Theme 5: Practical tools & tips

Practical tools & tips

• Consider geographical restrictions. Survey respondents indicated that virtual film offerings are often limited to their own country or language region.

• Make sure your digital platform or website is easy to use, especially when dealing with multiple programme sections (show parts).

• Digital audiences also mean digital service and support. What do you do if the website gets overloaded? And what if visitors cannot access a Q&A or chat system because of a technical glitch? Think about this carefully in advance.

• Develop a programme that complements (physical) film programme, and does not overlap. One of the biggest concerns expressed in the survey is cannibalisation of cinema attendance.

• Make sure everyone in the organization understands the importance of the virtual program. An online platform or website is like an extra screening room, which needs its own programming.

• Creating your own content takes time. It is wise to appoint a coordinator to be responsible for production.