Drive-In Movie Theaters

Starting up drive-in movie theaters in America

By Nate Waymire, Freelance Writer

Drive-in movies were the brainchild of Richard M. Hollingshead. He spent time determining the best way to arrange a group of cars so that the movie patrons would have a good view of the screen. He patented the idea and opened up the first drive-in theater in Camden, NJ.

At their peak, there were more than 4,000 outdoor movie theaters operating in the United States. Over time their popularity decreased, but recently drive-ins have had a resurgence. When you are preparing to open a local drive-in, there are a few steps you will need to do:

1. Invest in quality film projection equipment to give your customers the best viewing experience possible.

2. Create a large promotional campaign for the grand opening of all of your local drive in movie theaters to ensure their success.

3. Make sure all of your drive-in movie theaters are well stocked with snacks such as candy and popcorn.

Find projectors from drive-in movie theater equipment sellers

After you've purchased a drive-in, you will need new projectors for every screen. Many old drive-ins have screens that are in great condition, but in most cases the projectors will either be missing or damaged. It's easy to order what you need and have it ready before your official opening date.
Try: Buy 35mm projectors at R.S. Engineering & Manufacturing, International Cinema Equipment or Atlas Specialty Lighting.

Purchase drive-in movie equipment

Anyone who has decided to reopen or start up a new drive-in theater will need a variety of equipment for the projection booth. This includes extra bulbs for the projectors, a method of transmitting audio to the audience members, leader film, marking tape, splicing equipment, film cleaners and other related products. A drive-in owner will need to have plenty of these items on hand for everyday use and emergency situations.
Try: Find the bulbs you need at Bulb Direct or Sonic Equipment. Try a stereo transmitter from Jack Roe USA to run audio through the radios of every vehicle. Buy splicing equipment, marking tape and other booth supplies from CLACO Equipment and Service.

Serve popcorn at all of your drive-in movies

Popcorn is one of the most commonly purchased snacks by movie goers everywhere. Your drive-in will need to keep plenty of it popping during hours of operation. An industrial popcorn machine will keep all of your customers well stocked with this salted snack.
Try: Select a popcorn machine from Gold Medal Products, Galasource or BigTray.

Stock up on snacks for you outdoor movie theaters

Your customers will visit the concession stand before and between every movie to purchase treats that they can enjoy during the films. Make sure you have plenty of candy and other snacks available to offer them a wide selection.
Try: Buy candy at discount prices from Buy Wholesale Candy or CandyWarehouse. Get candy in promotional boxes and packaging that you can design at Promotional Marketing Concepts. Pick up a cotton candy machine from Galasource.

Create a modern outdoor movie business

Inflatable movie screens provide great audio and visual quality and can be set up almost anywhere. With the proper equipment, you can begin a mobile drive-in movie business.
Try: Find the drive-in movie theater equipment you need at Outdoor-Movies, Open Air Cinema or Fun Flicks Outdoor Movies.

Advertise your drive-in movie business in a variety of ways: local newspapers, radio stations, community event websites, social networking groups, direct marketing materials and local television stations.
Provide a special incentive to encourage people to attend the grand opening of your drive-in theater, such as a car load for only five dollars or free popcorn.