Learn How to Start Your Own Microcinema

Location
For many years, microcinemas have helped to bring independent films to audiences around the world. Many people can host their own microcinema in various locations. These locations can include local bars, churches, schools and galleries. You can also start a microcinema right in your home. The location choice will depend on how large or small you want the audience to be.

If you start a microcinema in your home, it can be a small event for family and friends. Microcinemas that are held in larger venues are usually set up for public viewing. In this case, you can charge an admission fee if desired. Snacks can also be sold to generate more income. The chosen location should have adequate parking areas, bathrooms and electrical outlets.

Equipment
The necessary equipment needed for proper operation of a microcinema is very simple. However, some items may vary depending on your chosen location. Some locations may already have the necessary equipment while others will not. The most basic items needed are chairs for the audience. It will become uncomfortable for someone to stand through a two-hour movie.

You will also need a portable video screen and a video projector. These items can be rented at a local electronics store. If no one is familiar with how to operate a video projector, it may be best to take another route. You can skip the screen and projector altogether and rent a large television and DVD player or VCR. If you are hosting a movie screening in your home, you may already have these items.

Movies
There are a few places where movies can be rented or licensed to show at a microcinema. The movies that you show will depend on whether or not admission will be charged. Copyright laws prevent citizens from charging admission and screening many Hollywood movies in front of a public audience. You cannot purchase a DVD of The Departed at Blockbuster and screen it for profit in your microcinema. It is illegal.

Many great independent films and documentaries can be used for screening purposes. The company Brave New Theaters has a list of independent films that you can use on its website. Some of these films have garnered a lot of press including, Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" and Steve Balderson's "Phone Sex" among others. There are also filmmaking websites where you can contact independent filmmakers directly and set up a screening for their film.

Marketing
Postcards and flyers can be used to advertise your microcinema and its screenings in your area. If you are going to host multiple screenings over the course of one month, you may want to advertise frequently to sustain a steady flow of audience members. Try to collaborate with the visitor's bureau in your area as well. This will help to bring in new customers and boost your profit margin if you are charging admission. If you are hosting free screenings, tourists can benefit from seeing alternative movies at your microcinema.

There are many ways to advertise your microcinema. Post flyers up at the local library and get your friends to spread the word about each screening. You can also send out emails to family and friends, letting them know about your microcinema. Many online websites also offer a chance to advertise your microcinema to a large amount of people for public screenings. These websites include Backpage, Craigslist and Myspace.