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How do you know what to expect for a first-ever event?
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Our apologies to those turned away at the door for the first showing tonight of "Drug Wars: Silver or Lead." We didn't know how to anticipate the size of the crowd for an event we've never tried before. We would have been happy if half of the 476 seats in the Welder Center were filled.
Imagine our surprise when people started lining up before 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. When doors opened at 6 p.m., a stream of people poured into every available seat. Those who saved seats for other latecomers had to fight off the crowd. Some seats had been reserved for law enforcement officers and other VIPs, causing some hard feelings for those who couldn't get in. The place was standing room only by 6:30 p.m. About 200 to 300 people were still outside.
Fortunately, Kay McHaney, one of the Advocate's owners, came to the rescue and arranged for a second showing of the documentary at 9 p.m. For those reading this now, it's not too late to make it downtown and still catch the film. The panel discussion will follow the second showing.
For those at the first performance or others who will miss the panel discussion, we'll be broadcasting it live online. We also plan to tape the discussion for viewing at your convenience.
We're thrilled by the community's response to this important issue we've been covering in our "Fatal Funnel" series. Based on this success, we hope to organize similar community events in the future. The Welder Center director also has to be encouraged by the possibility of showing other films in the performance hall. The picture quality is outstanding.
For those who did see either show, we look forward to hearing your thoughts about the event.
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Thanks Chris for your quick response.
December 31, 2008 at 9:19 a.m.I think that having the discussion after the first showing was what everyone expected and it was a disappointment to miss it. A story from Gabe and a video would be nice. We live and learn.
Thanks for sponsoring the event.
AmericaFirst,
You're right. My biggest regret of last night is that we didn't have the panel discussion immediately following the first movie. The sheriff tried to arrange that, but we couldn't work out the details in time. If I had it all to do over again, we should have delayed the second showing and held the panel discussion earlier.
I will talk with Gabe about reporting on what was said during the panel discussion. We also will have a video of the discussion available for viewing shortly on our Web site.
December 31, 2008 at 8:40 a.m.Chris,
December 31, 2008 at 8:11 a.m.Don't apologize to the people who missed the first showing of the movie. They at least got to see the entire program---the movie and the round table discussion. Apo;ogize to the people who got there early to get good seats and then were forced to leave so that the movie could be shown again. The discussion took place after the 2nd showing and if there was room, the first group would be allowed back into the room. What kind of deal is that?
I know the crowd was larger than you'll anticipated, but it seems that a lot of people felt that the crowd would be big so they got there early!!! That's what we did when we got there at 5:45. The woman sitting next to us got there at 5. And then we missed the discussion......so much for "the early bird gets the worm"!
We appreciate you'll aponsoring the movie. It was definitely an eye opener!
Yep, should of had this somewhere else with more room.
December 30, 2008 at 8:20 p.m.We just bought a DVD and came back home. Will try to catch the broadcast.
Lots of talk when I was there about all the concerns about this problem. Would be a good idea for another show or two at a later date.