THE EXPERIENCE / FOUR ACTSFROM ARRIVAL TO THE AFTERGLOW
An evening in four acts.
One shared screen. Real conversations. More than a link to watch alone.
Every format follows the same spirit: arrive together, watch, ask and connect. We shape the timing and programme around the films and the occasion.
First edition in curation. Dates announced once confirmed.
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01
ONLINE ARRIVAL
A link. An avatar. You’re here.
Open your event link on your phone or computer browser. Create a BALL ID, choose an avatar and meet the other guests on the rooftop.
A preview of the experience. Films, guest numbers, runtime and hosting are agreed for each private event. Images throughout show illustrated virtual-venue concepts.
YOUR INVITATION / NO TRAVEL REQUIRED
A private cinema feel. Your browser is the door.
No download. No headset. A shared evening, wherever you are.
Stay for the exchange that would never happen in a comment section. Meet a filmmaker, join a game or find a conversation by the fire. All inside the virtual rooftop.
THE ROYAL ROOFTOP / A VIRTUAL VENUEIllustrated event concept
FILMMAKERS / THE OPEN CALLORIGINAL VOICES WELCOME
THE FILM IS ONLY HALF THE STORY
For the work. For the people behind it.
Selected films receive a host introduction, a shared screening and a live Q&A with you, followed by time to meet guests and fellow filmmakers.
First edition · Free to submit Curated selection · Your work stays yours
BEHIND EVERY FRAME, A VOICE.Meet the maker.Live conversation in a virtual venue · Illustrated conceptTHE ROYAL ROOFTOP / FILM NIGHTS
THE CURATED EDITION
Five films. Five conversations.
An example evening: five shorts of up to five minutes, each followed by a ten-minute filmmaker Q&A, plus arrivals and time to connect. Allow around two hours. The final programme and date are announced once confirmed.
Our current open call welcomes original AI-assisted shorts. Private bookings can feature other filmmaking formats and longer work, with playback agreed in advance.
THE FILMMAKER FILE / FIRST EDITION
Bring your point of view.
Your guide to the films we’re looking for, what to send and what happens next.
THE SHORT FORM3–5MIN
Our ideal running time. Other formats considered.
FREE TO SUBMIT
01 / THE CREATIVE BRIEF
A story that stays with you.
Original short films with AI as part of the creative process, and a point of view worth sharing.
Narrative · Animation · Documentary Experimental · Music-led work
What matters
Story, craft, originality and how your film fits a shared screening programme.
Your approach
The choice of AI tool does not determine selection. We are interested in what you make with it.
The format
Around 3–5 minutes is ideal. Tell us if your story calls for a different running time.
02 / YOUR SUBMISSION
The film. The story behind it.
A few useful details give our team everything needed for a first look.
A viewing link
A public or unlisted link we can watch. No file upload is needed to submit.
The essentials
Your film title, running time, a short synopsis and the best email to reach you.
Your process
Share your filmmaking or AI tools if you wish, plus your time zone and availability for a live Q&A.
Submit only work you created or are authorised to share for private review. Screening permissions follow separately.
03 / THE NEXT CONVERSATION
We shape your moment together.
If there is a programme fit, our team contacts you to discuss the date, screening and your live participation.
Preparation
We agree the playback requirements, check the film and prepare the host’s introduction with you.
Permissions
You keep ownership. Before screening, we confirm permission for the film and included material, including music. Recording or recap use is agreed separately.
Your conversation
Join the host after your film for a focused live Q&A. The format and participation are agreed in advance.
THE PATH TO SCREEN
01Submit your film
02Curatorial review
03Technical check
04Screening & Q&A
Screening follows selection and agreed details.
Free to submit. Your work remains yours.
Curated selection. Screening details and permissions are agreed with each selected filmmaker.
FESTIVALS / SCHOOLS / CREATIVE COMMUNITIES
Your programme. A new place to meet.
Extend a festival beyond the closing credits. Give a graduating class its premiere. Bring a creative community together for a series of screenings.
Online, in your browser A venue with character Film, conversation, connection
THE DETAILS
Before you come upstairs.
A FEW DETAILS. THEN YOU’RE IN THE PICTURE.
Is this a real rooftop or a virtual event?
Film Nights takes place entirely online in The Royal Rooftop, an interactive 3D venue. You enter from your phone or computer browser, choose an avatar, move around and talk with other guests. There is no physical venue to travel to, app to download or headset to wear.
When is the first Film Night?
We are curating the first edition. Its date, selected films and participating filmmakers will be announced once confirmed. Register for invitations to hear when reservations open. Joining the interest list does not reserve a place.
What films can I submit?
Original short films that use AI as part of their creative process. Narrative, animation, documentary, experimental and music-led work are welcome. Around 3–5 minutes is ideal. Send a viewing link and tell us how it was made; a different length can be discussed.
Is submission free, and do I keep my rights?
Yes. Submission is free and you keep ownership of your work. Films are curated for quality and programme fit; submission does not guarantee selection or a prize. If selected, we agree public screening permission, live participation and any optional recording or recap use separately.
How do private screenings and pricing work?
Choose a premiere, showcase or festival format and share your preferred date, audience and film plans. We prepare a tailored proposal with the agreed programme, hosting, playback preparation, guest access and price. You approve the scope before payment. Your inquiry does not reserve a date. You bring your audience; any promotion or additional production is agreed separately.
Is Scottie Pippen’s participation included?
The Royal Rooftop was launched by The BALL Foundation, founded by NBA legend Scottie Pippen. His appearances, social posts, endorsements and name or image usage rights are separate arrangements and are not included in a standard booking or sponsorship.
01 / HOST YOUR AUDIENCE
03 / GATHER YOUR COMMUNITY
THE FILM. THE MAKERS. YOUR INVITED GUESTS.
