Frequently Asked Questions

THE TUGG BASICS

  • What is Tugg?

    Tugg is a web-platform that lets YOU bring the movies you want to your local theater.

  • How does Tugg work?

    It’s pretty simple:

    1. Become a “promoter” by requesting a title from our library of films and provide your preferred event details.
    2. Set up your event with the help of a Tugg representative.
    3. Spread the word to your friends and community and encourage them to buy tickets.
    4. Get enough people to reserve their tickets and meet the ticket threshold in order to confirm your event.
    5. Sit back and enjoy the show!
  • Who can use Tugg?

    Just about anyone! You just need to be at least 18 years old in order to host a Tugg event.

  • Is Tugg available in all parts of the country?

    Yep, our exhibitor network includes thousands of screens all across the country. And if we’re not currently working with your local theater, no worries, we’ll do our best to get them on board so that you can host Tugg events in your town.

  • Is Tugg available internationally?

    Tugg is currently available only in the United States. But that won’t be the case forever…

  • How can I see current events in my city?

    If there are current events in your city, you’ll be able to see them on the homepage right below the “Featured Events” section. If you don’t see an event there, no worries, that just means that there isn’t a live Tugg event right now. Maybe it’s time to create your own?

  • Do I need to create an account in order to attend an event?

    Nope.

  • Why should I create an account?

    If you create an account, you’ll be able to host your own Tugg events as well as set up notifications to stay up to date on new events in your area.

PROMOTER QUESTIONS

  • What is a promoter?

    A promoter is any person or organization that hosts a Tugg event. The promoter picks the movie, the theater and the date of the event. Once these details are set, it is up to the promoter to spread the word about the screening.

  • What is an event page?

    An event page has information about the promoter’s screening, and is the place through which people can purchase tickets for the event.

  • How long does it take to create an event?

    Depending on the response time of the promoter and the theater, the process of creating an event can vary from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. We encourage promoters to select dates a little more than a month in advance so that if a theater takes a while to approve a screening, there is still plenty of time for the event to meet its threshold.

  • How do I spread the word about my Tugg event?

    That’s up to you! You can reach out to your community through email or social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter, which are integrated into the site, or you can do it the old fashioned way by calling your friends and putting up flyers. There’s no wrong way to get the word out!

  • Can I create an event and invite only people I know?

    Yep! When you create your event, you’ll have the option to make the event private. If you select this option, only people with access to the event link, or that have been given a private password, will be able to view the event page.

  • What types of films can I screen?

    From major blockbusters and studio classics to obscure indies and acclaimed foreign films, all of these and more are in the Tugg library.

  • I can’t find the movie I want to see on the site, what do I do?

    Let us know! We’re constantly adding films to the library, so if you don’t see your favorite film, tell us and we’ll try to track it down. You can send your title recommendations to films@tugginc.com.

  • What day of the week can I have my event?

    The screening schedule is dependent on which theater your choose, but generally theaters are more available on weekdays. Additionally, event thresholds can be affected by what day of the week you have your event – typically weekday screenings have lower event thresholds.

  • Where can I have my screening?

    We work with a number of major theater chains and an ever-growing list of independent theaters nationwide. This includes AMC, Regal, Rave, Cinemark, Goodrich, Alamo Drafthouse, Studio Movie Grill and many more! If we don’t currently work with the theater in your town, we’ll be more than happy to reach out to them!

  • Will I need to help out on the day of the event?

    Depending on which theater you choose, sometimes you'll be asked to help take tickets for your event. Even when you don't have to take tickets though, it's important to arrive an hour early so that you can greet your guests when they arrive!

  • Do I get anything for being a promoter?

    In addition to getting to host the event, you will also get 5% of the revenue (after taxes) from ticket sales for the event. Click here to see the promoter agreement. 

EVENT QUESTIONS

THEATER OWNERS

FILMMAKERS

  • I’m an independent filmmaker, can I get my film added to the Tugg library?

    Yes! From our inception, part of our mission has been to help independent filmmakers get their films in front of a theatergoing audience. Contact us at films@tugginc.com and we’ll walk you through the process of screening your film through Tugg.

  • What kind of format does my film need to be in order to add it to the Tugg library?

    Tugg primarily programs screenings in DCP, but it’s often also possible to screen in Blu-ray and 35mm, and to a lesser extent DVD as well. The majority of our exhibitor partners have only DCP capabilities, so this format would provide the greatest level of access to the exhibitor network. If the film is on DCP, it is important to inform us whether it is encrypted or unencrypted, as some exhibitor partners have restrictions on encrypted content and won’t play encrypted DCPs unless they are delivered by either Technicolor or Deluxe. We have the ability to create DCPs and Blu-rays, so contact us at films@tugginc.com if you'd like more information on that process.

  • Can I choose when and where my film can be screened?

    Definitely. You can set specific date, market or theater restrictions for your film, or you can make it available to all audiences across the country. It’s up to you!

  • Do I need to give Tugg the theatrical rights to my film?

    Nope, you retain all theatrical rights. You just need to allow us to program the film on your behalf.

  • Can my film have Tugg screenings even if it is already in theaters?

    For sure! Even if your film is in select theaters, there may be plenty of other markets where your films could screen through Tugg.

  • My film is going to be released on VOD and DVD, can I still get my film in the Tugg library?

    Yes. There are some restrictions set by exhibitors, however, and some theaters will not play films that have not had a theatrical run at least 90 days prior to their VOD and DVD. So while your film can be programmed through Tugg, it cannot necessarily be screened with all of our exhibitor partners.

  • My film is unrated, can it still be added to the library?

    Yes, but the process is a little longer. Since the film is unrated, we have to screen the film internally before adding it to the library. Then, when a screening has been requested, our exhibitors may ask to screen it as well before they approve the event. Some exhibitor partners are unwilling to program unrated films, but we will still do our best to get it out to a theatergoing audience wherever possible.

  • How long will it take to get my film added to the site?

    This is largely up to you. The process can take a matter of hours or a matter of weeks – we’ll move at whatever rate you’re most comfortable with.

  • I want to host a screening of my own film, can I do that

    Yep! If you want, you can promote your own events anywhere in the country. In fact, many filmmakers set up entire multi-city tours using Tugg. The only thing to note is that you will need to have someone present on the day of the screening, as many theaters request that a promoter is in attendance to help greet guests and sometimes take tickets.

  • Do I ship the media directly to the theater?

    That’s up to you. Tugg acts as a secure media repository for DCPs and Blu-rays, so if you’d like, we can store your film in-house and handle all screening logistics ourselves. For DCPs, we would ingest the film into our system, and then replicate the DCP and ship it on our own hard drives – that way you can always have your master DCP on hand. Alternatively, if you’re using a lab, we can communicate with them to arrange shipments.

  • I'm ready to get started, what's next?

    Fantastic! Go ahead and email us at films@tugginc.com and provide us with some information about your film. Can't wait to get started!

SPONSORSHIP AND FUNDRAISING