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1st Annual DITA Meeting
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
September 27, 2011 at 7:45 am
LEWISVILLE, TX — A special event is coming where drive-in operators can meet and discuss relevant issues facing the industry. A tour of the Galaxy Drive-In will also be included. See below for all the details.
“1st Annual DITA Meet Thursday (night)-Friday (All Day)-Saturday (OPEN) November 3rd-4th-5th 2011 At the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre, Ennis (Dallas) Texas AND at Sysco Dallas, Lewisville, TX
Here’s your opportunity to find out once and for all how digital projection (and DOLBY digital 3D, in particular) works at a drive-in, while also bumping shoulders with other drive-in theatre operators. Food, fun, friendship, and a couple days together with others who share your same interests and concerns.
Vendor presentations will include representatives from concessions to digital projection suppliers.
Roundtable discussions on digital projection will be held, led by the “pioneers” in the field (those drive-in operators who have already converted at least one screen to digital) going over such things as equipment needed, their actual experiences (good or bad) service contracts, VPFs and financing (if any) booking issues, etc.
What is “DCI compliant?” Do all drive-ins have to go with a 6K lamp or will 2K or 4K work at my theatre? What are the risks in buying USED digital equipment? What should I look out for? Where does one find a USED digital projector?
Studio representatives may visit to talk about the upcoming 2012 season (release schedules) as well as updates on film print availability and digital print distribution.
Lodging: Special DITA MEET rates have been arranged with Marriott’s Fairfield Inn at The Colony. Built in 2009, this top notch hotel offers complimentary breakfast, free internet access, a business centre and fitness room. Room rates offered are $75/night for rooms with 2 Queens or 1 King or, for $10 more ($85/night) you can opt for a “King Suite.” Stay 1, 2, or 3 nights at these rates. Mention “Drive-In Theatre Alliance” when booking directly with the hotel at 1-972-370-7732
ADVANCE REGISTRATION only $10 per attendee (to help cover for arrangements expenses and materials). ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORMS must be received by 10/15/11. Seating is limited so we encourage you to register early! (Lunch will be provided so we also need to have a good count…another reason for the advance registration deadline!) Otherwise, LATE registration (and registration AT THE DOOR) will be $20. Email for further details.
Open to drive-in operators as well as independent, small town, and art-house hardtop owners/operators as well! We are all in the same boat, struggling with 35mm print supply while facing what appears to be a daunting (and costly) decision to convert to digital within a short time frame or have our screens left in the dark. While this conference will include demos on concessions, the bulk of the sessions will be on digital cinema. What equipment is needed to establish a digital booth? What basics can you get by with? Is USED equipment available…can it work for me….what are the risks? New equipment, package deals with some of the leading sales and installation companies will be presented (Film-Tech’s Brad Miller and Jeremy Spracklen will be there, Fred Blank from TriState Theatre Supply, and others). We want attendees to leave with a clear understanding of the choices available and how they work in a totally non-threatening/non-pressure-sales environment. We will also visit a drive-in theatre (Galaxy in Ennis, TX) that uses digital including 3D on two of their screens! See for yourself, see digital in operation, with the host and hostess (Martin and Marsha Murray) more than happy to answer all your questions on equipment, logistics, booking, etc. Again, we are all in the same boat so that is why indoor operators have an open invitation to attend this meeting!
