RESOURCES

Below are some resources to get you started in putting on your first film screening at Scalarama Leeds DIY Film Festival.

If you get stuck, the team is here to help! Email us:- [email protected].

Putting on a DIY screening - step by step

  1. Choose your film, and decide on what kind of event it will be (will it have an introduction or an extra activity?)
  2. Find the film license
  3. Find a venue and book a date in September (check the programmer dashboard)
  4. Get a film certificate if it doesn't have one already (contact Leeds City Council)
  5. Write your film copy - what is it about and why do you want to show it?
  6. Choose how you want to sell tickets - OTD (on the door) or online using a ticketing website
  7. Submit your event to the programmer dashboard (for the 2024 festival by Friday 26th July)
  8. Plan your marketing for the event - social media/print or both
  9. Learn how to do DIY projection for your event if needed and check the projection checklist (in downloads)

Film Licenses

As a DIY film club/programmer screening outside of a cinema you'll need what’s called a 'non-theatrical screening license' to screen a film from DVD or Blu-ray (not 'DCP' - this is a type of file used only for screening in a cinema).

Here are some film distributors with easily-accessible catalogues to start your search with. The services below offer film licenses for roughly between £100 and £120 per film.

  • Filmbank Media

    Filmbank Media is a company that provides film licenses via a subscription service. They require a (difficult to get returned) deposit for opening an account, so if you find the film you’re looking for in their online catalogue, Scalarama Leeds has an account and can arrange the transaction. We will need the money transferred to us before we can book your film.

  • BFI Distribution

    The British Film Institute has the rights to a wide range of British and foreign films which you can search via their catalogue (select the DVD option rather than DCP). If you can’t find what you’re looking for you can contact them directly as not everything they distribute is in the online catalogue.

  • Cinema For All

    Cinema For All is a UK charity that provides support to community cinemas and film groups including providing an online catalogue of films available to book through them directly.

  • Park Circus

    Park Circus distributes a huge selection of films globally which you can book via their searchable catalogue.

Film Certification

You can check on the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) website if your film already has age certification. (The certification needs to be for Cinema, not Trailer or Home Entertainment etc).

If the film hasn't been certified in the UK, you're required by Leeds City Council Entertainment Licensing to submit the film for local certification.

Funding sources

Local Printing

Other Useful Resources

  • Independent Cinema Office (ICO)

    The ICO works with independent cinemas and programmers nationwide. On their website you can find information, resources and training about film distribution, licensing, audiences and more.

  • Cinema For All

    Cinema For All is the national support and development organisation for the community film exhibition sector, encompassing film societies, community cinemas and other organisations which show films in their communities. They provide advice, support and guidance on everything from finding a venue, to equipment hire to sourcing films and licensing.

  • Leeds licensing search

    Check your venue has the correct premises licence to show films.

DOWNLOADS