Keyframe-Cinema Screening Platform FAQs
Keyframe-Cinema is an online web resource that allows Electronic Music filmmakers to share their movies with fans, film buffs, and festivals. These Electronic Music films are then licensed to Screening Partners that organize community film screenings.
This is not a place where people can stream or buy films since this website is designed only for facilitating physical film screenings.
This catalog of Electronic Music films aims to document and preserve the evolution of the culture through community screenings (public, university, film festivals, etc).
FAQ for Screening Partners
*How do I download a film?
We will send you the DVD or film digitally. Or you will receive the film directly from Topspin Media (our fulfillment center) after your registration and payment of the screening fee.
*How much memory space is required?
It all depends on the film, usually around 1 to 2 GIGS.
*What about connecting to a projector and sound?
Always test the film you will play on your computer after you download it. Be sure to test the film again at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled screening.
Your computer must be compatible and connected with the projector and sound (speakers) being used for the screening. At least 24 hours prior to your screening, verify that your Audio and Visual (or a/v) hook ups are compatible with the venue’s equipment. Schedule a time when you can check this compatibility with the venue.
Contact us if you have problems with playing the film and we will help you troubleshoot (Don’t wait until the last minute; test the film when we send you the link).
*How do I secure a venue?
Research venue options and figure out renting logistics. i.e Does the venue require a deposit, is it a split of the door, are the terms contingent on fees per attendees, etc.
Find out what the theater would charge for use. Some theaters have different rates for different days – so cost for use on a Tuesday may be less than a Friday night ticket.
Once you have established the fee to secure screening rights to show the film and cost of renting theater venue, set the cost of admission. Cover your upfront costs, start by making a best guess regarding attendance.
For example – If you’re expecting 50-80 people, start by dividing the overhead cost by the lowest expected number. Now you know the minimum number of tickets that you have to sell to cover your costs. Admission fees range from $5 to $20 (more if you have an after party and/or Q&A associated with the event).
*Do I have to screen in a movie theater?
No, but you are welcome to (will be pricey). Art houses, clubs, galleries, universities and studios are your best choices.
*What’s an Art House?
A movie theater that specializes in films that are artistic or experimental rather than merely entertaining.
Art house are often set up to host community events such as one time screenings. Working with community art house may also allow you more time to schedule extended Q&A’s, Workshops, Receptions, After Parties, etc. These may also include support from local film societies.
*What are good alternative venues?
Library, yoga studio, art galleries, nightclub, bar, cafe, bookstores, universities, local colleges, film clubs, or recreational centers. These often have presentation spaces such as auditoriums or areas that you can reserve for free or rent for a small fee. Often some of these presentation spaces have screens and projectors available as well (make sure to check).
If you have your own projector you may be able to set up a screening in a small local cafe, book store or other similar local business. If you don’t have a projector, sounds, and/or screen, please make sure to rent or buy one (It’s your responsibility to make sure these are in place).
Wherever you screen, consider adding the venue as an event sponsor – printing their logo and offering promotions on your social network event page, thanking them in emails, etc. This can help to build community and makes for a very effective trade offering.
*How do I build an audience?
After you have secured screening rights, paid the screening fee, secured the venue and verified any additional content (guest Q&A, etc), create an event on a Social Networking site (FB, meetup, etc) and invite attendees. Use the event page (plus your email list) to inform those who you’ve invited about the subject matter of the film you are screening and details of the event.
Can I screen the same film more than once? Each screening agreement is specific to just one screening. Multiple screenings require a “Multiple Screening” agreement.
*What about posters, promotions and other materials?
Once you have signed up to host a screening and paid the basic screening fee, you will receive a link to download the film and a basic digital press kit which may include a poster.
*Where to Promote my screening?
Online
Social Networking resources such as MeetUp, Facebook and other social media and networking sites. Post links to your online event page(s) along with basic information including Film Title, Director credit (‘Directed by…’), brief synopsis, screening date, time, location, cost of admission and any enhanced content (workshops, Q&A, Reception, etc.)
Reference the film’s EPK for wording, reviews and information about the film you are screening.
Be sure to include links to:
*Your event page on Keyframe-Entertainment
*Your online event page
*Venue webpage
*Sponsor information
Email is a more direct and personal way to invite friends and members of your personal network. Include a personal message with email announcements. You may choose to share what it is you find interesting about the film, include published reviews – whatever you think will motivate those you are emailing to attend and support the screening. Include a digital copy of the event flyer and at the close of each message include relevant links.
Text Messaging is a quick and easy way to remind your personal network that the screening is coming up – be courteous and keep text messages short. Include essential information and link to the event page. For example, “Spread the word: ELECTRONIC AWAKENING is screening this Friday, 8pm at the Pantheon, Tickets $10 – follow this *link* for details – see you there!”
In Print
Hang posters and small flyers on community boards in local cafes, diners, book stores, Art House theaters, Art Galleries, markets, libraries, etc. Bring your own tape, thumbtacks and small magnets to hang print announcements with. Be sure to check with the space manager before hanging posters or leaving promotional materials.
*What should I charge for admission?
The cost of admission should be set to cover screening fees, venue and related expenses (such as a travel stipend for a guest presenter) + revenue for your efforts.
Here’s an example: if screening fees are $150, theater rental is $500 and guest presenter travel stipend is $500, then your revenue goal for the screening is $1,150. Supposing your venue has a capacity of 180 seats, $10 admission would generate $1,800, more than needed cover your basic costs, if you sell out. In this sold-out scenario, you would have enough funds to front screening fees for your next community film event.
Not all venues have 180 seats and not all screenings will sell out. In the above scenario, you would need to sell at least 115 tickets at $10 each to break even.
If you’re not confident that you’ll fill the theater or sell 100 tickets, consider these options:
– Increase the cost of admission. Remember most people don’t expect to pay more than $10-$15 for a night at the movies. Enhanced content such as the Q&A or an after party can also add to the value of your admission cost.
– Reduce up front costs – Rather than paying a travel stipend, remotely host a Q&A over Skype/Google Hang-Out, etc (if this is compatible with your venue and technology).
If your venue is free, consider lowering the cost of admission and increasing the size of your audience. This might be especially effective if your just beginning to host screenings as it helps to promote and spread the word about the films you are showing.
*What is involved in hosting a Q&A? (Taking your event to the next level, bringing the film off the screen and enhancing the audience experience)?
Inviting the film’s Director to speak with the audience or a person affiliated with the film (Or Skype) to engage the audience after the screening in a Question and Answer session is a great way to enrich the content of your screening event and add value to your admission costs.
Bringing a guest from out of town you may want to purchase a flight / hotel room or find a comfortable community space where your guest can be housed while in town. Rather than offering to cover all travel expenses, consider offering a travel stipend or setting a limit on what will be reimbursed. This makes it easier to budget for having a guest.
Make sure your guest knows if they will have to cover their own meals and transportation while in town. Offer them a list of local restaurants and markets. To be sure they arrive on time, you may want to personally arrange their transportation to/from the venue. You may also want to arrange to pick up and drop off at the airport, train or bus station.
Have funds to cover agreed-upon costs for your guest available in advance. Do not rely on the event to cover costs after the fact (appreciate if it works out this way, but anticipate out of pocket costs up front).
Skype / Google Hang-Out – As an alternative to travel, consider offering the Q&A remotely by Skype, Google Hang-out or other online video conference services. This saves on costs associated with travel and still serves the purpose of connecting the audience more deeply with the subject matter of the film. Be sure the venue where you are hosting the film is set up to accommodate this. How will audience members relay their questions? Will there be a mic set up? How will the Video conference session be viewed by the audience?, etc.
Source Locally – Find a local community member who relates to the subject matter of the film you are screening and invite them to be a guest presenter with your film. This person may also host a remote Q&A with the film’s Director. Offer trade value, promote your local Presenter on-line and in print materials.
Workshops – Consider hosting a workshop related to the subject matter of the film you are screening. Invite a local community member to direct or curate the workshop presenter(s). Be sure to factor in any associated costs to your admission pricing. Source locally and grow the network of your home town community!
After Parties / Receptions – Hosting a small party or reception at the same or a nearby venue after the screening is a great way to continue building community around your events. A reception is particularly nice if you have a guest presenter in town.
For entertainment, source from local DJ’s, artists, musicians and entertainers. Consider live painting by local artists to commemorate your event. Seek volunteer photographers to add content to your social media and event sites.
Be mindful of your surroundings and considerate of your neighbors. If you’re in a residential area make sure the music and crowd noise is not in conflict with local noise ordinances. Consider recruiting volunteers to help manage the door, or clean up after the event is finished.
*I’ve just screened the film, now what?
Rate, review, share what you’ve learned with other Keyframe-Cinema Screening Partners on our Facebook page.
Troubleshooting / Technical Difficulties
Try restarting your computer.
Be sure the file is completely downloaded before you hit play.
Test the download prior to screening the film.
Check all the sound and volume through the settings on your computer (and cables).
Check all sound and volume settings on the projector and through external connections as well.
If technical difficulties still exist, you can e-mail us directly.
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