Before we begin… make sure you are in our database so whether you host a screening or not, we can direct volunteers towards you.
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CLP is committed to being your partner through every phase of this showing. Get in touch with screening@childrensliteracyproject.org
You can expect from us:
The SENTENCED movie in appropriate digital formats.
Promotional materials
Other promo films to share with your mail lists and on social media
Can anyone from the film team or Children's Literacy Project attend and/or speak on the panel?
By registering your organization you will be added to that network and viewers in your area will have the opportunity to connect with you directly. The partners involved in this effort aim to generate hundreds of thousands of new leads who can become volunteers, donors and advocates into the cause.
Now streaming on Peacock. If you need us to send you a screener please reach out here.
Please send us an email and Nick or Lucy will get back to you.
screening@childrensliteracyproject.org
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
From the film’s creators:
SENTENCED is an immersive and vulnerable exploration of the epidemic of childhood illiteracy through a series of braided character driven stories. Executive produced and narrated by 4x NBA basketball champion Stephen Curry.
SENTENCED has been designed to launch 1,000,000 volunteers into early childhood literacy. Filmed from the point of view of ethnically diverse adults and children who have never learned to read, SENTENCED is a forceful yet tender tale of how literacy can free children from the cycles of generational poverty.
Or…
SENTENCED is a world-class documentary about the growing crisis of illiteracy in America that ends with hope.Together with the creator’s of SENTENCED, we are hosting a local showing of the film to both learn about the literacy crisis from a national and local perspective and to inspire our community to fight for literacy for ALL.
Yes, SENTENCED is currently streaming on Peacock. However, private screenings offer an opportunity for organizations to engage their communities, raise awareness, and inspire direct action through volunteerism and donations. Please make sure your literacy organization is signed up with us as a partner so that we can direct people towards you, whether you host a screening or not.
The ultimate goal of SENTENCED is to spread awareness and promote advocacy in the cause of early childhood literacy to as many people as possible. We ask that your screening accomplishes two things: 1) Make a serious impact in expanding/supporting the literacy work in your area and 2) Promote the film beyond the event so others will see it on NBC Peacock.
Yes! We spent a million dollars making SENTENCED in order to support local organizations to raise awareness, inspire volunteerism and YES, to raise money if appropriate to your context.
If you do fundraise in cooperation, connection or in co-advertising with the film, we ask that you consider a contribution (such as 15% of net donations) back to Children’s Literacy Project in light of our investment in this film.
Stephen has been very generous to lend his hame, his voice and his production company to the documentary SENTENCED.
What that means for you, is you can mention Stephen Curry in conjunction with SENTENCED in any of your promotional communications. You cannot however, co-opt Stephen Curry name or likeness in any endeavors outside of the film.
For example:
Appropriate:
“We are proud to host a showing of SENTENCED, produced and narrated by 4x NBA champion, Stephen Curry. SENTENCED is…
Inappropriate:
“Stephen Curry supports Organization X and the work that we do. Stephen encourages you to give generously to Program Y.”
Here is what we expect:
Use the film to promote literacy endeavors in your area. Use it to inspire your community about literacy, to recruit volunteers and, if appropriate, fundraise.
Implement an intentional marketing / communications plan to expose as many of your people and your community to the film.
There may be more than one organization in your area that wants to host. We hope organizations will work together to make the showing as impactful as possible.
Creatively consider how to maximize the film showing to advance your work like:
Have a sign-up strategy after the film.
Host an information table.
Host an after-party.
Have a panel discussion on literacy in your area after the film.
Communicate before and after the showing with us at Children’s Literacy Project so we can support, advise and celebrate with you. Please share any data, stories and content you gathered.
Audiences tend to be silent at the end of the film. It is a lot to process.
The conversion rate to “signing up” is often high. They will sign up through our national QR code strategy (which means they will be redirected back to your local organization(s)) and/or sign-up with you directly.
If you have a panel discussion with Questions and Responses, audiences might ask for:
Specifics about your local literacy needs, particularly among children.
Host an information table.
The societal impacts of illiteracy.
The social/justice implications of illiteracy.
The story of the making of such an intense and intimate film (we will provide answers for this.)
The story of the subjects, specifically they may want to be reassured that the filmmakers had reciprocal relationships with all the film’s subjects and everyone involved proudly wanted to tell their stories to help future generations. Trust was established before any cameras were turned on.
We think this is a very exciting question. Your creativity here can be limitless. To get the creative juices flowing, here are a few ideas:
Anyone working/volunteering in literacy
Your donors, supporters and colleagues
The families and friends of your people (to show them how important your work is)
All your donors
Local leaders: the mayor, city council members, school board members, school superintendents and principals
Business leaders of all types
The press: print, radio, TV
Social media mavens
Podcasters
Organizations that value volunteerism, e.g. the Lyons Club, retirement communities, professional organizations, the Better Business Bureau, etc.
Pastors and faith leaders
Religious influencers: writers, talkshow hosts, musicians, etc.
The arts community, especially filmmakers, but also anyone who can appreciate the commitment and care it takes to make a beautiful film.
SENTENCED is a soaring cinematic experience. The higher the quality of the projection, sound system and acoustics, the more impactful the showing will be.
In most locations we advocate to show the film in a movie theater that is specifically designed for this high quality of a film. There may be a partnership with a national theater chain in the works. If not, most theaters are open to a one-night or limited showing for a fee/ticket profit-sharing arrangement. Also consider locally-owned theaters and art houses. In some locations the best place may be a private venue like a university auditorium or a church with a sophisticated audio/visual system.
As with any theatrical event, people will arrive early to get a good seat and possibly refreshments (provided by the public venue or the hosting organization.)
Everyone will be greeted by one of your staff/volunteers and take their seats.
If appropriate, a greeting table with relevant materials (e.g. programs)
Don’t be surprised if there is applause and don’t be surprised if people sit silent and unmoving.
Have someone thank everyone for coming.
Communicate, if you wish, the need and cause in your area
If appropriate, curate a panel discussion for 15-20 minutes after the show (if you plan on a panel at the end, communicate that during your welcoming remarks before showtime to set expectations.)
If you need help structuring your panel, here are some suggestions.
A well-structured panel discussion following the screening of SENTENCED could focus on both the emotional impact of the film and actionable solutions for addressing childhood illiteracy. Here is a generic outline you can adapt for your event, offering a balance between personal reflections and sector-specific solutions:
"That was a powerful and emotional film, giving us a window into the lives of families struggling with literacy. Before we discuss the important work each of you is doing—and what can be done in your respective sectors—I want to provide space for any immediate reflections you may have on what we just saw."
Not every panelist is required to respond here, but we encourage one or two panelists to share their reflections on the film before transitioning to more solution-based discussion.
"As a faith leader (or community advocate), your role brings you into direct contact with families affected by literacy struggles. Can you share why you felt called to engage in this work and how your community is responding to the literacy crisis?"
(5–6 minutes)
"Your organization has made significant strides in supporting children's well-being and educational success. Can you discuss what your nonprofit is doing to promote literacy, and how other nonprofits can also contribute to this movement?"
(5–6 minutes)
"As an educational leader, you have firsthand experience with early literacy development. What lessons have you learned from working in schools, and what do education leaders need to focus on to effectively address this literacy crisis?"
(5–6 minutes)
"Your company has been a supporter of literacy initiatives, and we know businesses play an important role in social causes. Can you tell us about the impact of your company’s support, and why it is vital for business leaders to get involved in the fight against illiteracy?"
(5–6 minutes)
We encourage you to modify material to match your organizations brand as much as possible.
Flyer inspiration. Feel free to reach out if you want one of these flyers with your event details.
Ways to use it!
On the Invitation
Printed on poster board
As a holding graphic on movie screen
Can be placed on screen while people enter the theater and during the panel discussion. 16:9 Ratio
Post you can share on your social media account.
If you are partnering with us on this event, feel free to ad our logo.
Feel free to email us if you have any questions or need any help.
screening@childrensliteracyproject.org