Outdoor movies
posted by
raymondgordonsears
on
June 17, 2009 at 10:45 am
Popping up all over the country is showing movies in parks, swim clubs and yes backyards. Such is On Location Cinema. They will bring in a complete screen package (projector, audio system and screen) set it up show the movie, break down. They even have a Drive-in theater package with old D-I speakers and FM sound. I guess the drive-ins are still bringing them in. rg
Comments (6)
Is this actual film? Or is it simply DVD’s?
Are they licensed showings?
Without knowing anything, really, about the movie industry, or facts, your questions are both good, legitimate ones, Ken Layton. Thanks for bringing them up.
I would assume that they were simply DVD’s, but, if they were film, wouldn’t it be tough to get licensed showings just for any old outdoor showings? Just curious.
The regular (non-drive-in theatre) outdoor movie screenings that I’ve been to have involved simple DVDs.
Some are DVD presentations, some are film, as in Chicago’s Grant Park and New York’s Bryant Park in Manhattan, two of the country’s largest year-in and out. Either way of presentation, if legit, pay either the distributor or Swank for the rights as “non-theatrical screenings” and free to the public.
A non-theatrical license prohibits any kind of public advertising. Any “announcements” must be through your organization’s internal newletters or on-premises notices. These announcements must make it clear the public is not allowed. Admission may be charged only if it is used to defray the film rental cost. Walt Disney films have special restrictions.
A theatrical license allows any kind of advertising and showings are open to the public. If admission is charged, a boxoffice/attendance report must be sent immediately following the performance, preferably enclosed with the film in the shipping case. Payment should be remitted within the time frame stated on your particular film rental license.
Some are film and most are DVD’s. Wildwood, N.J. had a beach setup, 100' screen, 35mm (paid adm.) A lot of Twps. and Boros do movies in the park. The town or sponcer of the event aquires the lic. for the showing and is open to the public. rg
Our city annually has a spate of outdoor classic movies that’re played at two or three different city parks, and are free to the public. It can be fun, but bug-dope (insect repellent) is necessary. The disadvantage is, however, that, if it rains or threatens to rain, they can’t/won’t have a scheduled outdoor screening of a given movie that night.