During the COVID-19 lockdowns, online watch parties became a lifeline for many.
Platforms like Amazon, Disney+, and Twitch allowed people to synchronise film viewings remotely. But as the world reopened, these features were quietly removed, leaving a gap for friends and families who still want to enjoy films together, legally and from afar.
Platforms like Amazon, Disney+, and Twitch allowed people to synchronise film viewings remotely. But as the world reopened, these features were quietly removed, leaving a gap for friends and families who still want to enjoy films together, legally and from afar.
We believe the withdrawal of these features has reinforced a sense of isolation when watching films and TV series. It has encouraged solitary viewing habits and, in some cases, contributed to piracy in online community spaces.
As CineRPG CIC operates at the intersection of community events and the film industry, we wanted to address this gap with a constructive, accessible and compliant way.
As CineRPG CIC operates at the intersection of community events and the film industry, we wanted to address this gap with a constructive, accessible and compliant way.
Introducing: CineRPG Watch Along!
Watch Along! offer fans, friends, and film lovers with an opportunity to connect, discover new films and TV series, revisit the good old classics, and share some fun in a community setting.
These events are free, online, community-led experiences designed to recreate the joy of collective film watching, without breaking copyright law, while ensuring rights holders and creators are fairly compensated.
Here’s how it works:
These events are free, online, community-led experiences designed to recreate the joy of collective film watching, without breaking copyright law, while ensuring rights holders and creators are fairly compensated.
Here’s how it works:
- Participants must secure legitimate access to the film (or series episode) via commercial streaming platform, VOD rental service provider, or purchase their own Blu-ray/DVD ahead of the event (a small financial provision is available to help overcome access barriers for participants on a low income).
- Participants join us on Discord at a scheduled time.
- We launch a countdown, and everyone hits play at the same time (just like the good old days!).
- We use the text-only chat functionality of Discord to react, discuss, and joke as the story unfolds (no film footage or sound is streamed nor shared online).
- After the credits roll, we hold a group discussion about our favourite moments, how the film / series resonates with us, and vote for the title of the next session.
- The event is moderated by a volunteer to ensure this workframe is respected at all times, and everyone is having fun in a safe and respectful space.
Why it matters
We see Watch Along! as a simple way to reconnect through film and TV, helping to combat social isolation, and support community wellbeing while respecting copyright laws and industry standards.
This initiative is perfectly aligned with our work about loneliness awareness, film education, and community engagement through accessible film and game-based experiences.
This initiative is perfectly aligned with our work about loneliness awareness, film education, and community engagement through accessible film and game-based experiences.
Why It’s Legal
This is not a public screening. It is a synchronous, parallel, private viewing experience with an external social component. Each participant watches the media in a domestic setting using their individually owned licence or copy.
CineRPG CIC does not stream nor share access to any copyrighted content. Instead, we inform participants where they can purchase the media in advance of the event (e.g. Amazon, Netflix, HBO Max, HMV, etc.).
A small financial provision is available for each event to support community members experiencing financial hardship in accessing or purchasing the required media (eligibility criteria and application process are yet to be defined).
Our research informs compliance with:
If you are a rights holder and would like to learn more about our methodology, or raise a concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly via watchalong@cinerpg.com
CineRPG CIC does not stream nor share access to any copyrighted content. Instead, we inform participants where they can purchase the media in advance of the event (e.g. Amazon, Netflix, HBO Max, HMV, etc.).
A small financial provision is available for each event to support community members experiencing financial hardship in accessing or purchasing the required media (eligibility criteria and application process are yet to be defined).
Our research informs compliance with:
- The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
- The Digital Economy Act 2017
- Discord’s Terms of Service
If you are a rights holder and would like to learn more about our methodology, or raise a concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly via watchalong@cinerpg.com
Watch Along! Underworld (2003)
Our first Watch Along! event is:
🎬 UNDERWORLD (2003)
🕗 Friday 25th July, 8 PM (BST)
🧛♂️ Sharpen your fangs, wear your favourite leather jacket, and meet new friends!
This is a free event supported by volunteers.
Participants must own a copy of the film to participate.
Mentioned in this article: Games Aid, UK video game charity,supporting disadvantaged children, video game charity donations, JustGiving Games Aid, Games Aid eBay store, Humble Bundle charity, CineRPG fundraising, charity in the gaming industry, Games Aid impact, fundraising for children, helping disabled youth, UK gaming community charity, video games for a cause, supporting small charities, Games Aid 2025 election.Games Aid Credit image: © Games Aid. All rights reserved.
Mentioned in this article: Games Aid, UK video game charity,supporting disadvantaged children, video game charity donations, JustGiving Games Aid, Games Aid eBay store, Humble Bundle charity, CineRPG fundraising, charity in the gaming industry, Games Aid impact, fundraising for children, helping disabled youth, UK gaming community charity, video games for a cause, supporting small charities, Games Aid 2025 election.Games Aid Credit image: © Games Aid. All rights reserved.
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