Indie Screenings: UK

How to arrange your own screening of The Age of Stupid

This page is a quick how-to guide for anyone wanting to host an independent screening of The Age of Stupid before the official DVD launch. Our revolutionary distribution model (thanks Dogwoof) means that because we're not tied into exclusive contracts with big companies, anyone, anywhere in Britain can arrange to host their own special screening, whether it's for your corporate AGM or your local scout-hut.

YOU WILL NEED

1. Date and Venue

The easiest place to hold a screening will obviously be somewhere that already has the equipment set up (e.g. a DVD, sound system and projector or large screen TV): schools and colleges, University lecture theatres, libraries, community centres and pubs are all likely candidates. If you can get hold of the equipment yourself then the world's your oyster - cafe's, churches, bookshops, your front room, the possibilities are endless. Why not screen it in a woodland with a solar power pack?

Once you've found a venue - book it. Choose a date that doesn't conflict with large events like big sporting fixtures or exams if you're in school or uni! Make sure that you allow enough time (at least an hour!) for set-up and sound check. Think about whether you will need microphones or any other additional equipment. You will probably need the venue for 3 or 4 hours if you are doing a screening and discussion afterwards.

2. The film and a screening license

This bit's a little complex. There are two ways you can get a copy of the film: we can send you a digitally watermarked DVD that you return within one week; or you can download the entire film onto a hard drive, and the file will self-destruct after a week. 

The other thing you need from us is a screening license. The fee for the license is charged on a sliding scale, so that a sports arena of 1000 aristrocrats won't be paying the same amount as a village hall full of charity volunteers.

You can also book speakers from The Age of Stupid to come along and talk about the film, although there is an additional fee for that, depending on who you want to come and speak (Pete's availability is very low, for instance!).

You can organise all three things - a copy of the film, an appropriate screening license, and a speaker if you want one - from our BOOKING SCREENINGS page.

3. Panellists?

Think about what you want to get out of your event, and whether or not you want to include space for discussion of the issues covered in the film. As well as The Age of Stupid speakers, you could use the screening as an opportunity to get local environmental experts or climate activists to inform your audience about potential solutions and positive actions they could take in your neighborhood. If you don't have any local contacts yourself, we can help put you in touch with someone - please email daniel@spannerfilms.net.

It might also be a good idea to arrange for any panellists to be able to watch the film in advance of your screening, if they haven't already seen it, so they can prepare something appropriate! Make sure they know exactly when and where they are supposed to turn up too.

4. Price

It's up to you whether your charge or not, and how much you ask for, but you will need to decide this next. You will already have paid for your screening license so any money you take on the door is yours to do what you want with - although we hope you will use it to fight climate change! The lowest price band for individuals and small non-profit orgs with small audiences amounts to very little money so you may not need to charge at all.

5. Advertise!

Advertising is all important. Some ideas: local listings papers (need a couple of weeks advance notice), school and college notice boards and newsletters, health food shops, alternative magazines, email lists, blogs, websites, Facebook it, Myspace it, Twitter it, ring up your student or local papers and radio stations - just make sure you get bums on seats by any means necessary.

Feel free to use our PR resources to make flyers / posters for press and publicity and plaster them all over town.

6. Technical check

It's very important to check out the equipment before the screening - whether it's your own or comes with the room. Is the disc OK? How's the colour/ balance/ contrast/ volume? Make sure the screen can be seen from all the chairs. Get a good sound level that everyone can hear. Are any mircophones working properly? Are there enough seats for any panellists? Start the film slightly later than advertised, so latecomers don't disturb the show. Oh yes, and turn the lights off to get the atmosphere going and discourage chatterers.

7. Information table

It's well worth making sure you have a table set up a while in advance of the advertised start of the film, where guests can take any information hand-outs from you or your panellists. It's a good idea to have someone on hand to answer questions before the screening, and afterwards if you want to take details like email addresses from those attending.

8. Congratulations! Hopefully you will have just helped to inspire loads of people to get off their butts and do something about the biggest problem humanity has ever faced. Your grandkids owe you one - big time.