One of the things many of us miss right now is going to the movie theater. However, with theaters temporarily closed and with the public being asked to stay home except to go out and do essential things, visiting the theater isn’t something we’re able to do right now. Sadly, there’s no telling how much longer it will be until we’ll be able to safely step foot into a theater again.
Residents of Thelma Crescent in Torbay, Auckland in New Zealand are also unable to visit movie theaters during this time. But that didn’t stop them from coordinating and participating in an outdoor movie night (while still following social distancing guidelines, of course).
It was all Zak Crowhurst’s idea. Operating Audio Visual Hire out of Rosedale alongside his father and brother, Crowhurst was able to provide and set up the equipment for the outdoor movie.
“We had several 12-inch arena speakers set up for audio, the whole set up took an hour,” he said. “We had all this equipment lying around in the house, why not put it out for everyone else to enjoy?”
Crowhurst placed the equipment at the bottom of a hill at the start of the cul-de-sac of his neighborhood. The location was perfect for faraway viewing!
Once the giant projector screen and speakers were set up and the clock struck 7:30 p.m., families came out to watch the family-friendly, animated movie, The Incredibles, from the safety of their balconies or back patio.
After the movie was over, families clapped and cheered.
“It was such a treat and everyone absolutely loved it,” Melanie Donald, one resident who got to enjoy the movie, said. “We all know each other on our street but this was a great way to draw everyone even closer together.”
Although Donald said everything from the visibility of the screen to the quality off the sound was perfect, there was just one thing missing.
“The only thing missing was popcorn because we didn’t have any but it was absolutely amazing. It was perfect,” she said.
That’s understandable; who doesn’t love popcorn while watching a movie?
Depending on the weather, Crowhurst plans to host more movie nights for his community.
Below is a picture of one family preparing for the movie to start.
Here’s another of a little girl ready to enjoy her evening:
As it got dark outside, residents were better able to see the large, lit-up projector screen. It was the perfect movie theater alternative!
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