In November
2011 Disclosure Group were lucky enough to be involved in Global Entrepreneurship Week at Channel 4 (see our blog ‘Global Entrepreneurship Week @ Channel 4’) and
as part of that week the spotlight went firmly on us, as for one night only, we
were given the full run of their in house cinema in London. We pondered what to
do with it and came up with the perfect idea... we screened the 2 pilot
episodes of our flagship comedy Going Nowhere.
As a result we thought we’d compile a brief guide to putting screenings together as it can be a tough and daunting prospect so without the right advice things can go pear shaped very quickly! Been there, got the T-Shirt!
Venue
Getting an
appropriate venue isn’t easy. In the case of our Going Nowhere screening we
were fortunate to have Channel 4. Screening venues can be costly so it’s worth
ringing around and getting some options. It’s important to get somewhere
accessible so think about location.
Invitations
This needs
organisation! So often we at Disclosure Group have left our invites far too
late (well that’s what you get for keeping so many plates spinning). We have
learnt that five to six weeks is adequate notice to guests. It’s not too short
that people will have plans and it’s not too long so people will forget.
Meet and greet
For our Going
Nowhere event the evening started with a small meet and greet in the main
cinema reception with nibbles and wine. It may sound incredibly pretentious but
having nibbles and wine at any screening will guarantee some people will say
yes to coming. Anything for a freebie!
Speech
Once everyone
is ushered into the auditorium and settled in it’s a good idea to have a short
speech. For Going Nowhere Robert S J Lucas gave a five minute talk on why he
does what he does as a writer which went down very well. A speech could be
about a context for the screening, about the show itself or even plans for the
show going forward. Just make sure it’s relevant. It’s a clear indication to
the guests as to why they’re there.
The main feature
Make sure this
runs smoothly. Ensure the right technology is in place and have a complete run
through of the show in the venue before it’s officially screened. You’d be
surprised at the things that can pop up out of nowhere to ruin the show. Think
sound, screen and style.
Q&A
It’s not a
necessity but it does give a show a little context and allows audiences to
engage with some of the people who are part of it. It gives the show and the
event a little personality. Make sure questions and answers are discussed first
and have an impartial presenter if you can, just to give it that level of
professionalism.
Drinks and Follow up
After
the screening you’ll no doubt want a drink! Keep it sober though, people will
want to ask questions they didn’t ask at the Q&A and it’s a great
networking opportunity. Remember to follow up any and all contacts you make as
soon as you can after the evening. Take as many cards as you can and above all
be humble.
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