Want to take your movie nights to the next level? Hosting a backyard movie can be a fun and unique way to celebrate birthdays or enjoy a night in. If you're located in Los Angeles, you have the added benefit of beautiful weather and a thriving audiovisual rental and event production industry. Check out these tips on hosting an unforgettable outdoor cinematic experience with backyard movie rentals in Los Angeles.

Choose a movie screen and projector that fits your needs

The first step in hosting a successful backyard movie night is choosing the right audiovisual equipment. And that starts with the star of the show: the screen and projector. Depending on the size of your space, you’ll want to consider factors like viewing distance, picture quality, and visibility. For smaller spaces, a portable screen like an inflatable one may be the best option. However, if you have more room to work with, a larger fixed-frame screen could provide a better viewing experience.

You’ll also want to make sure your projector is bright enough for your viewers to enjoy the cinematic experience. Typically, we suggest going for at least 2,000 ANSI lumens, but you’ll want to go brighter depending on the time of day. Of course, not everyone has to ability to splurge on equipment for a one-off movie night, so renting a projector and screen is a more wallet-friendly way to secure the right equipment.

Pick your movie!

The beauty of a backyard movie is that, unlike going to the movie theater, your options are limitless. Whether it's an Oscar-nominated classic or an obscure indie film, it’s bound to be on a streaming service somewhere. Consult your friends or be the one to make the executive decision and use a service like ReelGood to find where you can stream or rent the movie. Then, to play your movie on the big screen, make sure you have the right cables to connect your streaming device or laptop to the projector.

Make sure you have a quality sound system for full immersion

A quality sound system is essential to achieving full immersion and a memorable viewing experience for your guests. Invest in a good set of speakers that will provide high-quality sound and surround-sound effects, so that the guests feel like they are right in the middle of the movie. It’s also important to consider the volume level - not too loud as it can disturb neighbors, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

You can also provide wireless headphones for each guest, which is a great way to ensure everyone hears the movie without disturbing those around them. Ensure you do a sound check before the event starts, so you can tweak your settings if necessary.

Set the scene with cozy seating and decor

Once you have the audiovisual equipment rentals sorted out, it’s time to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Add cozy seating options like outdoor couches or chairs with cushions and blankets for warmth. Consider adding some string lights or lanterns around the area to create a warm, ambient glow.

You could also add some decor elements that fit with the movie you’re showing - such as beach-themed decorations if it’s a summer movie or spooky decorations for a Halloween-themed movie night. Make sure to test out your seating arrangements and lighting before the event so you can make any adjustments necessary.

Plan snacks and refreshments to keep your guests satisfied

No backyard movie night is complete without some yummy snacks and refreshing drinks. Plan ahead by providing a variety of snacks and refreshments to keep your guests satisfied throughout the movie. So, make sure to swing by the grocery store or better yet - get fresh buttery popcorn from one of our popcorn machines! Consider setting up a popcorn bar with different toppings such as caramel, chocolate, or even spicy seasoning.

You can also offer other classic movie theater treats like candy and soda. Don’t forget to include non-alcoholic beverage options for everyone to enjoy. A great idea is to create custom drink stations with different flavors of lemonade or iced tea that guests can mix and match themselves. With the right snacks and refreshments, you’ll keep your guests happy and engaged throughout the whole movie night experience.

Double-check logistics like lighting and power sources for a smooth event

Hosting an outdoor movie night can be a unique and exciting experience, but it also requires some logistical planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Pay close attention to the lighting and power sources in your backyard to make sure your guests can see the screen and hear the sound properly. Consider using outdoor lights or string lights to create a cozy ambiance, while also providing enough light for your guests to move around safely.

Furthermore, make sure you have enough electrical outlets or extension cords available for all of your equipment, such as the projector and speakers. By double-checking these logistics beforehand, you can avoid any technical difficulties during the event and keep everyone happy.

Now, have fun!

Once you have your backyard theater all set up, it’s time to invite your friends and family around for the show! Produce a red carpet experience for your guests and take some photos for memories. To spice up the event, get your guests to dress up based on the movie - like one our of clients who had a Sound-of-Music-themed viewing.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be hosting a backyard movie night your guests won’t ever shut up about. If the process seems daunting or tedious, our expert technicians are here to help! We’ve done backyard movie rentals so many times, we’ve curated packages to fit anyone’s outdoor movie needs. Each package comes with a free consultation, projector, movie screen, portable speaker, streaming device, and all necessary hardware and accessories. Every event is unique, so if your needs aren’t met by the equipment in the package, we are more than happy to tailor it for you! We also deliver, set up, operate, take down, and pick up any equipment, so you can relax and have fun.

Ready to plan your backyard movie?