In the UK, pop-up cinema runs on pedal power

Magnificent Revolution's Cycle-in Cinema is a new effort to screen movies across the UK using just the power generated by bicycle-pedaling viewers.

No-end in sight to the recent run of pop-up cinema innovations! Hard on the heels of our coverage of the smartphone-powered YouTube Theater in the US and the Films on Fridges project in the UK comes word of Magnificent Revolution’s Cycle-in Cinema — an effort to screen movies across the UK using just the power generated by bicycle-pedaling viewers. Similar in many ways to the dance-powered nightclub we featured several years back, Magnificent Revolution’s Cycle-in Cinema taps the kinetic energy of its participants to power the entertainment. Viewers can simply ride to a screening on their favorite cycle, hook it into the on-site generator and start pedaling. While the resulting energy powers the performance, the movie’s soundtrack is broadcast using a wireless transmitter that can be heard by audience members via mobile phone or FM radio. Events are free, with a suggested donation of GBP 5; a variety of drinks and locally sourced snacks are typically for sale. London-based Magnificent Revolution also offers 100W bicycle generators and other equipment and workshops to help make a variety of similar pedal-powered projects possible. Meanwhile, it’s planning a series of Cycle-in Cinema events in the UK throughout 2011 and 2012. One to get involved in — or emulate in your neck of the eco-minded woods? Spotted by: Alice Revel