SCREENING  CHECKLIST

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YOU’VE DECIDED TO HOST A SCREENING!  

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

 

 

FIND A VENUE

• What’s the size of your event? Would you like it to be a small and intimate gathering, a large community event, or something in between? Possible venues include a high school or university, community center, local movie theater, library or private home

• You will need the space for about 3 hours → 30 minutes for set-up, 30 minutes for welcoming guests, 1 hour for screening, 30 minutes for discussion and 30 minutes for breakdown

• Download the film file in advance. The last thing you want is a tech problem, so streaming should be avoided

• Be sure to do a tech run through in the venue to make sure you have what you need and everything is working​

 

INVITE PEOPLE TO ATTEND

• When you’re thinking about your invite list, remember that a diverse audience allows for rich discussion and perspective sharing

• Email, text, social media and services like Evite are great ways to send your invitations. Nothing wrong with a snail mail invite either! The key is to meet your audience members where they are

• Recruit friends and volunteers to help you with outreach and prep​

 

PROMOTE THE EVENT

• Our  trailer (download here) can be used for promotional purposes

• Consider sending out a Press Release about the screening to local media

• If the event is open to the public, publicize on social media

• Create Flyers to post on local bulletin boards at coffee shops or community centers, or get listed on online events calendars

• Don’t forget to include the date, time and address on all invites!

• Ask for RSVPs

PUT SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN PLACE

• Recruit one or two Mental Health Professionals to be in attendance at the event to provide support for audience members should they need or want it and to help answer questions about mental health best practices

• Collect flyers from local Mental Health orgs to share at the event 

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EVENT PREP FOR THE HOSTS

• Select a designated host/moderator for the event and ask them to prepare remarks and discussion questions (to help them get started, let them know discussion questions are part of this guide)

• Preview the documentary with your team of volunteers

• Create and print a program (if you want!)

• Ask a volunteer to take pictures or hire a photographer - this way you’ll document your great efforts and generate social media content

• Plan to arrive at the venue for set up 30 minutes prior to showtime: Be prepared to greet guests, make introductions, encourage sign-ins, distribute programs 

 

DURING/AFTER THE SCREENING

• Encourage audience members to provide feedback. They can:

  • Tweet their thoughts and opinions using the hashtag #OurTurnToTalk

  • Make a selfie video sharing their reactions to the film. Prompt them with questions like: What did you learn? What resonated with you and why? Who do you think should see this film and why? 

  • Please share the feedback and videos with the film producers by emailing: OurTurnToTalk@PrinciplePictures.com

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Have a great event! We’re happy to answer any questions you have. If you need any help, please reach out! OurTurnToTalk@PrinciplePictures.com

 

*Screening guide developed with support from This Is My Brave.

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