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Plan a Film Event
Never planned a film screening before? Don't have tons of interesting speakers in your Rolodex? Worried about an empty auditorium? Don't fret-Campus Progress is here to help. We've compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (and their answers) to make sure that your campus Iraq Film series is interesting, well-attended, and most of all, stress-free for you. If you have any other questions or concerns that aren't addressed below, please feel free to email iraq@campusprogress.org. Thanks for all of your hard work in making this event a huge success on campus!
Q. How do I begin planning for the event?
A. Follow these steps:
1) Contact Arielle at afleisher@americanprogress.org with the following information: name, email, phone, and college campus.
2) Get by with a little help from your friends. The first thing you want to do is try to find other people or organizations to help you plan the event. This will take some of the logistical work off your shoulders, and will help guarantee better turnout when it comes time to publicize the event. It will also make the event more inclusive and the post-screening discussion, if you have one, more interesting - look for a range of campus groups that can bring diverse perspectives to the table.
3) Timing is everything. Together, decide how many/which movies you would like to screen. This will give you a better sense of what time the event should start, and whether it can all happen on one day.
4) Location, location, location. Next, you will need to find a venue for your film screening. Booking a campus lecture hall or auditorium is probably your best bet, since student organizations often get the room for free or at a good discount. You may also want to try asking a Political Science or Middle Eastern studies professor to help you book a location, because professors often have privileges that students don't. Be ambitious but realistic about the size of the room; as with any event, you are better off packing people in than seeing a sea of empty seats.
Q. How do we get the films?
A. The films are all provided to you by Campus Progress for free. All you have to do is let us know what films you would like to screen and we will ship them to you for free.
Q. What are the best dates/times to hold the film screening(s)?
A. You can hold your film screening any time during the semester. When choosing a date, be sure to check your school's calendar for holidays, breaks and university events that might potentially conflict with your event. Also, try to avoid times when students are in class-evenings are probably best.
Q. Where is the best place to have the screening(s)?
A. As stated above, lecture halls and auditoriums are good places to hold your screening. However, any place that is near campus and/or convenient for students will work just fine. Just make sure that the venue size is the right fit for your expected audience.
Q. How can I find speakers to come out for my event? What are the logistics involved with getting a speaker?
A. Campus Progress can help you bring a range of speakers to your campus: veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, film directors, activists, and policy experts who can discuss the escalating crisis in Iraq. Just try to give us as much notice as possible (minimum 2-3 weeks is ideal) and we will do everything we can to accommodate your request.
Q. What are the best ways to publicize the event on campus and in my local community?
A. Use a number of outreach methods to get the word out about your event. There's nothing more nerve-wracking than an intriguing film and dynamic speaker, but an empty audience! Here are some suggestions:
Flyering. Create a flier which includes date, time and location of the event, as well as the titles of the films, the names of the speakers, and any co-sponsoring organizations. You should also make sure to mention the all-important FREE FOOD (if you choose to serve refreshments), as that is a guaranteed draw for students. If you would like to reduce your work and use a handy Campus Progress flier template, please email iraq@campusprogress.org. View an example of the Iraq flyer here:
Once you have your fliers, hang them in high-traffic areas on campus (in the student union, classroom buildings, dorms, on kiosks and bulletin boards, etc).
Facebook/MySpace. Advertise your event using Facebook and MySpace. It's a fast, easy way to reach hundreds of people without leaving your dorm room. Also, you can track how many people are coming using the RSVP tool.
Press. Send a media advisory about the event to campus and local publications. This will increase your chances of having a reporter cover the event, and possibly interview the speaker, guests or members of your organization. Also, Campus Progress will be sending out media advisories about the event to our press contacts, so please make sure to email the details of your event (date, time, venue, speakers, films being screened, etc) to iraq@campusprogress.org. If you have the funding, you can also take out an advertisement in a local paper.
Email. Blast emails out to relevant student organizations, students, faculty, classes, and local groups. Certain departments (like political science) might also be willing to send a mass email to all the students and faculty on their list servs.
Target professors. Be sure to notify relevant academic departments and programs. You can hit the attendance jackpot if you find a professor who is willing to give extra credit to students that attend your event, or at least urge them to show up.
Q. Can I serve food at the event?
A. Campus Progress will reimburse you for up to $150 worth of food for the event (just make sure to save your receipts!). If you would like to order pizza for the event, please email iraq@campusprogress.org to set that up.