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The latest movie theater news and updates
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March 16, 2010
Community leaders scramble to keep San Pedro’s Warner Grand open
SAN PEDRO, CA — With the city of Los Angeles no longer interested in footing the bills for the Warner Grand, locals are trying to figure out options.
Questions such as whether for-profit organizations can compete with nonprofit groups – and whose obligation it will be to pay for ongoing utilities and maintenance – remain up in the air.
“There are a lot of unknowns right now, like exactly what the maintenance costs would be,” said Liz Schindler-Johnson, volunteer director of the Grand Vision Foundation. “This is going to become an ongoing expense that the community is now being asked to bear and that’s something to be kept in mind. It’s not a one-time only expenditure, it’s going to go on and on into the future.”
Currently, Lee Sweet of Cultural Affairs manages the theater on behalf of the city. The theater offers a variety of shows throughout the year, from a foreign film series to live musicals, concerts and classic films.
Read more in the Daily Breeze.
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For Sale: NEC Starus DLP NC1500S projectors
We have several new, open box, NEC Starus DLP NC1500S projectors for sale. These were designed for screens 29ft – 49ft wide. We will sell them at a loss. You can upgrade to digital for a bargain price. Due to an over agressive purchase for a project that got canceled our loss is your gain/opportunity!
Contact Matt or 818-339-1693.
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March 15, 2010
Fundraiser to save historic RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre
QUEENS, NY — Please attend our comedy fundraiser to save the historic RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre, an endangered highly significant gem designed by America’s foremost theater architect, Thomas Lamb in Flushing. This theater holds a special place in the hearts of many, but has been victimized for over 2 decades.
FUNDRAISER DETAILS
- Friday, March 19th at 8 PM at Fuzzy’s Wolfrose, 239-21 Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY. Please hurry, since tickets are selling out fast!
- Besides an evening of comedy, it will also feature a silent auction, music & dancing!
- If you cannot attend, you can still donate.
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Looking for a projectionist in NYC for photo essay/audio slideshow
I’m a photojournalist from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
I’m interested in doing a portrait of a cinema projectionist in New York City. This would be done in the form of an audio slideshow with photographs of him/her at work in the booth.
I’m looking for one who has been doing this for years, and is struggling to adapt with the changes and cuts in the movie theater business.
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Walking Memory Lane: The lost theaters of Jackson, MI
JACKSON, MI — For a town the size of Jackson, a look back at its cinema history reveals that it once had a significant number of theaters. A recent article looks back at them with a special focus on the lost Capitol Theatre.
It stung when The Capitol closed in 1973, but the article and their memory of that night out spurred the Ahronheim brothers to try and save the building two years later when it was purchased by Jackson County and slated for demolition to create a parking lot for employees at the Tower Building next door.
Though they were unsuccessful and the building came down in September 1975, the brothers rallied about 40 people in the Save the Capitol Theatre Committee, which wanted to preserve the building as an arts and cultural center. One of the members was Jackson’s Gerry Blanchard, a director, drama teacher and active member of the Jackson Civic Theater, Clark Lake Players and Rosier Players.
The article, from MLive is here.
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March 12, 2010
Reopening of Ridgewood Theatre anticipated for later this year
RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS, NY — The hopes of preservationists for the return of the Ridgewood as an operating cinema may be realized in the second half of 2010. Having succeeded in getting landmark status declared for the theater’s exterior, the Friends of the Ridgewood Theatre, Inc. is hoping to to the same for the interior. The theater’s owner is reported to be committed to preserving interior details.
Perlman said he views the Ridgewood Theatre landmark project as “a case study in terms of teamwork.” The coalition included members of the Queens Preservation Council, of which Perlman is director, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, 4 Boro Preservation Alliance Corp, and Central Queens Historical Association, among others.
“Community and cultural groups were shocked by the [theater’s] sudden closure,” he said. “I was proud to see such a diverse coalition of supporters.”
There is more at BushwickBK.com.
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St Albans cinema to re-open
ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND — Many locals have firmly embraced the re-opening of St. Albans Odeon which closed in 1995. With the help of James Hannaway (captain of the Rex Berkhamsted!) they’re just 43k gbp away from the purchase price.
Read more in All About St. Albans
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Free Tour of the Saban Theatre (Formerly Fox Wilshire)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Wilshire, now known as the Saban Theatre will be the next “All About” docu-tour hosted by the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation on Saturday, March 20th at 10:30 am.
The tour will include a presentation of the history of the theatre as well as a basement to booth tour of areas not usually seen by the general public.
For more info please visit the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation.
(Thanks to Don Solosan for providing the photo.)
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New Programming Format at Joy Cinema
TIGARD, OR — As part of my on-going effort to support the shrinking number of single screen cinemas, I’ve just called the Joy Cinema to see what they are playing.
I was greeted by a live voice. After explaining that their website was down, hence the call, his information was brief “We are under new management and showing only Bollywood films.”
Interestingly, the Joy Cinema was purchased last year and very nicely redecorated and updated with equipment, continuing the same film format. It is not clear if they sold the house again or that the Bollywood films have taken over under the direction?
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March 11, 2010
Projectionists needed for documentary on 42nd St Cinemas of the 70s/80s
Wildeye Releasing is currently producing a documentary on the cinemas of 42nd St, NY during the 1970s and 80s. We are looking to interview any projectionist, ticket taker or candy stand attendee who worked any of the theaters on 42nd St located between 7th and 8th Avenue.
We are slowly putting this documentary together, three major interviews with filmmakers and an actor who’s work was shown on the Deuce are already in the can.
You can contact or if you’re interested in telling your story or sharing your memories. Feel free to visit our website www.wildeyereleasing.com.
(Thanks to rmlgonzales for providing the photo.)