Up on the roof...

Around the 4th of July I was doing searches to see what there may be to do during the day of the 4th - as of course fireworks wouldn't happen til the evening. As I searched I came across a site representing Rooftop Films. The program is sponsored by IFC and every weekend in the summer they show independent films on various rooftops in Manhattan/Brooklyn. They were looking for volunteers to help with the events. I thought this sounded interesting so I submitted.

A few weeks later I heard back from them and was asked to volunteer with my only instructions (besides where I was to go) were to not wear open toe shoes or flip flops.

A basic summary of duties said that we would setup chairs and later be assigned to man tickets, selling beverages or "crowd control". Pizza would be provided between set up and showtime and depending on the show an open bar would be had post show. Mention of a goodie bag for volunteers was also made but it depended on the sponsor.

Pizza and potential goodie bag aside I just thought the concept sounded interesting and it would be a good opportunity to meet people.

So I headed over to the Old American Can Factory in Brooklyn with the proper footwear and upon climbing out of the subway I realized I was running a few minutes late. I've yet to get a handle on what is considered "late" in NYC because there tends to be some leeway with the subway systems but since this was my first time volunteering (and they said to call if running late) I thought I'd call.

Someone answered the phone and wasn't overly worried saying they had just gotten started. Although I said I was letting them know, the person got it in their head that I needed directions and she went to fetch someone who could help. By the time that person got on the phone I was less than a block away. Already I was a little worried about things to come...

I get there and the atmosphere is very laid back. No set plan or assignments, lots of standing around and helping IF you wanted to. But of course EVERYONE was sure to eat the pizza! ;)

I buddied up with another first time volunteer helping with ticket sales. She asked if I thought I'd come again - she wasn't all that impressed with the set up either.

As the night closed in - the mosquitoes came out. Even with jeans, socks and shoes on I still came home with bites around my ankles.

All rooftop films have an opening musical act. The one we witnessed was very interpretive with a one note, rhythmic beat that was presented with various stock footage projected onto the screen. It lasted FOREVER and then before the film could start one of the directors had to get up and speak. At first it was interesting but then he didn't know when to stop - he was not a natural born speaker. He kept saying - "Real quickly" and "One more thing..." and it drug on long enough that 2 audience members that came to see the film asked for their money back.

The film FINALLY started and although the concept for "Fish Kill Flea" sounded interesting - it was inspired by the death of malls and how one had been turned into a weekend flea market. It just didn't live up to expectation - especially after waiting so long for it to be shown in the first place.

When the film was over, the volunteers were expected to put away the chairs. However, half the volunteers (many of whom were not first timers) decided to split before the film was even over. Uh.... I stuck around long enough to clear out all the chairs from the roof and while they were "adjusting" the stacks I split. Enough excitement for one night - even if there was a free wine tasting offered when we were done.

There are future shows to volunteer for that once again sound interesting but I'm not sure if I really want to commit another evening to it - but there's always that chance that maybe it would be better, right?! Hmmmm...

Perhaps it would just be better to pay the $5 to be an audience member for the films I'm interested in! ;)