How do I get the movies to show?

posted by ljump on February 20, 2006 at 10:06 am

I am looking to reopen a theatre in Southeast Kansas that has been closed for several years.

I need information on how to get the movies to show in my theater. I know that sounds like a very basic question, but I can’t seem to get anywhere finding an answer.

I am wanting to show classic and 2nd run movies.

Thanks.

Comments (14)

larrythomas
larrythomas on February 20, 2006 at 11:57 am

I am a booker for such theatres. E-mail me at , and I’ll try to answer all your questions.

buddy9256
buddy9256 on February 20, 2006 at 5:21 pm

call theatre alliance group @ 360-871-2018 fax 360-871-2231 shes the best!!!!!!!!!!!

CTCrouch
CTCrouch on February 21, 2006 at 4:01 am

I suggest you pick up some of the trade magazines (you can find web links on this site), research, and shop around. There are numerous booking services out there and finding the one that matches your needs is key. You should also try contacting independant theatres around the country; I’m sure there will be a few independant operators that will be willing to share advice and suggestions. The last thing you want to do is enter the industry blindly.

EvanC
EvanC on February 21, 2006 at 6:00 am

I ran my own theatre for 5 years and always did my own booking. Bookers just add considerable expense to a marginal single screen operation. Get a copy of Boxoffice magazine or do a web search and you can find the booking offices for the major distributors. They were all easy to work with.

I ran classics for a very short time—unless you are in a hot college or artsy community, very few regular patrons will pay to see them now.

ljump
ljump on February 21, 2006 at 6:04 am

Evan…

I have searched and searched the internet for such services and have come up empty. I am not saying that they are not out there, but I most be searching in the wrong places. What kind of search do I need to do? Give me an idea of how to word such a search. Thanks to all of you for your help… this site is great!

EvanC
EvanC on February 21, 2006 at 7:43 am

Do a web search under: Sony Pictures, Buena Vista Entertainment, Boxoffice Magazine (they can help you with specifics, too)

KenLayton
KenLayton on February 21, 2006 at 8:58 am

Join the forums at www.bigscreenbiz.com and read the Frequently Asked Questions there as this question gets asked all the time. When you get there be sure to change the “default topic view” from “show posts from last 20 days” to “show all posts” or you’ll miss somre great information.

indianhead
indianhead on February 22, 2006 at 11:53 am

jump

i own a 5 plex movie theatre it is first run my booker charges me
$600.00 a month and she is worth every cent. It is ture you can book your own theatre.
but most of your time will be spent on doing this.

ljump
ljump on February 22, 2006 at 11:59 am

ind…

The $600 a month, does that cover the cost of the movie as well or is that just to use her services? Would you mind telling me who she is and how to get ahold of her?

Thanks

indianhead
indianhead on February 22, 2006 at 12:13 pm

call me at 301-495-6755 and i give some info

Butchrigby
Butchrigby on April 8, 2006 at 2:11 pm

The KING of booking independent theatres in Missouri and Kansas is Brad Bills 913-381-5555. He has built his business booking small town theatres in the region and he has spent his entire life doing it.

Butchrigby
Butchrigby on April 8, 2006 at 2:11 pm

The KING of booking independent theatres in Missouri and Kansas is Brad Bills 913-381-5555. He has built his business booking small town theatres in the region and he has spent his entire life doing it.

dabutcher
dabutcher on April 15, 2006 at 6:51 pm

You might also consider calling individual theatre companies booking agents. They are usually pretty informative and, if it doesn’t affect their particular theatre chain,unusally wily. Take it from an old theatre manager. If they can’t help you, they know who can. Just a warning though; in many cases,you might not like a lot of what you will hear. Good luck.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf on June 4, 2006 at 3:45 pm

HI…My wife is from SW Kansas so we are interested in your progress and where you are located. Best of luck in this project.. Also, we know a number of people in the movie business in SW Kansas who could be a great help to you. Let us know if you’re interested and we will give you the names and contact info. Brent cand Cindy

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