Park City Film has created a Virtual Cinema so that our film loving community can continue to watch our curated selection of Independent Films from the safety of their homes during COVID. We remain committed to creating community through film, even though for now those films will be on a smaller screen. Virtual Cinema ticket sales helps generate much needed revenue during this challenging time. Thank you for watching!
Technical Help for the Virtual Cinema:
Q: How do I access the films?
A: Select the film that you would like to watch, then click on the Purchase & View button on the right hand side of the page.
The first time you use our AtHomeArts streaming platform you’ll need to set up an account. To create a new account at parkcityfilm.athomearts.org requires only your name, email address, and a password. To stream movies in the future, you can simply log in.
Once your payment has been processed you should receive a confirmation email, and the film will become available to you for 48 hours. If the film has yet to appear at ParkCityFilm.athomearts.org, you can try refreshing your browser.
The Parkcityfilm.athomearts.org (aka Virtual Cinema) confirmation emails do not contain a link to watch the film. To view the films you’ve rented through this platform go to parkcityfilm.athomearts.org, sign in, click ‘My Account’ and select ‘My Screenings’, where you’ll be able to see a list of all your purchased films.
You should be able to stream the film on your computer, tablet, or mobile device, and, if you have a television that is able to mirror your computer or phone, possibly on your television as well. You may also use the apps for Roku or AppleTV.
Set-top Apps (Apple TV & Roku) FAQ:
Q: What is a set-top (OTT) app?
A: A set-top (OTT) app is an application built specifically for set-top hardware so that you can watch @homeArts content on your TV sets and large displays.
Q: What set-top hardware is supported?
A: Today, apps have been built for the Apple TV hardware box, and Roku hardware boxes, sticks, and Roku-branded TV sets. Note that the Apple TV app is supported by Apple’s hardware boxes (black squares). It is not supported by the Apple TV or Apple TV+ apps offered on some smart TVs (e.g. Samsung).
Q: What can I do on the set-top apps?
A: You can use the @homeArts set-top apps to watch screenings you’ve purchased on the web through any @homeArts participating exhibitor (e.g. Park City Film and others).
Q: How do I get screenings to watch on these set-top apps?
A: Visit a participating exhibitor (e.g. Park City Film) and sign-in or sign-up. Purchase a screening on the web. Get the Apple TV app on your Apple TV device, or the Roku app on the web. Authenticate your device by following the instructions in-app.
Q: Why can’t I purchase screenings on set-top apps?
A: Apple and Roku make this impossible, unfortunately. They insist on taking up to 30% of all payments through apps on their platforms, which makes the revenue model for non-profit organizations selling screenings impossible. Exhibitors already pay an average of 50% in ticket sales to distributors and filmmakers, and streaming and credit card fees apply as well. A 30% loss off the top is unfortunately not viable. It is content providers like @homeArts that provide value to their devices and platforms, and non-profits like @homeArts are an essential part of cultural and educational social outcome. You can watch trailers for screenings you’ve not purchased, on the set-top apps, but to purchase a screening, you must go to the web on a computer or mobile device.
Q: Can I watch the extra content on the set-top apps?
A: Yes! All content available on the web is also available on set-top apps.
Q: How do I cast this to my Apple TV?
A: You can do that using a method called AirPlay! Here is how to do it:
- Open the movie on your iPhone or iPad
- At the bottom right of the video window you should see the AirPlay icon.
- Once you tap the icon, select “Apple TV” from the list of devices
And that should be it! You can also find these instructions and more information on the Apple website. If this method doesn’t work on your TV, you can check out some of the other options on the Samsung website.
Q: How do I cast to my Chromecast?
A: You can cast a video from your computer or smart device using the following steps:
- Open the movie on your device.
- At the bottom right of the screen you should see the casting icon.
- If you don’t see the icon and you’re casting from a computer in the Chrome browser, you can open the menu in the upper right corner of the window (or the View menu) and select “Cast”.
- Once you select that button, it should give you the option to select a nearby device, so you’d then select your Chromecast. If you don’t see your Chromecast, make sure both devices are on the same wireless network.
You can find more details on the Chromecast website.
Q: How do I stream a film to my TV using an HDMI Cable?
A: You can watch any of the streams on your TV using an HDMI cable. You will need to own or purchase an HDMI cable, or equivalent cable for Mac if using a Mac computer, for this. To set this up:
- Attach the HDMI cable to your TV
- You will find HDMI ports on all newer televisions (typically on the side or back panels). Plug the HDMI cable into one of the ports (e.g. HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc)
- Attach the HDMI cable to your computer
- Attach the other end of the HDMI cable to your computer/device
- Set your TV settings to the HDMI port
- Change the input source setting on your TV to the HDMI port you are using with the cord
- Once connected, your computer screen will be mirrored to your TV screen. All actions, including video playback, will be mirrored to your TV screen.
If you are seeing any cropping of the picture on your TV screen, try changing the aspect ratio of your TV display to adjust this.
Q: I’m a member of Park City Film; Is there a member price for Virtual Cinema films?
A: Yes, starting on March 26, 2021 members will be able to enter a code to get a discount on Virtual Cinema films. Please check your email for details or contact us at director@parkcityfilm.org for more information.
Q: Can I use my 10-punch passes for Virtual Cinema tickets?
A: Unfortunately, that’s not an option at the moment. You’ll be able to use them when we reopen – thank you for your support!
Q: Where does the money go?
A: Park City Film receives 50% Virtual Cinema ticket sales. The other half goes back to the distributor so that they can continue to make more films available to cinephiles.
Q: What else can I do to help Park City Film during this challenging time?
A: Please share our Virtual Cinema films with your family and friends or come see films with us at the Santy! All ticket purchases through our portal generate revenue for us no matter where in the world they are watching the movie from. Many people are at home watching movies on all sorts of streaming services. We want to make sure that people are directed to top-quality films, so that their faith in the art form doesn’t diminish in the over-loaded and poor-quality “stream” of films landscape. We would also love to have you join us as a member or make a donation if you are able to to help us through this challenging time.
Q: I need more technical help!
A: Please reach out to shay@parkcityfilm.org and we will try to help trouble-shoot your issue and get you back to watching your film. Thank you for your patience as we all get used to this new way of bringing you movies!
