1 Be a good neighbor.

Like it or not, your screening is going to be semipublic, so check with your neighbors first to make sure they have no objections. (Inviting them might help.)

2 Forget handheld LCD projectors.

They’re fine for an office presentation, but they don’t cut it outside. Buy or borrow a projector with at least 2,000 lumens, such as the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 600 3LCD ($360, epson.com).

3 Use a real screen.

Phillips recommends a sturdy eight-foot model such as the Da-Lite Versatol Portable and Tripod Projection Screen ($129, bestbuy.com).

4 Dim the lights.

To prevent backyard security lights from competing with the screen, drape sheets over them.

5 Let ’er roll!