How To Use Our Films

How to Use Our Films

How-To-Guide provides valuable information on How To Use Our Films - You Can Click on the Document and either View It and/or Download It - Contact Us About Using Our Films at glowmediafilms@glowmedia.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to use the films?

The films, accompanying guides, and this toolkit, are designed to introduce mental health issues and the potential negative impacts on health. Spreading awareness will help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorder, allowing those impacted to seek help. We suggest are best viewed in a setting that includes the following:

Pre-planning activities to identify and attract the target audience.
Distribution of appropriate guides prior to viewing films to audience based on personnas (teachers, students, parents)
Viewing of films
Panel discussion with experts from the community, students, and parents.
Post viewing discussions
Use of exit surveys to gauge audience participation.

The glowmedia toolkit is designed for ease of use. The films can be viewed in settings as informal and small as your own living room, all the way up to a large local theater or auditorium. You can show one or more of the films in a casual setting to friends and family, or host a larger, more formal screening with event panelists and a moderated discussion.

Does glowmedia provide assistance with setting up a film viewing?

glowmedia would welcome the opportunity to help with these activities. Those interested in hosting a screening and need assistance can contact Trish Glowacki at trish.glowacki@glowmedia.org.

Has glowmedia used panel discussions at previous events?

glowmedia has found panel discussions to be very well received by audiences at past events. We suggest the following list as guidance for choosing your panelists:

A local school nurse, school counselor or social worker
A local mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist)
Local law enforcement
A person living with a mental illness or substance use disorder and willing to share his or her story
A student from a local school

Why should my local school use glowmedia films in their health and wellness programming?

glowmedia films are intended to destigmatize challenges that can make teens feel vulnerable and alone, and worry that they are different from their peers. When the adolescents in the films struggle, students viewing the films will feel less alone, less stigmatized by their own issues. The teens in the film model what it is like to confide in friends about a problem, and to seek advice from a parent, a coach, or a school counselor. The importance of getting support and learning coping strategies is emphasized. Through our educational series, schools can present our films and start discussions, raising the chances that young people will feel valued and empowered despite the challenges they face.

What other materials does glowmedia provide along with the films?

For each film, glowmedia creates a complementary Educational Guide that fosters open, engaging classroom discourse. The curricula for each guide is developed in collaboration with Adventure Theatre – Musical Theatre Center, a Maryland-based musical theater organization that has a wealth of experience creating cross-sector (arts and non-arts) educational materials. The materials are reviewed by educators and professionals in the adolescent psychology and social work fields.
Along with the Educator Guide, glow media has also created a Student Guide, and a Parent/Guardian Guide. The curricula include a film synopsis; pre-and post-viewing and discussion topics; and resources and fact sheets. The curricula also outline the alignment with Common Core English Language Arts and American School Counselors Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors standards. We recommend to all educators who use our curricula to send the Parent/ Guardian Guide to parents/guardians, along with a letter about the screening of the film. Our aim is for the discussion to extend beyond the classroom and into our students’ homes.

How can I approach my local schools about using glowmedia films?

It’s best to start with the school’s counseling or social work department. If you are a parent of a current student, you already have a voice! Whether you are a parent or a concerned member of the community, the following bullet points may help convey your message:

glowmedia films and companion guides are part of a research-informed program addressing mental health and substance misuse.
The films and guides promote social emotional learning
The guides adhere to Common Core and ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors
The films and guides are available free of charge
Ask if the school subscribes to the Discovery Education Streaming Subscription Series. If so, they have access and approval to screen our first film, Warning: Take Only as Directed. We are currently negotiating with Discovery to incorporate our three new shorts into their Streaming Subscription Series.

How can I inform people about/invite people to my glowmedia event?

Included in this kit are a sample press release and media advisory that you can localize and send out for your event. Also included are some social media tips. You may consider creating a “save the date” and/or an invitation to email to potential guests.
Some other tips:

If you’re hosting a large screening, consider setting an RSVP date. Determine if this should be a few days or a few weeks before your event in order to best prepare.
Remember to use social media (Facebook, Twitter and others) as a method of promoting your screening. Some suggested Facebook and Twitter posts can be found below.
Email your screening date and information to info@glowmedia.org. We will post your screening information on our website and social media platforms.
We encourage you to email photos from your events to info@glowmedia.org so that glowmedia can track the events and showcase your commitment to educating our communities and ending the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorder.

How do I talk about my glowmedia event on social media?

If you’re looking to invite people other than your close friends or family, we encourage you to use Facebook, Twitter and other social networks to promote your event to a wider audience. Here are some suggested posts:
For Facebook:

You’re invited to join us on (DATE) at (LOCATION) for a special screening of (INSERT FILM TITLE AND DESCRIPTION FROM ABOVE. The screening will be followed by a special Q&A to discuss the issue of (ISSUE). For more information, (INSERT INSTRUCTIONS HERE)
Teen medicine abuse is an epidemic. Join me on (DATE) at (LOCATION) for a special screening of “Warning: Take Only as Directed” a short film musical that addresses the issue of medicine abuse. For more information, @glowmediafilms/warningtakeonlyasdirected.
You can help spread awareness about (insert topic); join us at a special screening of the short film (insert film title) on (DATE) at (LOCATION). The film addresses (insert topic) and the screening will be followed by a brief Q&A about the issue. Learn more @glowmediafilms

For Twitter:

You can help #endstigma #crisistextline . Join us on (DATE) for a special screening of (Insert film ) @glowmediafilms
Help #endstigma #crisistextline. Join us for a special film and Q&A; learn more @glowmediafilms
(insert film title) is a film about (insert topic) Join us for a special screening and help #endstigma #crisistextline @glowmediafilms

Is there a guide that I can print out on how to use the films?

Yes! We have produced a "How To" toolkit. Look for it at the top of this page.