Pop-up outdoor cinema nights

Families, couples and friend groups buying tickets. Some venues or community groups may also pay you or share ticket income.

Ticket sales per screening, plus optional extras like bean bag hire or snacks where permitted. Each night's profit depends on crowd size and venue costs.

• Event organising
• Basic AV set-up and troubleshooting
• Marketing through social media and local groups

• Public screening licences: check that each film is cleared for paid public screening, as a streaming subscription or home DVD does not cover it
• Council or venue permits for events on public land, plus noise and finish-time limits
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your cover includes equipment damage and wet-weather losses
• If you plan to sell food or alcohol, check council food registration and your state's liquor licensing rules
• Weather risk: plan a rain policy or backup date, and secure screens against wind

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the screen, projector and sound gear you buy and how much you already own. These are estimates, so price your own kit and insurance before committing.

Check that each film is cleared for paid public screening, as a streaming subscription or home DVD does not cover it. Also check council or venue permits for public land, noise and finish-time limits, and your public liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many nights you run, ticket prices and crowd size. Weather is a risk, so plan a rain policy or backup date. Allow at least about 8 hours a week.