Frequently Asked Questions


What time can my movie begin?

We recommend checking sunset times with a weather source and using that as the earliest start time. As the season progresses, movies can be started earlier. We would recommend promoting that your event will begin at sunset.

What is included in my rental package?

A rental package includes…

  • Inflatable screen of choice

  • Professional-level laser projector

  • Professional-level audio system of two or more speakers

  • On-site technicians for the duration of your event.

  • Inverter Generator to be used for your event

The only thing we do not provide is the blu-ray.

What if there is bad weather the day of my event?

Sunset Cinema will be in contact with you throughout the week if the forecast shows inclement weather on the day of your event. No decisions should be made before the day of the event as forecasts rapidly change throughout the week.

On the day of the event, a decision should be made on the event by 2:00. If a decision to postpone is done before Sunset Cinema leaves for the event, there will be no charge for postponing, and a date will be found to move your event to. If a decision to postpone is made after Sunset Cinema has left for the event, a $200 labor charge will be charged which then will allow you to reserve a postponement date. Full payment will be expected after Sunset Cinema has arrived on site.

Once Sunset Cinema has begun set-up, we reserve the right to stop to protect our equipment. Sunset Cinema also reserves the right to stop a movie due to imminent weather.

Our screens cannot be set-up in wind speeds of 15 mph or more, and our screens cannot stay up with wind speeds of 25 mph or more. We will delay movie set-up for as long as we can if weather looks like it will pass, but will cancel if weather looks like it will continue for an hour or more.

What movies can I show at my event?

Any movie being shown in a public venue needs to reserve a public performance license from the appropriate movie licensing company. (SWANK Motion Pictures being the most popular). Licensing must be reserved before promotion of the movie title.

Why do I need a Public Performance License?

According to the Federal Copyright Act, copyrighted materials like movies can only be used for a public performance if they’re properly licensed. However, neither the rental nor purchase of a movie carries the right to exhibit it outside of one’s home. Sunset Cinema will help you in acquiring your public performance license. This will be a separate cost from Sunset Cinema’s fee. More questions about public performance licenses can be answered here.

What movie should I pick?

First you must decide on who your event audience is going to be. Do you want to show PG-13 rated movies, or G? Once you figure that out, you can find lists of popular movies online, you can ask your community through social media polls, or a combination of the two. Picking the right movie is important for the success of your movie, so do plenty of research!

What are some general tips for hosting a great event?

We see lots of great events throughout the year. Often times, these events are also doing some of the things listed below to enhance their movie events.

  • Hiring a form of entertainment before the movie begins (live music, bounce houses, face painting, etc…)

  • Checking your local calendar and make sure you are not planning your event over another large event nearby.

  • Promote the event multiple times on your social media platforms. See if a message about the event can be put on a local mailing.

  • Find local businesses who will sponsor the event. Make a slideshow of their ads that we can display on the screen before the event.

  • Do a movie event inside of a DORA and serve alcohol for the movie.

  • Invite food trucks to set up at your event or hold your event somewhere with a concession stand.

  • Schedule your movie as early as you can. Most of the time, it’s best to list “sunset” as the start time.

  • Make your movie venue somewhere everyone knows and is easily accessible.

  • Invite a firetruck for kids to explore with firefighters before the event.

  • Invite the mayor out to give a welcome speech before the movie begins.

How long does set-up/tear-down take?

Sunset Cinema asks that our crews be allowed to begin set-up two hours before the movie is set to begin. We will, within reason, arrive earlier or later if requested by client. Once Sunset Cinema is on site, Set-Up takes only an hour. Tear down also takes one hour.

What space is required for the screen to be set up in?

The screen must be placed on a clean, dry, level surface with at least 40’x40’ of surrounding space and 20’ - 30’ clearance above it. Stakes will need to be inside of a roughly 60’x50'‘ area. 3/4 inch stakes will be driven 28 inches into the ground. Underground pipes or wiring should be marked for the safety of all. If the location is not on dirt or grass, Sunset Cinema and the client will need to agree on an alternative ballast plan.

What power requirements are required at site?

Sunset Cinema began including a generator in the price of all rentals in 2024. Power does not need to be provided by client on-site.