How modern theaters show classic movies

posted by eyeballjohn on June 17, 2008 at 9:45 am

Hi, I’m new to this forum, Great site with a ton of information, I know I’m not the first to have this idea and most likley there are people out there doing this but, what does it take to have a modern movie theater and show only classic or older movies? This has been a dream of mine for awhile now, I collect vintage movie posters and reels and other movie related stuff, could not find any info on this.

Thanks,
John

Comments (10)

Michael Furlinger
Michael Furlinger on June 17, 2008 at 10:00 am

This is the site for those questions…..lots to read about ..

PeterApruzzese
PeterApruzzese on June 17, 2008 at 10:09 am

Read everything on that site that LIM has linked to. Then, if you’re still inclined to get in to the business, be prepared to work long hours for little return. But, if you’re not looking to get rich, the work can be very rewarding. Regarding showing classics, just be aware that unless the film is in the public domain, you can’t show your own film prints – everything must be booked via the studios.

Vito
Vito on June 17, 2008 at 10:42 am

I wouild like to add my good luck wishes. I think what you would like to do would be marvelous. As Peter wrote, expect litle in return, but the fact that you will have helped keep the classics on the big screen will be much appreciated by many.
Be sure to have two projectors in the booth to run reel-to-reel.
Not only is it the proper way to present tne films but you will have a much better chance of getting prints. Many of the folks suppling the prints will not allow you to run the classics on a platter.
Please keep us informed.

bayoob
bayoob on June 18, 2008 at 6:57 pm

you want show/exibit old/classic movies in a single screen theater? Who is going to be there on a Tuesday night, in the winter? If you are in a warmer part of the country, how you gonna pay for the air conditioning, how you gonna pay for projection repairs if you need them? You gonna charge $1.50 to $2.00 to see these classics? Don’t forget the cost of gas to get to the theater-and maybe parking? Add these all up, then repeat after me-NETFLIX. Wish you luck, you will need it.

Been there, done that.

Michael Furlinger
Michael Furlinger on July 10, 2008 at 12:05 am

We charge $9.oo for classics and $10.00 for classic films over 3 hours long…….No problem getting the ticket price ..

MPol
MPol on July 21, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Hey longislandmovies? What classic films have you played at your classic movie theatre so far? Just curious.

drivinnow
drivinnow on October 3, 2008 at 3:26 am

The Tennessee theater here run’s a classic movie about once a month, like gone with the wind ,rebel without a cause, and such classic’s..if you like e-mail me and i’ll send you a link to there site

Wedfest
Wedfest on October 16, 2014 at 8:09 am

We are a Family in Greenville, SC who’s house burned down. We would like to have campfire Movies on the property of Classic Movies to generate revenue to rebuild the house. We could have anywhere from 20-120 people. We have never done this but we need to start as soon as possible before winter. Can you help us with information about what to do? We would like to show films like “It’s a wonderful life”, “African Queen” etc. Please call us at 864-616-2156 or email .

Sincerely,
Marc and Colleen Wheeler

eyeballjohn
eyeballjohn on May 11, 2017 at 3:17 pm

Well figured I would comment on this post from back in 2008, a lot of people laughed at this idea to show old and vintage movies on the Big screen, well not sure if you heard of Fathom entertainment but they have been showing classic movies pretty much every month and I have seen most of them along with a full thearter every time, not such a crazy idea after all

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