Man sets up outdoor film for neighbours
The nationwide lockdown is bringing out lots of creative ideas for how people can remain connected but an Auckland neighbourhood has taken it one step further – an outdoor movie for residents to enjoy from the safety of their own bubbles.
Residents of Thelma Crescent, in Torbay on Auckland’s North Shore, watched their first outdoor film from the safety of their own homes on Sunday, thanks to the creative idea and equipment owned by Zak Crowhurst.
He operates Audio Visual Hire out of Rosedale with his dad and brother but since directives from Government to ban large gatherings, the business has suffered.
Since the lockdown began last Thursday, Crowhurst came up with the idea to bring some joy to his neighbours.
The movie, The Incredibles, was put up on a giant projector screen at 7.30pm.
‘‘We had several 12-inch arena speakers set up for audio, the whole setup took an hour,’’ Crowhurst said.
‘‘We had all this equipment lying around in the house, why not put it out for everyone else to enjoy?’’
Crowhurst said his home was in the best location for viewing as they were at the start of the
‘‘We had all this equipment lying around in the house, why not put it out for everyone else to enjoy?’’
Zak Crowhurst
cul-de-sac, at the bottom of a hill.
Music played before the movie began and residents cosied up on their own balconies to enjoy the film.
Crowhurst said that at the end of the film, the whole neighbourhood erupted in applause.
Resident Melanie Donald said the sound quality and audio of the outdoor film was top notch.
‘‘It was such a treat and everyone absolutely loved it,’’ she said.
‘‘We all know each other on our street but this was a great way to draw everyone even closer together.’’
The outdoor movie did not break any lockdown rules as all residents stayed in their own homes and remained in their own bubbles, she said.
‘‘The only thing missing was popcorn because we did not have any but it was absolutely amazing.
‘‘It was perfect.’’ Crowhurst said he would love to set up another film for his neighbours again but it would depend heavily on the weather.