Running a genre based virtual movie club is a fun and creative way to bring people together online to enjoy movies and talk about them. Whether you want to focus on action, comedy, horror, romance, animation, or any other genre, the process is simple and can be customized to fit your group. This guide will walk you through every step, from planning and choosing movies to hosting discussions and keeping everyone engaged.
First, decide what genre you want your movie club to focus on. You can pick one genre for the whole club or rotate genres each month. For example, you could have a month of classic horror films, then switch to romantic comedies, then try animated movies. Think about what your group enjoys most or what would be most interesting to explore together.
Once you have your genre, start planning your schedule. Decide how often you want to meet. Most movie clubs meet once a week or once a month. Weekly meetings work well if you want to watch a lot of movies and have regular discussions. Monthly meetings are good if you want to spend more time on each movie or if your group is busy. Choose a day and time that works for most people and stick to it as much as possible.
Next, pick your movies. Look for films that fit your chosen genre and are appropriate for your group. You can use streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Kanopy, or Lifetime Movie Club to find movies. Make sure everyone in the group can access the movie. If some people cannot watch it on the same service, look for alternatives or choose a movie that is available on multiple platforms. You can also check your local library for DVDs or streaming options.
Send out a list of movies in advance so people can plan to watch them. Include the title, release year, and where it can be watched. You can also add a short description or why you chose that movie. This helps people get excited and know what to expect.
Before each meeting, send a reminder with the movie title, meeting time, and any discussion questions you want to talk about. You can ask questions like What did you like about the movie, What surprised you, How did the movie fit the genre, or What would you change about the story. This helps people think about the movie and be ready to share their thoughts.
For the meeting itself, use a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Make sure everyone knows how to join and test the technology beforehand. Start the meeting by welcoming everyone and doing a quick check-in. Ask how everyone is doing and if they have anything fun to share.
Then, begin the movie discussion. Let everyone talk about what they thought of the movie. Encourage everyone to share their opinions, even if they did not like the movie. Ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going. For example, if someone says they liked the main character, ask why or what made the character special. If someone did not like the ending, ask what they would have changed.
You can also talk about the genre itself. Discuss what makes a movie fit the genre, what are common themes or tropes, and how this movie compares to others in the same genre. This helps people learn more about the genre and appreciate different movies.
To make the club more fun, add extra activities. You can have themed snacks or drinks that match the movie or genre. For example, if you are watching a horror movie, you could have spooky treats. If you are watching a romantic comedy, you could have heart-shaped cookies. You can also play games related to the genre, like trivia or guessing the movie from a description.
Another idea is to have a mini film festival. Ask members to make short videos or reels about the movie or genre and share them at the meeting. You can vote on categories like funniest, most creative, or best story. This encourages creativity and gives everyone a chance to show off their talents.
If you want to go deeper, invite a guest speaker or expert to join the discussion. This could be someone who knows a lot about the genre, a filmmaker, or even a movie critic. They can share insights and answer questions, making the discussion more interesting.
Keep the club organized by using a shared calendar or group chat. This helps everyone stay updated on meeting times, movie choices, and any changes. You can also create a group email or newsletter with updates and fun facts about the movies or genre.
Encourage everyone to suggest movies and activities. This makes the club more inclusive and gives everyone a chance to share their favorites. You can have a voting system where members vote on the next movie or activity, or take turns picking the movie each month.
Make sure to be flexible and open to feedback. If something is not working, ask the group for ideas on how to improve. If people want to try a new genre or activity, give it a try. The goal is to have fun and enjoy movies together.
To keep the club going, celebrate milestones and achievements. If your club has watched ten movies, had a special guest, or tried a new activity, celebrate it. You can have a virtual party, give out digital badges, or just take a moment to appreciate what you have accomplished.
Running a genre based virtual movie club is all about creating a welcoming and fun space where people can enjoy movies and connect with others. With a little planning and creativity, you can make your club a highlight of the month for everyone involved.
