A small choice is easier to make than an open-ended request for movie ideas. Give the group two useful options and a deadline before you create the final screening plan.
1. Make both choices workable
Check running time, tone and source access before offering the pair. Do not ask the group to choose a film you cannot actually prepare. Include a short spoiler-free description so votes mean more than recognition of a title.
Offer two films that already satisfy runtime, language and access limits. A vote is wasted if the winning title cannot be watched by the group.
Use BBFC content advice as a UK reference when discussing age suitability and sensitive content. Check your own country's rating and let the responsible adults decide for children.
Film time only · Editable examples ·BBFC content advice for UK content advice
2. Collect the choice where your group already talks
Ask people to reply in the existing conversation or use a tool they already know. This does not require a polling feature inside Zopley. State when you will close the choice and announce the result.
Post equal-length descriptions with tone and duration, then give a deadline. Collect votes in the group's existing conversation rather than opening competing polls.
For a structured way to prepare a screening, use the Into Film club planning guide and adapt the activities to your own group.
3. Handle a tie simply
Let the next host choose, rotate the deciding person or keep the other film for another night. Explain the method beforehand if your group cares about it. Do not reopen the whole shortlist every time preferences split.
Choose the tie rule before counting, such as this month's host decides. Save the other title for a future vote without promising its availability.
Use the W3C guidance on captions and subtitles to distinguish translated dialogue from captions that also describe important sounds. Check which track your current source provides.
4. Turn the result into a clear invitation
Prepare the chosen source in the room and send the Zopley link or code. Add the time zone and expected finish. Once the choice is settled, keep the rest of the session focused on watching.
Send the winning title, date, runtime and current room link in one message. Prepare the source before asking guests to arrive.