Outdoor Cinema Hire FAQs
Does it have to be dark for outdoor cinema?
No, it does not. With our LED Screens we can start anytime of the day!
What do I need to do for my pop-up cinema event?
We provide and manage all the kit you need for your indoor or outdoor cinema event so all you need to do is arrange the film licence and manage the event. We provide the screen, projector, PA and full set up and pack down.
Where do I get a film license for my pop-up cinema event?
We recommend www.filmbankmedia.com who are the UK’s go to for Outdoor Screening Licenses.
How much space do I need for my open-air cinema event?
For our standard rear projection set-up we need an area of 10m x 10m. We ask that you don’t seat any of the audience closer to the screen than 6m as, just like in a normal cinema, they will be too close.
Can you recommend films for my event?
Yes, we are more than happy to help as this is so key to success. In our experience the most successful screenings are those that match the film to location or event. See examples on our film ideas page.
Are you insured?
Yes we have full public liability and a 100% safety record.
How do you weigh the screen down?
We base our quotes on a grass set up on the assumption that we can spike into the ground for the screen guy ropes. If your site is not on grass this is not a problem but you will need to arrange for weights or two vehicles to help anchor the screen along with our vehicle.
What do we need to tell the audience?
The main thing is to make sure they bring a camping chair and loads of warm clothing. It is surprising how cold you can get when sat still – so blankets and sleeping bags make for a much more comfortable experience. In addition to this, people love to bring a picnic, a bottle of wine, some nibbles and a hot flask can make all the difference.
Do we need power for our open-air cinema event?
If you have it – YES, it is handy. We need 2 x domestic 13 amp sockets. If you don’t that is also fine, as we carry a silent generator that powers our whole set up. No extra cost.
Can we play videos on the screen before the film?
Yes no problem. We often show shorts, adverts or, if your cinema event has a sponsor, we can show a video or slide to promote them.
Can we play music before the film?
Yes just bring along your iPod, MP3 player or any other device with an audio jack output and we can plug into that. You are responsible for the PRS licence.
What if it rains at my outdoor cinema event?
Our outdoor cinema equipment is waterproof so we are not affected by rain and are always amazed how many people still turn up.
What if it's windy at my outdoor cinema event?
We can screen in wind speeds up to 45knots. After that we are afraid that we will have to take the screen down for health and safety reasons.
Do we need to pay in advance?
Yes, we take a 50% deposit upfront and then 50% 30 days before.
Do you give refunds?
If you have to cancel or reschedule we will try and give a full or partial refund providing you give us enough notice and we can re-book that date.
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Deposit
We take a 50% deposit to secure the date and confirm your booking and then a second 50% 30 days before the event.
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Travel and Accommodation
Depending on the date and location of your event there can be up to a £250 travel and accommodation fee.
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Multiple Screenings
If you are running multiple screenings back to back we can offer significant discounts on the above rates.
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Cancellation
The only reason we would have to cancel is high winds. Our screen is rated for up to 25 knots. If it is raining we can still go ahead and are always amazed how many people still turn up.
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Refunds
If you have to cancel or reschedule your event we are happy to give a full or partial refund if you let us know well in advance enough that we can re-book the equipment.
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Discounts
We offer discounts to charity and community events. This depends on date, location and your event details. You can also put up our projectionist which saves £70 that we would otherwise have to pay for a hotel/B&B.
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Experience
As well as providing the cinema we also offer a free advice service. We have loads of experience with events like yours and we are more than happy to give you advice and tips.
Leading Link
We were extremely impressed with the quality and standard of service that we received from SkyLight. Matthew the technician arrived in very good time and was amazing throughout – his attention to detail with both the film and safety of the event was second-to-none, the equipment went up in no time and he was extremely helpful with support for our pre-show entertainment – providing a microphone, cueing music tracks on the PA etc. The event received a bumper crowd and there wasn’t a single grumble – a real great family atmosphere! I would definitely recommend using SkyLight Cinema.
Jonny Hall, Leading Link
The Headland Hotel
We used Skylight Cinema recently for an outdoor showing of ‘The Witches’, a film which is very important to our history and heritage. The service and communication was at all times excellent and the occasion went off without a hitch and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. We are already planning our next outdoor cinema event!
The Headland Hotel, Newquay
Ardingly College
Having used Skylight Cinema for a school event for the past two years, I would highly recommend them. They are very professional, the equipment is of an excellent standard and the events have run smoothly from start to finish. The staff who rigged up the events up for us were very helpful, friendly, good humoured and flexible, and helped to make the evenings a success.
Annabel Hawkins, Ardingly College
Kernow King
Toby and his team stepped in at the last minute to solve a projection and screen issue for an outside show this year and their service was impeccable. Utilising excellent equipment, knowledge and efficiency, they set up in difficult surroundings quickly and ensured that I had nothing to worry about at any stage. I look forward to working with Toby and his team again and I’d recommend the them and their services to anyone.
Kernow King
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Skylight Cinema were great to work with providing support and technical knowledge prior to the event and helping to ensure that our very first outdoor cinema events ran smoothly and were enjoyed by all
Ellie Manwell, Head of Communications, Dulwich Picture Gallery
River Tamar Project
Skylight Cinema helped us deliver some truly spectacular screenings during the It’s All About the River film festival. Our audiences loved seeing their screen pop up on the banks of the River Tamar and the ease, speed and flexibility of the set up enabled us to show films in some really exciting locations, like under Brunel’s classic railway bridge at Saltash waterfront.
Phil Rushworth, River Tamar Project
HMS Decorative Surfacing Limited
We booked Skyline Cinemas for a private party in July 2014. We received a very good service throughout, despite the company being based so far away (Cornwall to Leicester). Everything ran very smoothly, the picture and sound quality was excellent and we could have played whatever we requested. A good company to deal with and would recommend.
Laura Wilson, HMS Decorative Surfacing Limited
Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union (FXU)
Having the Skylight cinema in the elegant setting of the Tremough House grounds, was a truly magical experience for our students. The professionalism on the team was fantastic and the quality of the equipment and sound, really made the film come to life. A night enjoyed by everyone under the stars, and highly recommended by FXU!
Kristy Wallace, Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union (FXU)
b-side
b-side worked with Skylight Cinema to create a bespoke outdoor film event with live musicians. The team were never fazed by our often unusual requests, were endlessly helpful and accommodating and were lovely people to meet too! Outdoor events are always fraught with uncertainties and it was great to work with such a professional company in whom you could put your trust, whilst you fretted about something else!”
Sandy Kirkby, b-side Creative Producer
King Harry Ferry
We have used Skylight Cinema for five years for our Film on the Ferry event. They always provide a great service and are really helpful with all the Health and Safety we have to conform to. More than happy to recommend.
Tim, King Harry Ferry
British Red Cross
Skylight Cinema provided a great service for our Refugee Week event. We wanted to screen films on the beach to raise awareness of refugees and the asylum process, and Ryan was helpful from beginning to end.” Screening on Gylly Beach June 2014
Aisling, British Red Cross
Private venue
We hired Skylight Cinema for a private party in our garden. It was a real hit and they could not have been more helpful. Highly recommend them
Jim, Private venue
Fal River Festival
Their inflatable screen was a big hit. Will definitely use again in the future. Happy to recommend.
Ryan, Fal River Festival
National Trust
Skylight Cinema have provided the equipment for a number of screenings on National Trust property. We have always found them professional and helpful.
Rachel, National Trust
English Heritage
Skylight put on a screening of Monty Python at Pendennis Castle. We found them professional and nothing was too much trouble.
English Heritage
Manager, Pendennis Castle