Introduction

Outdoor cinema offers a unique way to enjoy movies in an open-air, relaxed setting. It’s especially appealing to couples and groups of friends looking for an evening of fun and entertainment under the stars. Screenings often range from classic films to the latest releases, and many venues enhance the experience with food and beverage sales on-site.

Running an outdoor cinema requires detailed planning—factoring in weather, sound, and visibility—to ensure an optimal viewing experience for every attendee.

The Problem

Vehicle-based vs. per-person ticketing
Some showings are sold by vehicle, others by individual seat—but most generic platforms can’t handle both pricing models in the same event.

Parcel layout & distancing logistics
You need to assign parking spots by vehicle size or arrange seating areas for guests in lawn chairs, all while maintaining safe aisles.

Connectivity issues
In open fields or parking lots, 4G coverage often drops, leaving your scanners unable to validate tickets online.

Underreported snack & merch sales
When customers pay cash for concessions, reconciliation is slow and prone to errors.

Unpredictable weather
Sudden rain can force rescheduling or refunds, which need to be handled quickly to protect your reputation.

Lack of recurring audience engagement
Each season starts from scratch without building on past customer data or loyalty.

The Solution — Fanz for Outdoor Cinemas & Drive-ins

1. Interactive seating & parcel map

   

   • Create zones based on vehicle size or lawn chair seating areas.

   • Offer a satellite view or vector diagram for easy selection.

2. Dual pricing model

   

   • Charge per vehicle (including up to X guests) or per individual seat—configure both within the same screening.
     
     

3. Snack upsells

   

   • Let customers add concession combos online and receive a “Snack Pass” QR code.

   • Staff scan at pick-up, deduct stock, and speed up lines—boosting average order value by 18%.
     
     

4. Weather & rescheduling management

   

   • One-click “Reschedule” button sends push notifications and emails with the new date/time and refund options.
     
     

5. Season memberships

   

   • Offer a 5-show pass stored in Google Wallet with automatic reminders.
     
     

6. Real-time alerts

   

   • Notify organizers when only 10 VIP parcels remain, triggering a last-minute social media push.

     
     

7. Consumption dashboard

   

   • Track concession and merchandise sales in real time to plan exact stock needs.

     
     

8. Integrated payments & invoicing

   

   • Accept payments via Mercado Pago (or equivalent) and issue automatic tax invoices in the cloud.

Planning & Organization

Success starts with choosing the right venue, ensuring high-quality projection and sound, managing ticketing and product sales, and setting the right seat map and pricing. Strategic promotion through social media, email marketing, and local partnerships can help attract larger audiences.

Audience Experience

Comfortable seating, optimal sightlines, great sound, and quality food and beverage offerings elevate the viewer experience. Creating a welcoming, themed atmosphere with music and décor can make guests feel more connected to the event.

Marketing & Promotion

Use social media, email newsletters, and targeted ads to promote screenings and build loyalty. Collaborations with local businesses can add value through discounts or special offers. Data collection and marketing analytics help refine campaigns for future events.

Case Study — Cinema2

Cinema2 doubled ticket sales during summer and cut box office wait times from 25 minutes to 6 by implementing personalized strategies that enhanced value and efficiency.

Call to Action

Want to sell parcels, concessions, and manage rescheduling from one platform?
Book your 15-minute demo and launch your open-air season stress-free with Fanz.