SO YOU WANT TO HOST A PREMIERE FOR THE ENGINE INSIDE?
Anthill Films is excited to present you with the opportunity to host a film premiere or screening event for our new feature film, The Engine Inside.
The crew is currently hard at work on postproduction for the film with the World Premiere slated for World Bicycle Day—June 3, 2023. You are receiving this information because you’ve hosted an event for one of our films in the past or have expressed interest in doing an event in the future. This document will give you some key details on the film and the benefits you will receive as a premiere tour host.
Click the link below to request a tour event… but maybe read this first!
About the Film
The Engine Inside tells the story of six everyday people from all over the world, who reveal the unique power of the bicycle to change lives and build a better future. Through the character’s actions we uncover the bicycle’s true potential, learning that in the face of our seemingly insurmountable global challenges, hope lies in the simple act of riding our bikes.
Anthill Films, Shimano, PON Bike and PeopleForBikes present The Engine Inside, a new feature-length documentary written, directed and edited by Anthill Films, and narrated by Phil Liggett.
Expected run time: 1h21
Rating: PG 13
Some Key Dates to Remember:
April 22: Official film trailer release
June 3: World Premiere, Amsterdam
June 3 - July 21: Exclusive premiere events
July 28 onwards: Non-exclusive film screening events
Summer 2023: Film available for digital download
Film Tour
“We’re at a crux in human history. Never before have we experienced so many converging problems: the climate crisis, social and economic inequality, cultural trauma, and the transportation clusterfuck. The Engine Inside is about unlocking the bicycle as a simple, often overlooked, solution for many of our challenges.
The timing and the message of this film has never been as poignant or as urgent as it is now. We hope this empowers people all over the world to ride their bikes and know that a better future is possible.” - Director, Darcy Wittenburg.
Tour Marketing Toolkit:
To assist with the marketing and promotion of individual shows, each host will receive access to a digital premiere tour marketing toolkit, which will provide:
Customizable film posters that can be used to promote the specific details of each show
The Engine Inside brand kit, with logos, fonts, etc…
Official film photos and promo videos that can be used to promote your premiere event on your channels
Sample press releases to share your event with local media
The Film:
At least 48hrs before your event, Anthill will provide an HD or 4K digital download (H.264) of the film and a rich media slideshow (includes video and audio clips). It is essential that all hosts download and test the film and slideshow files at the venue, at least 24hrs prior to your event. Additional formats are available (i.e. BluRay, DCP) upon special request at an additional cost.
We want to work with you to create the best event possible. If you have ideas and plans to make your show a fun and unique experience, we will work with you to try and make that happen. A dedicated premiere tour manager will be available to work with hosts on their event plans and answer any questions that come up.
Tour Packages
There are two different types of packages available for third-party organizers who want to show the film publicly:
Premiere Events: take place BEFORE the release of the film on iTunes and other digital channels. These exclusive, ticketed events are the best way to experience the film and typically take place in independent theatres and venues specially designed for audio-visual events.
Screening Events: take place AFTER the film is available for sale as a digital download globally (iTunes, Google Play, Vimeo, etc…). Screenings are any public showing of the film and can occur in a wide range of venues, including bars and outdoor events.
We recognize that each event is unique and we will work with you to customize a package that meets your specific needs. Discounted rates are available for anyone hosting three or more events.
Premiere Events:
Running June 3 - July 6
Show rate: $600
Non-profit rate: $300
Premieres are ticketed events that take place prior to the iTunes release of Long Live Chainsaw and include the following support:
Exclusive right to the first showing of the film in your city/region
Right to show the film before it is publicly available
Inclusion in premiere tour announcement
Inclusion in World Premiere press release and story
Listed in the The Engine Inside Premiere section of Anthill’s website and dedicated film website
Listed in events section of Anthill’s Facebook Page
Right to purchase film merchandise for resale
HD or 4K digital file, with rich media pre-show slideshow
Screening Events:
Begin July 7
Show rate: $400
Non-profit rate: $200
Ticketed grassroots events that take place after the digital download release of the film and include the following support:
Non-exclusive right to show the film after its release in your city/region
Listed in the The Engine Inside Premiere section of Anthill’s website and dedicated film website
HD digital file of the film, with pre-show slideshow
Tour Host Obligations:
As a host of a premiere tour event you will have the following obligations:
Secure and pay all venue costs.
All venues must be an optimal location for viewing a 80 minute documentary with high quality AV, such as independent theatres and speciality cinemas.
Manage ticket sales
Ensure that all A/V equipment used will be of sufficient quality for a first-class screening of the film. The projector, screen, and speakers must be of appropriate size and quality for the venue being used.
Test all gear in advance of the screening, including playing the film all the way through on the system being used for the screening
Use all possible channels to promote and maximize ticket sales for your event
Place any promotional signage that you receive from Anthill and its sponsors in relevant, highly-visible areas at the screening
Post photos and/or videos from your event online after the premiere/screening
Provide Anthill with a small allocation of premiere tour tickets for VIP use (if requested)
When possible, collect emails from online tickets sales by including an opt-out for Anthill and our partner’s newsletters
Ensure the film is not directly associated with brands that compete against the film’s official sponsors
Not-for-profit shows will be responsible for reporting on money that each show raised
Next Steps
That’s a lot of information to take in. Feel free to contact us (premieres@anthillfilms.com) if you have any questions and check out the FAQ below.
To request a premiere or screening event, please complete the short online form, and we will contact you to confirm your event.
Thanks for your interest and support!
Your friends… the Ants.
FAQ
Q: What quality of viewing experience is required?
A: All approved premiere and screening events must have a high-quality viewing experience for your guests. That means a professional-quality projector (vs. consumer home theatre) on a large format central screen with a minimum of HD resolution (1080). Since this is a documentary film, the film is best suited for traditional theatrical seating. And being able to hear all the dialogue will be key, so make sure your venue has a good quality sound system. If you are unsure, you can share a potential venue’s AV specs with us and we can advise.
Q: Does Anthill make a profit off these events?
A: No. The fees charged help cover the expenses associated with producing the assets and managing the film tour.
Q: What should we be charging per ticket?
A: This is something you will need to determine based on the type of event you will be hosting, what’s included and the specific costs involved. Before hosting an event, it’s important to create a budget. Typically, ticket prices for premieres vary from $15-20.
Q: How much is “normal” for a theatre to charge for hosting?
A: There is no “normal” in this world, as it totally depends on the venue you want to host your event in. Location, capacity, prestige, timing and availability are all factors that have an impact on costs. Some venues do not charge a fee at all and take only a percentage of sales, others charge $10K or more.
Q: What’s the most effective way to draw in a crowd?
A: Here are a few ideas… Work with local trail associations, mountain bike clubs and bike shops to spread the news of your event through their channels. Print posters and place them in key areas a week before your event. Create a Facebook event page, so that everyone can share the invite to their own friends. Talk to local media about doing a story on the film and in their weekly entertainment updates (Anthill crew and athletes can be available for interviews upon request). Use the assets provided in the marketing toolkit to spread awareness on your own social media channels. Look for local, non-competitive partners (brands cannot conflict with film partners) who can help you create a fun event and spread the word. Tie in your event with other mountain bike events that are already happening. Or host a ride beforehand to make it even more fun!
Q: Can I use online ticket sales for email and address capture?
A: Yes, if the venue permits it. If you are collecting audience data, you must add an opt-out that allows for inclusion on Anthill’s and our partner’s email newsletters (text for opt-out will be provided by Anthill).
Q: Can I sell my own merchandise at the screening?
A: Yes, if it is permitted by the venue and does not complete with any of the film’s official partners.