I don’t know about you, but my family started the countdown to summer break months ago, and now with Memorial Day behind us we are raring to get our summer on!  However, our summer is jam-packed with 4-H events.  So, I was trying to come up with some fun, stay at home, family ideas and ran across the backyard movie party.  What a great idea!   You can go small with just your family or you can go big and invite your whole neighborhood.

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Take 1: Equipment

Projector.  Who really wants to unplug their large TV, haul it outside, and set it up only to have to haul it back inside at a late hour?  Not me!  Plus, the projector will give you that old magical drive-in movie theater feel.  Don’t have a projector?  No worries, you have a few options.  Check with your local rental companies (tip: libraries and universities sometimes have them for rent) or ask around to see if you can borrow one. Better yet, if you plan to have more than a few movie nights, look into buying a projector. You can now purchase one at a relatively inexpensive price.  Regardless of which way you decide to go, you will want to consider the following factors:

  • Lumens – Minimum of 2,000 lumens.
  • Diverse inputs – Make sure the projector input connections support the type of device you will be using (i.e. laptop, DVD, Blu-ray, etc.).
  • Keystone and lens shift – Lower end projectors have electronic keystoning (where you adjust the image throw by adjusting the projector in relation to the screen). More expensive projectors will have a physical control which allows you to shift the lens directly.
  • Maximum size and throw distance – Study your space and image size. Decide what you are trying to achieve. Does your space allow for the correct throw distance (distance from projector to screen)?  Projector Central offers a quick throw-distance-calculator https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator.cfm.
  • Ratio – Ratio is something to consider, but is not a deal breaker.  Cinema projectors will automatically output at a ratio of 16:9 with no light bleed.  Most other general projectors will not have the 16:9 setting, but will have a digital mask for 16:9 projection with a slight light bleed.

Screen.  This one is easy.  Purchase a few white sheets and string them up using either safety pins or clothes pins. On show day, throw the sheets in the dryer with a damp washcloth for a few minutes to eliminate the fold marks and then hang them up.

Getting a little more serious about screening movies outside consider buying an outdoor screen or making one yourself like this one I found on Instructables:  https://www.instructables.com/id/An-Easy-Portable-Outdoor-Movie-Screen/?ALLSTEPS

Audio.  With today’s technology you have a ton of options.   While researching, one author used their daughter’s mini guitar amp while others suggested wireless speakers or boom boxes.  Of course, this will depend on how big you want to go and how much background noise you have.   I would recommend looking around your house.   What do you have on hand?   What are you using as your output device?   Your laptop and extra speakers might just be adequate.

Note: Remember to keep power accessibility in mind when deciding on equipment and location. Also, if using an extension cord make sure it is taped down and marked so people don’t trip on it in the dark. 

Take 2: Food and Seating

Food.  Pinterest here I come! Keep it simple.  Do you want a movie scene with popcorn, candy and drinks?  Do you want to match the theme of the movie?  While browsing Pinterest, I saw the ever so famous “Frozen” themed outdoor movie night with marshmallow Otto’s and icy blue drinks.  You could even do a campfire theme with s’mores and hot cocoa.  Just remember the labor involved and how much hosting you really want to do.  You could just say “Bring your own snacks and drinks!” and just provide popcorn and water or your drink of choice.  Don’t forget to set our garbage cans, so you aren’t chasing around candy wrappers or fly away dishes all night.

Seating.  If it’s just the family, grab some blankets, pillows, or kick your feet up in your favorite lawn chair.  For larger groups try “BYOS” (bring your own seating).

Note:   If you live in a buggy area you might want to set out some bug repellant candles etc.

Take 3: Picture

Movie.  This one is crucial.  When picking out the movie, keep in mind the average age of your audience and desired ambience.  Also, note the rating and read the reviews if you haven’t seen it before. Some of the older movies can be a great hit and will give it that magical drive-in movie theater feel.  My favorite is “The Little Rascals.”

Note:  When deciding on your movie, keep start time and running time in mind. What time does it get dark or when will there be adequate darkness to start the movie?  In Montana, many summer nights don’t have adequate darkness until close to 10 pm.  How long do you want your guests staying?

Kick back and enjoy the show!

~ Autumn

About the author:

Autumn Gilleard, was born and raised in Western Montana Autumn lives on a ranch with her husband, two daughters, and son. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family 4-wheeling, fishing, rafting, and hiking. When not out on a adventure with her family, you can find her at the Missoula Taekwondo Center. Where she trains as a black belt and part of a competition team. (She is Worth the Fight……Hahahahah)