Yesterday, I got to meet with Open Air Cinema, a young Utah-based company that’s already made a name for itself running events like the TriBeCa Outdoor Drive-In and LA Film Festival Outdoor Screenings. Their products have typically run at the high-end. But they’ve got a new “consumer” line that could be just what VJs and visualists need to have an on-the-go projection solution.

There are two options. First, there’s a complete “home backyard theater kit,” including:

* 9’ x 5’ inflatable movie screen
* Yard stakes and straps for setting it up (sand bags are optional)
* A Sanyo 2300-lumen LCD projector (not a bad model, in fact)
* DVD player
* Audio mixer, complete with A/V cables and adapters, with PA
* LED goose neck light
* Carrying cases
* Air blower with a muffler to keep the noise down (it was quiet from what I could tell, though we were in a loud space)

The total price: US$1495. That’s for the home user, so I suspect you’d have just as much luck putting together your own components – and though the Sanyo projector is decent, you’d otherwise potentially be disappointed with some of what’s here. But here’s the interesting bit: you can get just the screen for US$399. (12’ = $599; 16’ = $999.) And it’s ridiculously small and light; the whole 9’ screen packs into a tiny case you could pop into your backpack and weighs just eight pounds.

Even the full package I think is potentially good news for VJs, even indirectly – it’s just the kind of commoditization we’ve been waiting for for projection setups. Cheap + turn-key could mean more venues preparing for projection and working for visualists, and this is just one example.

That said, the main reason I bring this up is really the $400 portable inflatable screen. 9’ x 5’ is a reasonably decent size. I’ll be following up with them to have a closer look. Those of you who do event production, though, I’m curious to hear how you think this stacks up against other options – keeping in mind we’re looking at the low-end (so, optionally, DIY alternatives are interesting, too).

Open-air cinemas are the trademark of Greek summer and we are all waiting for them to open with eagerness. The beginning of summer projections is the signal for us to leave our houses and fill the terraces and backyards enjoying a lemon drink and popcorn.

Nothing compares to a night out with friends to an open-air cinema and under the stars, cooled by the summer breeze, see Cary Grant running away from an airplane or enchanting Rita Hayworth throwing a glove at you.

The Athens centre has at least 15 open-air cinemas that usually open in June and close in September or with the first rains. Some of them operate also in the winter, since they have a retractable roof that opens and closes depending on the weather.

They first opened in Greece in the beginning of 1900 and their most prolific period was between 1958-1974. They are usually on a terrace of a block of flats or in a backyard; their screen and walls around are surrounded by a floral decor to give as much as possible the impression of a traditional backyard. Jasmine is nostalgically connected to open-air cinemas, imagine there is a song dedicated to that, but jasmine has gradually disappeared together with the open-air cinemas institution.

The movies that are usually projected are reruns of first-run films from the winter period andremakes of classical movies of the world cinema that attract the wider public. Many movies have a second round success in open-air cinemas, after their projection in the winter in indoor cinemas.

Seldom one can see a first screening film or a Greek movie. Usually, one cannot see thrillers in open-air cinemas, nor splatter films and science fiction and generally movies with many effects, and this is for “technical reasons”. Various effects create a lot of noise and disturb the …neighbors. If the sound is lower, the viewers will not like the movie and there will be complaints. So, a mean solution in selected. Social movies, comedies, police movies, cinephile, something particularly enjoyable that fits the spirit and disposition of the viewer during the summer period. The public’s attention is every year drawn to remakes of classic black and white movies. And believe me, black and white movies are ideal for open-air cinemas. Hitchcock is the public’s preferred director.

The experience to see a movie under the star-filled sky is unique. You get the feeling that you enjoy something forbidden and you feel very lucky. You are of course very jealous of those who live in a block of flats nearby and see the movies for free. It is also fun to sit in the dark and see lights turn on and off from the nearby block of flats.

The plastic or director’s chairs, the little table in the middle, a refreshing drink, classic popcorns or nachos, and enjoy! Generally bars in open-air movies are fully equipped while they don’t offer the same things. However all have: beers, coffees, soft drinks, lemon ice, popcorn, nachos, potato crisps, chocolates, ice creams and some others cheese pies, sandwiches and …appetizers.

After a movie in an open-air cinema you can stroll in Athens’ small streets or go to a tavern or to a bar for a drink. Everyone leaves with a feeling of satisfaction.

We propose you some cinemas and directions to get there:

*
One of the oldest open-air cinemas in Athens is Zefyros in Thiseio, which is especially for cinephiles. Close by, one can find the cinema Thisseio.
Nearest metro station, Thisseio.
*
Stepping down the Psirri square, one can find the homonym cinema which has a small bar where you can get a drink after the end of the film. Of course, it is imperative to stroll around the area.
*
In the area of Exarheia and around, one can find the most open-air cinemas, that is where the open-air cinema’s heart beats. In Exarheia square on a terrace there is the VOX cinema, while on Valtetsiou street, there is Riviera in a magnificent backyard. The area is very welcoming and full of life with many cafes, taverns and restaurants.
*
Up Mavromichali street to Alexandra street you’ll find ALFAVIL and Panathinaia and at the same level but on Zoodochou Pigis Street, Ecran. From Panepistimio metro station, you can reach all these on foot. You will walk more to get to Mavromichali, except if you go via Alexandra avenue which is closer by. Of course, you can take any bus goes up Ch. Trikoupi, which is parallel to Mavromichali, and get off two stops before Alexandra avenue.
*
In Kolonaki, the most classy area of Athens, you can find one of the oldest cinemas in Athens, if not the oldest, that of Dexameni, in the homonymous square. There is a long walking distance, and a bit uphill.
*
In the center of Zappeio you will find Aigli cinema. It is at the end of the planted with trees road, by the restaurant. Closest metro station, Syntagma.
*
On the other side of the city, at Kodringtonos road, Patision side-road, there is Trianon, classic cinephil meeting place for summer-winter.
*
Alternatively, there is the bar 45 mires in the area of Gazi, on the terrace of which with view over the Acropolis you can see any film you like, without however listening to the music or the dialogs of the movie, but to the rock music of the café while enjoying your drink.

Stella Stylianou, stelstyl [at] igogreece.com

July 28th at 9:30 PM, in original sound (English) with Italian sub-titles.

This summer, Party Town USA will kick off three family-nights of free entertainment called “Movies in the Park.” Party Town will erect their 16′x9′ inflatable screen on the lawn at Centennial Park.

The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., and the movies start at sundown.

The movies chosen are classics with broad appeal, and organizers say they’re non-offensive and fun for the whole family.

Movies in the Park will commence on Friday, June 29, with a screening of the 1952 John Philip Sousa biopic “Stars and Stripes Forever,” starring Clifton Webb and Debra Paget.

The next movie in the series – the classic 1957 romance “An Affair to Remember,” starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr – will be shown on Friday, July 13.

The series concludes on Friday, Aug. 3, with the 1979 coming-of-age drama “Breaking Away,” starring Dennis Quaid and Daniel Stern.

The movies being shown are the main events, but there’s more to it than just films. In addition to their huge movie screen, Party Town will bring several of its outdoor inflatables for the kids.

Hot dogs, barbecue, funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, lemonade and much more will be available at the park. If parents would rather bring their own food and snacks, they are encouraged to do so, organizers said.

Showing movies in the park for free isn’t a new idea; bigger cities have been doing it for years. Tucson, Ariz., for example, draws crowds of thousands to their summer night movies.

While Cassi Guttersen of Party Town doesn’t expect a turnout quite that size, she does expect a crowd of 500 or so to show up for the festivities.

By: Art Gib

About the Author

business that can accommodate some of the most visually stunning movies outdoors in the company. The staff has extensive experience in television, film and stage production. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Exterior and resurrection Drive-In

The death of drive-in was inevitable. Some may blame the price of land rising to the huge parking lots over the years, or just watch TV off this old tradition. That may be a combination of both, but still we feel the charm of going outside the cinema. There’s a magic that can not be replaced, I think Americans recognize the best.

Some may find a twist of coincidence that the technology that made the company turns away from the drive-in, come back with powerful searchlights and state of new audio equipment and set the stage back, but with some differences .

The 21st century has seen a resurgence of do-it-yourselfer to go outside and set up their own “drive-in” – not really an event parking (although it could be as you will read more below) as a blanket picnic event lay down-and-view.

Outdoor cinema and the tire Screen Movie

In the 60 man landed on the moon. The computers they use are ridiculous compared to today’s standards. The amount of computing capacity could be found in a graphing calculator pleasant bought today. So, depending on what we know today, the experience of drive-in /> died with has been taken by the do-it-yourselfer using access technology which wanted the drive-in theater return air experience.
At the turn of the 21st century a new trend began when digital projectors and giant screens were posted outside of use by using a movie player like receptor. Electronic and digital technology became cheaper and faster processing and powerful. The iPod was even possible to play digital movies stored.

The scene has often been done at private parties or events where a backdrop of beautiful white wall was used and someone rig extensions while in power. Now the do-it-yourselfer system has even risen to full business models that employ full-fledged portable inflatable screens.

The film industry has evolved in the open and distanced itself from the amateur at home. The professional outdoor cinema DJ is distinctly different because of the quality of facilities, which provide a better quality of experience and level of professionalism. The cost of upscale amenities and ease of movement of the screen made the business plan much less expensive and portable.

So now the drive-in business is not necessarily dead. Using the same system, drive-ins were welcomed by the same set as described. inflatable screens are as large as the military hovercraft have peaked as high as a two-storey building. Take a random parking, an FM radio transmitter and a screen colossal explosion, and not much change in those fat-video player in a few days.
Retrieved from “ http://www.articlesbase.com/movies- articles/outdoor- movies-and-the-resurrection-of-the-drivein-416948.html “

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href=”/authors/art-gib/40689″ title=”Art Gib’s Articles”> Art Gib – About the author:

cinema Outdoors business that can accommodate some of the most visually stunning movies outdoors in the company. The staff has extensive experience in television, film and stage production.
Gib is a freelance writer.

August 7, 2010: The Wizard of Oz

August 14, 2010: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

August 21, 2010: The Last Song (with Miley Cyrus)

August 28, 2010: How to Train Your Dragon

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to camp out while refreshments will be available courtesy of a BBQ hosted by the North Surrey Lions Club. I also discovered this weekend that Holland Park has free wifi, in case you’d like to stay connected while you lay out on the grass.

Festivities will begin at 4:00pm each Saturday and the movies will start at dusk.

Walk-Ins generally occur in a neighborhood, warehouse district, park, or other casual setting. The movie is projected outdoors on a wall or some other backdrop. An important part of the Walk-Ins is that there’s *no charge* to attend. Completely free. By the peeps, for the peeps.

The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre features festival seating on a grassy slope, with designated sections for chair and blankets. There are also reserved and general admission areas. Click to view SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre seating map.

Patrons may bring a blanket or rental chairs are available for $1.00 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Shell is located at 699 South State, Orem, in the middle of SCERA Park. Get Directions from Google Maps. Free parking is available on streets and parking lots surrounding the Shell. Click here to download our Patron Policies & Information Sheet, with information on parking, seating, rainout policy, refunds, food & drink, no smoking/alcohol, when the gates open, etc. Season tickets and individual event tickets are available. For more information, call (801) 225-ARTS. Click here to join SCERA on Facebook and get the latest announcements, event updates, discounts, contests, special offers and lots of fun connecting with other fans!

NEW! Give the gift of entertainment! Give a SCERA GIFT CARD

We are proud to announce our SUMMER 2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS. SEASON TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Season tickets include the three musicals and seven concerts. They do not include the Celebrity Vocal Competition and Outdoor Movies, which must be purchased separately.

10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue 98004

Jul 6 2010 – Aug 24 2010

More schedule information: Tuesdays
July 6 – August 24

Event Description
Bellevue outdoor movie nights are back! The 8-week free outdoor movie series, sponsored by Intelius and Bellevue Parks & Community Services, kicks off Tuesday, July 6 in Bellevue Downtown Park. Movies are Free, family-friendly and carry a PG rating. All movies will be shown on a 25-foot screen.

Each movie is themed with a charity benefit. Please bring donated items to support the organization of the night. So come out to support a great cause, grab a blanket, a low-back chair, a bag of popcorn and some soda, and head to the park to enjoy free outdoor movies under the stars this summer.

Bellevue Outdoor Movies in the Park Schedule

Location: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue WA
Movies begin at dusk, between 8:30-9pm.

July 6: Cloudy with a Chance Of Meatballs (PG – 90min)
Benefiting: Overlake Service League
Highly Needed Items:
- Juice (100% juice only)
- Tuna or other canned meats

July 13: Where the Wild Things Are (PG – 101min)
Benefiting: YWCA
Highly needed items:
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Sunscreen

July 20: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG – 105min>
Benefiting: Eastside Domestic Violence Program
Highly needed items:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels

July 27: Monsters vs. Aliens (PG – 94min)
Benefiting: Treehouse
Highly needed items:
- New Clothing
- Toys & Accessories

August 3: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (PG – 118min)
Benefiting: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
Highly needed items:
- Backpacks
- School Supplies

August 10: The Spy Next Door (PG – 94min)
Benefiting: Hopelink
Highly needed items:
- Applesauce
- Juice (100% juice only)

August 17: The Blind Side (PG – 128min)
Benefiting: YouthCare
Highly needed items:
- Cotton underwear (M&W)
- Tube socks or unisex cotton socks

August 24: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (PG – 153min)
Benefiting: Overlake Service League
Highly needed items:
- Pasta Sauce
- Cereal

July 23rd – Back to the Future

July 30th – Surf’s Up

August 6th – The Sandlot

August 13th – School of Rock

Seaside Cinema

200 Portofino Way

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

We look forward to seeing you and your family there to enjoy this fantastic outdoor movie event series under the stars!