5 questions with Greg Ranallo
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Greg Ranallo is human resources director for the 2007 OUT TAKES Dallas Film Festival, which begins Friday at the Magnolia Theatre in the West Village. Ranallo has been involved with the festival since its first season in 1998. For more festival info, go to www.outtakesdallas.org.
How and why did you initially get involved with OUT TAKES Dallas?
That first year, I purchased a $75 OUTPass for access to all screenings. I enjoyed it so much, I signed on as a patron the second year. When the 1999 festival started, I arrived at the first screening and volunteered as an usher. I continued to usher every day for every shift. It was such a blast. I met so many people and saw some great movies. When the festival ended, I was approached by the board of directors to be an events coordinator for season three.
What are your duties as human resources director?
They include filling board of directors positions, assisting in finding coordinators for the directors to supplement their teams, as well as maintaining and updating the policies and procedures for the organization. The biggest responsibility I have is recruiting volunteers to assist with projects, events and promotions, and most importantly, working the venue during the festival.
How can people volunteer for the festival?
Potential volunteers need to come by the will call table any time during the festival and ask for the volunteer coordinator. Space is always available for more volunteers. We ask that volunteers wear a solid black shirt with khaki shorts or pants. A festival T-shirt and volunteer badge will be provided. Shifts last approximately two hours. We provide one standby free movie pass for each shift a volunteer completes .
What is new and exciting about this year’s OUT TAKES?
We are very proud of the film line-up. Opening night we have a special screening of “Naked Boys Singing,” including guest appearances by four of the actors. There is the Women’s Centerpiece film “The Gymnast.” The lead actress, Dreya, will be attending a Sunday brunch during the second weekend. We have the Del Shores Double Feature on Thursday Night and a midnight screening of “Barbarella” on the second Saturday. Finally, the closing night reception for our sponsors and patrons will be hosted at The W Hotel.
What is your favorite LGBT movie of all time?
It would have to be “Sordid Lives.” I have never laughed so hard in my life. When it was first in theaters, I saw the film four times. I was waiting at the Blockbusters door to buy the DVD the day it was released. Every time I see it, I am rolling with laughter. The cast is great, and I can recognize some of my own relatives in their characterizations. It’s a scary thing growing up in the South. You know those people.
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the LGBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, editor@dallasvoice.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 2, 2007