What's The Deal With Blockbusters?

Hey Movie Lovers,

Ever wonder how AMP picks its monthly blockbusters?

Well, AMP partners with a distribution company called "Swank Films." Unlike companies that distribute to big theaters, Swank distributes specifically to 'smaller' (although we perfer to say 'more personal') venues like college campuses. The films we pick for the Blockbusters are "Pre-Home Releases"--that is, films that are out of the theater, but not yet on DVD. The dates for the Blockbusters are picked before the semester even starts based on the availability of the Commonwealth Auditorium, and then a few weeks before the Blockbuster we run down the list of the "Pre-Home Releases" on Swank's website. We have to find a film with a first available show date that is before the date of the Blockbuster, but a home video release date that is after. These two dates can be seperated by anywhere between 3 weeks and 3 months--it all depends on the studio and the success of the film.

Sometimes finding the perfect film can be tricky--often 4 or 5 great films will be available one month, and the next month the most critically-acclaimed film on the list will be "Twilight: New Moon" (nothing personal, we love Robert Pattinson as much as any screaming 12 year old). Other times, we'll pick the perfect film, just to see its availabilty postponed at the last minute, as was the case with "The Dark Knight" last year.

Although we love working with Swank, there are two 'catches' about doing business with any college film distributor. The first, is that all the "Pre-Home Releases" are provided to us on VHS. We know this is something that many of you are less than thrilled about, but we think it's worth it to see films on campus before you can get them at home. The second 'catch' is that in order to get the great deals on the films that we do, we have to show 5 "Pre-Home Releases" a semester. This isn't so much a catch, but it does explain why Screen on the Green films are usually also these "Pre-Home Releases."

Want to be a part of producing Blockbuster events? Consider applying for AMP! Applications are due February 15th and more can be learned on the AMP website (http://web.wm.edu/amp/). Just want to keep watching our Blockbusters? "Precious" will be screening in the Commonwealth Auditorium February 19th and 20th, at both 7:00 and 9:30 pm. Hope to see you there! (Oh-em-gee we love Mo'Nique)

AMPlove,
Films