Last weekend, Cinebarre launched a fund-raiser that also doubled as a test of the feasibility of a new type of movie experience. The Mt. Pleasant cinema, known for serving food and drink during movies, has a blow-up movie screen (31 feet by 46 feet) and a projection trailer. On Sunday, they were used to raise money for Camp Happy Days during a cookout, music concert, and a screening of the old Sandlot movie.
But this was just a test to see what kind of reaction Cinebarre would get. Turns out it was a good reaction, says Christina Callison, director of special events for Cinebarre. “The response we have already received has been HUGE,” she wrote in an e-mail to City Paper, detailing a new venture called Cinebarre on Location.
Basically, it looks like a 21st-century version of a drive-in movie on a one-night-only basis. Not sure yet, but I’ll let you know. Meanwhile, Cinebarre plans to use the blow-up movie screen to show blockbusters all summer long (location, time, and cost are not yet known; again, I’ll let you know). Movies up for consideration include: Terminator: Salvation, Transformers 2, Public Enemies, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and G.I. Joe. Cinebarre is aiming to make these not just movies, but large social events that include all-you-can-eat cookout, live bands, beer trailers, and the rest. More details are coming. Stay tuned.