Thanks to Our Gracious Hosts

I thank Loscon 36 for hosting the 2009 Tabloid Witch Awards screenings, and all the filmmakers and fans who attended.

Unlike most film festivals, the Tabloid Witch charges no entry fee to filmmakers, and no admission price to audiences. Thus, the budget is low, and the Tabloid Witch relies on gracious hosts who do not charge the Tabloid Witch for the use of their screening facilities.

Over the past six award years, the Tabloid Witch has held nine screenings. Three each at Loscon (2005, 2007, 2009), the World Horror Con (2005, 2008, 2009), and the Santa Monica Public Library (2006, 2007, 2008). Two were "Best of" screenings. And in 2007, a Premiere screening of winners at the SMPL was followed an Encore screening at Loscon 34.

Due to California's budget crisis and staff cutbacks at the SMPL, the library was unable to host a screening this year. The Tabloid Witch hopes to return there in future years.

Each year I consider charging entry fees, so as to rent a commercial theater. But I think part of the prestige of winning a Tabloid Witch Award, or even being an Official Selection, is that you don't pay to play. Any filmmaker can enter and compete, and be judged solely on their film's merit, however impoverished they may be.