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The latest movie theater news and updates
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February 25, 2008
Indie distribution opportunity
We’re an independent Movie company with a finished feature film looking for a collaboration with some various movie theatres for screenings and movie releases. The theatrical trailer for our latest suspense film “Road Side Assistance” can be viewed here.
We can be reached at 818.633.5217 or for collaboration opportunities.
3 comments -
February 22, 2008
Effort to save old theater is long, uphill battle
FULLERTON, CA — Years into to the fight to save the Fox Fullerton, the theatre is still in need.
More than three years after Fullerton residents raised $3.5 million to save the Fox Theatre from the wrecking ball, the 82-year-old structure remains in peril.
Despite the efforts of preservationists, the one-time vaudeville theater and movie house stands in contrast to the urban hipness that has swept downtown Fullerton, now brimming with upscale restaurants, jazz clubs and a lively street scene.
Approximately $9 million in grants, interest-free loans and community donations have been earmarked for restoring the landmark building, but the non-profit group that took over the project remains $17 million short of its goal.
Get the full story in the Arizona Republic.
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Photoplayers wanted!
If you have or know of an old dilapidated musical instrument known as a photoplayer, sometimes called a fotoplayer or “pit organ”, and usually having a piano and one or two attached side cabinets… especially one in bad shape… don’t throw it out! Even if it is in what appears to be junk condition, or is missing most of the parts, or is merely a pile of parts, don’t junk it! Gutted piano portions, music rolls (“Filmusic” etc), case parts, random organ pipes, percussion effects and actions, pneumatic and mechanical parts, and complete instruments will all be considered. Even the simple twin-roll player pianos or self-contained piano/organ combination instruments (without attached side cabinets) are of interest to me.
I am interested in any of these instruments, from makers such as American Photo Player Company, Wurlitzer, Seeburg, Coinola Reproduco, Cremona, North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works AKA Capitol Piano and Organ Co, Gulbransen, Watson, Bartola, etc.
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Landmark celebrates 80 years
SYRACUSE, NY — The historic Landmark Theatre is having its 80th anniversary this month, as strong as ever.
Gladly, much has changed for the glitzy, golden-plastered showplace at 362 S. Salina St., but not without a lot of struggle, negotiations, volunteer hours and last-gasp efforts to save the movie palace that was built in 1928. Once surrounded by at least seven similarly ornate moviehouses, the former Loew’s State Theatre is the remaining Syracuse vestige of a bygone era. Few today would argue for its demolition. But three decades ago, a wrecking ball sat on the stage, its operator anticipating the order to get smashing.
Now the Landmark’s future looks bright with the recent purchase of vacant Clinton Street buildings that surround the venue. Once the stage is expanded outward, the theater can stake its claim as the premier traveling Broadway venue in Central New York. Think of seeing Spamalot, The Lion King and Wicked without the passport hassles of traveling to Toronto.
Read more at the Syracuse News Times.
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Tornado damages theatre
I own a 1947 single screen theatre in Williamston, Michigan. We had a tornado go through October 2007 and suffered some minor damages. Our marquee and front facade is vintage. With some storm damage, we are unable to find someone to fix and restore the porcelain panels. We also are looking for any grants that might help in restoring the entire front facade.
Sincerely,
Dan Robitaille
517-204-3600
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February 21, 2008
The Theatre Organ Murders
I hope you don’t mind me sending you this info. But I wanted you to know about my latest book. Chock full of Dallas theatre organ history and more. It is a different slant on theatre organs for sure.
You will love this one.
DONE IN BY A DIAPASON? FRITTERED BY A FLUTE? VIOLATED BY A VOX HUMANA?
Yes, those and more.My latest book is “The Theatre Organ Murders”. A wickedly delightful tale set along Elm Street’s Theatre Row during its heyday. Although fictional, it includes many other real stories, true events, authentic histories and an amazing cast of characters. The fictional Rivertree Theatre and its astounding Rivertree Publix #1 Wurlitzer theatre organ set the stage for a string of bizarre and intriguing murders. More than a few myths, legends and real histories are included. But what is the real reason behind the murders? And WHO DONE IT? AND WHY? Also a great history of the famous Palace Theatre in Dallas and its amazing Publix #1 Wurlitzer Organ is told. And lots more goodies too such as an updated list of all of the downtown movie theatres that were never known about before, an updated Opus theatre organ list and more interesting things.
If you enjoyed “Street of Dreams, A History of Dallas' Theatre Row”, you will love this book.
Available at Xlibris or www.organmurders.com.
The lurid cover picture is worth the price of the book! And I had such fun writing this one.Regards,
Jeanette Howeth Crumpler
www.tomatolady.com -
Future in doubt for Star-Vu
COSTA MESA, CA — After an exciting first year, plans are still up in the air for the return of the Star-Vu Drive-In.
Orange County’s drive-in renaissance is going through a bit of a dark age.
It’s been two months since the Star-Vu Drive-In at the county fairgrounds closed down, and it’ll be at least a couple more months until the outdoor movie theater reopens.
Find out more at the OC Register.
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Visit the Varsity
DAVIS, CA — The historic Varsity Theatre is recognized as the city’s best.
During Davis' chilly winter, what could be better than leaving your worries at the ticket booth and cozying up in a dark auditorium with a bag of popcorn? Varsity Theater has been named the best movie theater by this year’s Best of Davis voters.
“We are the only place [in Davis] to see independent films,” said Rhiannon Healy, a 24-year-old Davis resident and Varsity Theater employee. “The subjects of our movies are enriching.”
Varsity Theater features one movie per week in their single auditorium, which is currently There Will Be Blood, and opening this evening will be Persepolis. The Varsity’s show times Monday through Thursday take place at 4:10 and 7:20 p.m., with three showings Friday and Saturday at 1, 4:10 and 7:20 p.m. Sunday showings are 2:20 and 5:30 p.m.
Read more at the California Aggie.
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February 20, 2008
Pacific Theatres sells majority of theatres
During a visit to my old home here in Hawaii I came across the news that Pacific theatres has sold its theatre holdings, outside the L.A. area. The theatres in Hawaii and California contain 181 screens with annual revenue of approximately $81 million.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday, Reading International Inc., which largely operates cinemas in Australia and New Zealand, said the price for the Consolidated theaters was reduced from $72 million.
I wonder if any of our friends in California might comment on any news they have concerning this sale and how it might affect the theatres there.
Unfortunately, there is not much to report from here in Hawaii since all the great theatres are gone.
Pacific Theatres is selling its Rohnert Park movie multiplex to a Southern California film exhibitor, part of a $69.3 million deal for 15 of its 29 theaters in California and Hawaii.
“As is company policy, we cannot comment on any deal until it is finalized,” said Suzanne Goldstyn, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles-based Pacific Theatres.
The theater and real estate development company announced plans last year to sell its cinema properties outside the greater Los Angeles area.
Read the full story at the Press Democrat.
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Midwest theatre wanted
Our non-profit corporation is looking for a theatre capable of presenting films, concerts, plays, theatre classes, etc. Prefer a theatre within 100 miles of Dayton, Ohio. Seating desired is flexible, perhaps 500 to 1500 +/–. Require sound structure ready to renovate if need be.
Our organization has many talented members very familiar with theatre restoration and management. Inquiries by city government, civic groups or private persons are welcome. All inquires held in strictest confidence. Contact Victoria L. Herdman at .com or phone 937-307-6496.