FAQs

Here are some questions we often get asked:

Does it have to be dark?
Yes, we advise starting at sunset although if you are in a shaded area like woods then you can sometimes start earlier, around dusk. You can find UK sunset times here
We provide and manage all the kit 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.
We recommend www.filmbank.co.uk who are the UK’s go to for Outdoor Screening Licenses.
For our standard rear projection set-up we need an area 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.
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 here on our film ideas page.
Yes we have full public liability and a 100% safety record.
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.
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.
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.
Yes no problem. We often show shorts, adverts or – if your event has a sponsor – we can show a video or slide to promote them.
Yes just bring along your iPod or MP3 player and we can plug into that. You are responsible for the PRS licence.
We are not affected by rain and are always amazed how many people still turn up.
We can screen in wind speeds up to 25knots. After that we are afraid that we will have to take the screen down for health and safety reasons.
Yes, we take a 50% deposit up front and then 50% 30 days before.
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.

Deposit

We take a 50% deposit to secure the date and confirm your booking and then a second 50% 30 days before the event.

Discounts

We offer discounts to charity and community events. How much depends on date, location and your event details.

Travel and Accommodation

Depending on the date and location of your event there can be up to a £250 travel and accommodation fee.

Multiple Screenings

If you are running multiple screenings back to back we can offer significant discounts on the above rates.

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.

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.

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.

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 on:

Choosing a good date

Marketing, ticket sales and promotions

Add some value to your event with decoration, entertainment and food

Getting the film licence

Risk assessment templates

Advice on managing your event

Advice to offer customers

 

Like some FREE advice?

We’ve written an E-BOOK that you can download as a PDF for FREE.
It contains everything you need to know about putting on an Outdoor Cinema Event in the UK.

DOWNLOAD E-BOOK
We are a small company that just does mobile pop-up cinema hire.

We have been doing screenings across the UK for five years now and by not diversifying into other AV work and just doing the mobile cinema we have refined our set-up and operation allowing us to just do one thing really well and we now have a reputation for value and reliability.

What our Clients say…

“Skylight put on a screening of Monty Python at Pendennis Castle. We found them professional and nothing was too much trouble.’’ Manager, Pendennis Castle, English Heritage

“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

“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 2014Aisling, British Red Cross

‘’Their inflatable screen was a big hit. Will definitely use again in the future. Happy to recommend.’’Ryan, Fal River Festival

“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)

“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

Happy Clients