy the incredible growth we’ve

experienced in the last five years. This year our programmers viewed

more than 1,500 films for an opportunity to screen at Newport. We

also have had several films sell out within hours of going on sale.

It is my goal to have all films sell out throughout the entire run of

the festival.

Screening the world premiere of “Laws of Attraction,” starring a

handful of high-profile actors, seemed to be a step up, budget-wise,

from previous years. Do you see the festival moving in a more

mainstream direction?

We continue to strive to bring our community the best of classic

and contemporary film. “Laws of Attraction” and other major films

will continue to premiere at the festival, complementing our more

than 350 independent offerings.

Newport Beach isn’t as renowned for its arts community as neighbor

Laguna Beach, or probably Costa Mesa as well. What is it about

Newport that made it desirable as a site for the festival?

Part of what has made Newport Beach so popular with filmmakers and

audiences is the incredible locale, serving as a beautiful backdrop

for some amazing venues like the Lido Theater and Edwards Big

Newport.

Of the 350 films screening this year, most feature little-known

directors and star little-known actors. When you see a film here that

really impresses you, do you step outside your position as marketing

director for the festival and make added efforts to market an

impressive film?

We have a strict policy to promote each film equally. Films are so

subjective; it would be unfair to give special attention to my

favorites.

With several films screening each day during the festival, how do

you decide where to be and where to encourage viewers to go?

During the festival, my job primarily is to troubleshoot and

interface with the media. I never really know where my day will take

me.

What’s your favorite “big-budget” film and your favorite “indie”

flick? What makes those two movies stand out to you, and how do their

budgets set them apart from a viewer’s perspective?

For this one, I will probably get a lot of grief for our film

festival staff. It is my appreciation for movies like “Bring It On”

that help set the rule that I am not to be involved in the

programming process. As far as “indie” films go, some of my favorites

include “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” “Far From Heaven,” “Muriel’s Wedding”

and “Memento.” I think if you can tell a story that entertains or is

compelling, budget doesn’t seem to come into play.

Have you ever done any directing, acting, or anything on that side

of the industry?

When I was in college, I had an illustrious career as a TV and

movie extra. You may recognize my blurry sleeve from such TV shows as

“Melrose Place” or my out-of-focus hand in movies like “What’s Love

Got To Do With It.”

Do you think someone who didn’t love films could do your job?

Definitely. However, it certainly makes it much more enjoyable.

What’s one thing you’d like to see change at the festival over the

next couple years?

I would like to see the festival continue to grow in size and

stature.

What do you hope stays about the same?

The accessibility of the festival. The great thing about the

Newport Beach Film Festival is that it is not just for the Hollywood

elite.