Are you thinking about setting up a community cinema in Cornwall? We can help! Here’s how to get your local cinema up and running in seven simple steps.
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Assemble your team
All our community cinemas are made possible because of our network of amazing volunteers and promoters. Try to get a team together with a range of different strengths and allocate tasks – these might include projection, finances, film booking, marketing and front-of-house.
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Find your venue
Now you’ve assembled your team, take them out to take a look at potential venues – villages halls, community centres, function rooms in pubs… then set up a test cinema screening with a few friendly faces to see how it works.
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Get your equipment sorted
It doesn’t have to be complicated setting up a pop up cinema, and you can get your screenings up and running with a projector, DVD or Blu-ray player, a screen and sound system. Make sure to check and test your equipment so you’re happy it works in your venue. If you’re setting up a film club in Cornwall, C Fylm has a touring cinema kit available for new clubs to hire – or you might be able to apply for funding to purchase or upgrade your own gear.
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Make sure your licences are covered
It’s important to make sure your licences are in order so your screenings are legal – they can be quick and simple to arrange. You will likely need a license for your venue, which can be organised through your local council, and a licence for each film you screen, which can be organised by C Fylm or by booking with the film distributor.
If you’re planning to set hot food or alcoholic drinks, you may need an extra licence for this too.
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Pick your first film!
Now for the fun part – choosing your films! You might want to ask people in your community to vote for what they’d like to watch, or your team could decide your programme – it’s up to you. Once you’ve chosen your films, you can contact C Fylm or the distributor to arrange a licence for your screenings. Make sure you book in advance to give yourself plenty of time to advertise them!
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Tell people about your event
Which brings us neatly to… advertising your event. Telling people about your exciting new cinema can be really rewarding! There are lots of ways to market your events, many of which are completely free. If you’re organising a C Fylm club we will create a poster for you to put up in your community, and we’ll send out a newsletter to the C Fylm membership.
You can also advertise your event locally through Parish and Village newsletters, flyers and word of mouth – tell your friends!
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Screen your first film event
The big day is finally here! After testing your equipment with the film before the event starts, it’s time to transform your venue into a cinema. Close the blinds, set up your seats (checking to make sure no ones head will be blocking the projector!) and prepare any drinks and snacks. You could also decorate your venue to match the theme of your film.
Once everything is in place, all that’s left to do is welcome your new audience to an amazing cinema experience that will bring your whole community together.
Are you thinking of running a cinema in your community in Cornwall? For help and advice, contact Imogen, our C Fylm Projector Co-ordinator.