HOST A SCREENING: If you are interested in hosting a screening, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you with pricing information.
Each of the stories in Normal Isn't Real contains insights and wisdom that are enhanced by post screening discussions that lead to a deeper understanding of the strategies seen in the film and ideas for how they can be adapted for use by others. For this reason it is only available for community and organizational screenings. We hope you will bring the film to your community and have designed a Screening Kit to make it easy.
The film is available to rent for single or multiple screenings, and the rental cost
depends on the type of license you need.
Additional Information:
Length: 72 minutes
English and Spanish subtitles available
Audio Descriptors available via All4Access app
Screening Kit includes:
Discussion Guide
Developed by Arlyn Roffman, PhD , Professor Emeritus of Special Education at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA and licensed psychologist, the Guide contains questions and discussion prompts for audiences of all types including educators, parents, and students. In addition, tips for different formats- panels, facilitated conversations with experts, and audience input- are provided.
1. Who Can Facilitate the Discussion?
Viewing the film can generate questions, comments and suggestions from the audience that can add lasting value to the screening experience. Some ideas for facilitating the discussion include:
Ask someone from the hosting organization to facilitate.
An expert on learning disabilities/ADHD can be brought in to comment on the film and elicit feedback from the audience.
Panels of students, parents, educators or others can offer comments and pose questions to the audience to encourage two-way conversation.
Filmmaker Krys Kornmeier is available to host a post screening discussion or join a panel the organizers have put together. She welcomes the opportunity to engage in conversation with the audience about the film and ways in which young people can become experts on what they need to succeed. If you are interested in having Krys at your screening, complete the box in the “Host a Screening” form to check on scheduling and appearance fees.
2. How much time should be planned for the discussion?
Allow 30 minutes for discussion. Let the audience know during the introduction to the film that there will be a discussion period immediately following the film and encourage them to stay for it.
3. How can we assure that the audience participates in the discussion?
Let the audience know ahead of time that there will be an opportunity to discuss the film and how long that discussion will last so audience members can plan to stay after the screening. Also encouraging audiences to use their provided programs to note their questions and comments regarding each profile during the film, can help the audience members be prepared for an active discussion. Be sure to provide a microphone or sound equipment that allows everyone in the room to hear and participate in the discussion.
Event Promotion
Creating interest and participation in your screening requires engaging your potential audience in many ways. The Screening Kit will provide a “Normal Isn’t Real” on-line customizable print flyer and e-invitation for sharing information about the screening. Suggested social media postings will also be included.
1. How can we promote our screening?
Invitations and notices about the screening should be sent out 4 weeks ahead of time either electronically (click here for a sample e-invitation) or through mail or newsletters. Flyers (click here for printable flyer) can be printed and posted ahead of time as well as the day of the screening to provide directions to the screening site. A link to the trailer can be sent along with the electronic invitation and the press release (click here for link to trailer).
2. What other ways can we promote the film?
Find partners-consider partnering with other local organizations, schools, or groups that share an interest in LD and ADHD issues. Use the trailer and website to explain the purpose of the screening when approaching a potential partner. Partners can expand your reach to new audiences and help spread the word. Don’t forget that student groups can be great partners in reaching their colleagues through social media.
Logistics / Details
Tips for timing of screenings, room set up, technology and equipment, and engagement of the audience.
1. How far ahead of the screening date should the event be booked?
We suggest you complete the license agreement a minimum of 3-4 weeks ahead of the event date. This will give you time to publicize the event. You will receive the DVD one week ahead of the screening which will allow you time to test the disc with your equipment. You can re-use the package the DVD was mailed after your screening.
2. What is the best time for a screening?
The type of audience will determine the best timing for your screening. Many educational organizations will plan for a daytime screening for educators and students and an evening screening for parents and families. Since the film is 72 minutes long and you will need time for introductions and discussion, a two-hour time period is optimal for the screening event.
3. How should the venue be set up for the screening?
The size of your audience will impact the room set-up for the screening. It’s important to set up chairs so that everyone can view and hear the film easily. For larger audiences that may be in classroom style; for smaller audiences, an open U shape arrangement of chairs can work well. For the discussion period after the film, it can be very helpful to ask participants to move chairs in such a way that conversation and comments are shared while participants are facing each other. Your venue should be wheelchair accessible if possible.
4. What equipment is needed to show the film?
You will need a venue that has access to a DVD player, a projector, a screen and a sound system. In addition, a microphone(s) for the facilitator(s) may be needed for the follow-up discussion.
5. How long is the film?
The film is 72 minutes and includes 4 profiles of individuals living, working and succeeding with LD and ADHD issues.
6. Is the film available in different languages?
The film is available in English. The DVD includes optional English and Spanish subtitles.
7. How can we stay in touch with those who attended the screening?
Set up a registration table by the entrance to the screening room so attendees can easily sign in and provide a name and email address for future opportunities to gather.
Licensing
The screening license allows you to rent the film for a single community screening for the audience of your choice. Schools are permitted one additional daytime screening for their students and staff. The cost of the license is based on the number of screenings. We offer a reduced license rate for multiple event licenses.
Q: How long is Normal Isn’t Real?
A: The film is 72 minutes long.
Q: Is the film available in different languages?
A: The language spoken in the film is English. Subtitles in English and Spanish are available, as is closed captioning.
Q: Can I choose any date to host Normal Isn’t Real?
A: There are no date restrictions for your Normal Isn’t Real event.
Q: Do you offer lower rates for nonprofits and public schools to host a screening?
A: Most Normal Isn’t Real event hosts are schools, community organizations, religious organizations and nonprofit groups. Normal Isn’t Real license rates are consistent across all these organizations except under special circumstances, when exceptions may be made directly with the producer.
Q: As a screening event host, how many times can I show Normal Isn’t Real?
A: A Normal Isn’t Real license is for a single community screening, which is usually an evening weekday, or sometimes a weekend event. For schools, the license also includes a single additional screening for students and staff to be scheduled within 24-48 hours of their live event. Virtual: the film can be available for a specific window of time (ex: 48 hours) allowing the audience to watch at their convenience.
Q: How much lead time do I need between booking and hosting a screening?
A: We recommend you finalize your license agreement at least 3-4 weeks before your event date. This is so you have enough time to publicize your event and give your audience enough
time to schedule it on their calendars.
Q: Can I organize multiple screening events for my school district or community?
A: Yes, you can certainly book multiple screening events for schools or organizations throughout your district or community. Please contact us for more information.
Q: How do I create an online discussion panel?
A: Most hosts like to use the platform that their school or organization uses for virtual meetings (Zoom, Google Hangouts Webinar, or any of the other various platforms out there). We recommend that you choose the one you are most comfortable with.
Q: Will the filmmaker attend a virtual discussion panel?
A: Krys Kornmeier is available for a fee and we are happy to discuss further via phone.
Q: Can anyone attend my virtual screening?
A: It is up to you whether or not you want to advertise to the public or only to a private group of students, parents, teachers, etc within your school or org. All attendees need to provide an email address. You will then send a finalized list of email addresses to us so that we can grant everyone access to the film.
PLANNING & HOSTING
Q: What is the best time and date for my Normal Isn’t Real event?
A: You may choose any time and date for your Normal Isn’t Real event. Most schools choose a weekday evening anywhere from 6-9pm because most parents are accustomed to attending school-related events on weekday evenings. Other organizations may have regular event times on weekends that also work.
Q: How long should my screening event be?
A: If you are doing a live-streaming event, we recommend 2 hours for your Normal Isn’t Real event, so that you have 30-45 minutes after the 72 minute film to have a post-screening conversation with the audience. If you are hosting an on-demand event, and have a Zoom panel discussion planned you should allow an hour. We provide a Discussion Guide to help facilitate the conversation.
Q: Can I purchase Normal Isn’t Real to own?
A: No. Normal Isn’t Real is not available for individual rental or purchase. The only way to see it is at a community screening, so please encourage your invitees to join you at your event, because they cannot rent it later for home viewing.
Q: Does Normal Isn’t Real help me publicize my event?
A: The host organization is fully responsible for event publicity, and Normal Isn’t Real provides some tools to help you. Your license includes an editable Normal Isn’t Real flyer. The flyer is available on Google Slides and you can easily type in your dates, time, location and additional information using this template. You can then export as a pdf ready for print. We also provide an invite that you can copy/paste into your emails, newsletters, or your own press release. You may also direct potential audiences to the Normal Isn’t Real website to watch the film trailer. We can also provide sample Instagram and Facebook posts to help promote your event!
Q: Should parents allow children to see Normal Isn’t Real? What ages are appropriate?
A: Our hope is that parents and young people all see this film, either together or separately (if your school hosts a school day student screening, for example). We recommend Normal Isn’t Real for students in 7th grade and beyond college. We believe every family and community should make their own decisions around this, considering the film’s style (documentary), length and content. The people featured in the film are young adults in their 20's and 30's.