How to Organise a Screening
A screening event is a great way to share your ideas with others and hear what they think too, we would love for visitors to this site to organise a screening event of their own. Below are a few questions and suggestions to help get you started. To begin with, think about who the screening is for and what you want to achieve at your screening event. To pick a video or videos for your event scroll through the archive, collections or use the search function. Go to the Programme section to see past events and learn more about how to organise a screening.
Where will it take place?
Is there a room at your local library, or a tenants’ or school hall you might borrow? Make sure it isn’t too noisy and can be made dark enough to screen a video in. Make sure you agree in advance on any rules about noise levels, staffing, locking up etc.
How will you promote the event?
We use social media, and put posters up around the neighbourhood a week or so before the event and then on the day as well. Word of mouth is one of the best ways, if you have a group of 5 people and they all bring 5 people that will be 25 people in the audience. Imagine if they then all bring 5 people…
How will you present the videos?
Will there be programme notes printed so that the audience know what to expect? Each of the videos on the site will have information you can copy and paste into a handout. Will someone introduce the event and explain what will happen and where the toilets and fire exit are? You could find a suitable clip from an oral history interview and use that to provide some context. We have found that even the most simple of refreshments help to create a relaxed atmosphere and get people talking. We have been lucky enough to have some fantastic bakers and cooks at our screenings who have provided some delicious treats at our events.
Who are the audience?
Are they people you know? Is it open to the general public or for a specific group? Think about their needs, for example will you need someone to provide sign language? Is there a lift? Are there any stairs or narrow doorways? When will it take place? Will it be in the daytime or evening? Think about whether your audience will be working and/or caring for others. Different people are free on a Saturday afternoon and to those available after 6pm on a weekday.
After the screening?
In order to encourage discussion try dividing the audience into smaller groups to help facilitate the conversation. It is helpful to have a list of questions prepared. Instead of focusing on what you liked or didn’t like, perhaps begin by asking what the videos made them think about or feel. The findings from these smaller discussions can then be fed back to the rest of the group at the end of the event. Tidy up and pack away. Don’t be shy to ask everyone, who is able, to help pack chairs away, as it saves a lot of time. It is best if they don’t help packing away anything technical or expensive.
What next?
Agree on a follow up plan in advance so that if anyone at the screening would like to get involved in a future project you know what to say. Are looking for volunteers or to raise funds or awareness about a particular issue? Perhaps you have a date in mind for your next meeting or a plan for your starting your own video project.