Summer is the perfect time to host an outdoor movie screening, giving you the chance to bring together fans of all genres to watch their favorite flicks under the stars.
But there’s a bit more that goes into a successful event than simply hiring a screen and plonking it in the middle of a field. If you want your screening to run smoothly, you’ll need to do some advanced prep, especially when it comes to screen size, power requirements, local permissions, and promotion.
Here, we’re sharing how to host an outdoor movie screening with LED screen hire, covering everything you should know to hold a successful event.
1. Choose the Right LED Screen for Your Audience and Location
When you’re hiring an LED screen, it’s helpful to understand all the options available, and, importantly, which is best for your situation. That means looking into things like screen size, brightness, and mobility, which will all make a difference depending on your anticipated audience size and venue (your backyard will obviously be different from a park or a car park, for example).
If you’re not sure what you need, hire your screen from a company like Jagen Events, which can walk you through their different offerings and help you choose the right screen for your setup.
2. Plan Your Power and Setup Requirements
Power is also something you’ll need to plan carefully before your event. Your screens need a steady power supply to run efficiently from start to finish (imagine the disappointment of a film cutting off midway through). A screen’s exact power requirements depend on its size and resolution, but a medium-to-large screen for a movie screening will usually need a 16-amp or even 32-amp connection.
Check well in advance that your rental company will provide what you need to power your screens, especially if you’re in a remote location and need to use generators. Also make sure your rental company offers external PA systems to be used alongside your screen, so everyone can hear the movie clearly.
3. Secure the Right Permissions and Licenses
If you’re hosting a public event, you can’t just screen any old film without seeking permission to do so. Make sure to research film screening licenses (PRS, PPL, MPLC, and so on) and secure the appropriate license for the movie you’re showing and the region you’re hosting the event.
Keep in mind that you might also need permission from your local authority to hold the screening if you’re planning to host the event in a public space. There may even be noise restrictions that you need to be aware of.
4. Promote Your Screening for a Great Turnout
After all that planning, the last thing you want is for your event to be underattended. That’s why promotion is a step you absolutely shouldn’t leave as an afterthought.
You’ll want to promote your event via social media at the very least. If you can get a story covered by the local press, even better. Flyering is another failsafe option, especially if you’re hosting a business event and have a bigger budget to play with.
