Create a cinema in your back yard (and ‘sell’ tickets!)

Time An hour You’ll need MacBook, projector, film from iTunes or on DVD, a sheet or plain white wall, Bluetooth speakers, email addresses of invitees

Open-air cinemas have become very popular, with many towns now hosting screenings of classic films. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as cheap seats, but what’s stopping you hosting your own al fresco screening? All you need is a portable Mac, some speakers and a means of projection, plus some friends to throw popcorn at.

The projector is the main extra expense, of course – expect to pay at least £250. Look for a model with a four-figure ANSI lumens rating; this indicates a strong, bright picture. This means you’ll be able to see the action even if it’s not yet dark. Make sure your chosen projector has a DVI or HDMI connection, because you’ll need to use your MacBook’s DVI, mini-DVI, HDMI or mini-DisplayPort connection (depending on model). A VGA projector can’t recognise the encryption on iTunes films and won’t play them.

Other elements are easier; your cinema screen can be a plain white sheet draped on the wall and secured with bricks so it doesn’t flap about. You could to fence in the screen at the sides during the day to keep out sunlight so the picture’s clearer. Unless it’s a low-key screening for around five people, you’ll also need to boost your MacBook’s audio output. Bluetooth speakers are ideal since they’re wireless and can be positioned anywhere.

Download the film you want to watch from iTunes or insert the DVD you want to play. Check that it plays properly and both the sound and projected image work.

Once everything’s set up, it’s time to invite friends to your open-air cinema. You can create an event and issue tickets for it using Eventbrite (eventbrite.co.uk). You can’t charge for screening a film you’ve bought, because you likely don’t have a public broadcast licence (though you could encourage friends to bring cake and popcorn). Make sure you use the Private event setting and tick the option to make your screening a free event, with entry by presentation of your ticket. Click Publish to complete your ticket then use email and Facebook to invite friends using the link Eventbrite generates. RH