Even though our business runs on a world wide customer base, the town that we call home is as small-town America as it comes. The rural community of Ashland, Missouri has a population of 3,000. There quite possible may be a gas station, bank, or nail salon for nearly every person, and the “four way” represents to the hub of town. Thus, our Home Movie Day is much different than those held in large metropolis areas with a higher audience. Our Home Movie Day relied on the support of a small, but eager, community.Twenty Home Movie Depot employees gave their time to showcase their craft. Technicians who work with 8mm film, super8 film, 16mm film, 35mm slides, and video tapes all had stations set up in the building. We had home movies playing on every station through the entire afternoon, including super8 film that our mechanical engineer shot last week of a local park. Additionally, we had tables with examples of proper storage containers and labeling devices. I also had print materials containing names and phone numbers of professional labs.
Additionally, we had a children’s corner where we showed old Bugs Bunny and Disney cartoons. One of our employees created a cartoon drawing of “Vinnie” the film reel, for kids to color. Vinnie was a smashing success.
We had several computers set up to view the Home Movie Depot Archive, a streaming video collection of home movies, donated by Home Movie Depot customers. The archive is fully searchable and includes a comment function. Thanks to the search function, a few savvy guests figured an easy way to win at Bingo.
Finally, we rented an old time popcorn machine and gave away free popcorn and soda. I stand hardily by my belief that the best way to capture an audience is to feed them. As of Saturday, I see no evidence to the contrary.
The day brought a respectable number of guests, but more importantly, it certainly brought the feeling. Towards the end of the day one of our employee’s elderly mother brought in a box of her films to view. We all enjoyed seeing Kenny as a young boy. And while it may take him some time to live down his Halloween costume, all the teasing is in good fun. While I know of a few things to change next year, I’m thankful for the family element that came with this Home Movie Day. Home Movie Day at Home Movie Depot seemed to bring an intriguing blend of old and new, where modern day technology mingled with nearly forgotten traditions.
Laurisa Hinkle
Home Movie Depot