Launching CineRGP

Things have been a little quiet on the MGR front, and it’s probably time to share a bit more about why. Earlier this year, I was given the great opportunity to pitch a new community cinema initiative to Cinema For All as part of their Launch programme. This pitch focused on reducing social isolation for individuals who share a passion for pop culture across films, games, and creative fandom practices.

The pitch was received with kind praise, and I was offered coaching sessions and a small grant to set up the launch screening of 'CineRPG'! From April to September, I was busy preparing our launch event—selecting the right film and venue, designing promotional materials, distributing flyers and posters, setting up our Eventive website, registering the trademark, arranging insurance, dealing with license holders, and soooooo much more.

CineRPG Launch Event

On Sunday 22nd September, CineRPG launched at the Hen & Chicken in Bristol (Southville), with a special afternoon dedicated to Dungeons and Dragons.

We screened D&D: Honour Among Thieves and provided an introduction to the game to new players attending the event. The screening was a sell-out, with an audience of 30 attendees —we had an incredible time! Our charity of choice, GamesAid, organised a D&D raffle and raised funds to support the children’s initiatives they champion. It was an afternoon to remember - a very inspiring and rewarding experience.

So, What Now?

Shortly after our launch, CineRPG was officially registered as a CIC (non-profit Community Interest Company)—woop woop! This formal step now allows us to further our social goals in Bristol and the South-West, collaborating with industry partners and sponsors, as well as applying for grants and funding towards future events.

I’m learning a lot through this process, starting with the virtue of patience—growing a network of contributors, building a community, and creating local opportunities takes time. I wish I could only focus on facilitating community events, but it will take a bit more time (and a few sponsors) to secure film licences, venues, and affordable ticket prices. Yet, I am confident we will get there!

Meanwhile, our Discord server is becoming our central hub, where we can connect over shared interests, discuss the next steps for the project, and plan online events aligned with our core objectives - join us there, and connect with the passionate people of our community!

Beyond Boundaries 360

A few weeks after our launch, I was thrilled to be selected for Beyond Boundaries 360! This training opportunity supports the development of grassroot exhibitors, offering precious advice and consultation about film event facilitation, audience engagement and community building with cinema on the central stage of social and cultural interactions. The initiative offers an incredible opportunity to connect with South-West creative entrepreneurs who are passionate about cinema and the communal experience the 7th art provides.

Needless to say, I am learning a great deal from the team and everyone involved in the cohort—it’s an experience I cannot recommend enough. Since then, CineRPG CIC has also joined Film Hub South West and the BFI FAN (Film Audience Network); gaining access to audience development opportunities, invaluable advice and industry connections.

Film Bath Festival Collaboration

The screening of Grand Theft Hamlet marked CineRPG’s first collaboration with Film Bath Festival, welcoming audience members to enjoy the award-winning documentary directed by Penny Gylls and Sam Crane.

A follow-up conversation with guest theatre actor/ director Matt Emeny explored the intersectionality of Shakespearean drama and GTA, sparking a passionate discussion about modern storytelling and the ways creatives practioners have navigated the many challenges of Covid-19 restrictions.

The event sold out, drawing an audience aged 16 to 75, all enthralled by this extraordinary endeavour: staging a live performance of Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto Online. It was a glorious experience!

What is the next step?

The Beyond Boundaries 360 training will be hugely informative for CineRPG’s growth, whether through collaboration, contributions, or new event facilitation in 2025.

I am having daily conversations with prospects and key contributors, focusing on what is feasible and affordable both now and in the future. It’s a journey of its own, and one I am thoroughly enjoying!

As the weeks unfold into a new year, I will ensure MGR stays updated on CineRPG’s achievements, with regular posts on our website, streams, and social media...

I wish to thank all the contributors of CineRPG - your support and encouragement mean the world. With a special thank to Cinema For All (in association with BFI and The National Lottery), JDOM, FVTT, Molten Hosting, PPL PRS, Dragon & Scribe, Hen & Chicken, Les Contrees de L'imaginaire, Women Who D&D, Beyond Bounderies, Film Hub South West, BFI FAN, as well as Cara and Maisie for your unconditional support.

Stay tuned with CineRPG

CineRPG Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iOvFYs
CineRPG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinerpg-official/
Disord Server: https://discord.gg/JQ4VfdhQPG