If you're reading these words, then you've seen the stunningly beautiful original art adorning our brand spanking new website. This image will also serve as the visual centerpiece of SFF 2012's marketing campaign. We chatted — via these here interwebs — with amazing artist Vince Fraser from his home in J.O.E. (that would be Jolly Ole England) about his inspiration for this incredible work.

"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others," Vince tells us. "In keeping with this year's festival theme [See Things Differently], I wanted to create something instantly recognizable and memorable but also very different from last year's campaign. I feel I have achieved another visually stunning piece which celebrates the art of filmmaking."

When asked to tell us more about his process for creating this outstanding piece, he replies, "When I was approached to create an image for this year's festival I knew exactly which direction to take. I wanted to create an image that was softer, more fluid and ethereal than the past images. For the color palette I took inspiration from the brilliance of Sarasota, the blues of the beautiful clear waters, combined with the drama of sunsets. Once I had the basic composition and color palette I then started to add elements evocative of the artistry of film. I wanted the final piece to mimic film's mystical ability to spirit the viewer away on a flight of imagination and fantasy... To where? That depends on the individual."

And how do we at SFF feel about Vince's amazing contribution?

"We are thrilled to be working with such an esteemed artist in creating an image that translates what our festival represents," says SFF Director Tom Hall. "Vince's support and generosity to the Sarasota Film Festival has been the key element to the success of our campaign these past few years and we are excited about his work on this year's image."

And I can tell you, those sentiments are echoed by everyone here in SFFland!

Vince's clients as a freelance digital illustrator and designer include British Airways, PC World, BBC and T-Mobile. You can learn more about him at his website www.vincefraser.com.

—The Insider

Wanted by motion picture executives for revealing industry secrets to a public with the Right to Know, "The Insider" has spent over 15 years working behind the scenes in almost every aspect of "The Biz" developing a secret network of contacts, spies, moles, and highly trained counter-intelligence operatives and movie ninjas whose only goal is to inform and entertain you-and help you make this the best year of the Sarasota Film Festival ever!