Family Movie Nights are one of our biggest after school events. We usually don't make much but our PTA takes pride in bringing our families out for a relaxing, stress free, cheap evening. We have door prizes, a raffle and sell popcorn and drinks. We are going to expand our concessions this time because our new principal is very supportive. (Custodians in the past refused to let us have drinks and food in the gym) Fundraising is important but I feel that the more cheap events we do and more parents enjoy themselves they are willing to get involved and help at other things.
We have around 20 people who show up for our regular Family Fun Nights.
I'm responsible for planning these events this year and I decided to do The Polar Express Family Night. The Families (wearing Pj's) will be greated by our conductors, (the superintendant and two principals), We are reading the book together, having Hot Chocolate and Cookies for a Snack (our Servers will be wearing Chef Hats) then taking a box of popcorn from our new popcorn machine and heading back to watch the movie.
The flyer went out on Wednesday and as of Friday we have over 100 people signed up! I know of 36 more who are coming but not signed up! So that means we'll have at least 150 for this event. I'm very excited!!!
Hits for us have been Robots and The Wild. Our flop last year was Back to the Future as it was considered too old for the majority of kids who come which are K-2 or 3.
I would love to do Cars this year or Curious George.
Originally posted by cindyg31696: We have never needed to get any type of license to show it.
Correction: you've always needed a license. You've just never gotten one. You're not alone and I'm not throwing stones (I've made similar moves on different issues before I knew the actual facts), but...
Complete details on the law and licenses, etc are here.
Hate to bust your bubble, but the folks at Disney would love to find out that you showed their movie without permission. They will fine your organization tens of thousands of dollars. Your $400 profit won't begin to cover the lawsuit that Disney will pursue. Your school librarian should be fully aware of the law and should absolutely make sure that your parent group is aware of it. Our librarian has specific details regarding groups that Disney has sued. It doesn't matter what the movie is (Disney or not), you HAVE to HAVE a license to show it. They can come after you if they want and they will win.
We did our first movie night of the year and showed High School Musical. It was a HUGE hit. We don't charge for movie but charge for pizza, drinks and snacks. We had about 100 kids and parents (it is NOT a drop off event). We raised over $400. We project it on the big screen and have a sound system. We have never needed to get any type of license to show it.
