360 Screenings is back just in time to terrify audiences for Hallowe’en. The event is a fusion of live theatre and cinema, offering audiences the chance to become part of a movie… becoming an active participant rather than a silent observer.

A year ago, I had the pleasure to meet 360 Screenings founders Ned Loach and Robert Gontier. It seemed fitting that I follow up to see how the event has been evolving and growing in the past year. I was able to receive an update from Loach, who shared how excting things have been moving along since last October.

One of the main accomplishments for the event has been the additional screenings. These added screenings took place during the last installment, which featured the film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. I happened to attend one of the evenings; it was absolutely well thought out, and overall a really interesting, immersive experience.

360 Screenings: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest  June 1, 2013 Collage by AnnaLiza V.

This last installment “was a triumph for us, artistically, and with the audience”, shared Loach. “The combination of audience attraction and the arc in the whole evening” really worked well. During that event, someone in the audience actually used one of the prop blankets and fully became a whole new character. He “became a patient at the hospital”, which to Loach only made things even more interesting.

In contrast to the first couple of events, subsequent ones have allowed Loach and Gontier to take more risks, especially when it comes to audience involvement. The audience has changed over time as well. In the beginning, “people were more careful. Now, they’re more comfortable” to join in the experience.

As far as choosing the venues, the challenge is in their availability. As Loach explained, historic sites are usually booked well in advance. The other concern lies in finding a location that can be used multiple times, over two days. For the most part, however, most venues are very receptive to the event and the design proposals submitted. The icing on the cake, so to speak, is that after the event photos are provided; these in turn help to showcase creative ways to use the space.

The last event was divided into three parts, and this will be the case for the upcoming Hallowe’en one also. The film, of course, remains secret. For this ocassion, they have deviated a bit from their original master list, but they’re “thrilled” with the choice. It helps they keep their minds open to said list of films, as they fine tune it, and allow themselves to deviate from it when needed.

The one ‘insider scoop’ I was able to obtain involves a TRANSFORMATION. Loach wants us to know that at the end of this 360 Screenings event, something will be changed. So be prepared…

After the success of previously sold out events, this highly anticipated event will offer four screenings, October 25 at 7:00 pm OR 11:00 pm, and October 26 at 2:00 pm OR 7:00 pm. Each screening will offer the same immersive experience. Tickets are almost sold out for all screenings, so act fast, you will enjoy it!