Wireless Headphone Parties are Now Available at FunFlicks Outdoor Movies Events (from our press Release)

FunFlicks Northern California is proud to offer outdoor movies with wireless headphone technology to provide the perfect outdoor film viewing experience.

Paul Jackman (The Outdoor Movie Guy) says “Sound level is a constant battle for guests, hosts, event planners and neighbors. Wireless Headphones enable everyone to have the perfect level of sound… including your neighbors”

Wireless headphones are a great way for event planners to adhere to City Noise Ordinances and will allow your event to run late into the night.

Wireless headphones enable multiple sound tracks at a time. This could include music, a live DJ, or even the soundtrack in multiple languages.

Paul says “If you need to speak with someone, take the headphones off and you can chat without having to yell over a loud sound system.”

FunFlicks® Outdoor Movies is the Nation’s leading provider of outdoor inflatable movie screen rental equipment and services. We pride ourselves in providing a truly cinematic experience almost anywhere. The Bay Area location of FunFlicks has been providing fun and affordable hosted movie events in Northern California and Oregon since 2009.

Event Highlight – Screening of USS Indianapolis The Legacy

There is a three minute clip in Jaws that tells the story of the USS Indianapolis from the view point of a ragged sailor Quint.

The USS Indianapolis The Legacy tells the story through 104 interviews from survivors, rescuers and family. A passion project by director Sara Vladic the story beautifully crafted.

Location, location, location.
Mare Island was the last port of call in the USA for the Indianapolis, the screening took place in the Mare Island Museum. We were surrounded by Navy artifacts, photos and a great big Old Glory.

Passion is infectious
Each group involved in the screening showed amazing passion in keeping the story alive for future generation.
Ryan from Mare Island Brewery called looking for a screen to air the documentary, his dedication to making this event special was evident, I was honored and happy to be involved. Both Ryan and Kent interest and love for Mare Island and its history are seen in their actions and, along with the museum are sure to keep its history available to all.

The Beer
Funds raised went towards USS Indianapolis/Gwinn “Angel” Scholarship Fund. They even served a special Survivor’s Tale Pale Ale (“A specialty brew crafted for the USS Indianapolis Survivor’s Reunion on July 25, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana commemorating the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis”)

The Crowd
300 people plus at each screening were transported through the history of the Indianapolis, the crowd included many veterans.

Special Guests
After this screening had finished there was a Q&A. Included in the panel was Harold Bray, a survivor. A wonderful story teller, his additional insight added an emotional punch.

Sara Vladic (director) , Melanie Capacia Johnson, Harold Bray, Ryan Gibbons

Harold Bray, survivor

Mike Emery, nephew of lost seaman holding a Purple Heart

Wonderful people, incredible film in a fitting location.

You can find the film here.

Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

Screenagers Movie screening in Bay Area

We are providing our projection services, A/V equipment and blower less screen for a FREE indoor screening of Screenagers.

What is the movie about?

Screenagers is about the impact of the digital age on children and how to help them minimize harmful effects and find balance. After seeing the film, people tell us that they feel more confident and better equipped to establish balance around screen time.

Where is it being screened?

Assumption School PTG is proud to bring Screenagers to our community. Please join us on Thursday April 27 at 7:00pm in the school gym. Discussion and strategies to help manage screen time in your household will follow the movie. Students and teens in 6th grade and above are encouraged to attend with their parents or guardians. This event is open to the entire community so feel free to spread the word in your networks.

Where can I get tickets?

Follow this link to reserve your FREE ticket:

https://impactflow.com/event/presented-by-assumption-catholic-school-1145

Where can I find more information?

For more information about the film:

http://www.screenagersmovie.com/

Popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase.

2016 Top 5 List for Outdoor Movies

Each year we calculate the most shown outdoor movies of the year. In addition we have highlighted 5 great events and 5 wonderful foods seen at our outdoor movie events.

FunFlicks Outdoor Movies - Most Shown movies of 2016

Most Shown\Top Movie for 2016

The force was strong, but not strong enough for this years top spot.

Zootopia
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Sandlot
Despicable me
Night at the Museum

Honorable mention. This year Aladdin came out of the Disney Vault. It was great to see one of my favorite animated movies on the big screen again.

Aladdin at a Street Party outdoor movies event with FunFlicks

Aladdin at a FunFlicks event

Food, food wonderful food, glorious food

Top 5 food and snacks

Ice-cream food truck from LA Salt and Straw… Yummy!
Gorilla Grillers – a few years ago had an amazing cheese steak. Great to see them again at Temescal Street Flicks.
Fresh Churro – Terry Martinez put on a great event every year for the community, she found a local Churro vendor who is amazing and provides them for her street party. So good..

Fresh Churros at a funflicks Outdoor Movie event

4. Zocoalos Coffee – Wonderful Halloween event in one of the gems of the East Bay, Zocalos Coffee house. Great coffee.

Halloween funflicks Photobooth at Zocalos Coffee House

Photobooth at Zocalo Coffee House

5. Our Popcorn – The FunFlicks employee diet. FunFlicks popcorn. No movie is complete without it.

Popcorn at a FunFlicks Outdoor Movie Event

FunFlicks Popcorn

Memorable Events

We run hundreds of movie nights each year,every event is special, we love what we do and enjoy all event. Here we highlight 5 of these great nights (that I personally attended).

1. It’s a Wonderful Light we highlight all our services with a movie, video gaming, Photobooth, Hashtag Printer and popcorn. A wonderful Holiday event in Downtown San Leandro. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Just dance on a Large inflatable screen in Downtown San Leandro

Just Dance in Downtown San Leandro

Photo Strip from Photo Booth

2. Rise of the Sufferfests. Documentaries can feel dry if you are not immersed in the subject matter. Rise of the Sufferfests is a wonderfully crafted documentary. What made these events special was the larger than life personalities in the documentary and the energy and authenticity of Scott Kneely.

Large outdoor movie screen by lake Tahoe - Rise of the Sufferfests

Rise of the Sufferfests in Lake Tahoe

Scott and Friends – Rise of the Sufferfests

3. Star Wars Screening of The Force Awakens with guest appearance by Daniel Logan (Who was the young Boba Fett in Attack of the Clones).

Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett) at a movie night

501st legion making bunny ears

4. Stand By Me – The Town of Brownsville OR is where the classic 80’s movie Stand By Me was filmed. Stand By Me day happens every year, this year was the 30th anniversary. After striking the event my son and I crossed the bridge (at about 1am).

Bridge in Brownsville, OR used in Stand By Me

Stand By Me screening in Brownsville, OR

5. Tamascal Street Flicks – Great weekly film series put on by the Temecsal Business Association. Films all had a local Oakland flavor.

Temescal Street Flicks - #Digitallifesmatter screening

#digitallivesmatter at the Temescal Street Flicks

FunFlicks screening in Temescal, Oakland

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

50 Plus Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here are over 50 Elf on The Shelf Ideas thanks to our House Elf, Jackie the house Elf.

Elf on the Shelf 50 plus great ideas Piano

50 plus Elf on the Shelf Ideas, dog bone

8 Movie Themed
Elf on the Shelf Ideas

7 Star Wars Ideas for your Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf is a avid photographer

Elf on the Shelf trimming Christmas tree with Barbie

Trimming the tree with Barbie.

Elf on the Shelf diving into a small pool, cliff diving

Extreme sports Elf on the Shelf, jumping off the shelf!

Elf on the Shelf in Dune buggy with Barbie

Top Gear Elf looking cool in a beach buggy

Naughty Elf

Elf on the Shelf playing scrabble with Red Head Barbie

Scrabble with mistletoe on a Triple word score

Selfie with and Elf and Brit (Barbie from the UK)

Elf on the Shelf at stonehendge with Barbie

Elf with Barbie in Video Stonehenge

Elf on the shelf riding stuffed animal with barbie

Wild bare back riding with UK Barbie and Jackie the Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the shelf with Barbie playing twister

Twister with Barbie

Elf on the shelf taking a photo of Barbie

Strike a Pose Barbie

Elf on the shelf looking through binoculars with Barbie

Eye spy

Elf on the shelf in Christmas nativity with Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown Christmas photobomb

Elf on the shelf on top of the Christmas Tree

I’m an Angel!

Elf on the shelf cooking cookies for Santa with Kitchen Aid

Cooking Cookies for Santa, messy work of an Elf

“Cup of Tee”

Elf on the shelf dressing as Doctor Who Tom Baker and Jelly Baby

Dr. Who Elf on the Shelf “Would you like a Jelly Baby?”

Here Doggy Doggy!

Elf on the shelf Gullivers Travels tied down by lego

Gulliver Travels or Dog revenge?

Mission Impossible “This Samsung will explode in 10 seconds”

Elf on the shelf in a funflicks Sack Race beat vader

Sack race winner is the Elf on the Shelf

Giant Elf on the shelf terrorizing gingerbread house

Terrorizing the village of Ginger

Elf on the shelf playing golf by a Christmas Tree

Fore!

I’m Back, another year of Elf mayhem and foolishness.

Where is that candy?

Elf on the shelf knitting a scarf in a red rocking chair

“Baby it’s cold outside” Elf on the shelf Knitting a jumper

Elf on the shelf takes a bath in marshmallows

Elf on the Shelf in a marshmallow bath

Elf on the shelf with Barbie roasting marshmallows

Roasting Marshmallows with barbie and red

Elf on the shelf in 3D glasses with force awakens ticket

Ready for the new Star Wars film

Elf on the Books

Elf on the shelf makes copy of his bottom

Elf Bottom

Elf on the shelf uses movies to boost himself to play the Piano

Elf on the Shelf piled up Christmas Movies to play the piano

Elf on the shelf is surrounded by pirates and ninjas

Elf on the Shelf In trouble again

Elf on the shelf ready for some PS3 gaming with popcorn and coco

Popcorn check… Hot Chocolate Check… Elf ready for some late night gaming

Elf on the shelf makes a mess in a glass. Elf poops are chocolate

Elf on the Glass, showing no class!

Mistletoe

Elf on the shelf watches a movie with red head barbie

Movie night for Elf on the Shelf and Red

Elf on the shelf riding a reindeer bare back

Bare back reindeer riding

Rubik Club is easy for a magical Elf on the Shelf

Santa is not a pinata

Front-side air at the Kitchen bowl.
Jackie the house Elf loves to Skateboard

Elf on the Shelf Sledding

Yoda says its safe. Jackie the house elf about to launch himself
from Chewbacca’s bowcaster

Elf on the Shelf in a X-Wing
Star Wars

Tight Rope Elf on the Shelf

The Bungee Jumping Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf TP’s the table

Elf on the Shelf TP’s the Tree

Elf on the Shelf is Back… in England

Naughty Elf on the Shelf caught wrapping the remotes

“I came in like a wrecking ball!” Elf on the Shelf

Yahtzee

Elf on the Shelf on a Zip Line

Newcastle Brown make Elf fall down

“You don’t need to see his identification” Star Wars Elf on the Shelf

C3P0, Elf on the Shelf and the Falcon
Star Wars

Elf on the Shelf riding a sleigh

Elf on the Shelf riding a horse

Elf on the Shelf in a balloon
Around the World in 80 Days

Elf on the Shelf in a Darth Vader box of cereal

“Call me Kermit do not… in a jam you are”
Yoda teaches the Elf on the Shelf to respect his elders.

Elf on the Shelf has met an Ewok

Kylo Ren just needed a hug.
Watch that light saber!

“It’s not wise to upset an Elf”
Playing Dejarik with Elf on the shelf is dangerous

The Godfather
Elf on the Shelf

“Mrs. Robinson you’re trying to seduce me, Aren’t you?”
Elf on the Shelf in The Graduate

The Angel

The Elf on the Shelf made a Christmas Tree
From DVD’s

Elf on the Shelf, Santa is getting a foot massage

Baking cupcakes! What a good Elf on the Shelf

Cupcake Wars watch out, the Elf on the Shelf is baking!

The Elf on the Shelf found Christmas Thomas the Tank Engine

Elf on the Shelf is struggling to choose a Christmas movie to watch…
He always chooses Elf

Elf on the Shelf is cut in half by Barbie, Magic!

“I’m on a Horse!”

Elf on the shelf could not find any snow.
He made a potato man, he was very proud!

Elf on the Shelf getting ready for Cupcake Wars

Elf on the Shelf is Free Climbing

Elf on the Shelf watches a knife land close

Elf on the Shelf, barbie sooth elf after knife came a little close

Elf on the Shelf is soothed by Barbie

Elf on the Shelf helped out Barbie with her knife throwing act.

Elf on the shelf nearly looses the family jewels

Too close for comfort

Spider-man Elf on the shelf kiss with Christmas Barbie

Spider-Elf “The Kiss”

Elf magically apparated in the drinks cupboard,
unfortunately in a bottle.

Elf One, A Christmas Story (The Elf Loves Star Wars)

Elf on the Shelf and Barbie decorate the music stand
for a late night singsong

Elf on the Shelf wins an Oscar

Elf on the Shelf replaces family photos with his

Elf on the Shelf steals a kiss from Barbie

Elf on the Shelf stealing a kiss from Barbie

Spot the Elf on the Shelf

Elf getting a wash in a washing machine

Elf with a red bow tie on a date with barbie

Date night, Elf with a bow Tie

Elf and Barbie by the Christmas Tree, starburst Christmas lights

Elf on the Shelf and Barbie by the Christmas Tree

Elf on the shelf puts brussel sprouts down the garbage disposal

The Elf does not like
Brussel Sprouts

Elf on the Shelf loves the thrill of jousting on the back of a Reindeer.

I wonder what our Elf on the Shelf will do this year?

Merry Christmas

Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

Movie Licencing Questions Answered

Let me start with the following disclaimer. I am not an attorney; I have never played one on TV. All information provided is to the best of my knowledge from working with outdoor movies with FunFlicks, my clients and licensing companies for many years.

Do I need a Public Performance License to show my movie graphic

Do I need to Obtain a License to show a Movie?

Unless you are hosting a private party at your own house you require a license. Little Tommy’s birthday party is fine. However, if that party was in a public park you would be required to license your movie.

The Movie night is at our school, we are covered, right?

Unless strictly for education purposes in a classroom environment you are required to obtain licensing.

If your school plans on doing events indoors they can apply for an individual films or a site license. A site license allows multiple showings within a calendar year.

Outdoor Movies require a different license, these are more expensive. Yearly site license is not available for outdoor movies.

Contact Criterion USA or Swank Motion Pictures for more information.

Where do I get licensing from?

Most movie studios are represented by one of two companies; Criterion USA or Swank Motion Pictures. Most movies that are available on DVD are available for licensing.

However, some movies get removed from public viewing. Some examples currently would be the original Star Wars trilogy and the Harry Potter movies.

Disney movies have windows when they are not available for public viewing (usually during the release of one of their movies in traditional movie theaters). If you are planning a movie series showing Disney/Marvel/Pixar movies call Swank Motion Pictures and ask about the Disney window.

If it’s in the Disney Vault its probably not available for licensing.

Criterion USA does not carry Disney but has a great selection of animated and live action movies, both can give you great suggestions on what to show and help you develop compelling schedule.

I want to watch something new, it’s not out on DVD yet, is that possible?

There is a brief window where the movie is no longer playing in the Theater but is not available on DVD. Sometimes these movies are available through the licensing companies (restrictions apply, sometimes only available to Universities).

Contact Criterion USA or Swank Motion Pictures for more information.

Neither Swank or Criterion carry the movie, what now?

You may have selected a movie that is independent or is looking for distribution, try contacting the studio who made the film.

Just because the large companies do not have it in their catalog does not mean that licensing is not required.

So, all movies require licensing?

Some old movies have fallen out of copyright or may have been subject to mistakes when the film was made making the copyright invalid. Night of the Living Dead may be the most famous (maybe not the best choice for a family movie night).

How much is licensing?

That depends on crowd size, location and movie. For events outside for under 200 guests be prepared to spend anywhere from $225 to $500. Larger crowds are more expensive.

It’s expensive, can I get a discount?

FunFlicks customers save $100 on select titles through Criterion by contacting Cary at 800-890-9494 x 224 (FunFlicks Licensing page).

If you are planning a movie series, you can sometimes get a discount if you do all\most of your licensing with one of the licensing companies (but you never heard that from me).

Can I charge admission?

If you are looking to charge admission it changes the licensing model, there is often a gate split required with the licensing company. Please call them, they are the experts (Criterion USA or Swank Motion Pictures).

There are also very specific rules about how you can advertise your event (so not to directly compete with traditional movie theaters). Both Criterion and Swank Motion Pictures provide images you can use to publicize your event.

Outdoor movie nights are a great way of building community, many cities run free events every summer.

Thanks

Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

Rise of the Sufferfests at Lake Tahoe

I took the trek up to Tahoe to provide a FunFlicks outdoor movie equipment for the second screening of Rise of the Sufferfests. The screening took place at Commons Beach in Tahoe City on the north shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Heavy rain driving up but by the time I reached the lake it had cleared (mostly).

I had seen a picture of Scott when watching the trailer. He was easy to identify with his shaggy appearance. A close band of friends and fellow mudders made short work of setting up their outdoor theater viewing area.

The Film

Tough mudder, Spartan Races, Tough Guy, the list goes on. Over the past few years Obstacle Course Racing or OCR has seen increased popularity. Rise of the Sufferfests is an entertaining documentary that looks into the fascination with and history of OCR. What motivates people in the modern world to put themselves in such pain.

You get to ride along with Scott Keneally as he struggles in making a documentary, competing in OCR races and becoming a father. His personal story within the broader scope of the documentary really kept me personally invested in the film.

With many great interviews with larger than life characters the documentary is highly entertaining on many levels and nearly makes me want to do a OCR race… nearly.

Scott has more outdoor screenings scheduled for this year. Check Rise of the Sufferfests for more details.

Find a screening near you
Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

Teen Beach Movie Sleep Over Party

We had an incredible Teen Beach Movie sleepover birthday party. We moved furniture, decorated and had the Guest come in their PJ’s with sleeping bags for the night. As it was a sleepover, we made it a double feature! Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach Movie 2.

After singing, dancing, photos, 2 movies and crafts the girls were tired. Just after midnight they fell asleep. The next morning we cooked breakfast and sent them home.

Here are some great ideas for you from our event…

Decorations

We made the beach theme run throughout the party. A trip to the local home improvement store made turning our venue into a beach hut a breeze. Guests were greeted with tiki torches (Under $5 at home depot on sale).

Make a beach theme before the front door, tiki torch

6 ft. H x 16 ft. L Natural Reed Bamboo Garden Fence made a great photo backdrop and also hid some other features (and mess) in the room. We also picked up some Tiki Totem’s.

Beach balls, buckets, beach towels and a couple of other items around the house added to the feel of the beach theme.

Disney has some great downloadable printable available!

Before the movie you can also use the screen to display a logo or imagery for your party. As we had a TV in the room we played a video of waves breaking. We used a downloadable backgrounds from Disney as an image for the main screen.

We used a huge 8 foot wide indoor funflicks screen, the girls were amazed.

Fun, Games and Crafts

Video Bingo
Lingo Bingo is a great game that can be printed out and played whilst watching the movie. Each time a phrase is said you mark off a square.

For someone who loves the movie think about laminating the bingo cards.

After laminating use a paper cutter to separate the Teen Beach Movie Lingo Bingo cards. This will give you a clean cut. I also rounded the corners so there was no sharp edges.

The added advantage of laminating the cards is you can use a dry erase marker to play and wipe off after each game (those little beach balls will get lost in our house).

We also printed Teen Beach Movie food labels from the Disney Party kit (using a paper cutter to get nice crisp edges)

Karaoke

We also picked up the Teen Beach Movie Karaoke CDs. Karaoke machines can be rented or maybe even think about purchasing a home version. The girls love it!

Photo booth

A photo booth is a great activity for your party. This can be as simple as an iphone with some props. We chose one of our photo booths which was attached to a printer that prints photo strips. The screen and photo strips were customized to fit with the beach theme. The girls printed over 100 picture during the night!

TOP TIP : Theme your props, photo booth screen and prints

Flip Flop Craft

No visit to the beach is complete without Flip Flops (slippers if you are Hawaiian). Send your guests home with some cool customized footwear.

You can pick up inexpensive flipflops for around $3 (be sure to get guests sizes before the event). Ribbon was cut and ready for guests to tie onto their flipflops to decorate.

TOP TIP : Precut the ribbon before your party

Flip Flop or Slippers, fun craft decorating with ribbons

Food

We kept the party food simple with pizza, fruit, chips and a cake. No movie would be complete without Popcorn, which was served in beach buckets.

Cake decorated by the birthday girl.

Don’t forget to take a photo of the master piece!

We cleaned up the beach buckets and used them as bags and sent our guest home with a lay, flipflops and sunglasses.

Hope our party helps to inspire you

Surf Up!

Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

New FunFlicks Outdoor Movie Website

Our National outdoor movie website has undergone a redesign. It is now much easier to navigate and find information. What do you think? www.funflicks.com

The event request form is more detailed and allows us to provide better service when we contact you about your booking.

Many of the photos were taken at Northern California events (I am also a photographer ).

Over the coming months we will be adding an integrated blog with event ideas and also direct booking from the site (although we still love to talk to you about your event).

Let us know what you think?
Thanks
Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy

Hashtag Printer at Your Next Event

Hashtag Printer image of a funflicks table cloth

Your crowd already takes photos at your event and posts them to social media. How do you see and leverage that Social Media? With a Hashtag Printer.

What is a Hashtag Printer?

It’s software that monitors Instagram for a # Hashtag, then prints and/or displays the image on a screen.

How does it work?

People attending your event are provided a unique hashtag. They take a photo, post it with the hashtag to Instagram. The software monitors for that hashtag, once it sees it the photo is displayed on screen and can be automatically printed.

Printed photos can be customized to include branding, logos, contact information.

Hashtag printer is a fun way to make use of social media at your next event. Great for Weddings, Parties, corporate functions and of course outdoor movies!

#funflicks @paultheoutdoormovieguy
Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy