Firefly Cinemas
Outdoor & Drive-In Cinema Hosting – Procedures and Requirements
Firefly Cinemas specialises in delivering professional outdoor and drive-in cinema
experiences across New Zealand. To ensure a smooth, safe, and high-quality event, the
following procedures and requirements apply when hosting an event.
Staffing
Firefly Cinemas provides trained technicians to manage setup, operation, and pack-down of
all cinema equipment. For regional events, multiple staff members may be required
depending on scale and logistics.
Site & Venue Requirements
The event site must provide sufficient open space to accommodate the screen, projection
equipment, audience viewing area, and vehicle layout (for drive-in events). A flat or gently
sloping surface is ideal to ensure clear sightlines for all attendees.
Access to the venue must allow for vehicle entry for equipment transport and setup. Firefly
Cinemas also requires a suitable location for the projection booth and sound transmission
equipment, positioned to avoid obstruction or interference.
Power & Technical Needs
Firefly Cinemas can operate using either mains power or a generator, depending on site
availability. If mains power is provided, it must be reliable and compliant with safety
standards. If generator power is required, Firefly Cinemas can supply this as part of the
event package.
Our cinema system includes:
Large inflatable or framed outdoor screen
High-definition digital projection
FM transmission for drive-in audio or external speakers for walk-in audiences
All equipment is installed and tested prior to the event to ensure optimal performance.
Event Timing & Setup
Setup generally occurs several hours before screening time to allow for full equipment
installation, testing, and safety checks. Pack-down takes place immediately after the event
concludes.
Screening times should account for sunset, as outdoor cinema requires low-light conditions
for best image quality.
Licensing & Content
The event organiser is responsible for securing the appropriate public film licence unless
otherwise agreed. Firefly Cinemas can assist with guidance on licensing requirements and
approved distributors if needed. Or we can get the rights included in the hiring cost.
All content screened must be legally licensed for public exhibition.
Safety & Weather Considerations
Outdoor cinema events are weather dependent. Firefly Cinemas monitors forecasts closely
and works with the organiser to make informed decisions in the event of adverse conditions
such as strong winds or heavy rain.
The organiser is responsible for:
Crowd management
Traffic flow and parking control (for drive-in events)
Compliance with local council or venue regulations
Firefly Cinemas ensures all equipment is installed following safety