Rick Marquez, executive director of Downtown Lawrence Inc., will chat with readers about plans for the outdoor Film Noir Film Festival series, which starts on Thursday, June 7. The film series includes “In A Lonely Place” on Thursday, “Double Indemnity” on July 5, “The Big Clock” on Aug. 2 and “Criss Cross” on Sept. 6.

Moderator

Welcome. This is Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. I will be moderating today’s online chat with Rick Marquez, executive director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. Downtown Lawrence will host an outdoor Film Noir Film Festival series at 9th and New Hampshire. The series starts on Thursday with the film “In A Lonely Place.” That is followed by “Double Indemnity” on July 5, “The Big Clock” on Aug. 2 and “Criss Cross” on Sept. 6. Thursday’s events starts with live music at 8 p.m., a prize drawing at 9 p.m. and the movie at 9:15 p.m. Welcome Rick.

Rick Marquez

Thank you Dennis, I am happy to be here and look forward to chatting about this event.

Moderator

The outdoor movies should be fun. I used to love going to drive-in theaters when I was young. Will this be like that experience?

Rick Marquez

I have actually never been to a drive in movie, the town I am from had a theater but not a drive in. I would think that it would be very similar. The outdoor sounds and summer smells (good and bad), a more relaxed atmosphere, a sense of community, etc.

Moderator

Where exactly will the movie be shown, on a building or a screen?

Rick Marquez

They will be projected on the north wall of the parking garage at 9th and New Hampshire. We had looked at portable screens but they were cost-prohibitive. We have hired Showpro to provide commercial quality projection and sound so I think it will be pretty good quality. Obviously, you could have a better picture and sound in a top of the line home theater, but that is not really the point.

Moderator

What made Downtown Lawrence decide to do a film noir series rather than, say, a children’s movie series or adventure flicks?

Rick Marquez

A few reasons. One, it is a wonderful genre of film making…suspenseful, well acted, interesting directing and lighting. It also has a lot of recognizeable names, Bogart, Lancaster, etc. Also, although these are crime thrillers, they are not violent and are suitable for screeniing in an open public place. I need to say that cost was also one of the many considerations and the licensing fees for these films is much more reasonable at this time. It was not the number one criteria, but it was in the top 10 when we discussed the schedule. I think that there are a number of great themes that could be used in the future; adventure, westerns, specific actors (I thought about Peter Sellers). We hope this turns out well and we can do something different next year.

Moderator

What is your favorite movie of the series?

Rick Marquez

I would have to say that Double Indemnity is simply because it is one of the first film noir films I ever saw. A lot of people have seen it and it is one of the films that most people think of when they hear film noir. In a Lonely Place has been on most critics top 50-100 films for many, many years and I think everyone will enjoy it.

maxcrabb

No Chinatown?

Rick Marquez

Not this time. It was very difficult to come up with just 4, but we did not want to get too ambitious early on. Maybe for next year we can come up with a theme and then let people suggest films, or even suggest a theme.

YourNameInFull

How did you come up with the idea for the festival in the first place?

Rick Marquez

During a meeting with the DLI board this past January we were discussing new ideas for community events. Many people have thought that that space would be good for outdoor movies and it was mentioned during our meeting. We felt it was something that we could do so we began to work on it. As we contacted different people it became evident that this was a popular idea and everyone was very helpful. It is a good spot. Right in the middle of Downtown without causing much, if any, disruption. Parking is close and there is access to everything that is needed.

Moderator

What should people bring Thursday? Chairs? Blankets? Food? Will there be concessions?

Rick Marquez

Blankets and chairs will be helpful. There will not be any concessions, except that we will have free popcorn for the first 250 people. There are great restaurants Downtown and I would encourage people to grab a bite to eat before the show, or even get some takeout.

Moderator

The event is free. What about the drawing? And what are the prizes?

Rick Marquez

We will have some prizes from our business sponsors and we will have a drawing for these starting at 9:00pm. There are some great prizes with everything from t-shirts and DVD’s to an electric toothbrush. We think that this will add to the festive atmosphere. We have had a lot of help from our business sponsors and that was crucial to allowing us to hold the event and make sure it was free for everyone. We also had a lot of help from Lawrence Parks and Recreation. People can pick up a coupon for free popcorn and the drawing entry from various downtown shops, and also at the event itself.

OnAir

Who is the band playing before the movie?

Rick Marquez

The band for the June film is Key West Jazz Quartet. Many people are very excited to listen to them and I want to thank them for agreeing to help us out with this event. I hate to admit it, but we do not have the bands for the rest of the series yet, but we are working on it.

Moderator

What are the plans for the event if it rains on Thursday night?

Rick Marquez

I am very superstitious and I hoped not to have to discuss this, but…We do not have a plan for the June and August films. In the event of rain for July and September we will be able to move to the Arts Center, but it was booked for the other dates. We have looked at rescheduling for rainouts and there was just too many things that had to work out.

YourNameInFull

How would a band contact you if they are interested in performing before a movie?

Rick Marquez

Anyone who would like to get information, offer any kind of help, or to see about being one of the bands just needs to contact me at director@downtownlawrence.com or 842-3883. More information about the festival can be found at www.downtownlawrence.com.

Moderator

We’ve run out of time. I would like to thank Rick Marquez for joining us today. I would also like to thank the readers for your questions. See you Thursday at the movie.

Rick Marquez

Thanks again Dennis. I am very excited about this event and hope we get a big crowd. Remember, please contact me at the above address/number if you have questions or comments about this, or anything else related to Downtown Lawrence.