SCREENING GUIDE: Part Four
THE DAY OF THE EVENT
When it all comes together
Concluding Remarks: How You Can Help
Your tech person should set up the projection and sound equipment early enough to have ample time to test them. Keep in mind that a full house will alter the acoustics so you may need to increase the volume as needed. Quality audio has a major impact on the viewing experience. Time spent getting this right really makes a difference.
Depending on the size of the venue, you may need a microphone for the introduction and post-film discussion. Be sure to test the sound on the mic ahead of time as well.
The quality of the audience experience depends on having a smooth running screening with no technical difficulties. We recommend having the tech rehearsal at least 2-3 hours in advance. This will allow enough time to correct any unforseen problems, and give all involved a sense of confidence going into the screening.
Be there at least an hour ahead of time. Set up your chairs, make sure everything is in order. Have an area with tables set up ready for refreshments, if you will be providing them. We recommend that the food and beverage be served after the discussion.
There should also be a table near the exit for any literature you'll be handing out. We find that audience members are generally more receptive to the materials after they have viewed the films.
Start the screening no later than 10 minutes after the advertised start time.
Your opening remarks are your opportunity to offer the audience your respect and your thanks, and to express gratitude for all the volunteers and the groups who made the event possible.
Setting a friendly, welcoming tone is one of the most helpful things you can do to make people feel comfortable. To introduce the film, we recommend you read the message from the filmmakers (below). Then let the audience know there will be a brief discussion after the film and mention the refreshments, if you will be having them.
A message from James LaVeck and Jenny Stein, Producer and Director
“Through the making of our films, we have seen that one person's change of heart can indeed change the world. And it is stories about ordinary people discovering and enacting their deepest values that inspire us both as concerned citizens and as artists. We believe that the telling and re-telling of such stories is vital to our democracy and essential to maintaining our dignity as human beings. We are honored to have this chance to share our work with you, and walk for a moment side by side on the journey toward a more peaceful and compassionate world.
"We would like to offer our deepest thanks to each person who has helped make this event possible, including each member of the audience here today. The issues explored in this film are complex, and no one person has all the answers. It is only by coming together as a community and engaging in positive dialogue that we can we begin to find positive solutions.”
One final note: Many people wonder if mention should be made ahead of time about the imagery depicting animal suffering. Tribe of Heart films have been screened before hundreds of audiences without any special attention to this issue. Remember that our work is carefully designed to help audiences through the experience of taking in the reality of what happens to animals, and most important, to do so in a way that is ultimately inspiring. In fact, audience members often express their appreciation for the sensitive handling of the subject matter of the films.
People may laugh and cry during different scenes. Generally, the larger the group, and the darker the room, the more people will feel free to express their emotions. Depending on the group and the setting, people may also choose not to express their emotions outwardly, though post-screening surveys show that regardless of the group’s collective behavior, as individuals, people are experiencing the film very deeply.
Occasionally an audience member will leave the room during some of the more intense scenes. For some, the viewing experience creates a new awareness that may leave them feeling temporarily overwhelmed. Many times, these same people will return to the film after taking a short break. Remember that feeling and expressing strong emotions in response to suffering and injustice is a natural part of the awakening process.
Wait until the film credits have ended before stopping the film and turning on the lights. This gives people a few moments of transition. Most people need to sit quietly and process what they have just seen. If there is a dimmer option on the lights, keep them relatively soft so as not to 'bump' people out of their thoughts. Remember that watching a Tribe of Heart film is a powerful experience, one that has taken the audience on a deep journey. Many people feel shaken up and a little vulnerable afterwards, as well as feeling inspired.
It often takes a few moments before people feel ready to speak. During these moments you may recognize that the group experience has created a strong sense of community.
Let the audience know that you will now be having a discussion of the film, and that volunteers will be passing out cards and pencils so they can write down their questions and comments. Ask them to raise their hands when they are finished so volunteers can collect their cards.
Comment cards will tell you more about the effect the screening has had than any other thing you can do. This method allows you to hear from every person and also gives those who are too shy to talk a chance to be heard. The feedback on comment cards is also critical to Tribe of Heart's ability to shape our outreach program and develop even better materials and methods for those who hold screenings.
An alternative to the comment cards are audience survey forms. The surveys provide a more detailed record of the audience response, and are particularly useful when the audience for a screening can be identified by some sort of common characteristic, such as high school or college students, members of a certain faith-based group, a women's group, a peace group, employees of a certain company, legislators, etc. Survey feedback collected from such groups has played a key role in Tribe of Heart's outreach work and continues to be extremely useful. If you have questions about which form of feedback would be best for your particular event, contact us.
Once comment cards start coming back, have the volunteers bring them up front so you can quickly look through them and share comments/questions with the audience. This is a great ice breaker. You don't even need to respond to all the questions/comments. It is useful to the audience just to get a feel for what other people are thinking about. Regardless, the comment cards provide a good launch point for your discussion and also set the stage for discussions audience members may have amongst themselves afterwards.
Be Prepared! You should read Tribe of Heart's discussion guide well in advance of your event for more detailed ideas and suggestions about how to make the most of your after-film discussion. Have some brief notes prepared to start the discussion.
More than any specific information you share, what will help people the most at this time is to treat them with respect and kindness. Some people will want to comment. Some will have questions for you. Repeat the questions for the entire audience before you answer.
Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer to a question. The ethical issues of the human-animal relationship are complex and the implications and details of how our society exploits animals is vast. No one of us has all the answers, and each of us has an important piece of the solution.
Try to keep the attention of the group as a whole. If someone seems upset, it can be helpful to acknowledge that these are challenging issues that upset many people. Explain that the goal of the film is to raise the issues and stimulate positive dialogue, and that it is up to each of us to draw our own conclusions.
If someone begins a subject that seems off-topic, ask them to see you afterwards for further discussion.
Don’t let the discussion drag. Generally, 30–45 minutes is the maximum time, but be sensitive to the energy in the room. If there are few questions, segue to the concluding remarks. If the group energy stays up and engaged, don't cut the discussion short, either. Let people know you will be available to talk one-on-one afterwards to answer any remaining questions.
Concluding Remarks: How You Can Help
Most people will want to know what to do to help. How you respond will depend on your audience. The general public might be reminded that a simple change in diet will make a great difference, while an audience of activists will benefit from suggestions for taking steps to educate others in society. For everyone, getting a copy of the film and sharing it with others is a simple and powerful way to make a real difference.
Refer the audience to the Tribe of Heart web site, where there are extensive resources for learning more and for taking action.
Let your audience know how they can order Tribe of Heart films, and tell them that you have materials available to help them learn more about the issues, help them make compassionate changes in their own lives, and connect them to the local groups that work for change.
Thank everyone for coming, and invite them to stay for refreshments.
Contact Tribe of Heart and fill out the screening survey. What you share will be of great value to our community, helping us continue to shape and refine our guidelines so that others will have successful screenings.
Send thank you notes to everyone on your core team and others who helped make the screening possible. And don't forget to give yourself a big pat on the back.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT!
Tribe of Heart thanks you for putting your caring into action. Working together, we can change the world!
THE DAY OF THE EVENT
When it all comes together
Concluding Remarks: How You Can Help
Your tech person should set up the projection and sound equipment early enough to have ample time to test them. Keep in mind that a full house will alter the acoustics so you may need to increase the volume as needed. Quality audio has a major impact on the viewing experience. Time spent getting this right really makes a difference.
Depending on the size of the venue, you may need a microphone for the introduction and post-film discussion. Be sure to test the sound on the mic ahead of time as well.
The quality of the audience experience depends on having a smooth running screening with no technical difficulties. We recommend having the tech rehearsal at least 2-3 hours in advance. This will allow enough time to correct any unforseen problems, and give all involved a sense of confidence going into the screening.
Be there at least an hour ahead of time. Set up your chairs, make sure everything is in order. Have an area with tables set up ready for refreshments, if you will be providing them. We recommend that the food and beverage be served after the discussion.
There should also be a table near the exit for any literature you'll be handing out. We find that audience members are generally more receptive to the materials after they have viewed the films.
Start the screening no later than 10 minutes after the advertised start time.
Your opening remarks are your opportunity to offer the audience your respect and your thanks, and to express gratitude for all the volunteers and the groups who made the event possible.
Setting a friendly, welcoming tone is one of the most helpful things you can do to make people feel comfortable. To introduce the film, we recommend you read the message from the filmmakers (below). Then let the audience know there will be a brief discussion after the film and mention the refreshments, if you will be having them.
| A message from James LaVeck and Jenny Stein, Producer and Director
“Through the making of our films, we have seen that one person's change of heart can indeed change the world. And it is stories about ordinary people discovering and enacting their deepest values that inspire us both as concerned citizens and as artists. We believe that the telling and re-telling of such stories is vital to our democracy and essential to maintaining our dignity as human beings. We are honored to have this chance to share our work with you, and walk for a moment side by side on the journey toward a more peaceful and compassionate world. "We would like to offer our deepest thanks to each person who has helped make this event possible, including each member of the audience here today. The issues explored in this film are complex, and no one person has all the answers. It is only by coming together as a community and engaging in positive dialogue that we can we begin to find positive solutions.” |
One final note: Many people wonder if mention should be made ahead of time about the imagery depicting animal suffering. Tribe of Heart films have been screened before hundreds of audiences without any special attention to this issue. Remember that our work is carefully designed to help audiences through the experience of taking in the reality of what happens to animals, and most important, to do so in a way that is ultimately inspiring. In fact, audience members often express their appreciation for the sensitive handling of the subject matter of the films.
People may laugh and cry during different scenes. Generally, the larger the group, and the darker the room, the more people will feel free to express their emotions. Depending on the group and the setting, people may also choose not to express their emotions outwardly, though post-screening surveys show that regardless of the group’s collective behavior, as individuals, people are experiencing the film very deeply.
Occasionally an audience member will leave the room during some of the more intense scenes. For some, the viewing experience creates a new awareness that may leave them feeling temporarily overwhelmed. Many times, these same people will return to the film after taking a short break. Remember that feeling and expressing strong emotions in response to suffering and injustice is a natural part of the awakening process.
Wait until the film credits have ended before stopping the film and turning on the lights. This gives people a few moments of transition. Most people need to sit quietly and process what they have just seen. If there is a dimmer option on the lights, keep them relatively soft so as not to 'bump' people out of their thoughts. Remember that watching a Tribe of Heart film is a powerful experience, one that has taken the audience on a deep journey. Many people feel shaken up and a little vulnerable afterwards, as well as feeling inspired.
It often takes a few moments before people feel ready to speak. During these moments you may recognize that the group experience has created a strong sense of community.
Let the audience know that you will now be having a discussion of the film, and that volunteers will be passing out cards and pencils so they can write down their questions and comments. Ask them to raise their hands when they are finished so volunteers can collect their cards.
Comment cards will tell you more about the effect the screening has had than any other thing you can do. This method allows you to hear from every person and also gives those who are too shy to talk a chance to be heard. The feedback on comment cards is also critical to Tribe of Heart's ability to shape our outreach program and develop even better materials and methods for those who hold screenings.
An alternative to the comment cards are audience survey forms. The surveys provide a more detailed record of the audience response, and are particularly useful when the audience for a screening can be identified by some sort of common characteristic, such as high school or college students, members of a certain faith-based group, a women's group, a peace group, employees of a certain company, legislators, etc. Survey feedback collected from such groups has played a key role in Tribe of Heart's outreach work and continues to be extremely useful. If you have questions about which form of feedback would be best for your particular event, contact us.
Once comment cards start coming back, have the volunteers bring them up front so you can quickly look through them and share comments/questions with the audience. This is a great ice breaker. You don't even need to respond to all the questions/comments. It is useful to the audience just to get a feel for what other people are thinking about. Regardless, the comment cards provide a good launch point for your discussion and also set the stage for discussions audience members may have amongst themselves afterwards.
Be Prepared! You should read Tribe of Heart's discussion guide well in advance of your event for more detailed ideas and suggestions about how to make the most of your after-film discussion. Have some brief notes prepared to start the discussion.
More than any specific information you share, what will help people the most at this time is to treat them with respect and kindness. Some people will want to comment. Some will have questions for you. Repeat the questions for the entire audience before you answer.
Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer to a question. The ethical issues of the human-animal relationship are complex and the implications and details of how our society exploits animals is vast. No one of us has all the answers, and each of us has an important piece of the solution.
Try to keep the attention of the group as a whole. If someone seems upset, it can be helpful to acknowledge that these are challenging issues that upset many people. Explain that the goal of the film is to raise the issues and stimulate positive dialogue, and that it is up to each of us to draw our own conclusions.
If someone begins a subject that seems off-topic, ask them to see you afterwards for further discussion.
Don’t let the discussion drag. Generally, 30–45 minutes is the maximum time, but be sensitive to the energy in the room. If there are few questions, segue to the concluding remarks. If the group energy stays up and engaged, don't cut the discussion short, either. Let people know you will be available to talk one-on-one afterwards to answer any remaining questions.
Concluding Remarks: How You Can Help
Most people will want to know what to do to help. How you respond will depend on your audience. The general public might be reminded that a simple change in diet will make a great difference, while an audience of activists will benefit from suggestions for taking steps to educate others in society. For everyone, getting a copy of the film and sharing it with others is a simple and powerful way to make a real difference.
Refer the audience to the Tribe of Heart web site, where there are extensive resources for learning more and for taking action.
Let your audience know how they can order Tribe of Heart films, and tell them that you have materials available to help them learn more about the issues, help them make compassionate changes in their own lives, and connect them to the local groups that work for change.
Thank everyone for coming, and invite them to stay for refreshments.
Contact Tribe of Heart and fill out the screening survey. What you share will be of great value to our community, helping us continue to shape and refine our guidelines so that others will have successful screenings.
Send thank you notes to everyone on your core team and others who helped make the screening possible. And don't forget to give yourself a big pat on the back.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT!
Tribe of Heart thanks you for putting your caring into action. Working together, we can change the world!