An interview with Zak and Jeff of Open Screen

Interviewer person: So, Open Screen is a patio fixture store in Woburn, correct?

Zak: That is not correct.

Jeff: Yeah, that's pretty far off, actually.

IP: I see. Well, what is it then? I'm intrigued. And a little embarrassed.

J: No sweat. There's a lot of bad information out there on the internet these days.

Z: Open Screen is, quite simply, "Boston's only Open Mike Night for Movies."

IP: That sounds pretty fantastic.

J: We think so.

IP: How does it work?

Z: It goes down like this: every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm, we open the doors of the Coolidge Corner Screening Room to filmmakers and film fans alike . . .

J: . . . student filmmakers, industry professionals, basement auteurs, home movie aficionados—anyone who's got a movie . . .

Z: . . . and as long as it's under 10 minutes . . .

J: . . . we'll screen it!

IP: Holy crap! That sounds awesome.

Z: It often is.

IP: What formats do you support?

J: MiniDV, VHS, DVD, Super8, 16mm . . . you name it.

IP: What is your average audience like?

Z: That's the beauty of Open Screen: the crowd has a different character each month.

J: Yeah, we have a core group of regulars who make movies to show each month, but we always seem to attract new and interesting . . .

Z: . . . and strange . . .

J: . . . people.

Z: Strange in a good way, though.

J: Yeah, we love strange.

IP: So, if I have a movie that I made that I'm looking for feedback on, or to try out on an audience, or promote . . .

Z: . . . you should bring it to Open Screen.

J: In fact, if you have a short movie, there is absolutely no reason not to bring it to Open Screen. You'll meet other filmmakers, you'll see what your peers are working on.

Z: And, maybe best of all, you'll get that experience you can only get when you're sitting in a theatre with an audience and everyone is watching your movie.

IP: You guys probably have a website.

J: You better believe it!

Z: www.bostonopenscreen.com