Execution
Checklist & 12-week timeline
Twelve weeks minimum; sixteen is comfortable. Under eight weeks, licensing and crowdfunding collide. Plan 30-day campaigns only after soft commitments and real budget numbers.
Immediate next actions
- 1
Pick the program
Highest probability first event: Hammer 1970s via Park Circus.
- 2
Identify three venues
Include at least one independent art house and one Alamo Drafthouse.
- 3
Four-wall feasibility call
One question decides everything: outside DCP under outside license?
- 4
Email the licensor
City, dates, seat count, ticket price — terms and DCP availability.
- 5
Build the crowdfunding goal
Only after venue rate and licensing quote; include fees and contingency.
- 6
Ask about fiscal sponsorship
One email to a local arts nonprofit can unlock grants and deductible gifts.
Full timeline
1–2
Pick program; call 3 venues on four-walling; day rates and tech specs.
2–3
Email licensors — Park Circus first for Hammer.
3–4
Compare quotes; written date hold; real budget.
4–5
Lock license terms; insurance quote.
5–6
Sponsors + co-presenter; commission poster art.
6–7
Campaign page; ~30% soft commitments.
7
Launch 30-day campaign (titles only if cleared).
8–10
Press, podcasts, social; mid-campaign stretch goal.
10–11
Funds clear; sign contracts; pay MGs; confirm ship-to.
11
KDM request with projector certificates; confirm drive.
12 (−3d)
Ingest drive; full technical check every title.
Event
Doors 45 min early; volunteers briefed; run of show.
+1
Box office reports; return drives; survey; tease next event.