In this article we reveal how to create your own outside cinema.

Setting up an outdoor home theatre is a fairly large undertaking, not only in terms of physical deployment, but also in money outlay.  A sensible option would be to host a ‘trial night’, whereby you would hire the equipment and an operator to try it out.  This way you can get a feel for all the technical details and decide on the ideal requirements for your location.

If it’s the ‘Wow’ factor you’re after, and then consider how to make the most of these important factors, which will determine your Al Fresco Theatre kit.

Do you have a good spot to site the outdoor screen Where can you place the projector/screen Is there safe access for the power supply Where is the best location for the speakers Can you safely conceal the electric leads

Consider the sunlight at different times of the day – maybe you’ll use your Al Fresco cinema more in the evening, however do think about excess light from street lighting or next doors’ tennis court.

How can you arrange the seating, so that the ‘audience’ can all see clearly

Be considerate to your neighbours – how loud should you have the movie sound track?

Most locations are suitable for your garden Box Office, even incorporating a room from the house that flows into the garden, using this as the site for the projector.  This allows a safer arrangement for the electric supply and technical equipment, as it is weather protected and away from interference of the audience.  The only equipment outdoors is the display or projector and speakers, which need to be water proofed.

It is also possible to use the outside cinema for fund raising, however do check the licensing arrangements.



By: Graham Gallagher

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