How to Run a Virtual Behind the Scenes Movie Discussion
Running a virtual behind the scenes movie discussion is an exciting way to bring people together to explore films in depth. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, educator, or community organizer, hosting this type of event can create meaningful connections and deepen appreciation for cinema. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from planning to execution, so you can create an engaging and memorable experience for your participants.
Understanding What a Virtual Behind the Scenes Movie Discussion Is
A virtual behind the scenes movie discussion is an online gathering where participants watch a film together or separately and then come together to talk about it in detail. Unlike casual movie watching, these discussions dive into the filmmaking process, creative decisions, cinematography, acting choices, sound design, editing, and the stories behind the production. Participants can join from their homes using video conferencing technology, making it accessible to people regardless of their geographic location.
The beauty of this format is that it combines entertainment with education. People get to enjoy a film while also learning about how it was made and what the filmmakers intended. It’s perfect for film clubs, classroom settings, corporate team building, or community groups interested in cinema.
Choosing Your Film and Theme
The first step in planning your virtual behind the scenes movie discussion is selecting the right film. Think about your audience and what would resonate with them. Consider films that have interesting production stories, unique cinematography, or notable directorial choices. Some films work better for these discussions than others because they have more to talk about in terms of filmmaking techniques.
You might choose a classic film with a rich history, a recent blockbuster with impressive visual effects, an independent film with a unique creative vision, or a documentary that explores real world events. The key is selecting something that will spark conversation and has enough depth to sustain a meaningful discussion.
Once you’ve chosen your film, think about the theme or angle you want to explore. Will you focus on the director’s vision? The cinematography and visual style? The acting performances? The sound design? The editing techniques? The production challenges? Having a clear theme helps guide your discussion and gives participants a framework for what to pay attention to while watching.
Understanding Licensing and Legal Considerations
Before you can show a film to your group, you need to understand the legal requirements. If you’re showing the film in an educational setting at a university or school, you may have access to streaming services like Kanopy that provide public performance rights for certain films. These services allow you to show films in classes and sometimes at extracurricular events, as long as the event doesn’t charge admission and is limited to students, faculty, and employees of your institution.[3]
If you’re using Netflix or similar commercial streaming services, you need to be aware of their terms. Netflix allows educational viewing of some documentaries, but the screening must be non-profit and non-commercial, meaning you cannot charge admission, solicit donations, or accept advertising or commercial sponsorships in connection with the screening.[4] You should check Netflix’s specific guidelines and potentially show them documentation that you have a license for your screening.
For other situations, you might need to purchase a public performance license or use a service that provides these rights. Some platforms offer films specifically licensed for group viewing. Always check the terms of service for whatever platform you’re using to ensure you’re in compliance with licensing requirements.
Setting Up Your Technology and Platform
Choosing the right technology platform is crucial for a successful virtual discussion. You’ll need a video conferencing tool that allows multiple participants to see and hear each other clearly. Popular options include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or other similar platforms. These services allow you to host meetings with screen sharing capabilities, which can be useful for showing clips or images during your discussion.
Consider the size of your group when choosing a platform. Some services have limitations on the number of participants or the length of meetings for free accounts. If you’re expecting a large group, you might need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Before your event, test all your technology. Make sure your internet connection is stable and fast enough to handle video streaming. Test your camera, microphone, and speakers. If you’re planning to show film clips during the discussion, test the screen sharing feature. Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties, such as having discussion questions ready to go even if you can’t show clips.
Create a simple, clear link or meeting code that you can share with participants. Send this information to them well in advance, along with instructions on how to join. Consider sending a reminder a day before the event and another reminder an hour before it starts.
Preparing Your Discussion Materials
Good preparation is essential for running a smooth and engaging discussion. Start by watching the film yourself and taking detailed notes. Write down specific scenes, shots, or moments that you want to discuss. Note the cinematography techniques used, the editing choices, the sound design, the acting performances, and any interesting production facts you’ve learned about.
Research the film’s production history. Find out about the director’s vision, any challenges the filmmakers faced, interesting stories from the set, and the film’s reception. Look for interviews with the director, cinematographer, or other key crew members. This background information will help you provide context and answer questions during the discussion.
Prepare a list of discussion questions that will guide your conversation. These questions should be open ended and encourage people to think deeply about the film. Instead of asking yes or no questions, ask questions like “What cinematographic techniques did the director use to create tension in this scene?” or “How did the editing choices affect the pacing of the film?” or “What do you think the director was trying to communicate through the use of color in this scene?”
Organize your materials in a way that’s easy to reference during the discussion. You might create a document with your questions, timestamps for important scenes, production facts, and quotes from interviews. Having everything organized will help you stay on track and provide smooth transitions between topics.
Creating an Engaging Viewing Experience
If your group will be watching the film together during the virtual session, you’ll need to coordinate this carefully. However, most virtual discussions work better if participants watch the film on their own time before the discussion session. This allows people to watch at their own pace, pause to take notes, and rewatch scenes they want to analyze more carefully.
Send participants the film well in advance, along with instructions on where to watch it and what to pay attention to. You might provide a viewing guide that suggests specific scenes to pay close attention to or themes to think about while watching. This helps focus their attention and ensures everyone is prepared for the discussion.
If participants are watching on their own, ask them to come prepared with notes or questions. Encourage them to write down moments that stood out to them, scenes they found interesting, or questions they want to discuss. This preparation will make the discussion richer and more engaging.
For those who cannot access the film beforehand, consider having a brief recap at the beginning of your discussion session. You might show a few key clips or provide a summary of the plot
