Acme Delivers Blast From The Past With A Modern Twist

While the days of the drive-in movie theater are all but gone, Acme Outdoor Movies is working to rekindle the past right here in Land O’ Lakes.

The relatively new company is offering free movies in the park at the every Saturday after sunset for months to come, said Harry Wilkins, community outreach director.

Similar to an old fashion drive-in, the Saturday events feature a giant screen. Unlike the old days, however, Acme’s screen inflates to tower above nearby trees and viewers need to leave their cars in the parking lot. Sound is provided by a booming system and guests need to bring out their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, Wilkins said.

While Acme rents its equipment out for corporate events, sports parties and birthday parties, its owners wanted to do something for the community, Wilkins explained.

“We started doing it because as a company we wanted to do something during this economy we’re having,” he said. “We have all the equipment and it doesn’t get used every day for corporate rentals. (We decided to) schedule some shows to do it for free.”

Acme kicked off its first free movie at the park last Saturday with “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The Indiana Jones series continues tonight, April 23, with “Temple of Doom.” “The Last Crusade” and “The Crystal Skull” are planned for April 30 and May 7, respectively. All shows start right after sunset and there is no cost for admission. Refreshments are anticipated to be available for $1 or less, but Wilkins said viewers are invited to bring their own sodas, popcorn and snacks, too.

Mike Walcott, the recreation supervisor at the community center, said the free movies are a nice addition to the park’s lineup of events.

“They’re a part of the community and they wanted to do something to get people in the park on Saturdays,” Walcott said. “We thought it would be a great idea. There’s not a lot of things out there for people to do that don’t cost a lot.”

Walcott said the first movie night went over very well and he anticipates it will continue to grow as more people realize they can catch a show for free.

“It really has that feel of a drive-in movie,” Walcott said.

While residents can see movies for free, putting on the shows does cost Acme money, Wilkins said. The movie studios charge licensing fees even when an event is free, he added. With that in mind, the company is looking for advertisers to sponsor movie nights throughout 2011 in Land O’ Lakes. Acme also leases its equipment. A smaller screen setup is available for birthday parties and other events, as well.

For more information about advertising, contact Wilkins at 813-333-228 or email harry@acmeoutdoormovies.com. More information is also available on Acme’s website at acmeoutdoormovies.com. Recommendations for movies to show after the Indiana Jones series are also being accepted on Acme’s Facebook page. Movies must be rated PG-13 or below.

The park is at 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd.