In 2014, I put up “wanted” flyers looking for unused film, assuming people had rogue rolls lying around their houses or, best case, in their refrigerators. Over the next couple of months, I got a steady stream of emails offering more film than I knew what to do with. I always offered a couple of bucks per roll, or whatever I thought was fair, but most of the time the person was happy to hand over the film for free.
It was a different time, and I’m not sure this would work the same way today, but it might be worth a try. I originally tried to make this flyer something you could fill out online and then print, but that turned out to be too complicated. Instead, you’ll need to download the blank flyer, handwrite your contact information on it, and then photocopy it. Honestly, I think that little human touch might actually make it better. I’d also encourage people to make their own flyers if they want.
Tips:
Almost everyone who responded to my flyer was 50 or older, and the older they were, the better the film had been stored. For that reason, I’d suggest putting flyers up where older people tend to hang out. I got a lot of film from flyers I put up at a bagel and coffee shop and a donut shop. Community centers, grocery store bulletin boards, and parks with pickleball courts would probably be good spots too.
If you make your own flyer, I think keeping it simple and not too design-focused is best. Your target audience is sweet older folks, not trendy 25 to 35 year olds. That said, anyone could have film they want to get rid of. The blank flyer you can download here might be bordering on too design-y, but I think it will do the trick.
Be safe. Use good judgment, and do not go alone if you are meeting someone at their house.
Please clean up your flyers after some time has passed. Do not litter, and do not leave tape all over poles or walls.
Click on image below to download blank film flyer.
