First Take Film Festival Fact Sheet

What is First Take?

In its inaugural year, the First Take festival is aimed at show-casing talent from both the independent film and music industry as well as visual artists.

With the explosion of the film festival market, the circuit has become less about giving new and upcoming artists a platform as it has become just another vehicle for mainstream to strut their “artistic” side. First Take strives to be a return to the festivals of the late eighties and early nineties where visionary young filmmakers, musicians, and now visual artists, can premier the next great song, sculpture, or feature. As a result, the materials the founders will be looking for will be edgy, against-the-grain, and possibly even controversial.

As a result, the festival and its founders look to bring together various artistic genres to people and an area that may not usually (or easily be exposed) to such varied thought and view point. These different perspectives and the people that represent them (often from different age and ethnic demographics) will have the opportunity to interact in a way that may not be normally afforded.

In addition, with the ever changing marketplace, the festival is intended to also act as a trade show where vendors can come and display the latest technology, equipment, and products - thereby, introducing the artists of the future to the companies of the future.

The goal from the beginning is to create an event that would act as a tool for creative people and the companies they work with to develop their careers, to bring together people from a wide area to meet and share ideas. That will continue to be the goal of tomorrow whether it is music, film, photography or the internet, to name a few.

Why Augusta, GA?

Augusta, Georgia, located in the east central section of the state, is approximately 150 miles east of Atlanta on Interstate 20. The Savannah River serves as the boundary between Augusta and Aiken County, South Carolina. Augusta’s current population is about 200,000. Neighboring Columbia County is home to about 100,000. Along with several other Georgia and South Carolina counties the region is known as the Central Savannah River Area, commonly referred to as the CSRA and is home to approximately half a million people. Augusta is Georgia’s second oldest and second largest city, founded during the British colonial period as a trading outpost.

Augusta has a rich history dating as far back as the early 1700's. The settlement was established in 1736 by British General James Oglethorpe, and named in honor of the bride of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales. Built on the flat slopes of the Savannah River, in the area now known as "Summerville", Augusta was also home to many neighboring tribes of Creek and Cherokee Indians. A pivotal site during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, Augusta also boasts the only structure ever built by the Confederate States of America, the site of the old Confederate Powderworks. With the construction of the Augusta Canal in 1847, Augusta became the second largest inland cotton market in the world during the cotton boom. Augusta has nine neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places, and several historic monuments and cemeteries.

Augusta served as the state capital of Georgia from 1785 until 1795, and has many historically significant homes and buildings, such as: the Cotton Exchange, established in 1872; the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson (28th president of the United States); Ezekiel Harris House (1797); George Walton home (signer of the Declaration of Independence) and Springfield Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in America.

In 1996 the City of Augusta Consolidated with Richmond County to form Augusta-Richmond County. This consolidated governing body consists of a Mayor and 10 Augusta-Richmond County commissioners. Augusta-Richmond county is one of only three consolidated governments in Georgia.

However, what makes Augusta the perfect location for an arts festival is the fact that it is home to the legendary Masters Golf Tournament held every year during the first week of April. During that time, Augusta becomes the central stage where for one week the world’s best athletes, business men, and celebrities converge. The First Take Festival will be held at that time. Therefore, what sets this festival apart from all others is, simply put, it’s location. Rather than having to entice A-listers to attend, the festival can simply tap into the wealth of industry leaders already located in the area. Add to the mix a now bustling artistic community located in the city of Atlanta, a mere two hour drive away, and the ingredients make this a one-of a kind endeavor.

Festival Events

The festival will be broken into three primary sections; film (shorts & Features), music, and visual arts. Artists have the opportunity to submit work to each of those categories.

The festival will run the concurrently with the Masters and as a result, all events will only begin in the evening after the day’s golf tournament has drawn to a close. Every day will begin with a trade show from the hours of 4 – 7pm. During this time, various vendors can show off their wares and if so requested, can also hold time on the main stage to so a demonstration.

Each night will consist of a gallery reception where the visual artist will showcase his/or her work. After the reception all attendees will proceed to the viewing where they will view a short followed by a feature. Finally, the night will conclude with a party where the musical artist will then have the opportunity to perform. The festival will culminate with a closing / awards ceremony on the final night.

During the initial years, the organizers will hold all events in one location so all attendees will only have to walk from one room into another. As a result, this will maintain a seamless flow and will allow for greater organization and control.

However, as the years progress, the goal is to set up full day events in each of these genres. Below are the different sections that will eventually manifest:

First Take Music and Media Conference that will showcase hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on various stages throughout Augusta. By day, conference registrants do business in the Trade Show and partake of a full agenda of informative, provocative panel discussions featuring hundreds of speakers of international stature.

First Take Film Conference and Festival emphasizes on all aspects of the art and business of independent filmmaking. The Festival has gained international acclaim for the quality of its programming with a special focus on emerging talents who bask in being included in the company of the cinematic greats whose work is regularly presented.

First Take Visual Arts Conference and Showing will premiere hundreds of varied visual art pieces (from paintings to sculptures to photography) over many different locations all over Augusta. In addition, there will be panels with distinguished leaders in the field and a Trade Show where artists can preview the latest tools of the trade.

The First Take Interactive Festival will bring together uber-geeks, tech entrepreneurs, and digital innovators from around the world for four days of keynote speeches, Trade Show, panels, parties and assorted evening fun. Now in its thirteenth year, this is the event where the web's most creative minds share their ideas about how interactive technology will shape our future.