From Where I Sit...Part 3

I wanted to throw some suggestions at you that I have been thinking of. These are just ideas and suggestions. First, there is a huge difference between Alternative Content and Alternative Uses. This article will focus on Alternative Content which is the use of the big screen in a social environment for presentations of product other than mainstream content. Alternative can also refer to axe throwing, video gambling, go carts and other fun stuff…that article is for another day. Today, I would like to focus on on-screen alternatives.

Secondly, I really dislike the term “Alternative Content” as it implies that the product is somehow inferior. It’s not! I have the same issue with the term “Independent”. I hate putting things in a limiting box. Besides, additional content should be used to expand your audience base, not just show additional content to your existing audience. The goal is to build new markets from new demographics.

Multicultural content from The Indian Bollywood films, Asian films, and Hispanic films. They are all out there for you to use to grow your audience base. They appeal to separate and unique audiences and will add substantially to your existing audience and your bottom line. They require a completely different approach to advertising and marketing, usually it’s very localized. You know the faces in your community, serve those faces. Think about the potential audience around you and take control of your own destiny.

Event Cinema will become a more significant part of theatre programing. Fights, concerts and streamed live events from Fathom and Iconic Events will fill seats. They also provide exclusive, premium programing that can command a higher ticket price.

Genre Series – create film festivals “Directors Cuts”, B-movie series, horrorfest, best foreign films, all these ideas have substance and value.

Maybe think about sponsoring your local high school or college’s film program. They have programs were students make short films. Celebrate these kids, show their films on your big screen. Celebrate your community every chance you get. They will pack the theatre with kids not only from their class, but their family and the school. They eat a lot of popcorn.

Host a Kid’s Karaoke on Saturday afternoon and Karaoke party for adults possibly on Tues and Wed night. This takes a little equipment in order to monetize. Everybody likes to see themselves or be seen on the big screen. Project their image on the movie screen while they sing. Record and sell the performance on DVD. Charge an entry fee and split the pot with the winner. Sorry no cameras allowed.

Live concerts. Live Nation is booking up for next year. Smaller acts are feverishly looking for 300+ seat theatres to play in. Best if you have alcohol. Let’s create a nationwide circuit of theatres and drive-ins for live performances.

The big one is E-sports. E-sports is gaming in front of an audience. Gamers eat like crazy. Chat with our friends at Harena to get a leg up in this burgeoning space.

Use your screen to expand your audience. Make your decisions and chart your own future.

Whatever you do. Be consistent.  If you try something and it doesn’t work. Try again. Maybe in a different way. Creative marketing is everything. But as always this is your future, you make you call….we need more independence in this business. Tonight I may take in a Bollywood film, an Indian Samosa is a close second to hot buttered popcorn.