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The latest movie theater news and updates
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September 2, 2010
Fashion shows helping to restore the Grand in Ellsworth
ELLSWORTH, ME — Proceeds from fashion shows have made significant contributions to the ongoing restoration of the 1938 Grand Theatre. Funds raised to-date have enabled the repair of the theater’s tower originally clad in Vitrolite; work will soon begin on restoring the theater’s marquee.
There is more in the Bangor Daily News.
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Independent Cinema in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CA — Check out this slideshow in theHuffington Post that goes through some of the best independent theater venues in Los Angeles.
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Clay Theatre to remain open - at least for now
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Landmark Theatres has announced that the Clay Theatre which was slated to close on August 29 will remain open, at least on a short term basis.
A spokesman for the theater chain announced Sunday that a short-term deal had been struck to keep the single-screen Fillmore Street venue from closing its doors, and Landmark hopes to use the grace period to work out a permanent solution.
“We hope continuing operation at the Clay will give all interested parties the opportunity to pursue mutually beneficial remedies,” said Ted Mundorff, Landmark’s chief operating officer, in a prepared statement.
The full story is the San Francisco Chronicle.
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2 screen first run open for business cinemas 100% turn key FOR SALE..not a LEASE, perfect for owner operator!
Hello,
I own and operate a two screen theater in Central Illinois in a city of about 6000, and it draws from all the surrounding cities and towns and people from over 60 miles away. I’m not listing the name and address of the theater because I don’t want the customers to get wind of a possible sale and become concerned. Built originally in 1922, the main house has and is renowned for its first rate soundsystem. I installed new seats in the end of 2008 and due to all of the space also gave it huge aisles with 5 foot legroom so its also now well received for being the most comfortable theater in the area too. The theater also just set an all time single week record gross on “Twilight: Eclipse”.
The main house also features a rebuilt balcony, and a recently extended stage. We’ve begun hosting our local live theater group, community talent shows, school recitals, chamber of commerce events and such due to this so its not just a movie theater…and these additional events means some good additional cash with the concession sales for those events. A new roof is in place, with still at least a couple years left on its warranty. The buildings were also insulated in the last two years, resulting in a nearly 50% reduction in the power/heating bills as well. It has been redecorated as well, with new paint, dramatic lighting, a brilliant classic marquee, and even some newer work done in the restrooms. New furnaces have been installed in the last 10 years, and the air conditioning system works with an artesian well vs conventional compressors and high electric bills, so running your air conditioning is also not an expensive proposition. It could surely use some more tlc, but being such a historic structure and a truly unique theater experience, most prefer the place as it is vs making many huge noticeable changes.
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September 1, 2010
Arabian Theatre owner hopes to form arts council to oversee the theater
ARAB, AL — In 2006, Arman Pack bought the 1947 Arabian Theatre and helped bring back to use after it sat idle for several decades. As he is soon to take a job in the state of Washington, he has been trying to sell it without success. Now he urging that a local arts council be formed to assure that the theater remains viable.
Pack said a lot of people in town have the perception that the building is dilapidated.
“It’s not,” he said. “I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars to get it functioning, and it looks good. I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for weeks at a time while I poured money into it. It’s not something that needs to be torn down.”
Pack is holding a meeting at the theater at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, for anyone interested in becoming a board member or anyone interested in furthering the arts in Arab.
There is more in the Arab Tribune.
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Bitter negotiations at the Fox Theatre
ATLANTA, GA — The 83 year old Joe Patten, who was instrumental in saving the Fox Theatre over 30 years ago, is questioning his future with the theatre following his rejection of a new lease.
Still, Joe Patten is sad and disappointed that after 31 years of living rent free in his Fox apartment according to the original lease, Patten believes the theater board is trying to find a way to squeeze him out.
“They need the space,” Patten said. “And I think there’s a greater reason that for some reason or another they resent my operation here in the building.”
Patten says the new lease agreement includes conditions and exclusions that would make it difficult, if not impossible for him to continue to live in the apartment with his health.
Read more at NBC 11 Atlanta.
There’s also more current news at the Fox Theatre Scrapbook.
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Old theater needs projection equipment (501c3)
WILLCOX, AZ — The Rex Allen Theater is a 501c3 charity, and a community supported theater on the national historic registry. We are owned and operated by the Rex Allen Museum. Our twin screen theater is open every day and for matinees on weekends, and is the only theater within a hour drive in any direction. In one theater we are using a Motiograph that is about 60 years old, and in the other a Century that is about 45 years old. Both are on their last legs. We could sure use the donation of some later model projection equipment in good working order. . Thanks!
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August 31, 2010
Roxy Anniversary
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA — Last week the Roxy, which is still going strong, turned 80 years old. One of the last atmospheric theatres left in Canada. It was all refurbished 5 years ago and as your site says is owned/operated by Magic Lantern Theatres.
The Roxy is an art house/alternative product screen, mixed with live events each month and private bookings.
There is a lot of info about this theatre in the Saskatoon archives as well as several interior and exterior pictures from the past.
Terry
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Cinetopia adding screens in Vancouver, WA and Beaverton, OR
VANCOUVER, WA — Cinetopia is anticipating the opening of a twenty-four screen theater at the Vancouver Mall in November, 2011. Its first theater, the Cinetopia 8 opened in 2005 and is noted for its Vinotopia Restaurant and Wine Bar as well as its “Living Room” screening rooms for those 21+. These cinemas have deluxe seats arranged in intimate groups as well a “Pillow Pit” section down front. Cinetopia is also expecting to open a twelve-screen theater in Beaverton, OR in July of next year.
“Cinetopia will enhance our existing offering of retail, dining and entertainment selections for our customers,” said Paige Allen, the mall’s general manager.
The Cinetopia development will take up the former Mervyn’s department store and additional space at the 940,230-square-foot mall, located west of Interstate 205 at state Highway 500.
“It will be the largest movie venue in the Pacific Northwest,” said Coltman, 42, who successfully lured movie buffs back to commercial cinemas during the home theater craze.
The full story is in the Columbian.
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Construction begins on new theater in Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK, MI — After mentioning it last month with concerns about parking having been resolved, work on the construction of a new ten-screen multiplex in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak got underway during the week of August 23. The facility, estimated to cost $14 million, will have, in addition to its cinemas, sixteen lanes of “boutique bowling,” a banquet room, and cocktail service. The new theater will be a part of the growing Emagine Entertainment company, which is also remodeling the former AMC Star Rochester to the tune of $4 million, and expects to reopen that theater by Thanksgiving.
“Downtown Royal Oak always changes; it always grows. What stays the same is that we are very popular — and that brings parking and traffic issues.
“But, ultimately most of us agree it’s a very good thing for the city,” Ellison said.
The full story is in the Detroit News.