Here’s a little rambling aside to spice up my daily Fantastic Arcade blogs. It exists, if for no other reason, than to highlight the fact that the arcade is free. And how great that is. (And I get to use my shakey face photo that didn’t make it to my badge)
This “Arcade Guest” badge is useless.
Yesterday morning I got an email informing me that I could register for my badge online. This came as a bit of a surprise since I hadn’t paid for a badge of any kind. While some of the festival films appealed to me, my focus is exclusively on the arcade. And, in case you haven’t heard, the arcade is free and open to the public. But far be it for me to stick my nose up at a chance to look like someone important with the help of a lanyard. A few keystrokes and a shakey face picture later, and I was ready to head to the Drafthouse to pick up my mystery badge.
Upon arriving, they hadn’t made my badge yet, my uploaded picture wasn’t on file, and every time they looked up my name on a computer I’d get a raised eyebrow from the volunteer. But, a new (and less impressive) picture was quickly taken, and out popped a fresh badge with my name and twitter account emblazoned on the front along with the words ARCADE GUEST in large letters along the bottom.
I looked at this and the volunteer quizzically, thinking to myself, “What exactly does this do?” I have yet to answer that question. The plastic badge holder came with a schedule of films that I can’t see, so that’s not cool. The “guest pass” has not left my bag since I got it. In fact they didn’t even include a lanyard. That hasn’t stopped me from getting drink tickets and free sliders. I’m not complaining, honest. It’s likely the only artifact I’ll take away from a fest that’s proving to be pretty memorable.
Unless I decide to get that Fez tattoo.
UPDATE: Turns out the “Arcade Guest” badge gives me access to all the Fantastic Fest parties. Woohoo! Expect to see me passed out (from exhaustion) on any and all dance floors from now on.
This article appears in September 23 • 2011.
