Tag Archives | Florida

Outdoor Movie How-to: Beach Cinema

Beach Cinema
We are starting a new series of posts on the OAC blog, directed at helping outdoor movie enthusiasts discover new ways to enjoy their inflatable movie screen! One thing we are excited to discuss is the many places you can set up your portable movie screen. It is always enjoyable to watch a backyard cinema movie with your Open Air Cinema Screen, but a little adventure can add a lot to your outdoor movie experience!

Open Air Cinema has many customers around the world who use their inflatable screen and outdoor projector on the beach. We’ve found that those who do so often prefer our Pro or Elite screens, as they are extra durable and can handle the sand and dirt. But if you’re looking for a special place to hold your family or company party, and want to use your Open Air Cinema Home Screen, it will hold up great. If you live in , , , , , , or anywhere with a beach, setting up your outdoor movie screen near your favorite surfing spot will be a total blast!

beach cinemaProducing an outdoor movie on the beach can be highly rewarding, as it is a great environment to relax and enjoy the pleasures of outdoor movies under the stars. The cool evening breeze and soft sand will make for a comfortable experience for you and your guests. And the slope of most beaches provides a natural stadium style seating that will enable everyone to have a great view! Here are a few reminders for what to bring or remember for your Beach Side Outdoor Movie!

  • Make sure to identify your power source ahead of time.  You may need to bring a generator to power your fan, outdoor projector, and outdoor speakers.
  • Bring extra extension cords if you’re plugging in from your beach house or public power supply.
  • Blankets and wicker mats will keep the sand off your guests, and will provide comfortable seating.  Beach chairs work well too, especially if your audience is older.
  • Choose a movie that reflects the environment (it will make the evening extra-special): Jaws, The beach, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, etc.
  • Depending on the season and your location, provide treats that will add to the ambiance: sno-cones, Popsicles or ice-cream, barbecue and lemonade!
  • Consider building a fire after the screening of the film.  Make sure to provide enough distance between the fire and the screen! Don’t forget the firewood.

If anyone has produced a outdoor cinema beach event, post your story to the comments section below! We’d love to hear how it went.

Also, if you are interested in acquiring an outdoor movie system, contact us today, and we’ll help you find a system that will meet your needs and budget!

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Top 25 Outdoor Movie: The Muppet Movie

One of our final movies on our Top 25 Outdoor Movies of All Time list is the 1979 classic, The Muppet Movie. This Jim Henson creation is arguably one of the top family films of all time, and it had to make our list of the best outdoor movies. There are a handful of reasons why this film made the list, but before we go any further, here’s the original theatrical release trailer (it’s far different than trailers today!):

The Muppet Movie is a film-within-a-film, and begins with a crowd of muppets in a screening room about to watch a movie in which they all star. Their movie opens with Kermit the Frog singing in a swamp and riding his bicycle. The song is the famous “Rainbow Connection”, and was nominated for an Oscar, although it didn’t win. Kermit is then approached by a movie agent, who recognizes Kermit’s great talent, and encourages him to go on to Hollywood to “make millions of people happy”. Encouraged by his words, Kermit sets out across the country in hopes of reaching Hollywood to influence families everywhere. Along the way, he meets his muppet friends, including Fozzie the Bear, Animal, and others. But Kermit is also sought after by the owner of a frog leg fast food chain, who wants Kermit to be the spokesfrog for his company. However, Kermit is determined to get to Hollywood, and against all odds, continues on his path of fulfillment.

The Muppet Movie is a story about America, and is a great example of diversity and unity as we all work together in our great nation. It is a reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, we can achieve great things. The Muppet Movie is a great choice as your next outdoor movie, whether you’re looking to entertain thousands at your next city parks and recreation event, or want to spend time with your family enjoying backyard cinema under the stars!

A pre-show activity could include a puppet show, and even could feature the stars of the movie! You’ll likely have many families and young children attending your outdoor movie night, and so this would be a great way to keep everyone entertained while you wait for the sun to go down. You could have a number of muppet related games and trivia, with prizes donated by local companies. Thus, you can engage your local businesses and community in general, while entertaining those families at the event.

If anyone has shown this movie, please send us some images, or post your comment to the section below! We can’t wait to hear how your outdoor movie screening of the Muppet Movie went!

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Top 25 Outdoor Movie: Flight of the Navigator

Flight of the Navigator is a 1986 Disney film about a young boy in , who embarks on an adventure of space and time, and is a film the entire family will enjoy. The film is one of the last on our Top 25 Outdoor Movies of All Time, but before we tell you why, here is the theatrical release trailer for the film:

Flight of the navigator is a film the entire family will enjoy under the stars. It’s vintage status will no doubt bring back fond memories for parents, and will create fresh ones for younger generations. The film is set in 1978 and stars Joey Cramer as David Scott Freeman – a young 12 year old boy who falls into a ditch behind his house, and discovers himself 8 years into the future in 1986. Through a series of confusing events, David is taken into the custody of NASA, as they discover an alien spaceship and suspect his involvement. While being held by NASA, David is guided to the spaceship and is able to enter and control the mysterious object. As David communicates with the ship, and discovers his role as “navigator”, he sets out on a journey through space and time that will have your entire community on the edge of their seats!

When looked at in today’s standards, the special effects in the film can be somewhat disappointing. But we think this is exactly what gives the Flight of the Navigator it’s charm. The story is appropriate for all ages, and will truly entertain everyone. There are a variety of ways you could really engage your community with this film. First, you could have everyone dress up in styles 8 years into the future, and have a costume contest for the best guess (to be decided by a panel of judges). Or, you could have alien slime (green jello) snacks, or any number of themed concession items. This always makes for a great event!

As with any Disney movie, you’ll need to get your outdoor movie license for screening the work through Swank Motion Pictures Inc. And don’t forget that there are only certain dates when you can screen any Disney movie to an outdoor movie group, so make sure to be in touch with Swank to plan your event well in advance.

Please post a comment if you’ve screened this film in your community! We’d love to hear about your story, and to have the rest of the Open Air Community see what you’re up to.

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