Do you love going to the movies, but hate shelling out for the double-digit ticket prices? Do you like the idea of community walk-a-thons, but balk at the prospect of actually spending all that time out in the cold? Do you want to have a good time this Friday? If any of the last three sentences resonate with you, you’re in luck –December 2nd marks the inaugural Brookline Access Television Watch-A-Thon. For 24 hours, starting at 6 PM on Friday night, the third floor windows of the BHS Unified Arts Building will be lit up by movie screens and the smiles of people playing for a good cause.
The Watch-A-Thon follows the classic charity walk-a-thon model, but replaces miles with movies. Participants register with BATV, find sponsors to support them, and then take in as many of the thirteen featured movies as they want. Watchers can sign up individually or with their families, and sponsors can pledge a per-movie donation or a set amount. Money collected will go towards the purchase of camera kits for public school students and teachers in Brookline. BATV aims to raise enough money for two camera kits, which would be used to “get kids involved in video and film making,” according to Nicole Rosenberg, the group’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “We think it is important to give all young people access to such technology both by itself and in combination with other school subjects.”
For community members (school-age and otherwise) that would like to access that technology right away, three free BATV workshops will be held during the Watch-A-Thon. Participants who want a break between flicks can go through BATV member orientation, learn how to use iMovie, or even host their own news report in front of a green screen. There will also be free meals and snacks to keep glucose levels up, and a game room (complete with pool tables and a beanbag toss) in case muscles need stretching.
Most of the energy will be provided by the movies themselves, the majority of which are family-friendly comedies – and, of course, by the enlivening prospect of helping the community. But if watchers need an extra boost, they can opt for a madcap action movie like Sherlock Holmes, or one of the late-night “curveball” showings like The Shining, thrown in as an invigorator “for the people who can make it the full 24 hours.” Rosenberg hopes to be one of these people, and she offers advice for other prospective marathoners: “Come with friends for moral support, bring blankets and pillows, and don’t be afraid to take a cat-nap between screenings.” Those who follow her instructions will be sure to reach their goals – and help BATV reach theirs – frame by frame.
BATV hopes to get at least 100 people to participate in the Watch-A-Thon on December 2nd. Help them out and join the fun by registering at http://batv.org/content/watch-thon-registration; or by sponsoring a watcher at http://batv.org/content/sponsor.
By Cara Giaimo
