Spokane’s independent theaters struggle to get current films

posted by CSWalczak on April 14, 2010 at 7:40 am

SPOKANE, WA — Independent theaters in Spokane (and other cities) are facing increasing challenges in securing both current releases and independent films due to a number of factors. The large chains dominate the distribution of major films, and there are fewer prints available of art and independent films.

The Garland Theater’s only crime is selling movie tickets for $3.50. For that, they suffer.

“They categorize us,” owner Kathy Fritchie says. Labeled a “third-run” movie theater, most distributors refuse to give the Garland movies until after Regal and AMC have finished.
Studios make their money by taking a percent of movie profits. It makes sense that they’d rather get a chunk of $8 instead of $3.50. To receive films the day of release, all Garland would have to do is raise its prices — but then it wouldn’t be the Garland, would it?

The whole story is can be read here in the Inlander.