# How to Run a Movie Night for People Who Hate Video Calls
Movie nights have become a staple of modern entertainment, but not everyone enjoys the experience of watching films together over video calls. Some people find video conferencing exhausting, awkward, or simply prefer the authenticity of in-person gatherings. If you’re looking to host a movie night for people who actively dislike video calls, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create an engaging, enjoyable movie night experience that brings people together in person, without any screens between them except for the one showing the film.
## Understanding Why People Avoid Video Calls
Before diving into the logistics of hosting your movie night, it’s helpful to understand why some people dislike video calls. Video fatigue is real. Staring at screens for extended periods can cause eye strain, headaches, and mental exhaustion. Many people also feel self-conscious about their appearance on camera or uncomfortable with the slight delays in conversation that make video calls feel unnatural. Additionally, video calls can feel impersonal and lack the genuine connection that comes from being in the same physical space. By hosting an in-person movie night instead, you’re addressing these concerns directly and creating an environment where people can relax and enjoy themselves without the stress of video conferencing.
## Choosing the Right Date and Time
The first step in planning your movie night is selecting a date and time that works for everyone involved. This might seem straightforward, but coordinating schedules can be surprisingly complex. Start by reaching out to your potential guests and asking about their availability. Consider weekends if most of your guests work during the week, or choose an evening that doesn’t conflict with other popular activities. If your group spans different time zones, you’ll need to find a compromise that doesn’t require anyone to stay up extremely late or wake up very early. Once you’ve settled on a date and time, send out invitations well in advance, ideally at least two to three weeks ahead. This gives people time to mark their calendars and make arrangements if needed.
## Selecting the Perfect Location
Where you host your movie night is crucial to its success. Your home is often the most convenient option, but you could also consider other venues. If you have a spacious living room with comfortable seating, that’s ideal. However, if space is limited, you might explore alternative locations like a friend’s house with a larger space, a community center, a park with outdoor screening capabilities, or even a rented venue if your group is large enough to justify the expense. The location should have reliable electricity, good ventilation, and minimal external noise that could interfere with the movie. If you’re hosting outdoors, check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of rain or unexpected weather changes.
## Choosing Your Movie
Selecting the right film is essential to keeping your guests engaged and entertained. Consider the preferences and interests of your guests when making this choice. A comedy might be perfect for a casual, fun atmosphere, while a thriller could work well for a group that enjoys suspense. Avoid movies that are too long if your guests have limited time, and steer clear of films that might be too intense or controversial for your particular group. You might even consider letting your guests vote on a few options before the event, which increases their investment in the evening and ensures everyone is excited about what they’ll be watching. The ideal movie length is typically between 90 and 120 minutes, as this keeps people engaged without requiring an excessive time commitment.
## Setting Up Your Viewing Equipment
The technical setup of your movie night can make or break the experience. If you’re watching at home, ensure your television or projector is in good working condition and positioned so that everyone can see the screen comfortably. Test your equipment beforehand to avoid technical difficulties on the night of the event. If you’re using a projector and screen, set it up in a way that minimizes glare and ensures clear visibility from all seating positions. Make sure you have the movie ready to go before guests arrive, whether that means having the DVD or Blu-ray disc on hand, having the streaming service queued up, or having the file downloaded and ready to play. Check your internet connection if you’re streaming, and have a backup plan in case of connectivity issues.
## Creating Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Comfort is paramount when people are sitting for two hours or more watching a movie. Arrange your seating so that everyone has a clear view of the screen without having to crane their necks or sit in awkward positions. Provide plenty of cushions, blankets, and pillows to make the experience cozy and comfortable. If you don’t have enough seating for everyone, consider rearranging furniture or bringing in additional chairs from other rooms. Some people might prefer sitting on the floor with cushions, while others want a proper chair or couch. Offering variety ensures that everyone can find a comfortable spot. Make sure there’s adequate space between people so no one feels cramped or uncomfortable.
## Preparing Snacks and Refreshments
No movie night is complete without snacks and drinks. Prepare a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and chips are always popular, but consider offering healthier alternatives like fruit, nuts, and vegetables as well. Have both hot and cold beverages available, such as coffee, tea, soda, water, and juice. If your guests are staying for an extended period, you might want to prepare some light food options like sandwiches, pizza, or appetizers. Set up a snack station where guests can help themselves throughout the movie, or prepare individual snack portions for each person. Make sure to ask about any dietary restrictions or allergies when you send out your invitations so you can accommodate everyone’s needs.
## Managing the Atmosphere and Lighting
The ambiance of your movie night significantly impacts the overall experience. Dim the lights in your viewing area to reduce glare on the screen and create a cinema-like atmosphere. However, don’t make it so dark that people can’t navigate safely or see their snacks. Consider using soft, indirect lighting or string lights to create a warm, inviting environment. If you’re hosting outdoors, plan for how you’ll handle lighting as the sun sets. You might use outdoor lights, lanterns, or candles to create a pleasant atmosphere while still allowing people to see the screen clearly. The temperature of the room should also be comfortable, not too hot or too cold. If it’s chilly, provide extra blankets. If it’s warm, ensure good air circulation.
## Establishing Ground Rules
Before the movie starts, it’s helpful to establish some basic ground rules to ensure everyone has a good experience. Discuss expectations around phone use, talking during the movie, and bathroom breaks. Most people understand that excessive phone use and loud conversations are distracting during a film, but it’s worth mentioning. You might want to suggest that people silence their phones or
