What is a Screening Event?

In this context, this is an event you produce for your film as part of your marketing and distribution strategy. These might be produced by a distribution partner, but are absolutely something you can do on your own. In person events can have high production costs, so it’s worth exploring virtual screening events.

Types of Screening Events

• Press Screening: A private showing of a film or media content for journalists, critics, and media representatives before its public release. The purpose is to generate reviews and publicity.
• Word of Mouth: An informal screening event where individuals share their personal opinions and recommendations about a film or media content with partners, influencers and the industry, with the intention of organic promotion.
• Friends & Family: A private screening event specifically organized for the friends and family of the cast, crew, or production team to preview the content before it is publicly released.
• Live Virtual: A screening event conducted online in real-time, allowing participants to watch the content simultaneously from different locations, often including live interactions such as Q&A sessions.
• Event VOD (Video on Demand): A scheduled screening event where participants can watch the content on-demand during a specific time window, providing flexibility in viewing while maintaining the exclusivity of the event.

Sample Budget: In Person Event

Your costs to produce an in person event will range greatly pending location, audience size and food&bev. Here’s an example of a rough budget provided by Picture Motion for four events. Note that this does not include marketing or promoting the event; it is just production. Some venues may offer some of the services listed.

A few ways to offset your screening budget:

• Work with local festivals in the off season or local theaters who often will program a film for a night with a split of ticket sales if you have a clear plan to bring an audience.
• Work with partner organizations who will organize talk-backs and promote to their mailing lists.