Hosting a Summer Cinema Event: Here’s What You Need

The photo shows a group of people looking an an outdoor projector screen. This is demonstrating a successful summer cinema event.

With the upcoming summer months approaching, you may consider organizing an outdoor event. While they can be extremely fun, they do require work and preparation. Luckily, if you follow the right tips, they can go flawlessly. From The Terminator to Terms of Endearment, here’s what you need to know about hosting the perfect summer cinema event. 

Essential Items for Perfect Outdoor Events

Understandably, hosting an outdoor cinema event will require a variety of materials. Similarly to the performers in the film, each piece of equipment must work well together. Otherwise, you may have a disjointed viewing experience. If cost is a concern, you should know that you do not need to purchase those materials. Instead, you can opt to rent equipment and hire the services of an experienced event production company. 

Get an Outdoor Screen

Of course, the first item you will need is an outdoor screen. Preferably, you should choose one that is optimized for your estimated event size. Typically, an extra large screen works best as it will make your event and film stand out the most. For example, you can rent an outdoor inflatable screen that is suitable for up to 1000 people. With the right screen, individuals sitting dozens of yards back could still watch Darth Vader saying “I am your father” to Luke Skywalker. 

Find a Projector

Also, a projector is an essential piece of equipment. Without one, you cannot show the film. In addition, there are certain specifications you should consider when renting a projector. A proper projector can display films in Full HD. This is 1920×1080. Frankly, this is the minimum level requirement for projectors in 2023. Higher-end projectors can display in 4K resolution, which is 3840×2160. 

Choosing the Right Projector

You should also choose your projector based on the time of your outdoor event. If you are hosting an event during the day, it’s best to use a projector with a high lumen count. This determines how much light is emitted from the projector. For daytime outdoor events, a projector with greater lumen counts will be more suitable. 

Find Booming Audio

Now that you’ve decided on the visual aspects of your cinema viewing experience, you must focus on the audio. For the clearest and strongest sound, you should have 4 speakers connected to your inflatable screen. Also, subwoofers are necessary components of a complete audio setup. To clarify, subwoofers are loudspeakers that produce lower pitched frequencies, 20 – 200 Hz. In general, 4 speakers and 2 subwoofers are the perfect amount of audio equipment. With them, viewers can be fully immersed when Rose tells Jack, “I’ll never let go.” Or, they’ll be on the edge of their seats when Indiana Jones runs from the giant boulder in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Important Steps You Can Take For Summer Events

After acquiring the necessary visual and audio equipment, you must fully answer different logistics questions. First of all, where are you going to host this event? Depending on the number of attendees, it may be best to have your summer cinema event at a large and open-space venue. Not only will this provide space for guests, but you can properly place and utilize essential pieces of equipment.

In addition, you need to decide when your event is taking place. Outdoor cinema events typically work best during nighttime, as viewers can see the film more easily. However, if you choose to host during the day, it’s not the end of the world. You just need to use a projector that is optimal for daytime viewing. 

It’s important to note that you may need a license to show films at an outdoor event, whether or not you sell tickets. This is a legal requirement. Lastly, you also must consider safety and security when hosting a large public event. 

How Premier Sound and Lighting Can Help

If you want to host an outdoor cinema event, look no further than Premier Sound and Lighting. We have the experience and resources needed to ensure a perfect viewing experience for all guests. To learn more, please call us at 832-248-5891.