Small-town Cinemas : A Question of Survival

For small town cinemas the conversion to digital projection is all about surviving.

Cinemas - the heart of a small town

As a seller/integrator of D-Cinema systems, I have witnessed, first-hand, the financial troubles many community cinemas face.  Serving their local community day-in/day-out for decades and functioning as a main-stay to small-town Main Streets across the U.S. these businesses are, in many cases, the heart of the community.

Unfortunately, some won't survive the digitization of movies simply because they cannot afford the cost - typically $65-70,000 per screen - so, in response many have resorted to a myriad of novel, and in many cases, successful funding tactics to prevent closure.

Private labeling seats, auctioning off the naming rights to auditoriums, holding community bake sales and barbecues. Selling raffle tickets for free concession and movie passes. Allowing, for a fee, patrons to be Theatre Manager for the day or have their names marqueed for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.  Whatever it takes - to make the fund raising a community affair.

Another way independent cinemas have fund raised is through Kickstarter - the on-line company whereby people (local fans or anyone) can donate to specific projects. Kickstarter has raised more than $1 million to aid small-town cinemas to purchase digital equipment.  Donors pledge small amounts, typically $25.  The donations are redeemed only if the campaign reaches a declared goal by a certain time. Kickstarter receives a 5% fee.  According to Yancey Strickler, co-founder of Kickstarter, "Most of the movie theatre fund raisers have been successful. The ability to keep these theatres open and ingrained as part of their community is something that people are happy to do."

Half of the U.S. populace live in small towns.  Their only means of getting movie entertainment is at the local cinema and they want to keep it and, for the most part, they are willing to assist anyway they can to keep a vital part of their town alive.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato