Movie in the Park Tutorial With An Open Air Cinema Outdoor Theater System

Movies in the park are popular the world over. As you plan your next series, here are a few basic starting points to get you on your way to a successful event. There’s plenty more to consider depending on your circumstances, but these steps will get you going:

1. Choose your venue. It may seem obvious, but the venue matters. Make sure there’s plenty of parking and that the location is easy to find. Avoid bright lights that wash out the projector image, and check for loud roads or other noise that could distract your audience. At the same time, if you’re near a lot of homes you’ll need to watch your volume. City parks often make ideal locations — they check these boxes and are well known to the community.
2. Select your film. Your choice has a big impact on turnout. Pick something that speaks to your audience. Family-friendly films like Madagascar or The Sandlot work for many communities — funny enough for adults, thrilling for kids — but we’ve also seen very successful events built around arthouse and independent films, so you don’t have to go blockbuster. Whatever you choose, always secure licensing for your film. Screening without permission is illegal and can bring stiff fines and trouble for your organization.
3. Promote your event. The right promotion makes all the difference. Social media is powerful, but don’t overlook printed flyers and word of mouth. You know your community best — make sure everyone knows the coolest activity in town is your outdoor movie screening.
4. Prepare for the big night. With your venue and film set and guests lined up, it’s time to produce. An Open Air Cinema outdoor movie system makes this a breeze, with everything you need — inflatable screen, outdoor projector and sound system, stakes, and blowers. Identify your power source and make sure the sprinklers are off. Depending on the size and location of your event, you may need a public-gathering permit, so check with your city to make sure everything is done legally.
5. Follow up. After the night or the series, follow up with your guests. Gather email addresses, invite people to your social pages, and encourage them to tag and share your event online. Staying connected helps you reach your goals — whether that’s soliciting donations for your cause or building community in new ways — and makes your next event bigger than ever.

Looking for the right system for your crowd? See the current lineup on the Home, Pro, and Elite systems pages.