distribution

helpful hints for holding a video screening

a place
best (and easiest) place to hold a screening is somewhere that already has a video player set up: film clubs, schools, colleges, libraries, community groups, pubs etc. Failing that, you can bring your own equipment to somewhere like: alternative bookshop, cafe, tent, even your front room. if you're feeling really enthusiastic, you could try and arrange some time in a local cinema: independents are more likely to go for it. we can supply a better-quality tape (than VHS) if they need one.

a date
the mass-screenings are taking place on 19/20 june this year (the anniversary of the verdict). obviously this is the best time, but if you can't do it then, anytime is good. most people are going for the friday or saturday evening, but sat afternoon would also work.

a price
it's up to you whether you want to charge or not. obviously you may have costs you need to cover or you may like to raise funds for your local group or the McLibel Support Campaign. One-Off Productions is badly in debt after making the film, so we wouldn't say no if you wanted to collect donations to send to us.

advertising
as McDonald's know, advertising is all important. some ideas: local listings papers (need a couple of weeks advance notice), college notice boards, health food shops, alternative magazines, email lists, websites. Also, don't forget to stick up the loverly poster we've included (the Śnow showing' box is for you to write your screening's details in). Obviously, you can photocopy the poster and plaster them all over town and/or make your own flyers to pass around. please don't forget to let us know about your screening as we're compiling a list to advertise on the website and possibly in the national press.

press
your local press may well like the idea of a local group taking part in a national mass-screening of a supressed film - especially when they can tie it to the anniversary of the trial and the upcoming appeal. we've enclosed a sample press release for you to adapt and send to the local papers, as well as college/school/alternative mags.

buying & selling
order a copy of the film from us as soon as possible. might be a good idea to buy several sale-or-return copies of the film at the same time, which you can then sell after the screening. also, let us know how many extra flyers you'd like to give to people who want to order their own copies after attending the screening. they're pretty heavy, so if you wants loads, please include some extra postage money. if you'd like copies of leaflets to give out at the screening, contact the McLibel Support Campaign.

technical
the most important thing to do is check out the equipment before the screening - whether it's your own or comes with the room. is the tape OK? how's the colour/balance/contrast? get the biggest TV you can. make sure the screen can be seen from all the chairs. get a good sound level that everyone can hear. 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.

double bill
you may like to make the evening more of an event by having a Q & A session after the screening (could invite a local activist, a McDonald's employee or even your local McDonald's manager). you could also make it a double bill with a complimentary film: Undercurrents, the M11 movie, another documentary, whatever. if it's going to be a long night, bring along some refreshments to sell: popcorn might be a laugh.

any questions
contact us on oops@spanner.org.