Difference between revisions of "Theater Discussion Night"

Revision as of 12:43, 15 January 2020

Theater Discussion Night

Theater Discussion Night was created and is organized by Lloyd Black and Dustin Cox. It was originally created to show 80's sci-fi movies we both enjoyed. Naturally, it has evolved to show even more movies that are still as fun to watch. The discussion part adds another aspect to the event that enables everyone to discuss, critique and share their thoughts about each movie shown. Additionally, the discussion aspect also puts the event into the "Fair use" area since we are using the event for commentary, education, research and other reasons. Often, the discussion part of the event is one of the best sections of the event as it allows everyone to share ideas and perspectives of the movie plot and other aspects. The event is always free to members and others who members bring with them.

Movie Selection

Dustin and Lloyd solely decide what movies will be shown. We decide on what movies are best and are thought provoking which will lead to productive discussions. Movies that aren't that interesting or considered generally stupid will not be shown. Most horror movies made today fall into the category of being senseless and stupid. Requests can be made but there's absolutely no promise the movie will be shown. Potential movies will be talked about first between Dustin and Lloyd. At this time, a movie will be analyzed and if interesting enough it will be scheduled for viewing. All movies are previewed by Lloyd even before being talked about to determine if they worth being considered. However, there are a lot of movies that are worth being shown and good movies are welcome for being requested. Keep in mind that Dustin and Lloyd reserve the right to change their minds about any movie regardless of what was previously decided on.

If someone wants to suggest a movie for TDN it's strongly advised to make the suggestion in the Slack channel #theater_discussion. That's the official Slack channel for the TDN event. All suggestions will be read and looked into but there's absolutely no promise it will be shown at any time. A list of types of movies that are more likely to be selected will be made available soon.

Attendance of Events

Anyone may attend any of the events. However, we ask you to adhere to a few things listed which are mostly common sense, polite things for everyone's enjoyment of the event:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the time of the event. This is so the event won't be delayed waiting for people who planned to attend and so you may get settled comfortably. It is generally common sense to get to a theater before the movie starts to get a proper seat and to not disturb others during the movie, the same applies to this event. It's preferred that guests arrive 30 minutes early but it might not be possible for some people who work on Fridays.

• Do not talk during the event. This includes talking on the phone or others in the room. It is suggested that silencing or putting your phone on vibrate is best before the event starts. If you must take a call please walk out of the room and finish your call. You are welcome to re-enter the room after the call.

• If you are working on a laptop, it's suggested that you sit in the back of the room so the light of the screen doesn't disturb others in the room. Additionally, please use headphones if you are not in the room for the event. Everyone is welcome to attend, but please be aware that the event is for enjoying the movie and distractions take away from that enjoyment.

• Non-members are welcome to attend the event if they are invited and with a member. Members may bring more than one non-member guest. The only limitation is the capacity of the room.

• Unplanned event guests are welcome as long as they arrive early with everyone else and the room has enough capacity. If there's enough room, we won't be turning away event guests.

• Staying for the discussion part of the event is expected for everyone attending. It's an important aspect of the event. It's also one of the more interesting parts of the event.

• Important: Regarding non-member minor guests brought by a member to an event. If a member brings a minor to an event, it's the responsibility of that member to make the proper decision whether or not to have a minor with them for movies rated PG-13 and higher (rated R). Some movies shown may have mature plots, concepts or visuals (possible nudity). The TDN organizers are NOT responsible for any effects a movie may have on an un-prepared minor. Additionally, TDN is not a babysitter service. So, if you do bring a minor, expect to stay with the minor for the duration of the event.

Event Cost

As stated above, this event is totally free and will stay that way. If anyone wishes to make donations, the donations will only go towards snacks and beverages for the events. Dustin and Lloyd are responsible for the cost of the movies and any method of playback.

Food and Beverage Policy

Bringing snacks and beverages are very welcome whether it be for yourself and/or others. Voluntarily donating snacks for everyone is very appreciated, obviously. On occasion and money permitting, Lloyd and/or Dustin may bring snacks and beverages for the enjoyment of all guests, but it's not promised for each event. We do ask that you please clean up after yourself after finishing your food. We aim to leave the room as clean as we found it or better. Money donations for food and beverages during events are also appreciated. Please contact Dustin and/or Lloyd directly regarding such donations.

Double Feature Events

Double features will most likely be for movies within a series, have a sequels/prequels or are broken into different parts. They may also happen if there's a couple movies with similar themes that would be beneficial to the discussions if played together.

Double features may be rare but they will happen. In such instances, they will be listed as a double feature and the time of each feature will be shown so people may plan their time if they wish to attend one or both movies. There will be a discussion after each movie so anyone wishing to attend only one movie may enjoy the discussion for that specific movie.

Regarding the use of YouTube, Netflix and Other Media Resources

The policy of not using YouTube, Netflix and other media resources has changed. There will be use of those resources at future events. Updates about this change will be posted soon to clarify the specifics of this policy change.

YouTube

There are some YouTube channels that feature some quality Sci-Fi shorts that are generally enjoyable and good for discussions. There are other channels that have great shorts from other genres that are also entertaining. When combining many of these shorts together, some TDN events could have a considerable variety of interesting videos. There are also some YouTube exclusives that will be able to be enjoyed as well. Lloyd has a YouTube Premium account which will enable us to enjoy some movies and other videos that only available on YouTube and some using their Premium service. Most people use YouTube so there will be opportunities to view many types of content but our focus is still on movies and content similar to that of movies.

Note: It will be up to the organizers plan and decide if watching a YouTube video is good for an event. It will NOT be decided on the night of the event.

Netflix

Naturally, Netflix will also be another source we will start using. There is some exclusive content on Netflix that we will be able to enjoy now that we will be using that resource. Dustin and Lloyd will soon start creating a list of potential movies that would be enjoyable to view during TDN events.

Other Streaming Sources

There will be other content sources that will be used but haven't been explored yet. They will be announced once quality content is discovered on whatever the resource is. Suggestions of decent content providers are welcome. Please content Lloyd via Slack (lloyd.black) to recommend a good source.

Changes to the TDN Wiki

There's obviously huge differences but here's a few that may be different that people may miss:

• There won't be a list of potential movies anymore. The old list became too long and a hassle to update.
• A schedule might be developed but it will be a short one compared to the old one.
• Rating guidelines and movie links won't be listed. I'm trying to keep the page quick and easy to update.

This version of the Theater Discussion Night wiki page will be kept reasonably short. The old version has been totally scrapped. The older page was too long and became hard to update effectively. As a result of it's size, it was hard for some people to find important information. The point of the newer layout and information shown will be mostly for simplicity and updating ease. Also, the discussion part (second page tab at the top) will no longer be updated with movie discussions as the outside party who was reviewing the data is no longer involved fortunately.

Naturally, this page will be constantly evolving and updated as needed. However, it will be kept basic compared to the old monster of a page it was in the past.

Copyright, Fair Use and Content Policies in Regards to this Event

Just to be clear, and as a disclaimer, Theater Discussion Night does show movies that are under normal copyright. If you are uncomfortable with this please don't come to our events. We don't wish to cause you any emotional discomfort.

The information in this section is intentionally put here to so it is documented as being part of Theater Discussion Night.

Fair Use

The premise of our event is to watch selected movies and to discuss them as a group for largely educational, research, commentary and criticism purposes. Additionally, we discuss the behind the scenes aspects, character development and many other aspects of the movie as a whole. We also discuss 'in universe' theories about alternative endings and character backgrounds. Our discussions can be very diverse, covering an excessive range of ideas. It's my belief that this falls under "Fair Use". We don't have any malicious intent towards anyone or to the studios who produce the movies we watch. The organizers of the event do not profit from the showing of the movies. Additionally, we typically only welcome those who wish to discuss and share in the event's purpose. If someone is looking for a "movie theater" experience we can suggest some local movie theaters.

For anyone who would like to read about Fair Use, please use these links:

Copyright.gov - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use

Copyright.gov - More Information on Fair Use

Content Selection Policy

General Policy: Lloyd Black will be the ONLY person who selects what is shown during events. Yes, it is often discussed with the co-organizer as well. Suggestions may be made to Lloyd Black and they will be considered if they're of some quality and interest. However, due to legal issues going on these days, it will be the judgement of Lloyd Black whether or not to show specific movies, short films, or other forms of media. This is not negotiable and arguments will be ignored.

Streaming Media Policy: All videos shown during any TDN event are to be previewed by Lloyd before being scheduled for an event. If Lloyd Black doesn't have access to the video or movie it will not be shown. There are no exceptions to this. The reason behind this strict policy is to prevent legal issues and general quality control of what TDN is for. If anyone would like to request a streaming movie or video they must submit the relative information to Lloyd Black at least a month before an event. Relevant information must include the source of the video, it's title and a URL link to the video, if possible. Regardless of being submitted on time, there's no promise of it being shown.

Repeat Viewing Policy: Viewing the same movie or video after the end of an event is going to be extremely rare. In order to keep the event interesting and enjoyable, including the discussion, the viewing of movies or videos already shown in the past will not be happening. If someone really enjoys a movie that was presented during an event, they are welcome to purchase the movie from a source that sells that movie. If it's a video available online, we can provide the necessary links to it's source. Theater Discussion Night is not a personal movie theater, most people wish to see other movies or videos and discuss them. Usually, there isn't much to discuss when watching the same movie again.

Movie Ownership

Just to add this information for those who want to know, the organizer Lloyd Black has a strict policy of legally purchasing the movie first. It's a strict policy, ask anyone who discusses this issue with him. This usually includes buying a physical copy of the movie on DVD. These purchases are typically done through Amazon.com. Some of the movies in Lloyd Black's collection were previously purchased from stores (when that was common). None of the movies are obtained or downloaded through unethical or illegal methods. Additionally, Lloyd Black will not share or duplicate any of the movies in his collection for other people. If you'd like a copy of any movie shown during any event please purchase it on your own. We will not loan or distribute movies under any circumstance.

Permanent movie donations to Lloyd Black are welcome but the movie must be an original DVD. Copies will not be accepted.

The content of this page was created by Lloyd Black. Using his own tired hands.