Even though most movie theaters are back open now, they were closed for the better part of the past three years because of the pandemic. During that time, many people experimented with screening movies for themselves and friends, projecting a film on the side of an old building or a blank wall inside the home. It offered an intimate viewing experience.
Even if you didn’t try it then, it’s not too late to try it now! There are only a few things you need to do to host your own outdoor screening, and they’re all easy to find.
Portable Power Station
The most important thing you need for an outdoor screening is a source of power. Think about it: there’s the projector, and string lights, if you want them, and at least one person will ask for a cellphone charger.
Have yourself a search for portable power stations UK and see how much modern portable power stations can do. All you have to do is charge them at home via a regular wall plug in a wall outlet to enjoy hours of power.
You can plug in the projector, charge several phones, and still have juice left to use. Also, if your power station can charge via solar, you’ll be doing the environment good.
Projector
Back in the day, projectors could only take physical film stock, as in those enormous rolls of transparent film that capture films frame by frame. There’s no way most people have the technical knowledge to run a film projector for personal screenings, let alone the trunk space or the stamina.
Fortunately, projection technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Now, you can get a relatively inexpensive projector that hooks up to your computer. It doubles the image on your screen and blows it up to movie theater size.
Studies have shown that movies bring people together and can teach them valuable lessons, so all the more reason to get that screen as large as possible for the biggest crowd.
String Lights
You need a little ambiance to make your screenings feel cozy. String up some lights between the antennas of cars, trees, and the corners of the screen. Perfect for the insta-addicts in the audience!
Blankets
Movies are best at night, and if you’re going to be screening outdoors, you need dark skies to see the images on the screen. No matter what kind of climate you live in, you should bring along blankets for those in the audience.
You wouldn’t want anyone catching a chill because heaven forbid they leave the film before it’s over!
Snacks (That Won’t Attract Insects)
You’ll want something to munch on while viewing, of course. Though it’s tempting, try not to bring anything sweet or syrupy. Stick to savory snacks – popcorn, pretzels, potato chips. Chocolate and other candies will attract ants, flies, and nasty pests that no one wants around.
In the Mood for Movies
Next time Netflix asks you if you’re still watching, say no! Grab your projector and other gear, call your friends and set up an outdoor screening for a truly memorable night.
