A Film Group Guide

Starting a Film Group

MEETING

A preliminary meeting is a good way to address member responsibilities and make structural decisions for your group if the organizer does not wish to make them in advance.

Member Responsibilities
Participants need to commit to attending meetings regularly and to sharing the responsibilities of maintaining the group. While most groups don't require members to make each session (given family and work obligations), it is expected that all will do their best to attend.

Tasks of facilitation and organization make up the bulk of member responsibilities. These facilitator responsibilities are many, which is why the role typically rotates from member to member. If there is a regular facilitator, the organizing tasks can be handled by someone else. If the facilitating role rotates, the organizing responsibilities should rotate in tandem.

Meeting Structure
Frequency: A monthly meeting is typical; it is difficult to sustain continuity and momentum with anything less. Once a group is under way, it may choose to meet more often, especially if there is a series of closely related films to watch and discuss.

Length: Three to four hours is optimum. There should be time for the film (90-120 mins), discussion (at least 90 mins), socializing, and eating.

Location: Most groups rotate among participants' homes.

Guests: Guests with knowledge or experience related to a film can be invited to participate in a meeting. Inviting guests to attend a session can also be a way to identify new members.

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