The TCM Classic Film Festival may be more than half a year away, but the promotion is already in full swing.
Today, Turner Classic Movies posted the first promo for the fifth annual event, scheduled to kick off on April 10, 2014. The 60-second “sizzle” piece opens with dramatic establishing shots of historic TCMFF venues like TCL Chinese Theatre, the Egyptian Theater, and the El Capitan (which has not yet been officially announced as a site for 2014), driven by a high energy soundtrack.
“In the Heart of Hollywood,” type exclaims over a lens flare background, as images transition to red carpet arrivals and celebrity guest appearances from the last two Festivals, including Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda, Eva Marie Saint, Illeana Douglas, Kim Novak, and hosts Ben Mankiewcz and Robert Osborne.
“A Homecoming Awaits,” the text continues, as TCMFF attendees proudly display their badges and lead us to the door of the Chinese Theatre. Next, iconic guests from the first four installments of of the Festival are highlighted, with shots of Kirk Douglas, Debbie Reynolds, Ann Blyth, Angie Dickinson, Jon Voight, and Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. The montage concludes with Eva Marie Saint applauding the audience as a smiling Robert Osborne looks on.
Nice job, TCM. As always, the promo does an effective job of building enthusiasm, without being hyperbolic or schmaltzy. And if you’ve been to every one of these events, as I have, you may find yourself getting a bit choked up by all the great memories.
You can watch the spot by clicking the image below.
cinematically insane 
I’m very much looking forward to this, Will. My only gripe, as Angeleno, is that TCM moved it back to the same weekend as my daughter’s orchestra recital (again in Anaheim) and the 2-day L.A. Times Festival of Books. The former goes without saying, but the latter is a longtime fest here in Los Angeles that also has a history with this movie town. Authors (some of novels turned into film), celebrities, and screenwriters attend and host book panels regularly at this event. Like the TCM Film Fest, LATFoB is a great fan event. Unfortunately, it’s going to make for a lot of compromises for me to fit all in come Saturday and Sunday :-\.
Great post, Will and Michael – I get your dilemma and it’s not an easy choice to make at all. But just wanted to comment that I really hope you are able to make the festival, if if part-time. I ad a wonderful time sharing movie time with you and your son this year!
Aurora
Same here Aurora. Great time was had last year at the TCM Film Fest and meeting new film friends. I may have a more abbreviated time next year, but I will be there!
Many thanks, guys 🙂
I hear you Michael. I think the only reason TCM moved it up is because of the anniversary date on the 14th of April. Otherwise it would have been 4/24-4/27. I hope you don’t miss out on too much.
{shrieks}
Paula, it’s not too early to start packing.