Fundraising

  • February 21, 2006

    Wanted: Old boxoffice double clock

    I am looking for one of those small double clocks they used to have in the ticket window — shows present time and time the show gets out.

    Thanks.

    Email me at .

  • February 20, 2006

    How do I get the movies to show?

    I am looking to reopen a theatre in Southeast Kansas that has been closed for several years.

    I need information on how to get the movies to show in my theater. I know that sounds like a very basic question, but I can’t seem to get anywhere finding an answer.

    I am wanting to show classic and 2nd run movies.

    Thanks.

  • Looking for Used Window Intercom

    NEW YORK, NY — We’re looking to buy a used window intercom to set up a box office window. Please email if you have one available. Thanks.

  • January 4, 2006

    Need suggestions for grants, etc., to renovate Missouri Movie house

    I am looking to buy and renovate a 1945 theater in small town Missouri. It is still in operation but is severly run down.

    Looking for suggestions for sources for grants,special financing, etc. Also looking for ways to find seats, and other items from the era.

    Hope to hear from some people. Email or call 314-252-9955 x107.

  • December 22, 2005

    Historic Theater Needs New Doors

    OLYMPIA, WA — As a followup to yesterday’s story… The State Theater, built in 1949, is currently undergoing an Enhancement Campaign to restore some much needed areas of the building.

    One area desperately in need of help is the beautiful front doors. Several of them no longer lock properly and are unable to be repaired.

    Any help in finding a company that make old style ‘brass & glass’ movie theater doors would be much appreciated.

  • December 19, 2005

    Loan Programs for Historic Theaters

    The First Fund Program, provides financial assistance to organizations that serve low and moderate income households or provide economic benefit in low and moderate income communities, like downtown’s

    The Second Fund Program, is a more flexible fund in terms of project criteria, that provides funding for a variety of preservation projects. These may include establishing or expanding local and statewide preservation revolving funds, acquiring and/or rehabilitation of historic buildings, sites, structures and districts, and preserving National Historical Landmarks, that include Historic Theaters!

    Eligible applicants are tax-exempt nonprofit organizations; local, state, or regional governments; and for-profit organizations. Eligible properties are local, state, or nationally designated historic resources, like downtown historical theaters; contributing resources in a certified local, state or national historic district; resources eligible for listing on a local, state, or national register; or locally recognized historic resources.

  • December 2, 2005

    A Special Academy Award for the Best Run Theater?

    Back in the era when movie theaters were in their prime, it amazes me that the Academy Awards never thought to hand out a special award to the best run movie theater or the best run movie theater chain. For all the work and love and dedication that movie theater operators poured into running their theaters in the best possible way, it must have been terribly disheartening each year when the Academy Awards rolled around that they never got any sort of acknowledgment, let alone an Academy Award. It’s as if that aspect of the artistry and presentation was nonexistent, or so it must have felt to the movie theater operators. And today, many in Hollywood wonder why their films don’t fare well at the theater, such as director Ron Howard in recent times wondering what went wrong with his “Cinderella Man” theater-wise.

    So if Hollywood hopes to enter an exciting new age of cinema, it could start up the process by giving strong recognition to where it has failed to before.

  • November 22, 2005

    Lawford Theatre Wants Your Help

    HAVANA, IL — Hello everyone, I am really glad to be a part of this community.

    I recently aquired the Lawford Theater in Havana, IL, and went to work immediately painting, redoing the seats, carpeting, just about everything you can imagine! I even refurbished the screen, what a BEAUTIFUL theatre it is too.

    This is where I am in need of ANY help. I need a good sound sytem that we can purchase (or better yet, donated) this town is really wild about the theatre re-opening, and they have supported it quite a lot. It’s too bad that others hurt the place so I am am putting all (or most) of my funds into it.

    Can anyone out there help us in any kind of donations or sales, we even could use some hot dog warmers, etc! We are a 500 seat 1912 theater with a HUGE sound stage… thanks again for this wonderful site and its information!

  • November 18, 2005

    The Strand-Enfield, CT

    I have a fantastic idea for The Strand theater in Enfield, CT. I would like to research grants useful in restoration and the eventual reopening of this theater. It has been closed for many years but is a truly beautiful building. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

    Josh —

  • October 10, 2005

    Brattle Theatre in Danger of Closing?

    Cambridge, MA — The Brattle Theatre has brought repertory film programming to Cambridge’s Harvard Square for 52 years, but if they don’t raise $400,000 by the end of this year, they may close.

    Here’s a long press release from the Brattle, explaining their predicament:

    Repertory film programming at the Brattle simply cannot survive without significant community support. Our current challenges can only be overcome with the involvement of community members who want to keep the tradition of film programming alive at the Brattle Theatre.

    The Brattle has experienced the same drop in attendance that has been plaguing cinemas over the past several years. Operating costs – including film rental and facilities management – have increased by 30%. Government, corporate, and foundation funding for cultural organizations have diminished. Furthermore, BFF and the Brattle are feeling the pinch of the changes in Harvard Square’s make-up. As Harvard mainstays like Wordsworth Bookstore, Brine’s and HMV close their doors, the Brattle’s surroundings have lost much of their draw as a vibrant, independent destination. Empty storefronts lead to a decrease in foot traffic, which leads to a decrease in ticket sales."

    Just as a ballet company or a museum must be subsidized by donations, so must repertory film programming at the Brattle. By definition, ticket sales are an inconsistent and unreliable source of income. Every other independent repertory cinema in the country relies heavily on public and donation support to solidify their budgets.