Whedonesque : Comments on 10594 : Milestone reached at Equality Now screenings of Serenity.

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June 13 2006

Milestone reached at Equality Now screenings of Serenity. 43 screenings worldwide fully organised by fans, which is bigger than the widest prescreening round Universal conducted last year. There has never been an event organised on this scale for any charity in cinematic history before. There's many new fans who haven't seen it at the cinema before going, too. Slashfilm have a different perspective. "Serenity Lives" at USA Today. "Cult Leader" at the Silcon Valley Metro.

[ edited by gossi on 2006-06-15 00:25 ]

The funny thing is, at one of the busiest times of the year theatres are choosing to use a screen for a charity gig instead of making a load of money on 'Cars'. I didn't think that would happen.

Kudos to everybody who has helped organising things (and is going) to these screenings - the scale of them is insane. Those going should probably take photos and videos, as it really is history - nothing like this has been attempted on this scale before.

Although it isn't on the list yet, Vue in Leeds (UK) will be screening the movie, and I'll likely be going to that.

gossi | Firefly&Serenity | 17:06 CET | 72 comments total | tags: screening, serenity, equality now

I'll be cheering for all the screenings, since I'll won't be able to attend one.

On response to the Slashfilm article.
We're Browncoats, we don't give up that easily, even when we might be at the losing side. Sometimes we can do the impossible...
Telling us to give up is exactly the opossite of the message we can get from both the tv show or the movie.

Numfar PTB | June 13, 17:21 CET

The Slashfilm article has a few problems;

- They spell Joss' surname wrong, like, 6 times -- possibly because the author is too busy looking down on people.

- They seem to think the screenings are all about more movies. I haven't actually seen a single fan mention that online for a few weeks. At all. The reoccuring theme has been 'charity'.

- There are dedicated Firefly/Serenity conventions already, and have been for the last 2 years.

- Slashfilm have previously run positive coverage for the screenings.

I'm not bothered in the slightest, as the author is just offering an opinion - unfortunately, it's not a very well considered opinion.

The fact Serenity is getting a US rerelease next weekend bigger than "Wah Wah" and "Brick"'s releases -- combined -- is pretty wacky.

gossi | June 13, 17:29 CET

I am attending the Tucson screening and while all the members of the Arizona Browncoats are excited, the main focus is Equality Now. Of course we're all also really excited about our double feature; we're having a Buffy sing-a-long after the Serenity screening! So I'm off to bone-up on my Once More With Feeling...

tishamc | June 13, 17:39 CET

Amazing how the author of the Slashfilm article bashes the entire thing and barely makes mention of the charity. Not only that it's full of misspellings and inaccuracies. Was he referring to Wil Wheaton? I hope the guy doesn't get paid to do that.

I started the organizing for the Tucson screening and was absolutely amazed at the response I got from the theatre that's screening it. Oddly enough, it's an independant theatre. I live in Phoenix and when I contacted the Loft, they were excited to be able to do it. Everything snowballed from there. Volunteers came out of the woodwork to help.

So he can bash it all he wants, as long as we have fun and raise money for a good cause, who really cares?

punster | June 13, 18:15 CET

I'm sure the "Wheaton"-thing is a conscious effort to troll for browncoat-responses. :)

[wcip]Angel | June 13, 19:01 CET

Someone bashing charity screenings? Wow, that's got to be a Whedonesque all-time low...

Grounded | June 13, 19:02 CET

Speaking of Wil Wheaton and the charity screenings. Lucky Canadians.

As to the Slashfilm article. Some people get it, some people don't. That's the way of the world.

Simon | June 13, 19:03 CET

I don't think they're bashing the charity screenings - they're just assuming the motive is actually to get a Serenity sequel.

My opinion of that is, quite simply, if they do ever make a Serenity sequel - fantastic. But it's never going to be because of a bunch of not-for-profit cinema screenings. Which is what the article author is actually saying, but they seem to think the fan base doesn't understand that point - I think they do.

gossi | June 13, 19:10 CET

I think Whedon fans have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to give back to the community at large. I applaud theonetruebix and everyone involved in this charity event for their efforts. So what if they have a good time watching their favorite film in the process? I wonder what the poor (my goodness, count the number of spelling and grammar errors!) writer of the Slashfilm piece has done to make a positive impact on society at large? He certainly doesn't evidence any charity here. And why is he so threatened by Whedon fans' enthusiasm that he must twist the charity event into something else? Just wonderin'.

palehorse | June 13, 19:25 CET

"I don't think they're bashing the charity screenings - they're just assuming the motive is actually to get a Serenity sequel."

So they are not bashing the charity screenings, just the fans. Yeah, I agree with that.

(sigh) I get so tired of people assuming the worst about everybody. I mean it is easy to see people doing things for rotten and selfish reasons without any pretense. Why assume that people who are doing something good are doing it because they have some other motive. And beyond that, that they are not smart enough to know that their little plot won't work. At least give people who are trying to do something good the benefit of the doubt. /rant

This is an exellent thing that all you organizers out there are doing. You are giving people the pleasure of an enjoyable evening and raising money for a good cause. If I were a guy I'd take my virtual hat off to you. As a woman, I'm not sure what reallly works except to say "thanks."

newcj | June 13, 19:34 CET

What's all this about Joss' Wheaties? Did someone steal them? What will he eat for breakfast?!

The One True b!X | June 13, 19:38 CET

Personally, I haven't heard one mention that these screenings were for any other purpose than to raise money for an excellent charity.

Simon's absolutely right, he doesn't get it.

I just wish I could go to the Minneapolis showing. It's even in my neighborhood *sigh*

fey_girl | June 13, 19:47 CET

Personally, I haven't heard one mention that these screenings were for any other purpose than to raise money for an excellent charity.

Exactly. If these screenings become a factor to get us a sequel, great, it means that you guys did good work, helped people, and generated a bunch of other side effects.

But the main goal is not the side effects, they're exactly what they are, side effects. The main goal is helping Equality Now.

Joss' Whaties? What's that? A new brand of cereal?

Numfar PTB | June 13, 20:05 CET

newcj, in a world which has such incredibly grave, complex and (I can't stress this word enough) serious problems with human rights (and that's just in America) and all sorts of other issues, it's vastly easier to sit online and cluelessly rant about fandom people than speak out about the most important civil rights and equality issues facing the modern world.

Equality Now's job is to speak up for those groups who tackle serious issues. Joss Whedon is a person who quite openly speaks out about issues and who has in the past helped raise money for people to stand against, for example, George W. Bush. Browncoats are helping to raise money and profile for these people.

I know who I'm proud of in this situation - and I can even spell their names.

gossi | June 13, 20:11 CET

So would this be a post-screening?

Going to the screening is almost secondary. Browncoats who can't attend one due to distance or time contraints should still consider buying tickets or just donating to benefit Equality Now.

C. A. Bridges | June 13, 20:17 CET

On the upside, the Slashfilm piece mentioning conventions reminds me that I have only a couple weeks left to make me second Flanvention II payment.

The One True b!X | June 13, 20:18 CET

Browncoats who can't attend one due to distance or time contraints should still consider buying tickets or just donating to benefit Equality Now.

Preferably the latter until and unless we hit the point where screenings would like to technically sell out even if there won't be bodies to account for all the tickets. Heh. Gotta give 'em a shot at actually filling the venues first. ;)

Also, many of the groups are publishing codes (such as SNEN-PDXBC for Portland... erm, I think) so that if people contribute to EN via EN's own website contribution form, in the "where did you hear about us" slot they can plug in a code that indicates which group they'd like their contribution to be affiliated with.

The One True b!X | June 13, 20:21 CET

Also, many of the groups are publishing codes (such as SNEN-PDXBC for Portland... erm, I think) so that if people contribute to EN via EN's own website contribution form, in the "where did you hear about us" slot they can plug in a code that indicates which group they'd like their contribution to be affiliated with.

Should you have time, it might be worth putting the codes next to the groups on the websites, with a section on how to donate anyway.

gossi | June 13, 20:24 CET

I just found out I can attend the screening in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. My first Browncoat get-together! Thanks B!X for organising these. Maybe Joss will wander into one. Gossi has his schedule for that day, right?

holymother | June 13, 20:28 CET

Gossi has his schedule for that day, right?

Oh, yes, using my wireless connection to Joss' brain I can tell you he will be horse riding whilst drunk that day.

gossi | June 13, 20:35 CET

I can honestly say, we have done a sh*tload of work (as have all the screenings) in getting our Sydney screening, the ending result being actually getting UIP to do it for us; and never ONCE has it even entered my mind (or anyone I have spoken with) about the possibility of getting a sequel. Never. In actuality, that thought is absolutely obhorrent to me, and would be a very selfish altruistic act.

Gossi is totally right, what a shame that the work of Equality Now isn't being highlighted more. I have said it before and I'll say it again, every ticket we sell, is going to aid a woman, or child whose basic rights are being violated, somewhere in this world. Now, if I'm going to be accused of a selfish act, then it will be because of the comfort, peace and happiness that that very thought gives me.

Talking about tickets, they will be available to buy for the Sydney screening as of tomorrow. Details here.

[ edited by nixygirl on 2006-06-13 18:51 ]

nixygirl | June 13, 20:49 CET

I forgot to highlight that above, actually: both UIP and Universal have either donated things to give away or helped with the organisation of these screenings in some place. Which is awful good of them, considering they won't get any publicity or money from it.

gossi | June 13, 20:54 CET

Yep, both companies have put a rather large hand into our Ozzie screenings. UIP, not only waived there fees, but booked the Sydney screening thus getting a deal with the cinema resulting in us now only paying one quarter of our original quoted price.

Universal donated Serenity mousepads for every ticket holder in Australia.
(My bedrom is going to be filled with boxes of them tomorrow.) ; D

Both companies did so gladly!
(OK you've all probably heard me say that before, but ya know, it's pretty kool, so I thought it warranted a second viewing)

nixygirl | June 13, 21:02 CET

If UIP and Universal are contributing significantly to this, and it sounds as though they are, perhaps we could have a postcard campaign of thanks. We're always asking for things -- maybe just a thank you would be nice.

And thanks for letting us know about their contributions.

palehorse | June 13, 21:20 CET

I will have to admit that some of my reasons for wanting to help with the screenings were a tad selfish at first. When I had read about bix's idea I actually couldn't sleep for a week from thinking about it. I had Big Plans. Ha. And I've always always always wanted to own a movie theater (so I could show Singin' in the Rain every spring. Happiest. Movie. Ever.) and with this, for a day I get to.
Once I decided to do it, first thing I did was log onto Equality Now and my motiviations switched completely... and whether they like it or not, they're kinda stuck with me even after the screenings are over.
But I never once considered that the screenings were a way to get a sequel.
My only fear now is that I haven't done enough.

NYPinTA | June 13, 21:44 CET

We're always asking for things -- maybe just a thank you would be nice.

There will also be, once I organize this part, a master "thank you" list from all organizers on the main CSTS website, after the events are over.

The One True b!X | June 13, 21:52 CET

I was so excited to read about how much momentum the Serenity Now/Equality Now screenings are gaining that the Slashfilm article didn't sully my good mood. Like everyone else said, the writer missed the point and like totally misspelled John Sweden's name.

valgal | June 13, 22:15 CET

USA Today's "Pop Candy" blog:

Pop Candy

[ edited by zeitgeist on 2006-06-14 21:36 ]

The One True b!X | June 13, 22:21 CET

The Pop Candy blog links to this article: TV.com Article

[ edited by zeitgeist on 2006-06-14 21:36 ]

The Ninja Report | June 13, 22:24 CET

Wow, this is so fantastic.

Hey, onetruebix, I know you're not all omniscient or anything, but do you think it would be wiser to pre-order tickets now or wait until I get to the showing?

UnpluggedCrazy | June 13, 22:34 CET

Generally speaking it's better to pre-order. If for no other reason than it makes the organizers more comfortable that people are actually going to be there.

The One True b!X | June 13, 22:43 CET

Thanks! Will do.

UnpluggedCrazy | June 13, 22:45 CET

I hope to see photos on Flickr from all of us everywhere.

So. Very. Wonderful.

m'cookies actual | June 13, 23:00 CET

m'cookies, I've totally got the Cleveland screening covered in terms of photos!

I'll be like the one-man paparazzi. Except I won't make Paris Hilton crash her car. Or, you know, make Rebecca Romijn cry. But I promise to still be really annoying and get pictures of everyone!

UnpluggedCrazy | June 13, 23:02 CET

I hope to see photos on Flickr from all of us everywhere.

And FYI there's a Flickr group for pictures of these events.

The One True b!X | June 13, 23:11 CET

Also FYI, since gossi posted this, we've risen from 40 to 43 screenings. It's likely we will hit 45.

The One True b!X | June 13, 23:18 CET

And FYI there's a Flickr group for pictures of these events.

Aha, thanks, onetruebix!

m'cookies actual | June 13, 23:37 CET

The author of the Slashfilm article seems to have edited it, but he hasn't changed his opinion about us. This really bugs me:

Well, that's actually a little harsh. The 39 screenings set up between June 22 and June 24 are to benefit Equality Now, an orginazation dedicated to ending violence and discrimination against women. So some good is coming of this, and for that Fanboys, I comend you. But stop kidding yourself. Be like the Star Wars line guys and just say you're doing it for the charity. Because an impossible dream is not possible. It says so in the words.

Um, we are saying we're doing it for the charity. Where did this guy see us saying that this will get us more Firefly/Serenity? I know it never crossed my mind. At first it was, "Oh, cool! I get to see Serenity on the big screen again, with other fans!" Then I got involved in the organizing, and ever since then it's been all about the charity. But then on the 23rd, once all the organizing is over with, my brain will go back to "Ooh, cool, I get to see Serenity on the big screen again!"

The article just seems bitter for whatever reason. I don't know why people have to take their contempt out on Browncoats just because we get excited about our show/movie. I mean, doesn't every geek?

electricspacegirl | June 13, 23:44 CET

And now I see that the L.A. area screening is the only one to sell out...and I once again, I'm late to the party. (Been distracted by other stuff -- my own blog, politics, etc.) I'm on the waiting list...but what can that mean? It's not like people are going to unbuy tickets...

[ edited by bobster on 2006-06-13 21:54 ]

bobster | June 13, 23:51 CET

Generally speaking it's better to pre-order. If for no other reason than it makes the organizers more comfortable that people are actually going to be there.

Yes. yesyesyes. Buy early. Buy often. ;)

NYPinTA | June 13, 23:56 CET

Feeling like living on somewhat the outer rim here... Sweden... No screenings here, and feeling kinda like a lone browncoat in this area, I still commend you guys immensely for making this effort! Go Equality Now! And, what was that dude in the article trying to say anyway? Don't try to raise charities? Go figure... Keep flying!

Garim | June 14, 00:00 CET

Yo Gossi, or Simon or a mod that's not Simon. Please fix the link to USA Today article, is not working properly.
(Edited to solve the mod confusion)

Garim, just follow Gossi and OneTrueBix suggestion by donating directly to Equality Now. Then we can contribute as well.

I live in Brazil, and do feel like a loner over here too. I'll be donating later on, and at least I'll feel that I'm with everytone attending the screenings in spirit (I can even start running my DVD, around the time of some screening).

[ edited by Numfar PTB on 2006-06-13 22:13 ]

Numfar PTB | June 14, 00:01 CET

Numfar, I'm not a mod but I've fixed it as I posted the article.. Sorry, I had a carriage return in the middle of the address.

gossi | June 14, 00:10 CET

Regarding the USA Today/TV.com article: "Space assassins"?? I don't remember any 'space assassins'!! What movie did they watch?

cabri | June 14, 00:25 CET

Are you confused because they used the plural, or do you not consider The Operative an assassin? (Certainly, the promotional synopsis for the film did.) Heh.

The One True b!X | June 14, 00:39 CET

Browncoats who can't attend one due to distance or time contraints should still consider buying tickets or just donating to benefit Equality Now.
This'll probably be what I end up doing, since I doubt I'm going to be able to make the screening in the city I'll be in.

...I really am curious where he got the idea this was an appeal to make more Firefly movies. I know! I'll ask!

Loiosh | June 14, 01:06 CET

Not trying to fit in a self-plug or anything like that, but I just want those involved to know that I've put up a bit about it at my blog just to get the word out, and it can be found here.

I love this entire idea, and I sincerely wish that it goes extremely well!

UnpluggedCrazy | June 14, 01:08 CET

Just want to say, this makes me proud to be part of the Whedon fanbase.

barboo | June 14, 01:13 CET

I really am curious where he got the idea this was an appeal to make more Firefly movies.

Well, for one thing, that's normally what fanbases rally to do. For another thing, the screenings keep getting mixed up with the Serenity Day effort to buy DVDs.

The One True b!X | June 14, 01:13 CET

I doubt that author mixed up the screenings with the Serenity Day Campaign(otherwise the buying of DVDs would have been mentioned).

kurya | June 14, 01:22 CET

For another thing, the screenings keep getting mixed up with the Serenity Day effort to buy DVDs.

Last time I counted there was 3 (perhaps even 4) Whedonverse fan events associated with Joss' birthday.

Simon | June 14, 01:22 CET

Hey, I have a big question...I was looking at some of the listings, and in particular I was looking at the Arlington, VA screening (because there's nothing else closer) and it's being held at a theater that is also a bar and restaurant -- is there an age requirement to go? I've got a couple friends who aren't quite 21, and I know they're willing to see Serenity.

The Ninja Report | June 14, 01:33 CET

valgal, I'm totally with you. I'm one of the organizers of the Tucson screening and every day I am amazed at the generosity and drive of the Browncoats who've offered help, from huge donations to fine-tuning the details. One guy's cynical opinion of what we're doing here has no effect on my excitement, and the truth of the matter is that final number we'll have raised for Equality Now, collectively, as a fandom. Period.

blood runs crazy | June 14, 01:45 CET

I'd just like to point out to anybody in New York, it's where Equality Now is actually based and they have a 2500 seat cinema, but have sold about 60 seats. Details and online booking is available at the website.

[ edited by gossi on 2006-06-14 00:07 ]

gossi | June 14, 02:06 CET

Well, that's upstate NY. EN is in the city, where the venue is smaller.

The One True b!X | June 14, 02:21 CET

Ahhh right, I hadn't understood the difference.

gossi | June 14, 02:50 CET

Not that people should not flock to the Palace and fill those 2500 seats, of course. Because they should.

The One True b!X | June 14, 03:05 CET

punster and blood runs crazy -

I will very happily be attending the Tucson screening (my tickets are already in hand!!!). I really want to extend a huge thank you to all of the the AZ Browncoats organizing the event. I never expected to be able to attend a screening in my home town (but probably would have dragged myself up to Phoenix if that had been my nearest option).

I'm so excited to finally be able to view the movie with a group of fellow browncoats. Although I was already a huge fan of the show, I wasn't able to attend a Serenity showing until its second week in release. I'm dragging as many of my friends (and converts :) with me as possible.

I'm also a huge Buffy fan so I'm looking forward to the sing-along and the pre-screening shindig as well. An entire day full of Jossy goodness! I'm looking forward to meeting some of you. Thanks again!

btw, this is my first post here (signed up a few days ago), but I have been enjoying Whedonesque for quite some time. Great bunch of Whedonites on this site!

JossIzBoss | June 14, 07:23 CET

By the way, before this post ends up off the main page, I have to say that it's truly, well, bizarre looking at the CSTS stie now. Only a short time ago, there were an awful lost of screenings not yet put in bold (for confirmed). Now it's a sea of bold. Having lived with the site since the beginning of January, it's very weird. Heh.

The One True b!X | June 14, 07:40 CET

theonetruebix, the list has been an amazing thing. Excellent work all 'round. I'll be spending this June 23 in much the same fashion as last June 23, and I'm very excited. Although, this year, I'm not going to be carrying sharpies and a card table.

k8cre8 | June 14, 08:01 CET

So, how do we go with hooking it all up via webcam for the different screenings? That'd be pretty neat. I'm fairly certain that our Sydney screening, will be simultanious with at least some of the US ones.

We screen at 11 am on the 24th, which is 8 pm of the 23rd Central US time, and 9 pm I dunno somewhere in America.

What say we webcam it?

nixygirl | June 14, 08:18 CET

What say we webcam it?

Ack, like these organizers need something new to figure out. Heh. Relatedly, however, as has been pitched on the organizers list, we've had an offer to host videos from the events should people record any -- which I strongly encourage everyone to do.

The One True b!X | June 14, 08:27 CET

Congrats to all the organizers of the screenings. I'm so proud to be a Browncoat. I know Equality Now will be so happy to get our donation!

Harmalicious | June 14, 08:40 CET

I can't make the screening in NYC. (Curse you, Nationals, for being that weekend!) And I already own Serenity (3 versions) so buying another is kind of foolish.

Movie price + ticket price = direct donation to Equality Now.

It's the best compromise I figure I can make to support the cause and the charity.

I just really, really wish I would be able to make the NYC screening.

sigh.

flawed_karma | June 14, 09:25 CET

A little late to this party, but I agree that it would be great to thank all the UIP/Universal people who are lending a hand. As was pointed out, the studios have heard campaigns for this or that from fans, yet here's a studio where they have nothing to gain, and they are doing a good thing for charity and for fans. Yay UIP/Universal! :-)

billz | June 14, 10:25 CET

Shoutout in Kansas City Star newspaper.

gossi | June 14, 15:19 CET

"I'd just like to point out to anybody in New York, it's where Equality Now is actually based and they have a 2500 seat cinema, but have sold about 60 seats. Details and online booking is available at the website.
[ edited by gossi on 2006-06-14 00:07 ]
gossi | June 14, 00:06 CET "

Well, that's upstate NY. EN is in the city, where the venue is smaller.
theonetruebix | June 14, 00:21 CET"

You had me going there for a moment Gossi. (A 2500 seat theater in the Villiage that I have never heard about? Good grief that must be costing a fortune!) New York is a pretty big State, at least for this part of the country. ;-) The upstate showing is a couple hours by car from NYC. ETA: I looked it up, and according to Wikipedia, NY State is a little bigger than England!?!

Does anybody here know how the sales are going for the NYC showing? It is so tempting to try to go. Yesterday I just thought of somebody who might be up for going to what is basically a fan event for something she knows nothing about and at which the person she would be going with (me) would not know anyone or fit into the group either. ..it's a pretty hard sell.

ETA: Not such a hard sell. My friend thought it sounded like fun for a good cause right away and is up for it. I'll check out tickets when I get home tonight. Yea!

[ edited by newcj on 2006-06-14 17:39 ]

newcj | June 14, 18:39 CET

Just want to say congrats and well done and very proud of all of the organizers and fans taking part in this. And welcome to the neighborhood to the new folks I see posting :)

zeitgeist | June 14, 23:42 CET

I will definitely be taking a video, theonetruebix!

UnpluggedCrazy | June 15, 00:02 CET

My thanks go to the organizer (Brian/Veloxi) of our SoCal screening in Pasadena/Los Angeles. He worked hard and tirelessly to get everything set up. And now, even though it's sold out, he is still getting prize donations to help sell extra door prize tickets.

We now have over $700 in prizes to give away, and anyone can win. You just have to donate on our site. All the details can be found at our site

In fact, just a couple hours ago he got Flan II Weekend Pass ticket #345 donated by Booster Events. And earlier this week an authentic prop from the Prop Store worth $350 was delivered.

It's incredible and inspiring to see all that has happened across the world!

danregal | June 15, 00:16 CET

In fact, just a couple hours ago he got Flan II Weekend Pass ticket #345 donated by Booster...

Hmm does this mean they've got the #s? I've been waiting to find out what my number is.

The One True b!X | June 15, 01:09 CET

http://www.metroactive.com/metro/06.14.06/cult-0624.html

Good write-up.

Well, except for the lead bit about the screenings being Serenity Day and intended to get a sequel.

(I already put on my polite and upbeat voice and sent them a note, heh.)

The One True b!X | June 15, 02:25 CET

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