Have you been thinking about building a cinema in your community? This can be an extremely exciting business idea and one that will benefit many people. However, it’s important to remember that this is a business and it will cost you money to set up and run. Below we’re going to cover the steps involved in starting your own community cinema.
1. Build a Strong Team
The first thing that you’ll need to do is build a strong team. At the very least you will need people to help you with accounting, marketing, buying equipment and booking films. With this team in place, you will then need to look at potential venues in your community. These don’t have to be traditional cinemas, as you can customize the venue for your needs. Most community cinemas hold screenings once or twice a month, but it’s wise to pick somewhere that can be upscaled if it is a hit with your community.
2. Consider the Costs
Next, you’ll need to consider the costs. Your main costs will include the venue and licenses, film booking and licenses, and any equipment you need for the space. At a minimum here, you’ll need a good projector and sound system, some cinema seating, and things like cash registers and concession stands. Check out Seating Concepts for your cinema seating, and ask a local gadget/technology store for their advice on the projector you’ll need. You may want to hold a community fundraiser to help pay for the above costs, or you could charge an entrance fee to recoup them at a later date.
3. Obtain Your Licenses
It is illegal to screen a movie in a community setting without the proper licenses. You will need a license for each film you screen, which can usually be purchased from your film distributor. You will also need a license for your venue, which can be obtained from the local council. You may also want to invest in insurance to protect you should anybody get injured while on the premises. Also, if you plan to serve alcoholic drinks, you will also need to obtain a license for this.
4. Start Marketing
Once you have all of the above in place, you can choose your first film and start marketing it. How you choose the first film is up to you, but you could ask the people in your community to vote on what they want to see to build up some buzz. With the film chosen, you can hand out printed flyers, leave posters in shops or on advertisement boards, set up a website, and also use social media. Word of mouth advertising will also be beneficial for a community cinema.
When the day of the first screening arrives, be sure to greet your community with big smiles and an open heart. This could be the first of many great screenings, and you will become known in your area for your services. We hope it goes well!
