Ever since the unfortunate event of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been needing to become more creative with our weekend activities. Simple trips to the movie theatre weren’t possible anymore, and we had to keep ourselves busy with what we had in our own home and backyards instead. That lead us to think… can we create our own outdoor movie theatre?
The delightful answer is yes! With minimal supplies and a simple, straightforward setup, anyone can have the perfect movie night with their family in the comfort of their own backyard. It’s time to pop the popcorn and grab your favorite blanket because these tips are so easy to follow, you’ll want to create your own setup and watch the old classics in your backyard right away!
Pick the perfect spot
The first thing to keep in mind is that you can’t watch a movie without electricity, so be sure to pick a spot close to a power point (if you have one of those extra-long leads laying around, then you’re spoiled for choice).
Next, you need to keep lighting in mind. You don’t want the house lights or nearby streetlights to reflect against your movie screen.
Build the screen
You don’t need to worry about purchasing a retractable projector screen. There are plenty of DIY options that won’t break the bank. All you need is a plain white wall or crisp white sheets. If you are opting for the sheets, consider sewing or taping them together, to act as the perfect display. To add an extra sparkle of professionalism to your makeshift movie screen, consider creating a makeshift blackout cloth by attaching black fabric to the back of your white sheets. If you are concerned that the wind will blow your sheets around or crinkle it, you can go the extra mile and create a thin wooden frame.
Set up the technology
The setup is easier than you might think. All you need to do is connect the video signal from your DVD player to your projector, and then connect the audio signal to your speakers. You are welcome to go all out and carry your surround sound into the backyard, but standard computer speakers will also do the job perfectly fine. If you need to adjust the size of your projector, you can simply move it further away, or closer to the screen.
There you have it; it only takes three easy steps to create your own outdoor cinema. Having a good time with the kids has never been easier. Put on some Disney movies, and keep them entertained for hours. Having a DIY movie theatre in your backyard means that you are spoiled for choice. If your kids are old and brave enough, you can even watch an action-packed thriller with them.