| Movie nights are fun for all ages, but if you would | | | | of the show. |
| like to be a part of something a little more | | | | Three Weeks before the Screening |
| organized, put together a screening! This is a | | | | |
| great project to help worthy causes, or just to | | | | 1. Write a press release. Include the Who, What, |
| have fun. Here is how to set up the event: | | | | Where, and When of the event. |
| Show Planning | | | | 2. Email your information to the local media, and |
| | | | your friends. Be sure to include a suggested |
| 1. What are you going to name your event? | | | | donation for admission, but if it is for charity, don't |
| Write a one-paragraph description of it. This will | | | | turn anyone away for lack of funds. Schedule an |
| help you focus your thoughts. Think about whom | | | | event on Facebook, or another social networking |
| your audience will be - friends? Family? | | | | site. |
| Neighborhood youth? What kind of issues will you | | | | 3. Flyers! Include your press release info, and at |
| be presenting? Will there be entertainment, like | | | | least one compelling graphic, like a video still, that |
| music or poetry? If there is a door charge, who | | | | best describes the show, film, or issues involved. |
| gets the money? | | | | Distribute them online, or copy and post them |
| 2. Line up your videos. If you are showing a | | | | around your neighborhood. |
| selection of short work, make sure you have a | | | | 4. Discuss refreshments. Try making popcorn, |
| minimum of one hour of footage to share. Do not | | | | make cookies, see if you can get a pizza donated. |
| show too much, one feature length film is plenty. | | | | One Week Before the Show |
| If you're getting some help from friends, make | | | | |
| sure you establish a minimum commitment | | | | 1. Finalize the show. Watch all the footage and |
| regarding what they are willing to share. | | | | confirm the order. Check for audio-visual |
| 3. Who will be the host of the evening? If you're | | | | problems. Write notes for the MC. Decide when |
| planning the night around a theme, or if you're | | | | the lights go on and off. Consider an intermission. |
| showing films that are all related to the same | | | | 2. Confirm time and responsibilities. Who runs the |
| issue, you may want to ask someone who | | | | projector? Who collects admission? Make sure |
| knows a lot about the subject to be the MC. | | | | your helpers are there 30 - 45 minutes before |
| What can your host ask people to support or do | | | | the show begins. |
| after they leave your show? Get flyers and fact | | | | 3. Call or email your friends to make sure they |
| sheets for upcoming events and related issues to | | | | don't forget about your awesome event! |
| hand out as they come in, to pass around, or to | | | | Show Time |
| have available at a literature table. | | | | |
| Scheduling the Show | | | | 1. Set up one hour before the show. |
| | | | 2. Make sure everything works, cue the tapes up, |
| 1. Where will you have the screening? Your | | | | set up chairs and tables, etc. |
| house? An art gallery? You or your children's | | | | 3. Sit back and enjoy! |
| school? Think thing through and get permission. If | | | | 4. After the show, make sure you have people |
| you're showing actual film or projecting video onto | | | | to help clean up. Be proud of what you have |
| a screen, you'll need to acquire a screen and | | | | done! |
| appropriate projector. These can be rented easily | | | | Organizing a video screening may take a lot of |
| - ask you local library! | | | | work, but it's worth the effort when you see |
| 2. Talk with the person who is in charge of | | | | your friends, family, and neighbors enjoying the |
| scheduling events at the venue. It may take | | | | magic of movies. This is a good way to raise |
| several months in advance to get a slot at some | | | | money for a cause - just center all the films on a |
| places, and be included in the venue's advertising. | | | | theme, like self-defense, kitten rescue, or |
| If you don't care too much about that, try to | | | | environmental issues. When your hard work pays |
| schedule your event on an off night when they | | | | off in the form of a large donation to your |
| don't have too much planned. | | | | favorite charity, you won't be able to wait until |
| 3. Determine the date for submitting a description | | | | your next screening comes around. |