Feature: Profiling 360 Screenings

A unique new event sure to appeal to theatre lovers is making its debut this Spring.  360 Screenings is an ambitious project that combines film and theatre in one immersive live-action experience.  The Canadian company launched this past January and is planning their debut evening of entertainment May 25^th.  Created by Ned Loach and Robert Gontier, the company promises to provide Torontonians with a new way to experience the art of the movies. 

360 Screenings takes the experience of going to the movies to a whole new level by introducing the concept of 'immersive cinema' to Toronto.  Co-founders Ned and Robert first became aware of the concept on a trip to England where they went to see a film in which the audience became a part of the experience.  Shortly thereafter they formed 360 Screenings and set out to plan their first 'experience.'  Drawing on the broad appeal of film, the experience will immerse attendees in the world of theatre by placing the audience right in the action and helping them become a part of the movie they are watching.

Each screening will take place at a new location (kept secret until 24 hours before the event) and will feature actors hired to engage the audience in the essence of the film, as well as props and scenery to create the feeling that you are in the movie itself.  Audience members are then encouraged to explore, uncover and interact with everything they see, hopefully bringing the film to life.  The interactive nature of the event combined with the involvement of professional actors is what makes this a true theatrical experience, though audience members will also have the opportunity to watch and enjoy a feature length film. 

Co-founders  Ned Loach and Robert Gontier took a few minutes to talk with BWW about how the idea came to fruition, the nature of immersive theatre and what people can expect to take out of the experience:

What inspired 360 Screenings?
When we were living in Europe a large part of the theatre and film environment includes audience participation to varying degrees. We wanted to give Toronto audiences the chance to take part in experiencing the film.

For people not familiar with participatory theatre or immersive experiences - what can they expect at your event?

We are calling this event an "immersive cinema" experience. It represents the shift towards experiencing the subject, whether it be the story, the characters, the location, or the concept of the film, more fully by placing audiences right in the action – instead of viewing from a distance on their seat – and allowing them to interact however much they like.

It all comes down to how far the audience is willing to go with the freedom of interaction that we are offering. If people want to directly interact with the actors, then they can, if people want to stand back and just observe, then they can certainly do that as well.

Shortly before the event takes place, we send an email out to all ticket-buyers with the location of the event, and in this email we also suggest a clothing theme to follow. The effect of this will ultimately populate the event space with extras (you, the audience) from the film. After all, you, the audience, are the most important part in bringing the film to life.

This type of event has the potential for great crossover between film and theatre lovers - do you think it will appeal equally to both? Why?

Yes - it absolutely does appeal to both film and theatre lovers. It features the best of both worlds! Half of the evening is spent with the actors in the space which has been furnished entirely to reflect the film, so theatre lovers will find much to appreciate during this event. The film lovers get to watch the film with the added experience of interacting with the characters on screen, walking the streets of the film, and living through the story of the film.

We know audience members are encouraged to get involved and explore the space/interact with the actors, are they also going to be encouraged to get involved via social media? Will this be a "live-tweeting" event?

We love social media, and we love people who love to participate in social media, so yes, we are encouraging our audience to tweet throughout their 360 Journey. Things will constantly be happening throughout the evening, and if someone wants to tweet that they think they know what film they're about to watch, or that they just bumped into their favourite film character, then all the power to them.

The whole evening is shrouded in mystery (the film, location, etc.), and this mystery is a dish best served with friends - both with you and online.

Finally, what is your end goal with 360 Screenings? Where do you want to end up?

We have made a 3 year plan and we're hoping to bring immersive cinema to the people of Toronto multiple times a year. It is our hope that this genre will captivate our audiences and inspire them to look at film in an entirely new way.

When and Where?

360 Screenings

First 'event' will be held on May 25^th – location to be announced 24 hours prior to event

To purchase tickets to the event please visit their website at www.360screenings.com

Follow them on Twitter at @360Screenings and like them on Facebook

The company is also accepting donations to help build bigger and better screenings in the future – if you are interested in helping or want to learn more please visit their donation page: http://www.indiegogo.com/360-Screenings/

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