How to Build the Perfect Outdoor Movie Night Package

An outdoor movie night can turn a back yard, a patio, a community space or an event venue into a real treat for the family and friends who come to watch. It's not simply a matter of putting up a screen and playing a film though. To get the best possible experience you need comfortable seating, a good quality movie screen rental, reliable projection and sound, appropriate lighting, food and drink, power planning and of course a weather contingency plan. When all of those elements are in place the guests can just sit back and enjoy the film without any of the usual distractions.

Whatever the occasion (family movie night, birthday, date night, neighborhood get together, graduation, weekend etc.) you should start by working out what kind of experience you're looking to provide. Plan-it Rentals can be a part of your planning if you need to rent out equipment for an outdoor entertainment setup. The aim is to create a complete package around your guests rather than just have the screen and projector as the focal point.

Start With Your Guest Count

The number of people you're expecting to attend your movie night will dictate the scale of your setup. A small get together with just a few friends may only require a basic seating arrangement whereas a larger family gathering could see you needing more chairs, a bigger area to watch in, more thought to the sound and more consideration to guest flow.

Start off by working out an estimated guest list and take into account the ages of the people you're likely to have attended. Families with young kids will probably be after blankets and cushions right up against the screen, whereas the adults and older guests will likely prefer to sit in chairs a bit further back. Having worked out your approximate attendance you can then measure the amount of outdoor space you have and work out how much of it can realistically be allocated to the cinema area.

This initial step stops you selecting equipment that's either too big or too small for your venue and gives you a much clearer idea of exactly what rental items you actually require.

Choose the Right Movie Screen Rental

The screen is obviously the key visual element of your outdoor theatre so the choice of screen rental is an important one. You need to consider your expected guest numbers, viewing distances, the amount of outdoor space you have and where exactly the screen is going to be positioned. You don't necessarily have to go for the biggest screen available. The screen should be the right size for your venue and fit in comfortably with the space available. You'll need to check for any trees, fences, buildings, lighting etc that may impact the viewing. Before event day you need to establish precisely where the screen is going to go. Seat your guests around that point and ensure they have a clear line of sight. Don't position the screen where people are going to be walking straight in front of it.

Use Lighting Without Distracting From the Screen

Outdoor movie nights generally start around sunset so lighting is a key consideration. You need sufficient lighting to allow people to safely move between the seating, the food stations, the entrances and the restrooms.

Use discreet pathway and area lighting rather than bright lights aimed directly at the screen. Too much ambient light will actually reduce the effect of the projected image.

Before the guests arrive, test the lighting after sunset. Go round the venue and check that all areas are adequately lit and that there is no glare from adjacent lights on the screen.

Plan Your Power and Cables

Your outdoor movie night setup is going to need power for the projector, the sound gear, the lighting, the popcorn machine and all the other bits and pieces you'll have. Work out your power requirements in advance rather than finding yourself in a spot of bother on the day of the event.

Keep all electrical connections away from moisture and high traffic areas. Cables should be routed so that they are not a tripping hazard for guests and only the appropriate equipment and cable management solutions should be used as per the manufacturer and rental provider's instructions.

If you're at all in doubt about the power requirements then ask your rental supplier prior to the event. It's far easier to deal with power issues when you're in the planning stages than it is once the guests have turned up.

Select the Right Movie

The film should be appropriate for your audience and for the purpose of your event. For a family gathering you'd want something that the whole family can enjoy (i.e. age appropriate). A group of friends might be looking for a comedy, a classic or something with a theme. A couple might just want a nice film night.

Think about the length of the film as well. If you're showing it to younger kids a shorter film may be more appropriate than a longer one. You could also have a pre-film activity, a snack time or a short game to keep the kids occupied whilst they're getting settled.

For public or commercial screenings you need to check the relevant movie licensing requirements. Private viewing and public exhibition can be subject to different rules so you need to check what applies to your particular event.

Add Simple Details That Make the Night Special

You don't need a grand production to make your outdoor movie night something special. It can be a very simple thing and still be very intentional and welcoming.

Add some blankets and pillows for comfort, put together a simple movie themed snack bar, have warm or cold drinks available depending on the weather and use some discreet lighting around the seating area.

For birthdays, co-ordinate your snacks or decorations with the guest of honour's favourite film. For family get-togethers, go for a relaxed picnic style setup. For date nights, use comfortable seating and softer lighting to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Work With a Reliable Rental Partner

Planning an outdoor theatre can be quite a complex affair if you're doing it on your own with a large group. A rental company can be of immense assistance in terms of helping you to understand the range of equipment available and the various requirements that will be needed for the setup.

Plan-it Rentals can be the solution if you're looking to rent out the equipment for your movie night. When you're in the process of working out what you need to rent, you should provide them with the number of guests you expect, the venue, the amount of space you have available, the date of the event and what you're planning to do.

If you're booking a screen or popcorn machine rental ask about the setup instructions, the operating requirements, delivery or pickup, space requirements and weather policy. Having that information prior to event day will make the setup process a lot easier.

Turn Your Outdoor Space Into a Movie Destination

The ideal outdoor movie night package isn't necessarily the one with the most gear. It's the one that provides a good view, good seating, good sound, easy access to food and drink and a relaxed vibe. If you plan your outdoor movie night package around the number of guests you have, the location of your screen, the projector, the sound, the seating, the popcorn station, the lighting, the power and the weather then you can have a very professional looking event without it being anything too complicated. With the right planning and the support of Plan-it Rentals you can turn a back yard, a patio or an outdoor venue into a great movie night for families, couples, friends and guests of all ages. From choosing the right movie screen rental through to adding a popcorn machine, every element of the package can be put together to create a truly memorable experience.