This Open Air Cinema owner in Montana proves outdoor movies can make for a great side business

has been running his Firefly Outdoor Movie Company since 2013. Based out of Billings, the largest city in Montana, Barrett says he thought "it would make a great side business along with my full time job."

"I'm not exactly sure how I thought of outdoor movies, but I did.  I began researching the topic and brainstorming ideas for a side business that could add to my retirement fund, since it was behind."    

Please describe your typical client groups?

- City parks and recreation groups.

- Local Schools

- Church events

Who do you normally source content from for your outdoor movie screenings?

-Swank

What was the most challenging situation during a screening that you recall?

- The most challenging has been finding a dependable Bluray player with external controls.  My original pro system came with a PS3 as the Bluray player and I got tired of that pretty quick trying to figure out how to fast forward, rewind etc.  I'm still looking for the perfect durable replacement, I think I have gone through 6 or so Bluray players. Seems most that are available now don't last very long and they only have a remote for all the controls.  I prefer to have the controls on the unit itself in case there are remote issues or if the batteries are dead in the remote and I don't have replacements.  

What was your most memorable screening last year?

Our usual peak season for outdoor movie events is June/July. We do two shows a year at a local amphitheater in Glendive, Montana at Makoshika State Park.  Those are always the most fun. Great set up for a movie.