Where can I screen a short film in NYC?

May 27, 2008 12:52 PM

Does anyone know where I can show a screening of a short film (15 min.) in New York City on the cheap?

Some friends of mine shot a short film (15 min.) and want to give an official screening. It's important that the place we do it has good picture/audio capabilities. We've looked into renting out a movie theater for an hour or so but most are crazy expensive ($1,500/2 hours at a small theater in the East Village that seats 66 - that's nuts! [for our wallets that is]). We're not opposed to showing it at a bar as long as the bar is able to have decent picture/sound - more than just a white wall and computer speakers. We'd eventually like to submit this film to various festivals and will be able to have some industry people at the screening to view (which is why the quality of the showing is important). Does anyone know of ANY place in the city and/or Brooklyn that can accommodate such a request? Did I mention that this needs to be c h e a p (seriously, we're broke)?

posted by tealeaf522 to media & arts (11 comments total)

Is the Brooklyn Cinema Slam still going? If so, Amelia and Josh (the couple that was running it) also do big outdoor screenings with a mobile projector and a PA system. They used to be contactable through the Cinema Slam folks, as they were running the slams both in Brooklyn and in Ann Arbor, but I don't see an easy way to get ahold of them through that website.
posted by klangklangston at 1:03 PM on May 27

If you're willing to venture into the wilds of Queens*, Hell Gate Social holds movie screenings, so they're set up for it, you may want to talk to them. It is a bar, but it's a nice place, and worth a visit to check it out. If you go there, there's no sign, just 2 red lights.

I will say that I haven't been to any of their movie nights though, so I'm not sure what their setup looks/sounds like. But they've been doing it for awhile, and I have friends who have gone and enjoyed it, so I can't imagine that it's a sheet and a speaker - but you'll have to check it out for yourself :)

*it's 15 minutes on the N/$15-20ish in a cab from 59th & Lex. A bit of a walk from the Astoria Blvd. train station (8-10 minutes maybe?) but there are usually cars&cabs in the area if people don't want to walk from the train.
posted by AlisonM at 1:19 PM on May 27

Are any of your friends at least tangentially associated with a university? If so, you could probably finagle a lecture space with the proper hookups for an hour through the university's film department or an admin who books the rooms.
posted by rmless at 1:20 PM on May 27

The price you quote (1500), is that the Millennium? If not, I would price that.
posted by rakish_yet_centered at 1:26 PM on May 27

Have you called Anthology Film Archives? The rates listed on their website look much more reasonable than the quote you got. I have been to lots of screenings there and although it's not luxurious, the picture and sound is good.

Alternately, do you have a friend with roof access or a yard? As klangklangston suggests, ou might consider an outdoor screening in the tradition of Rooftop Films. A little googling around suggests that renting a digital projector, a screen and some speakers would cost significantly less than $1,500. I know nothing about this company but here is their price list. Provide blankets for seating.
posted by Mender at 1:44 PM on May 27

Heh, Mender—The Rooftop Films folks include Joshua Breitbart, who's the Josh of Josh and Amelia that I mentioned. So, yeah, they're who I'd contact.
posted by klangklangston at 2:07 PM on May 27

The Brick Theater's summer festival this year is The Film Festival: a theater festival and they're having screenings.
posted by minervous at 3:39 PM on May 27

Have you checked with Two Boots' Den of Cin? They're pretty cheap, although they might be the place you're quoting.
posted by pokeydonut at 4:38 PM on May 27

Yes, I would def check out Two Boots, one of my best friends owns it and she is filmaker herself. But it might be the place you're quoting since it is a business after all.

There's also that bar in the EV that is always showing Fellini flicks and other art films on it's screen. I just can't remember what it's called now...
posted by lannanh at 4:53 PM on May 27

Try Via Delle Zoccolette, it's at 6th and A. They have a projection screen and a good sound system upstairs. The screening room is upstairs on the 2nd floor, and they have some assorted couches and rows where people can sit, order food/drinks, etc. and enjoy the film.
posted by jazzybelle at 10:38 PM on May 27

Thank you so much everyone! These are great suggestions. Two Boots is quoting substantially less than the $1500 (Village East Cinema - which is related to the Angelika), but is still a little too much for us. We will definitely look into the other options. Thanks!
posted by tealeaf522 at 5:49 AM on May 28