Local directories generally cover a smorgasbord of businesses from restaurants to mechanics to nannies. We focus exclusively on listing pop-up cinemasA pop-up cinema is a general term for any type of cinema owned and operated independently outside of a building, for example, open-air cinema, outdoor cinema, sunset cinema, drive-in cinema, backyard cinema, silent cinema, movies under the stars, moonlight movies, community cinema, mobile cinema..

We also know that people travel and they move to new areas, and when they do – they want “local” recommendations. A global directory like pop-upcinema.com with location-based searching meets that need.

In addition to helping filmgoers and renters find their local options, pop-upcinema.com helps entrepreneurs wanting to start their pop-up cinema business by guiding them on how to start, where to get equipment, how to improve marketing, answers their most frequently asked questions and offers one-on-one consulting. But that’s a side note and you can read more about our mission on our Who is Pop-Up Cinema blog post.

Listing your business on the pop-upcinema.com directory is just one tool in your businesses toolkit – but it’s an important one and we’ll explain why.

Targeting and Increasing Your Online Visibility to the Right Audience

Anyone who has dabbled in online paid advertising and monitors their website traffic analytics knows it’s not quantity but quality that counts. One can spend a small fortune advertising and completely miss the mark getting a bunch of website visits from irrelevant audiences – you get the clicks, it costs you money but they bounce or don’t “buy” because it’s not what they were expecting or looking for. An exclusive niche directory significantly reduces that challenge and sharpens the target market.

And because directories are a source of traffic and trust.

Establishing [Brand] Credibility

Probably THE most valuable commodity any business can have is their reputation, their credibility. Your business builds credibility by offering great products and service, having happy customers say so and telling others. That’s where the reviews on pop-upcinema.com come in.

Not every pop-up cinema business has a permanent location (venue) and for those that do, not all have a search engine listing for reviews.  We’ve done a whole post about reviews – but this is the key takeaway from Qualtrics:

• Nearly all consumers (97%) now use online media when researching products or services in their local area
• 91% of 18-34 year olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 93% of consumers say that online reviews influenced their purchase decisions
• And the best news is that 77% of consumers would be willing to leave a review if asked.

All pop-upcinema.com listings have the functionality that allows your customer to rate and review your business – read more about how to handle reviews here.

So with a listing, not only can customers find your business but, also see how you are rated and have a level of confidence thereby increasing the likeliness of them engaging with you!  The more your listing is reviewed, the higher your cinema business will rank in searches.

Psst: We’re building out a widget you can add to your website showing your pop-upcinema.com ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s Cost-Effective

This dovetails with the paid advertising scenario we laid out above. Going it alone, trying to get (new) people to visit your website and social media (regularly) is a mammoth task.

When you list on a localized directory, you benefit from the overall ranking and ad-spend and effort of that site – it becomes a numbers game. We operate with the principle that we (pop-upcinema.com) succeed when your business succeeds – so that’s our primary focus! 

And because that’s our focus, we have now enhanced the basic (FREE) package.

You may be thinking “Our season is over – why would we advertise now?”

If you offer your services to run private events (rentals), then there is no off-season. The online world is never offline or on vacation – so we encourage you to build your digital footprint while you have downtime. By this, we mean using your off-peak time to keep your listing updated and fresh.

While listings are sorted primarily by the filmgoer’s search selection (location, category, etc.), the search results (just like Google) may auto-sort and present by popularity, so those with lots of “views” are considered popular and will show up nearer the top of the results. Reviews also positively impact search sorting like previously mentioned. That’s why it makes sense to have eyes on your listing, leaving reviews and ratings.

• Update your photo section from your last season and share it on your social media
• Be proactive about getting reviews – read this great post about Word of Mouth and Reviews.
• Change up your listing’s primary category from “outdoor” to “rent” and get some rental leads!

And finally, you cannot afford NOT to add a listing

As we’ve perused 1000’s of websites and social media accounts of pop-up cinema businesses while building the directory, one thing became clear – it’s not apples and apples out there. Larger businesses in the industry have the resources to build very flashy websites and clearly have a social media team doing amazing work. But there’s a vast amount of smaller businesses who simply don’t have those resources and their websites and social media accounts are – with all due respect – rather sad and some are even quite broken. We totally understand how the “digital” side of your business becomes less of a priority than making ends meet, hustling for business, maintaining equipment and paying bills – we’ve been there ourselves, we know the drill.

Listing on pop-upcinema.com levels the playing field because the “look” is professional and in our opinion rather stunning. And while some packages offer more features (extra photos, videos, etc) all listings have a standard layout. It also means if you don’t have time and resources to revamp your website or hire a social media team, you can just decide to focus the time you do have on making your listing as current and awesome as possible.

For those just starting out, or who have exhausted their promotion/advertising budget, we have enhanced our Basic (free) listing. So take advantage, within minutes you can be set up and showing your best look at no extra cost to your business. Read more about what the package offers here!

Looking for a drive-in, open-air or pop-up cinema in your area?  You have come to the right place!  Filmgoers, Movie Buffs, Cinephiles and Film Fans can Search our map-based listings for a cinema by listing, event, category and location. Search the category: RENT if you want to host something like a backyard screening or a princess party. Other cinema categories include Drive-in, open-air, rooftop, picnic, silent (headphones), etc.

When you find the place you are looking for be sure to rate and review the cinema’s listing and share it on social media. If your favourite place isn’t listed (yet!) please drop us a line in the form below and we will get them listed.  We need your help to crowdsource all the cinemas out there!

Pop-Up Cinema has been mentoring, consulting, teaching and providing equipment to a number of entrepreneurs as they find their legs and grow their business in this exciting industry all across Africa for over a decade. They have all in their own way dedicated their energy to the idea of “bringing film to the people” and like us genuinely focus on Africa and our mission to develop pop-up cinema in Africa. Some use their screens to bring “Edutainment” to underserved areas in their communities while others entertain filmgoers in various exotic locations.

If you are interested in supporting an entrepreneur or if you are an entrepreneur looking for support for your project – read the Focus on Africa post to learn more.

If you are aware of pop-up cinema’s in your part of the world that are providing community outreach, facilitating access to education and downright entertaining filmgoers please let us know.

We will assume you already have your basic equipment kit for your Cinema event, i.e. a screen, projector, tables, sound system with Fm transmitter etc. If not and need an inflatable screen setup, go here.

We thought you might want to build out your Equipment Kit or perhaps enhance your event with Event Gear that will get your audience coming back and blasting their happiness on their social media. Let us “light the way” and help you create a photogenic atmosphere. Consider gels and coloured lights for the perimeter of your event, maybe a photo booth or photo wall to give your patrons the red carpet treatment, maybe even get a little goofy with a tickle trunk full of hats, tiaras, glasses, noses and big feather boas.

See some of our suggestions below. And check out the Pre-Show Ideas blog post for even more info.

GENERATORS

GENERATORS

DRIVE-IN

DRIVE-IN

LIGHTING

LIGHTING

TABLES

TABLES

SEATING & BEANBAGS

SEATING & BEANBAGS

POWER and SOLAR

POWER and SOLAR

FM HEADSETS

FM HEADSETS

PARKING and SIGNAGE

PARKING and SIGNAGE

EVENTING KIT (pre-show)

EVENTING KIT (pre-show)

In the spirit of transparency, we want you to know upfront that links to products we recommend are (mostly) affiliate links. This means that, at zero additional cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. A percentage of that commission is being set aside to start funding the foundation we are creating to help bring edutainment to underserved areas around the world, starting in Africa. Thanks in advance for helping us with this mission! To read more about it and perhaps get involved, read Focus on Africa.

See what we’ve recommended to filmgoers here “Cool gift ideas for drive-in and outdoor film enthusiasts”

Got any ideas for boosting a kit? Share them with us

Looking for cool gift ideas for yourself (smile) or the drive-in and outdoor film enthusiasts in your life?

We have some ideas below to “kit” yourself out to help create the best experience possible. Especially if you have searched our site for a “Family Friendly” event. If you are taking the kids, then there are certain things you will want to have such as, blankets, pj’s, flashlights for bathroom trips, and a few other things. We will continue to update this so it’s worth coming back here periodically to check in.

We also have some “Pet Friendly” suggestions if you are taking your furry baby with you to the drive-in.

Our “Checklist for the ultimate drive-in experience” blog post has some important etiquette suggestions and great ideas on how to set up your car for a better all-around drive-in experience!

PICNICS & CAR-DINING

PICNICS & CAR-DINING

NECK PILLOWS

ONESIES

FOR THE PETS

FOR THE PETS

LAMPS

LAMPS

SEATING & BEANBAGS

SEATING & BEANBAGS

PORTABLE FM RADIOS

PORTABLE FM RADIOS

FM HEADSETS

FM HEADSETS

DON’T LOSE POWER!

DON’T LOSE POWER!

Got any great gift ideas? Share them with us on social media or contact us

In the spirit of transparency, we want you to know upfront that links to products we recommend are (mostly) affiliate links. This means that, at zero additional cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. A percentage of that commission is being set aside to start funding the foundation we are creating to help bring edutainment to underserved areas around the world, starting in Africa. Thanks in advance for helping us with this mission! To read more about it and perhaps get involved, read Focus on Africa.

We have tried to think of everything, we really have, we even talked to other people. We have organized this checklist for the ultimate drive-in experience from general policy rules and drive-in common courtesy to personal comfort choices. If you think checklists aren’t “manly” enough you can take it from the youtube guy “Manly Moments” at the bottom of this blog. But I got to say this list is thoughtful but it’s also tough, real tough, like action hero tough.

• Have some cash on hand. These days you will most likely have to pre-purchase your tickets online, however, if you are a “spur of the moment” type and want to buy at the gate you may need cash, also for the canteen. It’s a good idea to check your favourite drive-in’s listing and their website for updates and policy.
• Turn off your headlights, running lights, interior lights, brake lights….all the lights. Once parked keep your foot off the brake pedal. Having them on is a horrible distraction for other moviegoers. It will also potentially run your battery dead with your car off. You also don’t want to sit for that long with your car idling. Not only is it expensive and bad for your car it’s also not very considerate to other moviegoers.
• Park in the dedicated parking bays. Don’t be a double parker, everybody’s paint job is just as important.
• Drive Slowly. Be aware. Drive carefully in the cinema lot. Kids might be running around
• FM Radio. Gone are those boxes that sounded like a tin can and clipped on that threatens to shatter the side window, especially if somebody walking back from the bathroom didn’t see the wire. The movie sound is transmitted through an FM radio frequency, make sure you have a working car radio, if not bring a portable radio and extra batteries, just in case. Also if you are unsure of your car’s battery health this is a good option. See Turn off your headlights above for the same reasons not to use your car radio with an old battery.
• Arrive Early. Get there early to get a good ‘seat’ and to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Does anybody else remember being honked at because you arrived after the trailers and the dancing hot dogs?
  BYOF. Some drive-in cinema’s do not allow you to bring your own food and drink. It’s the way they make money to keep going, a lot of the ticket price goes back to the distributors. If we’re in the middle of a pandemic these rules may be relaxed and you will have to BYOF (Bring Your Own Food). Again check their website for any recent updates on this policy. If they do allow you to BYOF you might want to consider a cooler.
• Wear comfortable clothing. And for the kids: Bring (or wear) pyjamas – this can make the transition from party time to bedtime just a tad easier.
  Games. Maybe a frisbee to throw around pre-show or some in-car games to pass the time waiting for the sun to go down.
• Make the car comfy. Bringing pillows and extra blankets helps make everywhere cozier. Check the venue’s policy, some allow parking your car backwards if it’s a hatchback, station wagon or bakkie (pick-up truck), fold down the backseat and line the back with a foamy mattress and those extra blankets and pillows.
• Bug Spray. This will help to keep you from getting eaten alive if you need to open the windows for fresh air.
• A fan, the kind that moves the air around, not your uncle in facepaint. If you are in a hot and humid climate or it’s peak summer, a small fan might be a good idea.
• Extra power. If you have to bring a radio, you have packed a fan and you have teenagers who can’t stop tiktoking their life, an extra power pack might be essential.
  Flashlight. Or headlights by that we mean a light on a headband, allowing you to take the hands-free approach to finding your way in the dark. Extra helpful when you have to usher your loved ones to the bathroom.
• Jumper Cables if your car doesn’t already have them. Some locations do provide them but it’s not a rule so it’s best to be prepared. Also, you could be the hero for someone else who didn’t bring theirs. We will cover electric car charging stations when they are readily available.
• Pets. Some venues are pet friendly, check their listing to see if that’s the case and always check their pet policy for particulars.
• Bring a potato. What? Why? You are asking right now. It’s to rainproof your windscreen. Strange, but true; cut a raw potato in half, rub the cut side of one-half potato on the window, use the other half of the potato if needed, leave to dry without touching. The starch in the potato will act as an invisible barrier between the windshield and the rain.

One of the takeaways from this Checklist for the Ultimate Drive-in Experience is that it’s important to be courteous to your other moviegoers. If you don’t have any of these items on hand you can pick them up or have them delivered right to your door.

PICNICS & CAR-DINING

PICNICS & CAR-DINING

NECK PILLOWS

ONESIES

FOR THE PETS

FOR THE PETS

LAMPS

LAMPS

SEATING & BEANBAGS

SEATING & BEANBAGS

PORTABLE FM RADIOS

PORTABLE FM RADIOS

FM HEADSETS

FM HEADSETS

DON’T LOSE POWER!

DON’T LOSE POWER!

Got any great gift ideas? Share them with us on social media or contact us

In the spirit of transparency, we want you to know upfront that links to products we recommend are (mostly) affiliate links. This means that, at zero additional cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. A percentage of that commission is being set aside to start funding the foundation we are creating to help bring edutainment to underserved areas around the world, starting in Africa. Thanks in advance for helping us with this mission! To read more about it and perhaps get involved, read Focus on Africa.