2016 TCM Film Fest Survival Kit

I As the TCM Film Fest approaches next week, I began to think about the long days I'll be spending out and about with little time to rest between events, and I realized "I'm going to need a bigger bag." Hopefully, you get that reference. So for all of you in the same boat, here's a helpful list of items you might want to consider carrying on those long, event-filled days.

1. A collapsible water bottle. You can fill it up at any water fountain, clip it onto your bag strap, and fold it down when empty. It's better for the environment and it's better than paying overpriced amounts for a bottle of water.

2. Some kind of snack. You might end up in a position where you have back to back events that you want to attend and you won't have much of a chance to eat, other than popcorn at the concession stand. I like to carry around Kind bars, just in case I need a quick energy boost to keep me going.

3. Sunglasses, obviously. On the topic of the sun, it probably wouldn't hurt to have a small tube of sunblock too. You never know how long you'll be standing outside in line.

4. Cell phone and portable charger. You're most likely going to have very little time or opportunity to recharge your phone with all of the events going on, so be sure to carry a portable charger that you charged over night along with the charging cord so you can recharge at your seat during a film.
5. Comfortable shoes! Not only will you be standing in line waiting to get in to the venues, but you may also end up standing for some events, especially at Club TCM. Seating in the club is limited, the events are popular, and a good number of people usually end up standing through the events, which can sometimes last over an hour.

6. Camera. If you have a phone that takes incredible photos, great, otherwise I always carry a separate camera. The problem with a camera phone is that they usually don't have great zoom and don't take very good pictures in low light. Considering you never know if you'll be able to get close to get a good shot or if the lighting will be good, I want to make sure I have something I can take good pictures with.

7. Notebook and pen. I have this Moleskine Film Journal that I carry to keep track of what I see at the festival, and I've been lucky to get some autographs that I have in the back of the book. 

8. Of course, the TCM app! The app is back this year and, in addition to the schedule and other basic info, it has a great new feature to allow festival attendees to connect socially through Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Google+ so they can meet up during the fest and hopefully maintain their friendships beyond the festival.