Movie screenings are often great ways to draw in new customers to businesses, as well as help donate to charities. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many companies are using this method with outdoor movie screens.
The W New Orleans luxury hotel – located in the city’s historic French Quarter – is kicking off the holiday season with its Naughty and Nice holiday film series. The hotel will screen a different holiday film in its courtyard every week leading up to the New Year, according to the Times-Picayune. Not only will the company be using an outdoor movie screen to give all guests an opportunity to see the film, but outdoor heaters will be provided and guests are allowed to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Furthermore, all proceeds to this event will go to the Robin Hood Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. The series’ first feature will be the holiday comedy “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell.
Also in support of Hurricane Sandy, Billy Crystal will be screening his upcoming film “Parental Guidance” on December 5 for free at the United Artists in Lynbrook, New York.
“It was just heartbreaking and you felt helpless, looking at it on TV, and then suddenly there’s somebody from CNN on what used to be the boardwalk, where I had many a smile,” Crystal told Newsday. “You can mend buildings, but rebuilding people’s confidence and their mood, and putting a smile on their face is what I do. Hopefully I can lift their spirits.”
Using movie screenings for benefits isn’t an uncommon technique. With the proceeds of these events going to charities, organizers may benefit from doing what they can to support as many attendees as possible. By investing in high-quality outdoor movie screens, event planners can provide top-notch entertainment while also supporting a high number of attendees.