[LM_NET] HIT: family movie nights

[Susan Hanlon <hanlons@NWLEHIGHSD.ORG>]

My original post asked for thoughts and experiences on hosting "Family Movie 
Nights".  My questions were:
Do you only show G rated movies or PG since parents must accompany ?
Do you charge an admission fee?  How much?
Do you sell snacks and drinks?  Price? 
Do you do one for the whole school or separate movies/showings for younger and 
older kids?
 
Our school purchased a one time showing license from Movie Licensing, USA ( 
www.movlic.com <http://www.movlic.com> ) for $75.  We then purchased an annual 
license that allows for unlimited movies to be shown.  The first $75 is credited 
toward the annual price of $375 when purchased within 90 days of the first one.  
This will cover movie nights and also classroom movies that are not curriculum 
related.  After reading our license closely it does state that you may not charge 
admission except to cover costs.  Here are the responses from others who responded: 
 
Only G
I do not think you can charge an admission fee that totals are projected
to surpass the license fee.
Soda, Chips, and Hot dog = $2.00 

Have one and see if you want to break it up into age ranges first (and
realize that they have siblings that will probably attend the other one
anyways!)
-----------------
We show only G rated movies even though parents can be there.  We do not charge 
admission....I really don't think you can do it with the license you have. You 
might want to check on that.  We had a family dinner before the movie that we 
charged for but gave free popcorn during the movie.  One movie for all.
---------------
Our k-4 school hosts a family movie night after one PTO meeting
each year and it's a popular event.  The movies are always G rated and
we serve free popcorn and juice or milk.  No soda.  As far as charging
admission, that is probably in violation of your public viewing license.
--------------
One of our elementary schools does this now and then.
We do sell snacks with any funds raised going to
support field trips. We do not charge for the movies
as all the families support the parent co-op and they
are footing the bill. We show G or PG but advertise to
the parents so they are prepared. We only show new or
fairly new releases. We try to have most snacks priced
at $.25 but do also offer hotdogs at a $.50 (I think).
We have our own popcorn machine so we always have bags
of fresh popcorn at $.25 a bag. Everyone brings
sleeping bags, etc. and picks a place on the gym
floor. We have about 450 students in the building and
routinely get 200 to 250 per night. Be sure you tell
the parents that at least one adult must accompany the
children or you will get dropoffs and set up a policy
at the beginning that allows you to ask families that
are too noisy to leave or have an alternate viewing
area for noisy little ones.
----------------

Our PTO does family movie night once a month.  They have popcorn and
drinks.  It is held in the gym and many kids bring a sleeping bag to lay
on.  Parents usually sit in chairs.  Usually the PTO shows G rated
movies.  If it is PG, they mentioned that in the flyer plus state why it
might be objectionable.  I believe that they had Curious George and Elf
recently.  Curious George did not appeal to the older kids. Last year we
had Sky High which seemed very popular.

---------------

My advice is don't charge.  It may not be allowed with the licensing
agreement. Once you are making a profit it gets tricky.  We are
thinking of doing this too but haven't yet.  We sometimes offer movies
after school for our middle school audiences.  My advice would be to
show one film and advertise it with the rating.  Parents can decide for
themselves if it is appropriate.  Family vary widely on what they
consider appropriate.

 
 
Susan Hanlon
K-4 Librarian
Northwestern Elementary School
6493 Route 309
New Tripoli, PA  18066
hanlons@nwlehighsd.org
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------