How to Host a Film Screening

You’ve spent months writing, producing, and editing your short film, and now you’re ready to premiere it. The problem is you don’t have anywhere to show your film! Creating and producing an independent movie isn’t as easy as it looks, and when it’s all said and done you’ll eventually want someone to see it, even if it’s just your friends and family. While many people often go the easy route by simply uploading their work to YouTube and calling it a day, I highly recommend putting on a screening for your film.

Why Do a Screening?

Besides the most obvious reason that it’s fun to create events for your loved ones, doing a screening gives you something to look forward to when the movie is finally finished. You worked hard writing the script, assembling the crew, location scouting, and editing and your team worked hard as well for their parts as well. Although you might not have a big Hollywood budget to do a red carpet event, a small screening can be a way to not only get eyes on your project but also celebrate all your hard work.

Things to Consider Before Screening

Before setting a date in time for your event, take a moment and be realistic about your limitations. What sort of audience do you want to attract? Is this a closed or public event? What’s your budget? What incentives do people have for coming?

When it comes to movies people tend to be very picky about what they watch, especially if they have to spend money on it. Your friends and family will likely support your regardless of how good/bad your movie is but everyone else will be much more discerning about their time. You don’t have to go all out if you want to get a wide audience but you’ll want to create some buzz for your project and give people a reason to come and spend 10+ minutes watching your film.

Budgeting

As an indie artist, this can be tricky because you might not have much of a budget, to begin with, but that shouldn’t deter you from putting your best effort forward. Even if you plan on doing everything for free.99 still have a budget in mind so you know where your money is going and you don’t end up going broke for no reason. I’d suggest creating an expected budget for renting the venue and concessions at the very least.

Choosing a Venue

This is where your skills in networking will hopefully come into play. Consider the size of the venue, location, accessibility, and if they provide food and drinks. Many local bars, cafes, and community centers will often allow indie artists to hold events with them for a small fee or even just exposure. This is also a win-win situation if you want to have more eyes on your film outside of your social circle since local patrons will likely come to your event.

When collaborating with a venue be sure to follow the rules of the place and be sure to use common courtesy. Generally, you should make sure everyone purchases at least one item to eat or drink during your event.

Setting a Time & Date

This one can be tricky because depending on when you show your film could limit the crowd you bring. People typically work during the week (9-5 on a regular day), so you’ll want to start screening around 7 but no later than 9 pm. Mondays are also not good days for screenings. Weekends can be a safe choice but people are typically busy on the weekend with travel and other commitments. I personally feel like Tuesdays and Thursdays are good days to hold a film screening, people have a bit more energy and it doesn’t typically cut into whatever weekend plans people have planned.

Promoting Your Film

I feel like this is the one area where a lot of people fail. If you want people outside of your friends and family to see your work, you’re going to have to create consistent buzz around your film. Create trailers, movie posters, behind the scene footage, etc. Don’t do too much and give away the plot of your film but, consistently promoting your film on social media will go a long way toward bringing in organic attention.

It can be very daunting hosting your own film screening, especially as a new filmmaker. It’s a lot of work to put everything together but I personally feel the payoff is worth all the effort. Seeing other people enjoy your film and literally beg for more is honestly one of the best feelings in the world.

By following these tips you’ll be able to hold your own successful film screening and take your first steps into the exciting world of filmmaking.