The latest movie theater news and updates

  • November 19, 2008
    Memories

    Remembering Cinerama (Part 12: Toronto)

    REMEMBERING CINERAMA
    Part 12: Toronto

    The following is Part Twelve in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series focuses on providing a market-by-market, film-by-film breakdown of when and where Cinerama and its multi-panel clones were exhibited. The easy-to-reference articles also serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced the Cinerama presentations when they were new and to highlight the movie palaces in which the memorable events took place.

    Part 1: New York
    Part 2: Chicago
    Part 3: San Francisco
    Part 4: Houston
    Part 5: Washington, D.C.
    Part 6: Los Angeles
    Part 7: Atlanta
    Part 8: San Diego
    Part 9: Dallas
    Part 10: Oklahoma City
    Part 11: Syracuse

    And now…Part 12: Cinerama Presentations in Toronto!

    12 comments
  • Jobs

    Any theaters seeking help with Marketing/PR/Advertising?

    I’ve spent several years at various levels of theater management, and I’m looking to continue my career a little more ‘behind the scenes.’

    Strong copywriting skills, knowledge of media outlets, experience as a graphic artist (print only – although I have an interest in web design), excited and ready to help promote movie theaters to their public!

    Thanks!
    Heather

    0 comments
  • For Sale

    Theatre seats for sale

    I have approximately 90 American Desk seats for sale. Suitable for a small auditorium with a sloped floor. All seats are 20" wide. All legs have cupholders. All parts and fabric are black. Seats are 8 or 9 years old.I have quite a few end standards for the aisle.

    Seats are located in Brooklyn, New York. Bring a small truck and we’ll load you up. Asking $10.00 each.
    Call 917 880-9664.
    or
    e-mail:
    Pictures available upon request.

    1 comment
  • November 18, 2008
    Closings

    First 20 screen theatre to close

    GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Once the largest in the nation, the Studio 28 Theatres is set to close next week.

    That’s why it is no exaggeration to call the closing of Studio 28 the end of an era. During 43 years in business, it was an industry-changing business model copied by companies nationwide.

    “She’s a grand old lady,” said John Loeks, president and owner of Loeks Theatres, with a melancholy tone during Friday’s announcement of the closing. “We had a good run — we wish it were longer.”

    Read the full story in MLive.

    6 comments
  • Openings

    The 5 Points Theatre back in the movie business

    RIVERSIDE, FL — After numerous incarnations, Florida’s first theatre to show a talkie is getting back to showing movies.

    For all who cherish neighborhood bars, mom and pop restaurants and local boutiques, you now have another movie theater to add to your hometown commerce roster. The 5 Points Theatre in Riverside returned to its roots and reopened last month as a movie house that shows those zany “talkies” so popular with the kids. One screen, one concession stand, one heckuva display of baked goods.

    It’s early in the game for the theater, so it is not a particularly grand experience walking into the lobby. Yes, it’s clean and fresh-looking, but it’s sparse, giving off the feel of a mid-range hotel banquet room.

    Manager Peter Mosely, whose band used to rock the Club 5 stage, told me the lobby is a work in progress, and they’re working to find a local gallery to pretty up the walls. They also want to add some lounge seating so guests can sit and enjoy a drink before the show.

    Read the full story in the Florida Times-Union.

    0 comments
  • Theaters

    Theater troupe hosts independent film series

    FORT MYERS, FL — The amateur acting troupe Theatre Conspiracy has begun showing an independent film series at their 50-seat blackbox theater between theatrical productions.

    The move comes as donations have dropped by 50% although tickets to their performances are selling well.

    The troupe is negotiating directly with filmmakers' agents to obtain the films on DVD. They will be projected on a 16-foot by 8-foot screen in the makeshift movie theater.

    1 comment
  • November 17, 2008
    Renovations

    Fundraising for Pennsylvania theater going slow

    MT. LEBANON, PA — Fundraising to renovate the Denis Theatre is going slower than expected. $238,000 has been raised, but its non-profit board had hoped to raise $1 million by the end of the year.

    The Denis Theatre Foundation received its first six-figure gift of $100,000 last Oct. 29th, but it seems unlikely to make this year’s goal.

    An estimated $3 million will be needed for an extensive renovation to reopen the 1938 theater closed in 2004. The theater went non-profit earlier this year.

    Read more in The Almanac.

    (Thanks to macwagen for providing the photo.)

    4 comments
  • For Sale

    Wanted to lease – Cinema with art house potential

    With 12 years experience getting two independent theatres off the ground for other folks we are now ready to do this for ourselves. Looking for a theatre — ideally a twin but we’re flexible — in a community that would support film festival hits, midnight movies and diverse programming. Bonus points for a space that can support live music and/or a kitchen.

    We’ve got our favorite towns and regions but we’ll keep those to ourselves for now and say we’re open to suggestions.

    Please email with DETAILS: lease terms, taxes, revenue stream, equipment, the works.

    We’re ready to go.

    1 comment
  • Renovations

    Uptown Theater received $5.5 million renovation

    GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – The Uptown Theater re-opened last weekend with live music, tours, a party, and a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” after a $5.5 million facelift paid for by the city.

    The theater opened in 1950 and was family run until 1969 when it was leased as everything from a concert hall to a church.

    The family sold it to the city in 2005 which began restoring it in 2007. With an expanded stage and a new orchestra pit, the theater will be used as a cultural center and home to the Grand Prairie Arts Council, which has been without a home for 30 years.

    0 comments
  • November 14, 2008
    Memories

    Remembering Cinerama (Part XI: Syracuse)

    REMEMBERING CINERAMA
    Part XI: Syracuse

    The following is Part Eleven in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series focuses on providing a market-by-market, film-by-film breakdown of when and where Cinerama and its multi-panel clones were exhibited. The easy-to-reference articles also serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced the Cinerama presentations when they were new and to highlight the movie palaces in which the memorable events took place.

    Part I: New York
    Part II: Chicago
    Part III: San Francisco
    Part IV: Houston
    Part V: Washington, D.C.
    Part VI: Los Angeles
    Part VII: Atlanta
    Part VIII: San Diego
    Part IX: Dallas
    Part X: Oklahoma City

    And now…Part XI: Cinerama Presentations in Syracuse!

    3 comments