Thin films of nematic and cholesteric side-chain polymers containing reactive benzophenone units can be macroscopically oriented by electric/magnetic fields or surface interactions. After UV-irradiation, liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCEs) are formed. With this simple, new pathway, macroscopically ordered free-standing LSCE films are easily accessible having a thickness in the range of about 100 mu m as outlined in Figure.