NO BUSINESS CARDS. NO HEADSHOTS. NO DESPERATION.
JUST DRINKING, CONVERSATION AND COMMUNITY.
WHAT IS FILM BAR MONDAY?
Film Bar is a weekly gathering of crew, filmmakers, animators, actors, film lovers, and those who just want to hang with creative folk, at local bars. Each week has a designated bar, each with it's own vibe, in a different part of the city. Film Bar is always FREE, and open to everyone, regardless if they're a pro with 20-years experience or a neophyte just starting out.
IS THIS A NETWORKING EVENT?
No. Film Bar is foremost about connecting and creating community, hence the three rules:
- No Business Cards
- No Headshots
- No Desperation
We always want to see more people in the community consistently working, collaborating on projects, and starting new partnerships. We just believe that will happen organically by creating a space for people to build relationships over time.
More importantly, a number of crew and filmmakers want to know they can hangout and chill with others in the film community, without being being hit up for jobs, or pitched projects they may or may not have any interest in.
WHY WEEKLY AND THE DIFFERENT BARS?
Film Bar is about building relationships, and that's difficult to do when events are once a month. If someone misses a month, that's two months or more before they may be able to come back. And for folks who are new to town, just visiting, or thinking about moving, it gives them a chance to hangout with folks in the community.
As for the different bars, some won't care where they drink or what the bar is like. Others will have their favorite Film Bar(s) and will come to just those. And a few bars will be more convenient than others. A range of bars, each with their own features, crowds and drinks, gives folks options.
The regular schedule also means folks only need to know which Monday of the month it is to figure out which bar to head to (unless it's a fifth Monday, see below about that), and they don't have to wonder if there will or won't be a Film Bar that particular week. If it's Monday, holiday or no holiday, Film Bar is going down somewhere.
WHY MONDAY?
Monday is one of the slowest nights at most bars. That day of the week allows film folks to take over a section of the bar, if not the whole place, and bring a little more business. Just as important. Many arts and film organizations and groups schedule their ongoing events Tuesday through Saturday. There's no reason to compete against those who are actively supporting filmmakers and creatives.
WHAT ABOUT A FIFTH MONDAY?
Whenever there's one, either a fifth bar is announced, or organizers choose one of the bars already in rotation as the place to go. It's an opportunity to add in some variety, head to bars with special nights (like karaoke), and test out future Film Bars.
Does anyone make money off Film bar?
Other than the bars and the bars' employees, Nope.
One of the most important aspects to Film Bar is that none of the organizers derive revenue. By removing that element, it ensures that Film Bar maintains focus on creating community and fostering relationships. It also eliminates the need/drive to make every week a big blowout. Ten come out one week, sixty the next, it's a success as long as folks connect with each other and have a good time.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE BARS?
There are several key ingredients that make the bars we choose to hangout at most successful: They’re casual. They’re places to decompress, have fun, and relax. They’re spaces to make and meet friends first and foremost. They have space to spread around, or that we can easily take over some part of the bar.
Most important, they have ample parking available, with a lot of that being FREE.
HOW DO I FIND A FILM BAR?
Check the calendar or check your city.
HOW DO I Start a film bar mondays in my city and add it to the list?
There's no cost to start a Film Bar chapter. In fact, you don't really have to do it this way, or do it only on a Monday.
However, if you'd like to start a Film Bar Mondays in your city, and list your bars and dates on this site, visit the Atlanta Film Bar Mondays group on Facebook and contact Charles Judson.
The only stipulation is that you can't make money off Film Bar, and all Film Bars must be FREE and open to everyone, and you have to be consistent.
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These individuals (and festival) were instrumental in launching Film Bar Mondays in August of 2014: Y’allywood Film Festival, Mike Morgan, Stina DeVallescar, Ryan Felton, Andrew Alonso, DJ Jen, Chris Tsambis, Lara Leigh Stevenson, Danielle Robarage Rusk
Original Film Bar Mondays Concept Created by Charles Judson