Two thumbs up for FMN! Ours was a huge hit. We chose a Friday night 6:30pm, had it in the MultiPurpose Room, which had a microphone system. Hooked that up to an LCD projector the school had and a laptop with DVD and it was like being in the theatre! We did have some problems setting up the sound system, so it helps to have someone who knows electronics, etc or practice the week before to make sure. Admission was FREE, and we charged 50cents for a bag of popcorn, which could be paid for with cash OR (5)Box Tops. We weren't trying to make money, but made about $80 from BoxTops and $80 from cash. The best thing was that at the end of the show, a lady came up to us and said, "This was a really great idea!" I kept waiting for the "but," because everyone always has a way to do it better, but it never came! She just said thank you and that it was great and can't wait til the next one! Our PTO doesn't get that alot, so it was really appreciated. For the next few days, our school got phone calls saying the same things and it was a wonderful feeling. The Movie Licensing people were AWESOME and I wouldn't hesitate to go through them (thanks Dawn!)again, which we will. If your school hasn't done a FMN, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
I am thinking that a classic may have been a better idea too. Also, if we had picked something less tame (PG perhaps!), everyone still had the option to come to the movie or not. [img]tongue.gif[/img]
We did a Friday night. We are still getting great response from kids and families. We are elementary, so that might have something to do with it. The pj thing was a great hit too though, they felt like it was a big slumber party. I would agree, Finding Nemo for that age might have been your downfall! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was great since most of them hadn't seen it. Plus I like the idea of a "classic" instead of just another cartoon.
We did a Movie Night at our Middle School last year and it flopped.
'Finding Nemo' wasn't the way to go for 6-8 grade, but we did a survey of the kids and that was the result.
We got the one time movie license for $50 and were only charging one Box Top for Education for each person. Minimal charge on concessions.
Might be tempted to try again, but not sure with middle schoolers. Definately a different movie!
We used the AV school equiptment along with the portable PA system in the cafeteria.
I am sure if anyone besides the officers were there they would have been able to hear fine . Live and Learn!
We had our first Family Movie Night last night and it was GREAT! We showed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We picked it since most of the kids hadn't seen it and the parents loved to see it again. It was long though, next time I definately will pick a shorter movie. Everything was free and we had drinks, candy, and popcorn popped fresh. The kids brought beanbags, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. We even gave away 2 beanbags the PTO purchased. I couldn't believe the response from parents and kids about how much they enjoyed it. Before they left I had about 10 kids ask me when we were doing it again. It is a great, inexpensive way to bring your school together!
. Live and Learn! 
