Last semester, I started a serial program at Owen (program == activity for residents) that showcased classic films on Saturday night. The main goal of the program was to offer residents of Owen the chance to see classic films – films they “should have seen by now” – completely free of charge. (A smaller secondary goal was to serve as an alternative to alcohol-themed activities.) All they had to do was show up, help themselves to free popcorn and drinks, and enjoy the film. Since public performance licenses are expensive (thank you, Swank, for that), I proposed funding by the hall Senate. The Senate approved, and I received $1,000 to show three films (hint: only about $50 was allotted for food). That semester, I showed Casablanca, The Godfather, and Citizen Kane. While the setup was good, no one showed up. (By no one, I mean less than 20 people in a hall of 700+ residents. Granted, Saturday night is a popular time for committments – people go out with friends, have weekend company, and go home. However, drawing 2.9% of the hall’s residents is just sad.)
I knew that the program had potential, and that I wanted to continue it for this semester. As I looked for causes of the low attendance, the type of films that I was showing kept reappearing as the main cause. (That, and a general underutilization of advertising resources; one flyer per floor has the same potential as not telling anyone at all). For this semester, I decided that while I wouldn’t show new-to-DVD movies like PSUB does every weekend, but would show more popular classic films. I lobbied Purdue’s HFS, and applied for a grant from the Andretti Foundation through PSG. I received $1,500 in funding from PSG, with the stipulation that the three films they funded would be strongly alcohol-alternative focused and would premier later in the night, to be a more direct alternative. Of course I agreed, and eventually received funding to show seven other films from Housing. Ten films in a semester! I was in heaven. As with last semester, I emailed everyone who, in the fall, had expressed interest in participating in the committee to select the films. Thirteen signed up, and three attended. This spring, no one attended. So I picked them all.
So far this semester, I’ve shown two films, both with horrible attendance – lower than last semester. (Tonight’s showing of Rocky can be attributed to Easter Sunday, as there are very few people in the hall to begin with.) However, I’m fearful for the rest of the semester. At a cost nearing $200 per showing, having a half dozen people (including myself) show for the film is unacceptable.
The first of the three films funded by PSG was supposed to be this weekend; however, miscommunication and confusion between myself and PSG led me to postpone the funding for this week, and move it to a later weekend. The cool thing about the PSG funding is that I have $500 to spend on each showing; this money is intended to be used to create an experience around the film; something memorable to take with you. Here’s an example I detailed of a hypothetical showing of Field of Dreams:
Baseball being an outdoor sport, the showing could be held in mid-spring on Owen’s front lawn, the west and east wings overlooking the event. An inexpensive oversized screen built from 1×2’s and white linens would provide excellent viewing for everyone in attendance. Outdoor sound equipment, which Owen already possesses, could be broadcasting ballpark organ tunes as people arrive. Popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks can be cheaply made available to everyone. Volunteers can walk around hawking free hot peanuts. After the movie, everyone can walk away with a miniature plastic baseball helmet filled with ice cream.
How cool is that? I know that Super Size Me and Jaws are set for this funding, but I have to pick one more, and it has to be good. I originally thought of Animal House, but the conflicts of interest between the movie’s ideals and that of PSG are more than slight. What should I show?
Herein lies the problem with film. Whatever is selected, most people will not like it, or not like it enough to attend. When I ask for suggestions, alcohol at the event itself holds the overwhelming majority – not exactly a great start. Is this a program that actually can be successful, or is the environment (and intellect) of this hall doomed to crush my attempt to enlighten Owen Hall?
Matt…
The FIRST secret to your success right now is to TOSS your expectations. They’re only FALSELY fueling your motivation and guaranteed to be foiled by turn out. So, thery’re not valid. Lose the expectations and gain a NEW motivation for doing this.
Obviously you want ROI for your successful fund raising and execution of the program. It friggin’ rocks. And ultimately, in res life programming, it’s not so much about quantity of attendees, but the community experience. Those few people who do show (especially if they’re consistent from showing to showing) probably appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
For what it’s worth!
I agree with Eric. You have a lot of passion about wanting this program to succeed, and that is admirable. You have been putting a lot of time and effort into making it work. People do notice even though they might not say it. Also, you should remember that most of the people in the residence halls are freshmen, and they have little motivation to do much of anything besides live up the college experience (i.e. partying and drinking). I am sure that they will soon realize what a waste that is.