What began as an escape from the COVID-19 pandemic, an outdoor movie night has gained traction and continues to thrive despite the return of many in-person events.
In 2020, the world was coping with the collective trauma of long-term isolation. Life as we knew it seemed to come to an abrupt pause, with no end in sight. Half Moon Bay resident Julie Mell was one of many who lost their job due to the halt in the creative industries, but after 20 years in the film industry, she took action.
“... At the time all I was doing was reading the newspaper about the deaths and the sickness and the unknowns,” she said. “Then I started reading about pop-ups in so many other countries and communities, and I said to my husband, ‘How come every other community has a pop-up drive-in (movie), and we don’t?’”
Mell took it upon herself to make it happen. Her Beach Break Entertainment has become a bastion of the local creative community.
“It’s been a remarkable two years,” said Mell. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The drive-in movies were a hit. By creating a communal space to enjoy a movie and promoting safety by requiring attendees to stay in their cars with the windows up, Mell devised a way for people to assemble during a time when health concerns did not allow it.
“My whole young adult life until now, I’ve wanted to own a movie theater, and never dreamed it could happen,” said Mell. “I was always told it wasn’t financially feasible. But the outdoor movies, to me, are unique and fun. It gives people something to do and it’s been a blast. It’s a dream come true for me and it was a blessing to have during COVID for families.”
Since its inception, Mell and her crew have organized 42 events and most recently expanded up to Pacifica. Last spring and summer Beach Break Entertainment hosted eight movie nights in the parking lot at Sea Bowl, before the bowling alley reopened. Now, they have partnered with Kimco Realty and management of Linda Mar Shopping Center, at Linda Mar Boulevard and Highway 1, to use the back parking lot as a drive-in site.
“They painted the wall white, and, on the day of, they cover up the windows and we will project on the huge wall,” said Mell. “It’s really a fun and great setup. It’s not traditional, but it’s very unique.”
The series, “An Evening Under the Stars in your Cars,” will consist of four, drive-in movie nights beginning at sunset, between 8 and 9 p.m., May 7, June 4, July 2 and Aug. 6 in the northeast parking lot, near the North American Title Co. and Bank of America.
The first film, on May 7, will be “Sing 2” preceded by a short film, “Mermaids on Mars” written and directed by Nancy Guietter, owner of Nancyland’s Kids and Baby, a new children’s store in the shopping center. Before the film screening, Guietter will be offering mermaid specials at the store and face painting.
“The Princess Bride” will be screened on June 4; “Spiderman: No Way Home” on July 2; and “West Side Story” on Aug. 6.
Beach Break Entertainment is also looking to partner with local nonprofits. Volunteers from the organization will take part in working each of the events, helping attendees get parked, and in exchange, the nonprofit is compensated. Attendees also have the opportunity to donate. To date, Beach Break Entertainment has raised more than $15,000 for organizations.
For more information about collaboration, or if you’re interested in sponsoring the organization, visit the above website.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.