
Vancouver is a wonderful film city. Aside from many top film schools like VFS, Vancouver is a popular setting for filming big-budget movies and network TV shows. So much so that it has earned the nickname "Hollywood North," which is why it's no surprise to find plenty of options in the city to host a memorable screening of your next feature film, short film, or TV show.
From theatres to coffeehouses and professional studios, Giggster has the best selection you need to find the perfect screening venue rental in Vancouver. Find spots with amazing sound systems, stages for live performances, comfortable seating, and movie-worthy decor.
Aside from our enviable selection of film screening locations, Giggster's prices are low enough that both new and seasoned filmmakers can afford the perfect place to host friends, family, and industry professionals. Download the Giggster app and browse our curated listings to take the first step in turning your creative idea into a reality.
Whether you're hosting a one-time screening or a regular event, Giggster has plenty of diverse venue options to help bring your vision to life. See what's in store for you in Vancouver, Canada, and beyond.
No matter where you want your screening party to take place, we've got it covered. We have tons of downtown locations, spots in trendy areas like Commercial Drive and Kits, and even locations that stretch to the North Shore and as far as the Fraser Valley.
Hosting hundreds of people won't be an issue with a Giggster venue. We offer locations that can accommodate 20 or 200 people easily, so you'll always have the right amount of space.
Production studios, modern homes, theatres, event spaces, and entire estates await when you peruse the many Vancouver screening location listings in the app.
Whatever style you're after, from minimalist to historic and luxurious, we have a suitable venue that will dazzle your guests without outshining your new film. Plus, it's a breeze to sort for features like air conditioning, outside space, and high ceilings.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Creators looking for a deck-out space with high-tech equipment, a comfortable home with all the amenities, or a Vancouver theatre to showcase their newest venture will have no trouble finding something more than suitable from our 206 locations for their next screening event.
Hassle-Free Booking: The Giggster platform is easy to use, and our curated listings have all the info needed to make a venue decision. From guest capacity to availability and location features, everything is clear and up front, including our prices, which start as low as $25/hour. Sort and filter the results to your heart's content and even reach out to the property hosts directly if you have any questions.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We offer free cancellation during the first 24 hours after receiving your booking confirmation. Rent a spot like Dance Studio at least 48 hours ahead of the event, and you have this 24-hour period to change your mind completely.
Platform Protections: Renters can choose to be fully protected by adding our optional cancellation, damage, and liability protection to their booking. Your parties can have full protection, or you can roll the dice—it's your choice.
Determining if Vancouver is the ideal place to hold your screening is one of the first steps to creating something special. So weigh the pros and cons to help you make a more informed decision.
Advantages
Because Vancouver is a film-centric city, there's no shortage of great screening spaces. These include small theaters, large cinemas, auditoriums, and fully equipped studios. You'll have access to a bunch of different venues.
As Hollywood North, Vancouver is home to many film students and industry professionals who would be interested in attending an event for a new film or TV show to show their support.
Downtown Vancouver is highly walkable, and the public transportation in the city is good. Guests can easily access the venue via buses or the Skytrain if they don't want to walk. No need to worry about traffic or parking.
Disadvantages
For screenings with an outdoor element, be aware that Vancouver has a rainy climate in all seasons except the summer (and even then, a shower is totally possible). Always have a plan B, or you and your guests could end up disappointed.
The summer in Vancouver sees an increase in tourism and festivals, which both make the city busy and increase competition for venues.
Although public transportation works well, any guests who are driving to the screening should be prepared for traffic, especially if the commute involves crossing the Second Narrows or Lions Gate Bridges. Parking downtown is also a challenge.
While a theatre is a great choice as a screening venue, with our 206 fabulous Vancouver spots, you can choose something conventional or unique.
Theatres – Optimal Viewing Conditions. Choose a Vancouver theatre with ample space to show the new release, enough seating to accommodate all your attendees comfortably, and space to dance for an after-party complete with music. These venues have minimal furniture and other structures, so nothing will get in the way!
Homes – Total Comfort. Many Vancouver homes are perfect for screening events, both big and small. Gourmet kitchens work well for serving refreshments, living rooms with large TVs allow for a casual and intimate screening, and backyards offer great mingling spaces, with extra points for spots with ocean views.
Studios – High-Tech Venues. Vancouver has an abundance of state-of-the-art studios with large screens, great sound equipment, and plenty of space for guests. Just be prepared to bring your own chairs or have the event be standing room only.
Warehouses – High-Capacity Locations. When the goal is to gain as much exposure as possible, select a Vancouver warehouse as your screening venue. High ceilings allow you to add a large projector screen, and you can pack in guests, whether the event is seated or standing.
Restaurants and Bars – Trendy and Chic. Give your screening more of a party vibe and host the event at a local bar or restaurant. These places often have existing TVs and stages for entertainment and film viewing, plus the food and drinks menu is easily taken care of.
Take a few moments to plan the screening elements for a smoother overall experience once you open the doors to the public.
Define Your Goals – Is the screening a fundraiser, for exposure, a community event, or an entry into a contest? The purpose will shape whether you add food to the festivities, who you invite, how you market the event, and therefore your total budget.
Make it About More than the Film – Aside from showing off your new project to the world, make the event more of a well-rounded experience. Organize film-related panels, workshops, and other programs and presentations that offer more to your guests than just a film screening.
Get Technical – There's nothing worse than being ready to start the show and running into some sort of technical glitch. Do a dry run to make sure everything is running smoothly, bring extra cables and backup copies, and test the run time to ensure everything stays on schedule.
Your budget will differ whether you're a student looking to gain traction or a seasoned professional with many successful projects under your belt. Either way, you likely don't want to spend more than you need to.
Avoid the weekends.
Regardless of the venue type, it's going to be more expensive on the weekend, and especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Good alternatives are weekday evenings from Monday to Thursday. If you absolutely need to host on the weekend, consider a Sunday matinee to keep the costs more manageable.
Look for volunteers.
Since Vancouver is so focused on the film industry, it's relatively easy to find volunteers to serve appetizers, seat people, and handle coats. Approach local film schools to find willing students who are eager to be involved in a new project and have the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals.
Apply for grants.
For non-experienced filmmakers, Vancouver offers arts and culture grants through the city and BC Arts Council that can offset screening expenses. It doesn't hurt to inquire, and the grant could potentially provide you with extra funds.
For TV and film screenings, corporate events, meetings, festivals, or solo projects, the Giggster app has the venue you need. Rent something truly special in minutes and focus on building a great guest list and menu for an unforgettable private event in Vancouver.