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The latest movie theater news and updates
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October 3, 2007
Historic theater’s restoration plan faces final hurdles
MENLO PARK, CA — The owner of the Park Theatre is trying to keep the building open, but it might require some help that the city is unsure they want to give.
An ambitious plan to restore the Park Theater hinges on a last-ditch effort by Andy Duncan, the main proponent, to coax Menlo Park city officials into giving him a loan or joining him in a public-private partnership.
Duncan submitted a formal proposal to City Manager Glen Rojas on Thursday. Because of escalating restoration costs and the fact that a market-based solution to revamping the theater isn’t workable, Duncan has offered the city two options: Lend him $500,000 at 5 percent for 25 years or buy the land and lease it to him for 55 years.
“At $2.2 million, the second option is far more expensive for the taxpayer, but it would give the city ownership of an important historical resource,” Duncan said.
You can read the full article at the San Mateo County Times.
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Price of historic theater climbs
MESILLA, NM — The 1905 Fountain Theatre is caught in the middle of some interesting sales negotiations. Just when it was about to be bought by a band of local residents, another buyer came in with another bid. Either will maintain its film heritage
A plan by some local officials to arrange the purchase of a historic Mesilla theater has run into a hurdle, after the theater owner raised her asking price for the structure.
The snag has led the Mesilla Valley Film Society, the nonprofit group that leases the 102-year-old Fountain Theatre, to decide to refund some $60,000 in donations it raised this summer during an attempt to buy the building. The group said it plans to begin mailing letters about the refunds around the start of October.
Read more at the Las Cruces Sun-News.
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October 2, 2007
Historic Balboa to reopen in 2008
SAN DIEGO, CA — The end is near for the Balboa Theatre renovations.
The historic Balboa Theatre is just a few months away from a grand reopening. The vaudeville-era 1,300-seat live performance theater in the heart of downtown San Diego is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After numerous unsuccessful efforts over the past 18 years to renovate and reopen the Balboa Theatre, the Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC), the public, nonprofit corporation created by the City of San Diego to oversee downtown’s redevelopment, is nearing completion of the $26 million restoration project to return the venue to its original glory. The restoration is being completed in collaboration with the award-winning architectural firm of Westlake Reed Leskosky of Phoenix, Arizona. Scheduled for early 2008, the grand opening festivities will include a Roaring Twenties-themed gala, public tours and more.
“Like the Balboa, Downtown San Diego has undergone a great transformation. Preservation of this magnificent building is extremely important for the future character of the city,” said CCDC President Nancy Graham. “The Balboa Theatre is a testament to San Diego’s thriving arts and cultural community and CCDC is committed to restoring and returning this treasured icon, in its original grand style, to all who live, work and visit here.”
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Cinerama Adventure at MoMA
NEW YORK, NY — The Cinerama documentary, “Cinerama Adventure,” will be showing at the Museum of Modern Art next month. The NY premiere is October 24th.
Get more details here.
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NYC area theater for rent?
NEW YORK, NY — I am looking to rent a vacant theater in Manhattan or Brooklyn. I’m also open to one close to Manhattan. Anyone know of any vacant theaters?
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October 1, 2007
British box office booming
With the help of a whole lotta sequels, the U.K. has had a record summer.
Blighty’s wettest summer on record and a flood of popular film sequels combined to deliver the highest level of admissions for the June-August frame in 40 years.
According to the U.K.’s Film Distributors Assn., there were 50.8 million visits to theaters — up 26% on the previous summer, which was hurt by the soccer World Cup.
The admissions figures released today by the FDA follows a Sept. 7 announcement from Nielsen EDI that this past summer’s grosses were the biggest ever in the U.K.
You can read more in Variety.
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HONDO in 3-D - Research materials needed
We are documenting the 3-D distribution of HONDO, starring John Wayne and released by Warner Bros. It premiered in Houston on 11/24/53 and El Paso on 11/25/53. It then had pre-release Thanksgiving week bookings in nearly 30 major cities in 3-D, mostly on the East Coast.
The film went into wide release in late December. Throughout January and February of 1954, HONDO played extensively throughout the country in 3-D. We have already secured copies of many ads, but we are looking for photographs of marquees or theater displays.
If anybody has material they would be willing to share, please let me know. Thank you very much!
Bob Furmanek
Vice President
3-D Film Preservation Fund
http://www.3dfilmpf.org -
Movie posters and memorablila wanted by collector
Hi,
I need help finding old Movie Posters, Lobby Cards, Movie Stills, Press Books, Window Cards and Concert Posters from 1900-1970. Will buy all sizes, any condition. I will pay large finders fees to anyone that can help me find material.
Love to hear from theater owners and /or employees. I will provide free appraisals to anyone that needs information. Please feel to call me toll free at 800-392-4050 or email me at .
Thanks,
Ralph -
September 28, 2007
Volunteer ushers needed at Loew’s Jersey
JERSEY CITY, NJ — The fall brings a new season to the Loew’s Jersey — and that means there are more chances coming for you to find out what it’s like to “work a show” by joining our team of volunteer ushers.
We need ushers to help out this Saturday, September 29th for a Filipino music concert.
It’s vital to the Loew’s to have a cadre of volunteers to take tickets, help guide patrons to their seats, and assist behind the concession counter. And, as people who’ve worked with us before can attest, for volunteers, its fun and exciting to be a vital part of “showtime,” and it’s rewarding to know that they are making another successful show at the landmark Loew’s possible.
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ISO: Wilma Theatre info
MISSOULA, MT – My business partners and I are closing on our acquisition of this historical Wilma Theatre (1921 / 1063 seats) on Sept. 28 / 07 (this week). I read some great commentary and stories about it from some members and would love to get more information from anyone. We are attempting to piece the history together. We are also restoring the theatre and will use a restrictive use easement to ensure the theatre stays a community asset/treasure. Rocky Mountain Development Group