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"It is an opportunity for you, your cast, your crew, your friends, your investors, your contributors and your followers to pause and acknowledge the extraordinary achievement that you have completed".

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I have made many films, including four feature films and one Oscar shortlisted film (pic right, from the 1998 premiere of my feature film Urban Ghost Story)
Every one of them has had an 'event' premiere. I highly recommend you do the same for your film too.
A few weeks back I held the premiere for 50 Kisses. It was an extraordinary evening that everyone present will forever remember. We also ran it as the first night of our limited theatrical release, securing a HUGE screen average for the week and BREAKING EVEN on the release. Blog on that HERE.

So I suggest you say goodbye to Sunday morning cast and crew screenings for free, and say hello to a red carpet, black tie EVENT that begins your journey into exhibition like you really mean it.

Major movies run cast and crew screenings regularly on Sunday mornings, reserving the red carpet premiere for high profile cast, executives, celebrities and journalists. I get why this happens on a Harry Potter movie, but we don't have $100m budgets for our films - so why treat your cast and crew like second class citizens by 'celebrating' all their hard work by inviting them to a poor mans excuse for a premiere and cheap screening?

You and your team have bust your guts making your film, often for years, so celebrate your achievement in style!
Because... a movie premiere is a rite of passage.
And it should be acknowledged as such. Just like a wedding, birth, Bar Mitzvah and death would be. It's a marker in your life that needs to be recognised.
It is an opportunity for you, your cast, your crew, your friends, your investors, your contributors and your followers to pause and acknowledge the extraordinary achievement that you have completed.
I cannot stress enough the importance of this 'rite of passage'.

Second, I believe you should run this premiere as a commercial event. Or at least, an event that does not lose money.

You should charge money for tickets. Even for cast and crew. Of course if you behaved like an asshole during production, none of your cast and crew will come. But if you led from the front, with courage and with integrity, most people will want to be a part of the premiere experience.

Yes I know this is controversial, and I get there will be exceptions to this strategy, BUT I also feel the argument that the film industry ALWAYS has free screenings for the cast and crew is a ridiculous argument, especially today. We are part of a new wave where we are daily re-inventing the industry. Why not re-invent the approach to a premiere? Bottom line, like every aspect of your low budget film, you want to be working to paying off debt and reducing costs and NOT pouring more money in the sink hole.

Ultimately it's about giving people a world class evening, one that they will enjoy and remember forever, and one that the smart people will use as PR on their websites, blogs, social media etc.

The Premiere is the first night of your theatrical release, boosting those all important weekend numbers. Looking at 50 Kisses, our one screening out performed a number of other films that week, including the British iFeatures '8 Minutes Idle' (I have not seen) which took £2,412 from four sites during a full week. In comparison, '50 Kisses' took£9,453 from one screening alone. '8 Minutes Idle' also had at least a £40k P&A spend (£20k raised on Kickstarter and £20k match funds promised, though I cannot be sure the match funding ever appeared). Yes I get that 50 Kisses had a much larger group of engaged filmmakers, actors and writers which did give us an edge in the comparison game. Remember, you don't get 100% of the box office takings - 20% comes off the top for VAT, then the exhibitor takes their split (usually between 75% to 50% in their favour), then distributor takes a split and the balance goes to paying off costs... after all that, you get your split. Here's how we did it in detail for 50 Kisses... CLICK HERE

4. DON'T Premiere at a Film Festival
Continuing to use '8 Minutes Idle' as an example... from what I can see they had a 'preview' at the Bath Film Festival. Given the film was made in Bristol, I suspect most cast and crew will have gone to that screening and was pitched as an un-official premiere. While it's awesome that someone else takes care of all the logistics and runs the event for you, even platforming your film, my experience of festivals is patchy at best. Some are awesome, some lacklustre and some shameful. I have no doubt that the Bath preview was a splendid event. I am also pretty sure that, along with 99% of other festivals, they took 100% of the box office. I don't know that this happened for a fact, but what I do know is that the VAST MAJORITY of festivals will keep all box office. I really do hope that Bath did share some of the box office with the filmmakers.

So once you are sure you film is complete, that you can get all your ducks in a row (posters, DCP, BBFC etc) you can set a date. I would argue three months is a minimum, although we had just six weeks for 50 Kisses (We were locked into the Valentines theme so needed to fix a date sooner than I would have liked). The exhibitor (cinema) will pretty much insist on this anyway. Once you have your date, get marketing to your email group and through social media channels.

all create an evening worth attending. Make it more than just 'the film' and ensure all your marketing messages are consistent and professional. Consider most people will happily spend £20 - £50 on a good night out. We charged £20 for the 50 Kisses premiere and for friends, family and people just interested, it represented an AMAZING night out. Movie premieres are not as common as nightclubs, curry houses and pubs. Don't underestimate this as a major draw to non industry folk who half know you or one of your friends... as long as it looks like an AMAZING night out. And please, please, please deliver on your promise.

Running a film premiere and release is not cheap. First, you might be working with a distributor, and if you are, I would argue VERY strongly that you have the right take the full share of box office from the premiere. Here is why. Run this event well and you should be able to cover the costs of DCP mastering of your film, BBFC classification and poster design and printing. Maybe even more. If you agree to pay for all those elements, that's a BIG chunk of change that the distributor does not need to stump up and subsequently recoup. It means you are MUCH closer to the distributor breaking even than if you let them deal with everything. At the 50 Kisses premiere, we took nearly £10k and you can see how that broke down 8. Budget / Costs / Recoupment
HERE.

10. Marketing Elements
In the run up, you will need to supply the usual marketing stuff like stills from the film, a press pack, and other useful information. Once you have it, hit the phones and get calling journalists, newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, magazines (assuming its not too late for their lead in). Do not underestimate the value of old school press. We live in an age where social media is revered as the way forward, and many of us forget the traditional channels that have existed for decades. Ironically, these channels are also hungry for good stories, so call you local radio station and newspaper and pitch the premiere to them. The press page for 50 Kisses is HERE.

18. Your speech
OK so you need to introduce your film. There is no dodging this. And you shouldn't, this is your time to shine. As I said at the start, this event is also a rite of passage, and during the introduction to the film, you will really 'get' what you have achieved. The audience will 'get' that you 'get it' too, and that is HUGE. So prepare to get emotional on stage, and if you do, let it all out... it's part of the event and it's wonderful. Remember to thank the important people too. Write your thank you speech a few weeks before the premiere as you will keep updating it with people you need thank, but for one reason or another, you had previously forgotten. Keep you speech short, but not too short. You can be tad indulgent here, but only a tad. Five or ten mins max is fine. Check with the venue that they have microphones too. Remember to give all the glory away to your team. It's they who made the film great - the actors, the crew, the financier, the office team. Get them all to stand and give them a cheer and round of applause.

Then hit the bar and shake as many hands as possible, again backing up your key call to action in person.

Overnight, get your photographer to send you the pictures, ideally edited, graded and converted to emailable JPGs. Then get them up onto a channel such as Flickr (I use Flickr and DropBox) in hi res and share the links. Also upload to Facebook albums and get sharing. Most people who are active on Social Media will now share these images and RAVE about the experience and hopefully the film - ideally baked up with your call to action... 'One weekend to see the film at this venue...' Check out our photos
HERE.

OK...
While I appreciate that not everyone will be comfortable asking people to buy premiere tickets, I have learned over many years that the secret to success and survival is by making tough choices at every stage. Big and grand gestures in the moment feel awesome, but the following day, if the bank balance is in the red, all the love will quickly dissipate and the bailing out begins. By running a premiere in this way, we will all begin the exhibition, exploitation and distribution of our films from a position of strength and not a negative bank balance. That is REALLY cool. Above all, remember that when someone says 'I should have a ticket for free'Make the distinction. Either you pay for it (think £2k to £5k) or the costs are split among everyone attending. In my experience, most people are happy once they 'get' that it's either £20 for them of £5k for you. Good luck and see you at YOUR premiere! , they are just talking about a DIFFERENT industry, not the low to no budget film industry we are working in. Onwards and upwards!
And I want to just thank and acknowledge distributor David Wilkinson whose help in getting 50 Kisses to the big screen was instrumental. He remains a pillar of the British indie film scene.

Chris Jones
Filmmaker, Author and Firewalk Instructor
My IMDb www.IMDb.com
My Twitter @LivingSpiritPix
My Facebook www.Facebook.com

What am I doing now?
Directing splinter unit on Mission: Impossible 8
Exec producing The Enfield Poltergeist

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How to organise, run and host a successful film premiere: Top 21 Tips

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I have made many films, including four feature films and one Oscar shortlisted film (pic right, from the 1998 premiere of my feature film Urban Ghost Story) Every one of them has had an 'event'...

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Ball string lights feature in the film and along the XOYO road. These could be strung around the rooftop with, on colour scheme, colours.

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Prompt: "please put 7 high tables around the astroturf to stand at with purple, yellow lights in lanterns. Make the sky night time and put purple ball lights hanging around the space."

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In this article, it focuses on the best strategies for distribution of the film after or during post-production.

It mentions how getting shown at festivals, all over socials, if it has a campaign link to get the word out.

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"Ask for Angela is a short film based on the hospitality campaign of being able to ask for help when feeling uncomfortable in a public setting. We wanted to spread the awareness of stories that effect many people every weekend, as we follow Amelia and Finn celebrating Amelia's 21st birthday. Things take a turn for the worse."

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The Mailbox, 116 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RF 

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Full venue hire

Max capacity 140 for screen viewing

Offer catering and bar

HDMI Laptop connection

Located new cherry reds venue

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A more formal comfortable approach. Very classy and professional.

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Porfessional and high class

Only downfall is the quotation of £2000

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Located right by XOYO

Max seating for 90

Bae area with 30 seated and 50 standing with optional Sobremesa bar next door.

WAITING ON PRICE......

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Located 17-18 Lower Trinity St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AG

Just down by Mockingbird

Open Thurs (7pm-10pm) - sat (8pm-late)

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DON'T JUST TAKE
OUR WORD FOR IT

I cannot recommend the Night Owl enough as the perfect party venue! The staff were all friendly and helpful, especially Annabel for whom nothing was too much trouble - we even created our own personalised cocktails for the night! The venue is an ideal party size, with quirky, fun decor and affordable drinks. All our guests loved the Night Owl and said it was the best 21st venue they had been to!

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The Midlands only Northern Soul and Motown Bar

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Will works there so potential for free hire

right by Mockingbird venue

if hired out for 90 people, would the space be to roomy, makes more sense to have a slightly crowded feeling.

https://xoyobirmingham.co.uk/spaces

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Colour scheme of purples, blacks and blues

Font =

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Ideally, I can have influence on the drinks menu for the venue with access to there supplies.

I have included this request on venue hire enquires.

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Things that we can suit for the colour theme would be the drinks from flavour and frequency, the Photo opt area, and promotion on socials and posters.

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Sketchup model of proposed event with twinmotion

walk through video

Press kit designed with design for cheaper model

Drinks menu design

rough budget identified (inc venue hire, drinks costs, printing costs)

AFA poster wall in InDesign

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The aim for this event/Film Premiere is for networking with Directors, Screen Writers and all walks of the film industry.

-Pormotion on instagram and mainly invited guests

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Put the word out there for people familiar with the film to come and watch the premiere.

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A lot of the people involved with the filim will know a lot of people also in the industry that they can bring along and introduce to others.

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Venue Hire = £400

Drinks costs =

Printing of program costs =

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The national scheme that helps anyone who is feeling vulnerable on a night out to get the support they need. What is Ask For Angela? Information for members of the public including how the scheme works and links to partner apps and support.

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Can print them off and have around XOYO, make a deal about giving them out to other clubs to have outside the doors, or maybe print loads and cover a huge wall for promotional reasons.

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Budget for feature films in london run at £8,000 for lower end and £108,000 for high end

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This will feature at the after party and will encourage photo opportunities for promotion of the event and give that hire end feel with a low price.

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Red Carpet, VIP & Awards Carpets for Hire - BE Event Hire

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Genuine red carpet with an ivory felt backing that is 1 metre wide with bound edges so no fraying edges and comes in either 5 metre or 10 metre lengths.

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Fabric store closing down could get some very cheap fabric from here.

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Something minimal but effective for photos

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These sorts of products could be a feature of the night, maybe having some companys support it as we promote there products.

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BBC

Contact ReelBrum to feature on their page and potentially put a fund towards the premiere

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These are around £100 for 500 of these. This is something we can work in the budget and if i get ahold of the company could swindle it cheaper if we promote there product.

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DrinkSafe Anti Spiking Covers available online. Supplied with fast delivery!

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Get in contact with Georgia Harrison as she is an advocate for womens safety (long shot but will try)

Tom Holland has his own brand of zero percent alcohol that could feature within the menu or just as a sponsor

AFA charities to attend, mainly at the premiere than the after party

Hollie and paul

Birmingham based directors/producers

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RSVP

Dress code

Location, Time, Date

info of after party

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For the after party, tickets can be sold to extraneous attendees like non-cast/crew. Payment for tickets will be before the event which leaves no discussion for attendees to be like "why do we have to pay".

This would ideally help with budget.

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Budget money will come from crowd funds on the campaign/film instagram.

Funding from potential film companies that I will contact

Funds from fund organisations

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After the premiere, within the mockingbird bar area, or if easier could be held in the screening room, a little Q+A run by will and liv (producer and director) and others who feel like they have answers for questions.

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I have been in contact with the company to ask if they would like to feature and for us to promote there brand throughout the evening.

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The original StopTopps are versatile drink-protectors that have been designed to deter drink spikers. They are suitable for any drinking vessel commonly found in pubs and clubs, including cans, bottles and glasses.

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Makes sense to base the drinks on women's favourite drinks / the demographic of the evening is based on women and there struggles going out

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Makes sense to base the drinks on women's favourite drinks / the demographic of the evening is based on women and there struggles going out

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This poster was featured in a unisex loo. But I have noticed that most if not all AFA posters are in women's loos and never in men's. This demonstrates the demographic is aimed at women mainly. The audience aim for this event and film would be at women but that's if the event was open to the public which it isn't.

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Top 10 Best Cocktails For Ladies To Sip In Style - GINferno

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Looking for a delicious range of cocktails for ladies? Look no further! We have specially curated the top 10 cocktails that are sure to impress any palate!

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LinkedIn "what makes a successful film premiere"

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LinkedIn "what makes a successful film premiere"

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1

Know your goals

2

Create a press kit

3

Promote your event

4

Prepare your presentation

5

Host your event

6

Follow up

7

Here’s what else to consider

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What are the best practices for creating a successful film premiere event?

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Learn how to create a film premiere event that showcases your film and impresses your guests. Follow these best practices for setting goals, creating a press kit, promoting your event, and more.

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Imagine the buzz and excitement of hosting your own film premiere. We guide you through the requirements of running a film event

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1. Analyse an appropriate body of published research/ professional output in order to identify a research proposal.

2. Select and apply appropriate methods, underpinned by relevant debates, theories and practice, to develop a response to the defined proposal.

3. Synthesise the knowledge gained from your activities, in order to demonstrate a resolution that is evaluative and appropriate to the specialism.

4. Successfully communicate the results of your inquiry giving consideration to appropriate and relevant academic, ethical and professional requirements.

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Most of this article focuses on the short film festival industry.

It is an important read as "ask for angela" was top three in Leeds short film festival.

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Truthfulness: Presenting information accurately and honestly, avoiding deception or misrepresentation

Accuracy: Ensuring that facts, figures, and details are correct and verifiable

Fairness: Treating all subjects and perspectives with impartiality and balance

Respect for privacy: Protecting individuals' personal information and respecting their right to privacy (unless there is a compelling public interest)

Minimizing harm: Avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm or distress to individuals or communities

Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions, and being willing to explain or justify them

Serving the public interest: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of the public over personal or organizational interests

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Things that we can suit for the colour theme would be the drinks from flavour and frequency, the Photo opt area, and promotion on socials and posters.

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This was the top of a few lists of Top women's drinks.

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Mix vodka, lemon juice and triple sec, shaken with ice to make this refreshing lemon drop cocktail. Dip the rim of the glass in sugar to impress party guests

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talks with will (director) about supplying our own canned cocktails with resealable lids if the anti-spiking lid products doesn't want participation.

Lou has contact with a canning company and will has a contact with china products.

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The rise of the resealable can end - CanTech International

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Ryan Stevens, senior product engineer at Top Cap Holding, explains the development process of the Click Cap resealable innovation for beverage cans

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21st birthday for Georgina

Georgina and her friends and one male friend go clubbing

male at club approaches Georgina and harasses her

Male friend intervenes and ends up getting spiked

story then follows him collapsing at club and ends up in hospital and his struggles grasping what happened and why it happened

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This company is a big water supplier in can form and have introduced the resealable products.Having these will limit plastic use and having throw away cups at clubs. It also reduces spiking through drinks.

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XOYO in Birmingham has limited accessibility with no step-free access from the entrance and box office to the main room or Room 2, due to 13 stairs. However, a sloped entrance on Adderley Street provides step-free access to the main performance space and accessible viewing area.

Potencial for a live stream event of it or QR to live stream? (but will this just loose the atmosphere and just state that this is a rooftop party with no step-free access)

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Hiring products and features instead of buying will support local companies

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Printed booklet of each proposal and screen playing walkthrough (headphones that can feature music???)

Little like roof made up like xoyo above the screen

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94 seats (90 chairs, 4 disabled seats)

Two fire door exits

Wheelchair access suitable and 4 seatings

7 rows, 12,12,12,13,13,13,15

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Audience ffor a film premiere about AFA and not specific to the client

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Audience ffor a film premiere about AFA and not specific to the client

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Primary Audience

1. Young Adults (18–35)

Especially those who frequent nightlife venues

University and college students

Socially active professionals

2. Hospitality and Nightlife Industry Staff

Bartenders, bouncers, servers, venue managers

Venue owners who can implement the campaign

3. Campaign Supporters & Advocates

Gender equality advocates

Anti-harassment activists

Public safety organizations

Secondary Audience

4. Law Enforcement & Public Policy Officials

Community safety officers

Local government representatives

Policy influencers in public health and safety

5. Education Sector Representatives

School/college counselors

Student union leaders

Health & wellbeing officers

Tertiary Audience

6. Media & Press

Local news, entertainment reporters

Influencers in nightlife, culture, and safety

7. Filmmakers & Creatives

Especially those interested in social impact media

Festival curators and documentary enthusiasts

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SpikeStixx | Drink Spike Tests & Detector Kits | CounterSpike

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Sip safer with SpikeStixx, CounterSpike’s reliable drink spike tests. Protect yourself and ensure safe nights out with this drinks spiking detector kit.

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This is where all the guests will gather and mingle before the premiere.

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"the pinky purple was their fun side of the night (everything's great) and then the yellow comes in after the spiking for the uncomfortable vibes"

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Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color — Smashing Magazine

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Let’s dive into color theory. We’ll discuss the meanings behind the different color families, and give some examples of how these colors are used.

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Using props from the film is a low budget way of decor for the afterparty

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Using props from the film is a low budget way of decor for the afterparty

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Having photo ops with props from the film.