Since March of 2020, social distancing guidelines have forced us to become creative in the ways we interact. In the process, we have learned that it is possible to host successful and engaging events online. Although the enjoyment of watching a film with a large group of people is difficult to compete with, virtual film screenings and discussions definitely have their own sets of advantages. More people than ever before have the opportunity to attend, needing only a computer and an internet connection. This also allows filmmakers or special guests to attend, opening the door for rich interviews and discussions. But virtual events are not without their challenges. If you are considering hosting a virtual film screening or discussion, we are here to help! With tips from experts on everything from copyright to conducting Q&As, you will have the tools to start hosting amazing events.
How Do I Acquire Distribution Access?
One of the biggest questions when scheduling an online screening is how to acquire distribution access to the film. Although it may seem intimidating, there are many options available. Educational streaming services are a great place to start. Sonoma County Library recommends checking if the film is available through the library’s Kanopy subscription. Check out our article on Kanopy and Hoopla for more information about library streaming services.
For smaller films, you may be able to directly contact a film distributor, which may lead to getting a free or discounted distribution link. If you have the opportunity, a partnership with another company can help spread the word and alleviate costs. Before the pandemic, Alden Library hosted events at Athena Cinema, a local arthouse theater. As Alden has moved to virtual screenings, they have continued their partnership with Athena, with the theater providing distribution links.
How Do I Build an Audience?
Once you have sorted out all the details of the screening, it is important to build an expansive audience of attendees. Create an online registration form so attendees can find all relevant information and send the link to as many people as possible. Pragda, a distributor for Latinx films, recommends reaching out to educators who can then send the information to a perspective educational audience. Networking with other libraries or distribution companies to promote your event can also be very beneficial. Without the constraints of meeting in person, people from all over the world can attend, so cast your net wide!
How Do I Navigate Copyright?
When organizing a virtual film screening, it is important to keep copyright infringement in mind. Although you want to reach as large an audience as possible, it is important not to post distribution links on general public sources. If you are reaching out to a school or university, you can post an event announcement in a school newsletter, but copyright-sensitive material should not be broadcast to public sources. Take a look at our public performance rights guide to see how to handle the legalities of public film screenings.
How Should I Handle Q&As?
The discussion portion of your event is a great opportunity to engage with your audience. Although it may seem challenging, there are many ways to incorporate a Q&A into your event. Pragda recommends making discussion the central focus of the event. They typically give people who register for the event one week to view the film through the distribution link, and then host a zoom meeting to discuss the film. The New York Public Library has a similar model for their events, which they refer to as a “book talk” model of programming, as it mimics the format of a book club discussion. Zoom's Webinar feature is an excellent format for larger discussions or interviews. With this feature, panelists are able to speak and share their screens and audience members can type questions into the chat. This feature allows you to better moderate your event and ensure everything goes smoothly.
We hope these tips from libraries and distributors help you plan your next virtual screening or discussion. Without the constraints of meeting in person, the possibilities for virtual events are endless.