Outdoor cinema is fun for everyone. It’s no surprise that the pop-up cinema experience is becoming more and more popular all around the world.

Here are 10 tips from an industry pro to help you plan a successful and memorable outdoor cinema event

1. Define your target audience and type of event

The first step is to consider your audience, before you choose your location, curate your film program and plan the logistics of your outdoor cinema event.

• Who do you want to invite and engage with? Family, couples, adults only?
• Is this a one-off event for a fundraiser or corporate?
• Or are you planning a series of events? Weekly, monthly?
• How many tickets would you like to sell?

For more inspiration for planning a series of events check out our What to Show blog series.

2. Location, Location, Location: Choose a venue, concept and date

Finding your venue. Choosing a location for your very own outdoor cinema event is quite an important decision. We’ve written a post on finding a venue that you can read here. Some things to think about:

• Think outside the box. Beaches, gardens, parks and countryside locations make great spots for an outdoor cinema event – just make sure that the location is easily accessible to all, has good links to public transport and is convenient for car parking too. Your venue needs to accommodate the number of people you plan to host. If you are hosting an event for 50 people, find a smaller venue because you don’t want to put your small screen on a huge field.
• A grassed venue is easier to rig your screen on than a concrete one. Your venue should not have obstructions e.g. poles or trees that would interfere with the audience’s line of sight.
• Ideally, you want the venue to have electricity. You do not need 3-phase power. Street lights or floodlights are a problem if they cannot be switched off during the event. There must be NO light shining on the screen. Decide where you want to position the screen. Aim to rear project, so determine how far your projector needs to be behind the screen to get a full image on the screen. It is nice to position the screen in a corner with a beautiful background or vista behind it.  There are many ways to enhance the experience with pre-show ideas.

Create a concept, but keep in mind the venue you use will most likely shape your concept – for example sunset picnic, backyard, rooftop, poolside, beach or a drive-in.

Decide on your start date or the date of your first event and consider listing your event(s) on our directory.

3. Seating

You can invite your audience to bring their own seating (blankets or cushions) or you could provide seating e.g bean bags, floor cushions or backrest chairs (you could charge a VIP price for the seating). Make sure you communicate your seating plan to all ticket holders.

4. Getting creative with your film program

This will arguably be the most important decision you make when it comes to planning your event. You’re going to need a film that will captivate your target audience because that will be the draw for ticket sales. Have a look at our What to Show Blog Category for inspiration. Alternatively, you can invite your audience to choose the film by running a competition on your social media platforms. This is also a great way to start marketing your event.

5. Safety is key 

The safety of your attendees is paramount when it comes to planning – so be sure to do a thorough check of your chosen venue. Make sure it’s completely secured. Ensure have a first aid kit at hand and that all your cables are covered and the screen poles are protected either with a tennis ball or a padded sock shield. 

6. Signage 

All signage must be visible at night. Ambient lighting and fluorescent paint can do the trick.  Now that we are in unprecedented times with a global pandemic you will also want to have signage in regards to the guidelines put out by your local government.  Check out our “Don’t burst my bubble: Covid safety” blog post for a basic intro into the kind of signage and how to approach this important issue facing the world today. 

7. Food, snacks and drinks

You cannot host a pop-up cinema without popcorn 😉. Buy or rent a popcorn machine – this is another way to make money. Support local food vendors by partnering with them as your preferred suppliers.

8. Embrace disaster

Things just happen. You cannot prepare for everything!  Anything might go wrong, you just need to stay calm under pressure and do your best to fix the problem as quickly as possible. Get your host or MC to keep your audience entertained while you address the problem.

9. Go live and get promoting

listing your event(s) on our directory. Launch your event on all your social media platforms. You want to launch with a bang, so build relationships with Radio stations, online magazines and try to wangle some free advertising. Ask the venue and your vendors to promote the event. Give away tickets to influencers, journalists or run a competition to win some tickets.  If you have a listing on our directory your event can be found by local filmgoers searching our site. Expand your reach by tagging our social media accounts as well. 

10. Have fun

When you are doing what you love, everything falls into place. Have a long-term vision for your business. Work with people who share your passion and drive.

What a great business to be in!