This post was written by Connor Ryan’s AP Language and Composition class at Marblehead High School. The below interview is edited for length and clarity.
MHS: What did you do before getting involved with the Salem Film Fest?
Deb Linehan: I have done a multitude of things. I'm a coach to artists, writers, and creative leaders. Right now, I also work as a paraprofessional at the Salem Academy Charter School in the Special Ed department, which is really fantastic. I love working there and working with kids. I'm currently the Literary Manager for the Actors Studio Playwright Director Unit in New York City. I'm a writer, director, and producer, and I'm also an equity actor and stage manager.
MHS: Can you tell us about your coaching? What does that look like?
DL: I've been a coach since about 2010, and I used to work with folks, coaching them in life and career support. Since then, I've narrowed it down, and I work mostly with people who are interested in writing a book or getting their story out.
MHS: Did we also hear correctly that you were part of the Upright Citizens Brigade? What was that experience like?
DL: I studied at UCB. In improv, there's this philosophy: “Yes, and…” that is wonderful in real life, because when you're living with people in the world, and they offer something, rather than being resistant and saying no, you can say yes. I'm also an active Buddhist in philosophy. Whenever I think I know the answer, I'm in trouble. There's a saying, “assume positive intent”. Look for what's right and assume that everybody else is doing their best, and that their intentions are good and positive.
photo credit: Fae Phoenix Photo
MHS: When did you get into this volunteering job and how did you find out about it?
DL: In 2007, I moved from the Salem area to New York City and lived there for about a year. I rented a room from this guy, Joe, who was also from Salem. He and I would hang out sometimes when he was in town, and he told me about this film fest that he just started. 15 years later, I moved back to Salem, and jumped right in and got involved with the Film Fest.
MHS: Was there any reason that you became the Sponsorship Director, or was it just by chance?
DL: I had a conversation with Joe Ferrari, who is the current Director of the Fest, and we were chatting about what's going on with the festival where there was a need. I have a history in fundraising and development, so I said, I'd love to be on the team. My history of doing fundraising taught me to never be afraid to ask for money; if you have a project that is really worthwhile that you believe in, it can be really easy, because this is a real project that's gonna change people's lives.
MHS: When you're asking for sponsorships, what's your tactic to get the most out of it that you can?
DL: The word tactic, a lot of people would think, “oh, that sounds manipulative,” but I don't think so. I think tactic means what's in your toolbox, and I think attitude is everything. When asking for money, I never walk up to someone expecting them to open their wallet, and to donate anything to what you're representing. Knowing that what you have is not for everybody is important, but also make sure to talk about the history of the organization and what has been done already to show a proven track record.
MHS: How do you think social media has affected Salem Film Fest, especially with advertising?
DL: I think social media is fantastic in terms of getting the word out and getting people in seats. We can reach a wider audience than ever before. I think Salem Film Fest could leverage social media even more, but it takes a team of media experts to really leverage those platforms. So I think social media is fantastic. We're able to work with other venues as well, who are interested in doing blog posts and posting on our behalf.
MHS: Have you seen a lot of films that are going to be presented at the Film Fest?
DL: No! I am very excited to be there and participate, and see these films for the first time, just like everybody else in the audience. I did get to see all of the trailers, and get a sense of what I'm excited about seeing, but even then, there's so many films to choose from. So I'm going to have to go through the trailers again, and really strategize what I want to make sure I get to see.
photo credit: Fae Phoenix Photo
MHS: What for you, are the benefits of being a part of the Film Fest? Why would you recommend doing this to other people?
DL: Oh, well, buckle your seatbelts. I'm a creative person, I love to make theater, I love to read books. I love storytelling in every single form. I believe that storytelling saves lives, period. We get to understand each other better; there may be something I see in the documentary about a person that I might have an opinion about, and it could change my mind. Also, this film festival gives us an opportunity to come together, have our minds changed, or have our minds blown, and then be with other people who have seen that documentary and have conversations after. It's a way for us to connect as a society, and to grow and learn, especially in this world where we're so divided. There's a lot of talk these days about empathy, and growing our empathy. Films in this film fest are an opportunity for us to grow that in this world.
