{"id":17,"date":"2026-09-07T08:27:48","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T08:27:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/?page_id=17"},"modified":"2026-09-08T17:17:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T06:47:21","slug":"60-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/?page_id=17","title":{"rendered":"Sixty Questions on Starting and Running a Film Society"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap afsf-lede wp-block-paragraph\">A film society (or film club, or film group) is a non-profit cultural organisation formed to encourage the appreciation of cinema, both as an art and as a medium of information and education, by showing films, discussing them, and sharing information about cinema with its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Five Criteria a Film Society Must Meet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To affiliate with the AFSF, a film society must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Be a not-for-profit organisation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have members, with screenings for members only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not charge for entry to single screenings at the door \u2014 membership must cover at least three screenings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have an organising committee of at least five people: a president, secretary and treasurer, plus two other committee members.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold screenings in an enclosed area where only members can see them.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity afsf-sprocket-divider\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work Through at Your Own Pace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"afsf-muted wp-block-paragraph\">Grouped by topic below. This is the Federation&#8217;s real, practical guide \u2014 the same one we&#8217;ve refined over years of helping new societies get off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Started<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" open=\"\"><summary>Why do people start a film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because bringing people together to see a film provides a benefit their community wouldn&#8217;t otherwise have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Affordability \u2014 watching films as a group without paying commercial cinema prices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choice \u2014 independent, foreign or non-mainstream films that a local commercial cinema won&#8217;t screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connections and community \u2014 bringing people together socially, especially where they might otherwise be isolated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoting film culture \u2014 bringing world cinema, film history and debate to a local audience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability \u2014 many societies operate in small or remote towns hours from the nearest cinema.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atmosphere \u2014 a warm, friendly environment where every member feels welcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A family activity \u2014 something the whole family can enjoy together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simply loving film, and wanting the chance to share it.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need to start a film society in order to show films?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. If forming a society isn&#8217;t the right fit for your circumstances, there are other options: the Roadshow Blanket &#038; Co-Curricular Licence (around $360\/year, aimed at caravan parks, buses, retail and waiting rooms); the Big Studio Movie Licence (for religious institutions and aged care\/retirement facilities, covering Disney, Sony, Paramount, MGM, 20th Century Fox and Roadshow titles); or a one-off commercial screening licence from a distributor if you want to charge the public \u2014 typically a minimum guarantee of $250\u2013$275 against 30\u201335% of ticket sales, whichever is greater. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/where-to-get-films\/\">Where to Get Films<\/a> page for distributor contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to call my organisation a film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No \u2014 many groups call themselves a film club or film group, and name themselves after their town, their umbrella organisation, or a favourite film.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal &#038; Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need to have a constitution?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not unless you want one, though we recommend it \u2014 a constitution is a statement of aims and rules the members agree to follow, and it&#8217;s a prerequisite if you ever want to become an incorporated association. Most state fair trading departments (e.g. NSW Department of Fair Trading) supply a model constitution to adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need to be incorporated?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, you can function as a film society without incorporating. Incorporation gives your group its own legal identity separate from individual committee members \u2014 worth investigating via your state&#8217;s business registration body (e.g. ASIC) once you&#8217;ve grown past the very early stage.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Are film societies not-for-profit groups?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. A not-for-profit doesn&#8217;t operate for the personal gain of particular people, though it can still make a surplus \u2014 as long as that surplus goes back into the organisation&#8217;s purpose (new equipment, another member service, or a reserve for future problems).<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not unless your income exceeds $150,000 a year. If you do want one, apply via the Australian Business Register \u2014 describe your entity as a &#8220;Company&#8221; \/ &#8220;Other Unincorporated Entity&#8221;, your main activity as &#8220;Film&#8221; \/ &#8220;Film Distribution&#8221;, and the reason as being a new business in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need to be registered as a not-for-profit?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, but it&#8217;s worth checking the benefits of registering with a body like the ACNC to see if any apply to you.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can my film society show films without worrying about copyright?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Screening a film anywhere outside your own home requires screening permission from the Australian distributor responsible for that title, regardless of whether you charge admission. Registered film societies are eligible for a significant discount off the commercial rate because they run not-for-profit, non-theatrical screenings that don&#8217;t compete with cinemas \u2014 see our <a href=\"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/screening-rights\/\">Screening Rights &#038; Copyright<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Committee &#038; Running the Society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can one person run a film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not realistically \u2014 a committee shares the workload, sustains morale and brings more than one point of view to decisions. It&#8217;s also an AFSF membership requirement that every society has at least five committee members.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I organise a committee to run my film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with a working group to get the society off the ground and agree on initial aims \u2014 formal roles can come later. A typical committee (roles can be combined, or filled by non-committee volunteers) includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>President \u2014 plans, leads and directs; allocates and follows up tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secretary \u2014 correspondence, meeting agendas and minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treasurer \u2014 financial management and the annual report.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Membership Secretary \u2014 maintains the member register.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Booking Officer \u2014 manages bookings with film distributors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Publicity Officer \u2014 lets people know what&#8217;s screening and when.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Front of House Officer \u2014 checks membership and sells new memberships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Projectionist \u2014 runs the equipment; train more than one person.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Programming &#038; Choosing Films<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What sort of films should my film society show?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever you, your committee and your audience want \u2014 ideally with six to twelve months of screenings planned and booked ahead of launch. Think about what audiences can&#8217;t already see locally, what your society&#8217;s aim is, offer variety across genres\/decades\/countries, and balance audience comfort with a bit of adventurous programming. Keep a reserve title or two in case a first choice falls through, and open the year with an attention-grabber.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Who should choose the films for my film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s no single right answer \u2014 give members a voice (a suggestion box helps), but don&#8217;t feel bound to follow every suggestion if a title turns out to be impractical to source or license. Many societies land on a two-tier system: members suggest, the programming team decides.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need to worry about film classifications?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes \u2014 societies must comply with Australia&#8217;s film classification system: General, Parental Guidance, Mature (15+), Mature Accompanied, and Restricted (18+). See classification.gov.au for full detail.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How should my film society organise a programming meeting?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agree ground rules in advance for how films get chosen \u2014 some societies alternate an unknown title with a crowd-pleaser, or guarantee an Australian film every year. Before the meeting: gather member suggestions, research titles (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes), check running time and classification, confirm you can actually get a copy, identify which distributor holds the rights and what it will cost, and make sure the film hasn&#8217;t screened locally too recently.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How far ahead should my film society program films?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A program listing the next 3, 6 or 12 months lets members plan ahead. Two programming meetings a year \u2014 each covering six months \u2014 is a common, reasonable cadence.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Where can I get films for my film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three main sources in Australia: the National Film and Sound Archive&#8217;s Non-Theatrical Lending Collection, Australian film distributors (see our <a href=\"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/where-to-get-films\/\">Where to Get Films<\/a> page for contacts and current rates), or overseas distributors \u2014 though these rarely offer a film-society discount and can be expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I book the films my film society has chosen?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you&#8217;re an AFSF member, tell the distributor you&#8217;re a registered film society \u2014 they can check our database directly, and can contact us if there&#8217;s any doubt. They&#8217;ll typically have you open an account and will invoice you as the screening date approaches. Start the booking process early: not every film is available, or with the distributor you expect.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What should I do if my film society has a dispute with a distributor?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact the Federation first \u2014 we resolve the large majority of issues through mediation. As a last resort, the Film Exhibition and Distribution Code Administration Committee (FEDAC) administers a formal industry code for resolving disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Venue &#038; Setting Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What would be a good venue for a film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local halls, community centres, schools, libraries, local cinemas, clubs, museums, galleries, churches and theatres are all common choices. Cultural institutions often have under-used, well-equipped cinema spaces worth investigating. Weigh existing equipment, seating, and hire cost \u2014 some venues offer free use in exchange for a culturally valuable program; others charge, which can be one of a society&#8217;s biggest costs.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are the requirements for any place you want to show films in?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A workable venue needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Projection, sound and screen equipment (or room to bring your own).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reliable blackout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The right size and shape for both projection distance and audience capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reasonable soundproofing from outside noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comfortable seating \u2014 audiences sit for around two hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accessible aisles, exits and toilets for people with disabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjustable heating or air conditioning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space for catering (tea, coffee, popcorn, or more).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire exits, toilets and convenient parking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance with local regulations for gatherings.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can we hold screenings in a bar or a restaurant?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only if your screening is fully isolated from that business&#8217;s regular customers, since film societies must screen to members only \u2014 not to the public, and not as a promotional drawcard for the venue&#8217;s other trade. The Australian Copyright Council takes a firm line on this; see our <a href=\"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/screening-rights\/\">Screening Rights &#038; Copyright<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I hold screenings outdoors?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No \u2014 venues must be enclosed. Australian distributors treat an outdoor screening as a public screening rather than a film society screening, which is why an enclosed, members-only space is one of the Federation&#8217;s five affiliation criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need public liability insurance?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t need it to function as a society, and many venues already carry cover that extends to you \u2014 but some venues will insist on your own. The Federation currently recommends Dansurance, around $280\/year for $10 million cover (rates vary slightly by state due to stamp duty), with a $10 introductory discount for AFSF member societies.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What equipment does a film society need?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At minimum: a DVD\/Blu-ray player, a sound system, a projector and a screen \u2014 many venues already have some or all of this. A professional projectionist can be hired instead for roughly $300\u2013$400 a screening, though that adds up over a season.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What should I look for in a DVD\/Blu-ray player, projector and screen?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A region-free Blu-ray player ($40\u2013$600, reliable brands include Sony, Panasonic and LG) covers both DVDs and higher-definition Blu-rays. Digital projectors now range from around $100 to $6,000 (professional installation adds ~$3,500); Epson, Panasonic and BenQ are reliable brands \u2014 look for at least 1920\u00d71080 resolution, correct aspect-ratio support, and enough brightness (lumens) for your room size. Screens commonly run 3\u20134.3 metres (measured diagonally), typically 16:9, and cost $1,000\u2013$2,300 installed. Cheaper alternatives: a flat-latex-painted wall (specialist screen paint runs $200\u2013$300 per 0.94L) or, on a very tight budget, a plain white sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the Throw Ratio, and why does it matter?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The throw ratio determines how far your projector needs to sit from the screen for the image to fill it correctly \u2014 too far and the image overshoots the screen, too close and it undersizes it. The formula is Image Width \u00d7 Throw Ratio = Distance from Screen (e.g. a 2.6m-wide screen with a 1.3 throw ratio needs the projector 3.38m away). Several free online calculators can do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What about sound \u2014 amplifiers and speakers?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most societies, two speakers and a simple stereo amplifier ($450\u2013$700) is the easiest option to set up and pack down each screening. A 5.1 surround amplifier runs $480\u2013$1,020, and a full AV receiver (5\u201313 channels plus HDMI video) $470\u2013$900. Stereo or 3-speaker (LCR) setups cost $200\u2013$800; a full 5.1 speaker set $200\u2013$1,000.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What about seating, viewing distance and blackout blinds?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fold-out chairs cost $10\u2013$60 each \u2014 comfort matters over a two-hour sitting, and cushions help. As a rough guide, minimum viewing distance is 1.5 \u00d7 screen size. Blackout blinds or curtain fabric run from about $12\/metre if you need to cover windows from scratch, and it&#8217;s worth checking whether your venue allows a permanent install or requires set-up\/pack-down every session.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need to worry about Digital Cinema Packages (DCP)?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most commercial cinemas use DCP, but it&#8217;s expensive both in equipment and because the film-society discount from Australian distributors generally doesn&#8217;t apply to DCP titles \u2014 most societies are better served by DVD\/Blu-ray or digital file formats instead.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Budgeting &#038; Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I organise the budget of my film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Estimate expenditure and income, work out the cost per screening across your planned year, remember society funds can only be used to further the society&#8217;s own aims, and aim for a modest annual surplus to cover new equipment or emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What will the income and expenditure of my film society be?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Membership fees are the main income source for most societies, topped up by refreshment sales, local advertising, council grants, donations or sponsorship. Typical expenditure includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>DVD\/Blu-ray purchases and screening rights fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venue hire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printing, advertising and any online presence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federation membership \u2014 currently $50 per year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public liability insurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equipment depreciation, and a projectionist if you hire one.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society have to charge for membership, or can I charge for entry instead?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t have to charge if you&#8217;re fully funded another way, but you must still keep an up-to-date member register. You cannot, however, charge for entry to individual screenings at the door \u2014 that includes a &#8220;gold coin donation&#8221;, which counts as the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my film society need to pay GST?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, not-for-profit groups don&#8217;t need to register for GST unless annual turnover exceeds $150,000 \u2014 see the ATO&#8217;s guidance on GST concessions for not-for-profits.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How does my film society accept card payments?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several low-cost options now exist for taking tap\/NFC payments from a phone: Square (a $65 reader plus 1.6% processing, or Tap to Pay on a compatible phone with no hardware needed), Trybooking Box Office (sells memberships as &#8220;tickets&#8221;, 2.5% processing plus a small ticket fee), and Live Tap (Android only currently, 1.4\u20131.65% per transaction, requires an ABN). Direct bank deposit remains a no-fee fallback if none of these suit your society.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your First Screening &#038; Membership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I organise the first screening of my film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advertise widely for a &#8220;come and try&#8221; free first screening that&#8217;s typical of what you&#8217;ll show, ideally with a guest speaker. Give yourself plenty of time to secure screening permission and test your copy before announcing the title. On the night:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Welcome people warmly, formally and informally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold a brief AGM before the film.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain the society&#8217;s aims, film types and planned activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Announce membership fees and present the first 6\u201312 month program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for committee volunteers and vote on positions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign up members on the spot, and build your membership list and contact details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issue membership cards showing start and end dates.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How should I organise memberships, and how do I get new members?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offer membership periods covering at least three screenings \u2014 3, 6 and 12 months are the most common lengths (membership is for a time period, not a set number of screenings). Letting existing members bring a guest (commonly capped at three guests a year, three visits each) is a good, low-friction way to convert new members. Keep a mailing list of everyone who&#8217;s ever been a member, and always make it easy to unsubscribe.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When should my film society show films, and should it serve refreshments?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Base scheduling on venue and committee availability, when your target audience is actually free, and what else is competing for their evening. Refreshments \u2014 tea, coffee and biscuits through to a full supper \u2014 help create the relaxed, social atmosphere that&#8217;s central to the film society experience, and selling them can help fund the society too.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promotion, Marketing &#038; Getting More Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I publicise my film society, and are there restrictions?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, but the Federation&#8217;s discount is conditional on screenings being non-theatrical and for members only \u2014 so publicity should read along the lines of &#8220;exclusively to members and guests&#8221;, &#8220;memberships available at screenings&#8221; and &#8220;new members always welcome&#8221;, stating membership fees rather than implying door-sale tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I publicise my film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Word of mouth remains the most effective, cheapest form of promotion. A regular program listing upcoming films helps members plan ahead \u2014 give yourself enough lead time between booking films and publicising them. Beyond that: brochures at libraries, theatres and arts centres; posters in local venues; local radio and papers; an annual calendar; and social media to build and inform your membership base.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should my film society have a website, and can I use Facebook?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes to both \u2014 a basic website is more achievable than it sounds (Wix, Squarespace and WordPress are all reasonable starting points), and a Facebook Page or Group is a quick, free way to share screening details and engage members. Short-form video and Stories tend to get more reach than static photo posts on most platforms today.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How can the Federation help people find my film society online?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The AFSF website has strong domain trust and gets solid search traffic, so we give every member society an entry with your details and a link to your own website, Facebook page, or whatever online presence you have \u2014 helping your own SEO as well as visibility. We also encourage members to link back to us with text such as &#8220;We are members of the Australian Film Societies Federation.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Where can I get more information about starting a film society?<\/summary>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get in touch directly \u2014 that&#8217;s exactly what we&#8217;re here for.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity afsf-sprocket-divider\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group afsf-directory-teaser is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Ready to affiliate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/join-us\/\">Join Us<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ausfilm.org.au\/contact\/\">Contact the Federation<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What a film society is, and sixty real answers on how to start and run one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Sixty Questions on Starting &amp; Running a Film Society | AFSF<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sixty real answers covering film society legal structure, committees, programming, 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