2008 CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival - New York City

GENERAL

Q: What are the dates of the festival?
A: This year's festival will be held from October 21 - 25, 2008.

Q: How many people attend CMJ Marathon? Who attends this event?
A: Over 100,000 fans, artists, filmmakers, and industry pros from around the globe will soon descend upon our fair city for all the Marathon madness.
Q: How old is the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival?
A: 2008 marks the 28th year of Music Marathon and the 14th year of Film Festival.

Q: What benefits do I get for registering for the CMJ Marathon?
A: Badge-holders get full access to all live music showcases, film premieres, parties, daytime panels, keynote speeches, mentoring sessions, and special events, as well as entrance to our Exhibit Hall, showcasing new gadgets, fashions, and other products, and our Registrants Lounge, featuring Internet stations, refreshments, and meeting places.

Q: Why should I register for CMJ early?
A: To save money, of course! The sooner your register for CMJ, the more you save off the full badge price of $495. CLICK HERE for our latest steals, er, deals.

Q: Is there a registration discount for students?
A: Yes. We offer special discounts for students with a valid college ID, including early registration and multiple registration discounts.CLICK HERE for our latest deals.

Q: Is there a registration discount for industry people?
A: Yes. We offer multiple registration discounts for industry people.CLICK HERE for our latest deals.

Q: Do you offer day passes? Night passes? One-day-only passes?
A: No. In order to receive full admission to showcases, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and all other CMJ-related fun, only one pass is offered - the CMJ Marathon badge, which is available to both general attendees and student attendees. Also available are Film Festival-only badges, which allow you to access to all the filmic fun, without paying for events you don't plan to attend.

Q: Do festival badges guarantee entrance too all shows, panels, films, parties, special events, etc?
A: Yes. Please come to events (especially showcases) early, however, to ensure you get in. Admission to all events is based on a first-come, first-served basis, and subject to room/club/theater capacities. Marathon badges are valid for all five days and nights of the festival. Most CMJ-sponsored showcases and films are open to the public (there are exceptions)..

Q: Can I get into clubs if I'm under 21?
A: Individual club policies remain in full effect during CMJ. In other words, if a club is usually 21 and over, it will remain so during CMJ. The best way to find out is to call the club directly and inquire about their age policy.

Q: Do you have a list of all the bands playing?
A: Check here for the most up-to-date list of bands playing CMJ. All the updates on showcase placements will be posted on our site as soon as they are confirmed. The site will be updated frequently prior to and throughout the event. A complete schedule is printed in the CMJ Music Marathon Festival Guide, which comes with your registration bag. The registration bags can be picked up during registration hours at conference headquarters.

Q: Where can I find out set times?
A: Check here for the most up-to-date information on line-ups and set times.

Q: Can I volunteer for CMJ?
A: Yes. Volunteer positions are open to everyone, although it's helpful to reside in the New York area. For more information contact volunteer[at]cmj.com.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Cash (at walk-up only), check (payable to "CMJ Music Marathon"), money order, MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express. Payment must be in US funds drawn on US banks only.

Q: How will I know if you've received my payment?
A: CMJ will send you a confirmation letter/receipt once your registration is processed. If you register using the online form, you will receive an email confirmation.

Q: What happens if I misplace my badge?
A: Sorry, badges cannot be replaced. You will have to purchase a new badge at full price. Our best advice: look super-duper hard.

Q: Is there transportation to get me from club to club?
A: No. But we're in New York City, which has the best mass transit system this side of the Atlantic. (We're partial to the LED time displays on the London Tube.) Check here for an NYC subway map.

Q: Where do I pick up my badge?
A: Your badge can be picked up at NYU's Greenwich Village campus, location TBD. Badges must be picked up during registration hours. Times and dates will be announced soon, please check back for more info.

Q: Are venues accessible to attendees with special needs?
A: We at CMJ are especially committed to accommodating the special needs of all attendees. Unfortunately, some venues are better equipped than others. Please call the club directly and inquire about their facilities.

Q: What happens at the Exhibit Hall & Registrants Lounge?
A: Located in the penthouse of NYU's Kimmel Center, the Exhibit Hall offers badge-holders full access to innovative and interactive exhibitors from the music, technology and entertainment worlds. Meanwhile, the Registrants Lounge serves as a primary gathering area where badges-holders can meet, relax and regroup while exploring the Exhibitor's Hall and enjoying Internet stations.

Q: Is there a check list of "must have" items I should pack for the week?
A: All you really need are your Marathon badge, driver's license/identification, extra cash for transportation, merchandise and refreshments as well as a warm jacket for those breezy NYC nights. (Theoretically, you could even omit the jacket part.)

Q: Where do I sleep?
A: Check our Hotels page. CMJ has partnered with Quikbook.com for the lowest rates at NYC's best hotels.Book online now. Or, if you prefer the phone, chat with Quikbook's hotel specialists by calling 212.779.7666 or 800.789.9887. Click here to make hotel reservations.

Q: I have a suggestion for CMJ Marathon 2008, whom should I contact?
A: We'd love to hear your ideas. Please contact marathon08[at]cmj.com with any ideas and suggestions.

Q: Where do I find information on showcasing my products or services?
A:Check here. CMJ offers numerous opportunities for your company or organization to showcase its products, services and artists to the professionals who shape the future of music and entertainment and the fans who devour it. Special custom and discount packages are available. For more information, email marketing[at]cmj.com

ARTISTS

Q: How much does it cost to apply and is there compensation for playing CMJ?
A: Unfortunately, artist submissions are now closed. As for compensation, every performing artist gets a complimentary badge (worth $495).

Q: Did my band make the cut? Have you reviewed my application yet? Have I been accepted?
A: Patience, friends. We review applications on an ongoing basis and will let you know of your status by August 26. Please don’t contact us before then.

Q: What is the reviewing process and what happens after I submit my application?
A: The Showcase Department evaluates every submission equally, starting with listening to the music, and then reviewing bio, press, and performance history.

Q: I'm an artist from outside the US, can I apply?
A: Unfortunately, artist submissions are now closed. But whether your band is local, national, international, or extraterrestrial, we don't hate or discriminate.

Q: Can I resubmit if I applied last year?
A: The answer is yes. But artist submissions are now closed.

Q: Do I have to be in a band to perform?
A: No. Sometimes we use "band" and "artist" interchangeably, but we always showcase plenty of solo performers.

Q: How do I set up a label showcase?
A: The first step is to submit the artists who are available/interested. Then contact the Showcase Department at showcase08[at]cmj.com indicating your interest in having a showcase and listing which artists we're talking about.

Q: My band is unsigned. What are the chances that we'll get picked to play?
A: CMJ's all about discovering the next big thing, whether signed, unsigned, indie, major,. Your band's affiliation or label status has no bearing on your eligibility to play. We get thousands of submissions, from which we select to play - on the merits of their music and nothing else.

Q: I submitted an application for a CMJ Music Marathon showcase. Am I registered for the event?
A: A showcase application is not the same as registration. Artists selected for CMJ Music Marathon showcases will get free registration, but sadly we cannot give free badges to those not selected for a CMJ showcase.

Q: Who in a showcasing band is eligible for CMJ badges?
A: All performing band members receive complimentary registrations. Managers, labels and other business affiliates are not eligible.

FILM

Q: Will my badge get me into CMJ Film Festival?
A: Yes. Please keep in mind, however, that like showcases, films are first-come, first-served so while your badge will get you in, when the theater is full, it's full. So aim to arrive to screenings 30 minutes before showtime, grab some popcorn and enjoy!

Q: Are Film Festival-only badges available?
A: Yes.Register here for a Film Festival-only badge and access to all the filmic fun (screenings, festival parties and special events, panels and Q&As), without paying for events you don't plan to attend.

Q: Can I purchase single-admission tickets for Festival screenings?
A: Yes. Individual tickets for screenings will only be sold 20 minutes prior to showtime and will be sold in limited quanitiy, pending space and availability.

Q: How do I submit my film to CMJ?
A: Film submissions are now closed.

Q: What kind of films do you accept?
A: From political documentaries to groundbreaking indie flicks to cult faves, heart-wrenching, dramas and gut-busting comedies, CMJ welcomes any and all genres. This year's festival will also mark the first short doc contest.

Q: What happens after I submit by film?
A: The Film Festival staff evaluates every submission equally, starting with watching the movie, and then reviewing filmmaker bios, press, and other information.

Q: Can I resubmit my film if I submit it last year?
A: The answer is yes. But submissions are now closed.

PANELS

Q: Where do panels and all other daytime events occur?
A: Panels, exhibits, mentoring sessions, and all other events during the day will take place at the Kimmel Center at New York University's Greenwich Village campus, right in the heart of Washington Square.

Q: What is College Day?
A: Serving as a special "fest within a fest", College Day is an all-day seminar specially programmed for college radio students. This day brings together the music biz and college radio for some thought-provoking panels, mentoring sessions and rocking performances.

Q: What are Mentor Sessions?
A: In conjunction with CMJ's commitment to educating as well as entertaining, registrants may meet and greet with professionals working across the music world for valuable insight and advice on thriving in the industry.

Q: What does CLE mean?
A: CLE stands for Continuing Legal Education. A special subset of CMJ's daytime programming, CLE panels explore the nitty-gritty legalese and music biz basics in these unpredictable times. Panels are open to lawyers, industry power players, artists, and all CMJ badgeholders alike.

Q: I have a suggestion for a panel or panelist, whom should I contact?
A: We'd love to hear your ideas. Please contact marathon08[at]cmj.com with PANEL in the subject line.

PRESS

Q: How do I apply for Press/Photo Credentials?
A: To receive a press pass for CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2008, please fill out our Credential Application Form, available here. You'll need to include some basic information about yourself and your publication.

Q: What happens after I apply for press credentials?
A: We received hundreds of press requests and review each and every one of them carefully. Once your application is submitted, our publicity team will review your applications, materials and samples and notify you by the deadline if you have been accepted or denied.

Q: If I had press credentials for a past Marathon, am I automatically approved this year?
A: No. You must apply every year for credentials.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for Press Credentials? When will I know if I have been accepted?
A: The deadline to apply is September 15. You will hear back prior to the deadline, so be sure to send those requests ASAP.

Q: What access will I have with Press Credentials? Can I go backstage?
A: Press passes are the same as full registrant Marathon badges. Press passes do not necessarily give you backstage access, but they offer entrance to all day and nighttime events in both music and film. That said, we do recommend that you come to events (especially showcases) early to ensure you have no trouble getting in as entrance is not guaranteed and will depend on the capacity of the venue.

Q: What access will I have with a Photo Pass?
A: If you apply for a photo pass with your press pass, the pass will allow you to photograph/video events during the week (pending venue restrictions). We urge all members of the media looking to photograph any events to check with that specific venue in advance for any restrictions.

Q: Can I show up the week of CMJ Marathon for Credentials?
A: We strongly discourage this. We will still need to approve your credentials before issuing Credentials, so press access on-site is not guaranteed. Furthermore, because it will take time for us to process a day-of, on-site request, you will be missing valuable event time. However, if you do request on-site, visit the press desk at the Registration area and be sure to bring a letter from your editor on letterhead, a business card, and a sample of your press work.

Q: Do press members get a +1 guest for the event?
A: No. Only members of the media, reporting on the event, will be given Press Passes.

Q: Where do I pick up my press badge?
A: Press credentials can be picked up at the press desk in Registration. Location TBD.

Q: Whom do I contact for more information on press access?
A: Please contact marathon08[at]cmj.com with PRESS in the subject line.

For all other inquiries and information, please contact marathon08[at]cmj.com.

Log on to www.cmj.com for more information about all of CMJ's products and services.

FAQ