Perhaps there’s “nothing good out right now.” Maybe your small town doesn’t have a movie theater at all. There’s a film you think needs a little more love. You’d like to create a special experience with a cult classic. Or you’ve found some strange and obscure film that you just absolutely need to share with the world. Whatever your reasons, this article will help you plan your next (or first) local film screening.
First off, you’ll need to consider several things:
- What film you’ll be screening (the most important thing of all!)
- Your intended audience. Young children and their parents? College kids? Artsy hipsters? Political activists? 30-something professionals getting off work at 5 pm?
- The scale of your screening
Once you’ve figured these variables out,
Pick and secure a venue
The right fit for your event will depend on what film you’ll be screening and your audience. A local church will likely not open their doors to a screening of Get Out, and parents likely won’t take their children to see a screening of The Lion King at a local dive bar after 10 pm.
Common locations for film screenings include community recreation centers, churches and other places of worship, high schools, colleges, public parks, public libraries, bars and restaurants, and even museums. Many such locations may already have film programs in place and would be open to suggestions or collaborations.
Drive-thrus have made a vivacious comeback during the pandemic, and virtual screenings over ZOOM have blossomed into a world unto itself. More so, don’t be afraid to reach out to your local movie theater. Make sure you have adequate space to host your projected audience numbers and consider venues close to public transport.
Secure the public performance license
You need a public performance license to show movies in public. Hosting a film screening without the proper licensing is a sure-fire way to get sued by the film studio, and the penalties aren’t pretty. No matter the circumstance, you need the proper rights, period. For more independent projects, you can usually identify and contact the rights holders directly.
For major feature films, you can go through a third-party licensing service, such as Swank Motion Pictures, Criterion Collection, or MLPC. Typically, the public performance license will either require a flat fee from you or a certain cut of the ticket sales. Additional stipulations may apply, depending on what film you’re requesting and who you’re getting it from.
If you have more questions about acquiring a public performance license, check out our handy guide to public performance rights.
Ensure you have the right technology
Once the license is secured, you’ll receive a copy of the film you’re being permitted to screen. You may be given a DVD, BluRay, or even a streaming link. Certain agreements, like the Umbrella License from MLPC, may allow you to source your own copy, which is especially handy for those of us still loyal to film reels.
In any case, having the proper audio and visual technology for your given format is non-negotiable. Experienced techs can help you make sure your screening goes smoothly, and it’s always wise to test your equipment BEFORE the day of.
Ensure you have the right COVID-19 precautions
In the age of lockdowns and mandates, any perceived negligence towards public health can and will get your event shut down. Check locally to ensure you’re able to comply with any applicable precautions regarding event size, audience spacing, mask requirements, or sanitation requirements.
Promote your event
Start a Facebook event. Send out invitations. Print and post fliers. Share the event on social media. Tell everyone you know.
Make a ruckus, but know that successful promotion, like your venue selection, will hinge upon your film selection and your intended audience. A trendy coffee shop downtown might not be the right place to hang a poster for The Fast and the Furious, and likewise, local high school students might not be especially interested in Persona or Eraserhead.
Don’t be afraid to engage with your audience, either. Raffles, giveaways, and complimentary refreshments are all solid ways to get butts in seats.
Offer refreshments
Don’t be that guy that throws a party with no chips or salsa. Coordinate with your venue; let guests know they can BYOB (IF they can), offer refreshments through your venue, or contact third-party food and beverage vendors.
Consider having an after-party
Audiences enjoy talking about films as much as they enjoy watching them. Give time and space for audience members to linger for a drink or two. This creates an opportunity for community bonding and networking.
Consider hosting a Q&A or discussion panel, and before you ask, no, you don’t need to worry about finding fancy scholars and industry specialists for this (but it never hurts, either!)
For example, if you’re screening an old Hollywood classic like Casablanca or Singin’ in the Rain, invite older audience members to share what this film means to them. For a current documentary screening, finding local activists to discuss the issue at hand can make for a memorable and stirring experience.
Say “Thank you!”
The “thank you” letter is the part most often forgotten. Don’t just disappear afterward, it’s just poor manners. Share photos of the event. Thank your attendees on social media. Ask for feedback or comments. Submit an article or short summary to your local paper, news station, or radio station. Get your community talking and excited for your next screening.
Also check out our tips on how to show movies on campus
Make sure you can screen it properly by ordering this Movie Theater Projector or this Projector Screen.
Promote your event by handing out tickets that you can purchase here.