Open Air Film Fest

Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic

Aug 23, 2004

The last vestiges of summer are upon us in fleeting force, and the evenings of fairer weather and less insect-saturated air should be grabbed and coddled and loved while they're still here. Host an Open Air Film Fest in your own backyard to take advantage of nice temps, easy food, and effortless entertaining with the home court advantage.

Flicks can follow a theme or be a wide and varied selection to suit your own and your guests' affinities. A selection of three different films will offer a fair-sized night of entertainment and should average in length the usual casual summer party. Tack on more or have a film less as your schedule dictates. It's your thing; make it work for you! If you decide on your film lineup prior to sending out the invites, you can preview for your guests what the night's showings will entail (you can even suggest a theme as far as food, festivities, and other fare if you're feeling ambitious).

Determine the following bits of info before sending out your invites:

Will there be a theme to your movie selection?
Will this theme drive your party in any way? If so, how and to what extent will this affect your guests?
Will you provide all food & supplies, or do you want to request your guests bring some contributions (i.e., blankies and floor cushions, lawnchairs, films, potluck foods/drinks, etc...)?
What time will you start airing films?
Is there a loose or precise viewing schedule you'll be following?

Send out email invitations at least a few weeks in advance. Many folks like to soak up the last of summer to the fullest, so if you want a good turnout, timeliness is a good thing to espouse.

Setup Basics

Screen ~ The cheapest screen will probably come in the form of a plain white flat bedsheet, my favorite versatile homegood. Hang it smoothly and evenly from a fence, an exterior wall, between an even pair of trees, or on a heightened, impromptu clothesline. Smooth as well as you can for best viewing results. If you would like to and can afford to rent an outdoor screen, bully for you!
Projector ~ Unless you already have access to a functional projector (you work for an events company, you are the meeting coordinator at work, you happen to be an A/V extraordinaire), you can cheaply rent a projector to transmit the flick you pop into your DVD/PC/VCR from indoors