How to create an outdoor cinema in your back garden
What better way to spend isolation and those long summer evenings that having an outdoor cinema! It's easier than you think - all you need to worry about is choosing the perfect film!
Has isolation got you down? Are you bored in your house? How about setting up a cinema in your own garden?
Picture this! A warm evening, drinks, popcorn and all the snacks you want, a screen before you and the night sky beyond it where the stars come out to play.
What you will need:
A projector
A sheet or projector panel
A frame or wall
An extension cord to reach the nearest power supply
Cushions, blankets, comfy chairs
A computer with your favourite films / Netflix
Speakers
The Kit:
This is the tricky part, if you already have a projector then great. If you do not then do not panic, there are a range of different brands and different priced ones you can choose from. The best one is an Epson EB-SO2 and this is around £250+, think of it as an investment. If this is too expensive for you, there are alternatives such as renting one for the day for around £50 (Proscreens.co.uk). Here are a list of links for you to shop around for a projector.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
When buying the projector, you will see each one has a lumen measurement. More lumens make it easier to see the projected image in bright conditions. In the garden after dark, we recommend at least 3000 lumens for a movie-theatre experience. It is true what they say that you do get what you pay for.
Connect a Video Source
This could be a DVD or Blu Ray player, a laptop or a streaming device such as an Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV box, which you’ll need to connect to your projector through its HDMI port.
If you want great sound, you can connect a speaker through your projector’s 3.5 mm jack, or look for a model with Bluetooth. Go for the latter and you’ll be able to connect wirelessly to a Bluetooth soundbar or speaker, and put more bang into your blockbuster. Or if it’s late and you’re watching alone, you can connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones so you won’t disturb the neighbours. Make sure to test everything!
The Screen
The easiest way to do this is to peg a white sheet to your washing line. You may want to weigh it down at the bottom so that it doesn’t move around in the breeze.
If money is no object, you could hire or buy an inflatable screen.
Get Comfy!
Depending on your garden space, how about getting some outdoor beanbags? Get some cushions and blankets to make sure you are all comfy.
If the best spot is on the lawn, lay a groundsheet on the grass to protect against any moisture or bottom-troubling rocks and stones, then layer blankets, cushions and beanbags to up the comfort factor. You could make your pop-up outdoor cinema more sophisticated by throwing down a few rugs, and setting out chairs, benches or even hammocks to relax on.
Just make sure everyone has a good view, and keep a few blankets aside or perhaps light a fire pit in case it gets colder later on.
The Grub
It’s not a proper cinema without popcorn. You can get bags of these from local shops, get come crips and chocolate, for those who want healthy snacks, how about bags of fruit? It's not a movie night without some scrumptious snacks. Treat yourself and your guests to popcorn and pizza, sit back and enjoy the movies!
Hope this can help you in your time during isolation and even when the ban has lifted. Lets see your outdoor cinema set up this summer!
Take care,
The Alexanders Team