FILM SCREENINGSA module

ERA-NC ALLIANCE

TABLE OFCONTENTS

1. Get approval.

2. Garner interest.

3. Where?

4. When?

5. Spread the word.

6. Accommodate disability and triggers.

7. Snacks.

8. Discussion.

Step 1: Get approval.

The single most important step in any screening is to get approval from the producers of the film. Regardless of whether you already own a copy of the film, you may still need special permission or pay a cost to show it, charge for tickets, or ask for donations. In addition, producers often put a hard limit on the number of people it can be shown to in one viewing. If it is a public showing, the filmmakers may want to arrange the details themselves. Always consult with the filmmakers and/or any sort of kit provided as to the rules regarding showings.

Step 2: Garner interest.

Reach out to your networks before scheduling anything--verbally or digitally survey friends, your organizations and others like it for interest. If you're the only one who wants to see it and the only one whose schedule the screening is based around, you might find yourself watching solo.

If you are planning on having a larger screening, reach out to various organizations and groups who might be interested in cosponsoring or attending the showing. It's an excellent way to both draw in larger groups to see the film and get financial help with the cost of the showing and venue.

Step 3: Where?

Accommodates however big your screening will be. Anticipate what the costs will be. If it's in your home, this shouldn't be a concern, but if not consider whether you have the ability to pay for a venue or will the people you're trying to get to come to it be able to pay for tickets? Do you have or need a budget? Always make sure that it is accessible to everyone attending your screening.

If it's a group of fun feminists friends, your living room might work, but it'll need to be accommodating. If it's your home or somebody else's, make sure that the space is comfortable with plenty of space and seating for people to watch the film. You'll want people to be able to hear and see the movie, so if more than two or three people are watching, a laptop isn't going to cut it. Your screen needs to be large enough for people to easily see the details of the film, and sound loud enough so that the people in the back of the room can hear.

If you're trying to have a larger screening consider theaters, college campuses, or community centers. In addition to being accommodating in terms of visuals and sound, it needs to be within a reasonable radius of whomever you're trying to have come to your event. If your attendees are going to have to make a 30-

minute drive in order to see the film, they're much more likely to just download it off of iTunes.

Depending on where you're showing it, the format the film is in may change. A DVD or (legal) digital download is the obvious choice if you're showing it in your home or on a TV screen, but if you're at a theatre or somewhere that uses a projector, you may have to have a DCP Drive.

Step 4: When?

Again, for a living room screening, it's just a question of when your friends are available. But, for a larger screening the pressing issue is when the venue is

available. Get in touch with whatever locations you're considering well in advance and see what their availabilities are. After determining what dates and times are feasible, coordinate with the people you're working with and consider what times would be best for the people who you are targeting. Holidays are an obvious no-no, and if you're dealing with people who aren't retired, the middle of a weekday isn't going to work either. Weekends are often ideal, but it can vary widely.

Step 5: Spread the word.

Now that you have the logistics of the screening down, you'll need to communicate about the event. If it's a living room screening, you don't really need to worry about this except for maybe asking your friends to bring more friends who might be interested. If it's larger, invite the members of your organization and other like organizations, encourage your social network to

spread the word to anyone who might be interested. Use the internet and social

media to your full advantage; tweet, make a Facebook event, post on Instagram, blog, whatever works. Post flyers and posters on public bulletins, and see whether the venue you're showing it is willing to display a poster. See whether the producers require that the film be promoted with officially approved images, and if so, use those.

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Step 6: Accommodate disability and triggers.

If there are flashing lights in the film, let your viewers know in case anyone suffers from epilepsy. If anyone is deaf, be sure to have the subtitles on the film turned on, and if there are hearing or visually impaired individuals, make sure they have a seat close to the front. Also warn for any explicit or triggering content, such as graphic depictions of war, behaviors such as suicide or self-harm that may be cause for concern for those with mental health issues, discussion or display of sexual violence, and so forth.

Step 7: Snacks.

What's a movie without popcorn, right? I mean, you could have a showing without, but that'd be lame. In your home or a community center, you can have

stuff available or encourage others to bring their own snacks. See whether the venue you're at allows food and drink. Theaters usually have concessions, but you should check with the management to ensure that they're available. Make

sure that what is available is allergy-friendly; at a larger venue it's generally a good idea to avoid having and serving food with nut products.

Step 8: Discussion.

The filmmakers may have materials for discussion of the film or further education on the making or topics available. Consult any kit provided, and ask them. If not, but you're still interested in having a discussion post-film, prepare a list of open questions to ask attendees.

All images free to use, share, or modify under the Creative Commons.

Module developed by Kennedy Bridges, Marena Groll, and Mary Margaret Wright.

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