Scott Shuffitt is one of the minds behind Lebowski Fest, which is a traveling tribute gathering to celebrate “The Big Lebowski”. The fest has been going strong for over 10 years and is only growing and getting more popular. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Scott during their recent visit to Orlando, FL to chat about the fest and what else we can expect for 2012.
Mike Gencarelli: After going over 10 years what do you do to keep the Lebowski Fest fresh every city/every year?
Scott Shuffitt: There are new challenges in each city and we are still learning and growing so that helps to keep it fresh. Of course new achievers are still discovering the fest. I ask the crowd at the House of Blues Movie Party how many where at the fest for the first time and it seemed to me that at least 40% were first timers.
MG: Tell us how long it takes for you guys to setup an event like this?
SS: What’s kind of hard to say but basically I start working on a fest about eight months or longer before. A lot of it depends on if is a return to the city or new to us.
MG: What is the craziest thing that has happened at Lebowksi Fest over the years?
SS: Our first event outside of Louisville was in Vegas and everyone was super pumped about it. There was a guy wearing a rug as a costume, he cut a hole in it and put it over his head. After the fest he laid it out in the parking lot and a bunch of dudes piss on it.. Kinda gross, def crazy. We’ve seen plenty more, probably none as gross though.
MG: Tell us your favorite line in the film if you had to choose one?
SS: I like “Darker than a black steers tookus on a moonless prairie night” a lot but there are plenty of others. I kind of like how when the Dude muddles his words like in the back of The Big L’s limo.. What in God’s name are you talking about?
MG: Why do you think fans resonant with this movie for through it’s cult status?
SS: At its core it is a great comedy, all the actors really nail the characters, and it is great visually. Add that to the fact that its kind of anti-establishment and that it isn’t really a film that has wide appeal and you can’t stop quoting it, I think that is what makes it a cult film. Seemed to work on me at least.
MG: You have expanded this fandom from the fest to a book, what’s the next goal for you?
SS: Not really sure, we would like to take the fest to some new cities, including Canada and maybe even some European stops, but that kind of depends on the Dudes budget, you know.
MG: What can we expect from the Lebowski Fest for the rest of 2012?
SS: More party!
