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for example Marigold Hotel- past VPF, Prometheus for 4 days into Spidey/ just small VPF on Prometheus/ I'll leave it up to the math wizards to do projections/ I'm more interested in results and the proof in the pudding. .

Mike wrote:
Glad you changed your mind on how to handle it. You might even do better this way as many might give you all of the change in their pocket. I would set up something that they could throw the money in. Vortex collector, small water fountain (probably could them on clearance now at the hardware stores).

Since it is not required to pay the quarter to see a movie, you will be fine with the studios.

www.harvestmoondrivein.com/

Fundraising activities are at the bottom including harvestmoondrivein.com/Win_the_Stang_.html Pretty neat activity.

www.harvestmoondrivein.com/SAVE_THE_DRIVE_IN_.html

SAVE THE DRIVE IN!
2012 is a year of great transition in the Movie Industry. The major film studios, the ones that make the movies you come to the Drive In to see, are in the process of forcing all movie theatres to play movies in Digital Format only after this year, 2012.

This is good for the industry as a whole, with better picture quality, better high definition sound, less film issues(supposedly), and less need for a dedicated employee. They(film studios) will no longer have to produce film(which 2 major distributors have stopped already) and save millions of dollars in expenses on their side.

However, the downsides are numerous for drive in movie theatres. To be able to play the movies the fans( YOU) want to see, a theatre must meet certain specifications called DCI compliance. Currently, all drive in movie theatres in the country are incapable of meeting these requirements, Including Masking(making the screen smaller for some movies), have a set number of FL(brightness of the picture), and digital 5.1 surround sound( drive in's use FM transmitters to broadcast the sound in 2 channels to the audience). These requirements mean that the Harvest Moon, like all 386 other operating Drive Ins in the country, do not qualify for the benefits that indoor movie theatres receive to help off set the massive cost of upgrading to digital projection equipment. The projectors required for Drive In theatres are massive and have 7000 watt light engines to get the picture to the screen. Each drive in has to install automation, a new projector, a digital server( to store the movies on) a sound decoder, special lens suites to fit our large screens, and accessories to make each booth internet capable. In addition, each booth must maintain certain temperatures, dust levels, and specialized windows. This means that most drive ins, including ours will require a massive overhaul of the equipment rooms, a huge expense.

Articles on this issue: www.indiewire.com/article/were-about-to-...gital-does-it-matter
www.variety.com/article/VR1118049857?refCatId=13

That's the story of what and why we have to do, now here is the cost:

New Digital projector for a Drive in Theatre: $65,000.00 per screen
New Digital Server: $10-12,000.00 per screen.
New Sound Decoder: $2-3,000.00 per screen.
New Automation System: $5-10,000.00 for a theatre.
New Lens Suite to hit the screen: $5-8,000.00 per screen.
Remodeling each booth to meet compliance: $2-4,000.00 for us.

The total cost to make the digital conversion: $150,000-$180,000 at our theatre.

Here is our operating costs:
The Harvest Moon employs 3-15 people each night for 4-6 hour periods.
Our insurance is extremely expensive as we are in the same category as county fairs and amusement parks.
For every admission ticket you purchase, we get to keep only 10-40% of each dollar, the rest goes directly to the movie studios.
Maintenance, utility costs, renovations, and equipment issues have been extremely costly over the past five years.

Usually, the Harvest Moon, over the course of a season does not make any revenue after expenses, and has at times operated at a loss for several years in a row. The business is supported by other businesses, friends of the drive in, and concession sales.
We love being able to offer up a fun drive in atmosphere for the local communities and want to stay open for generations to come, but it does not make financial sense to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on equipment that will need to be changed out in 5-10 years as the next upgrade is forced on us. So, we need YOUR HELP to stay open in 2013 and beyond.

We plan on upgrading this theatre with better facilities, special music and comedy events, and of course the first run feature movies you come to enjoy under the stars. Here is how you can help us:

Ways to Support the Harvest Moon and keep it open past 2012
This Weekends 6-24-2012 Sponsors donated $500.00 in change & tickets for the mustang to the cause, THANK YOU!!!
We are now up to $5500.00 total!

rufusjack wrote:
So drive-ins are paying more than the rest of us? or are they just bending the truth like so many exhibitors have done before them?

I know of two independent single screen indoor discount theatre here in my area that recently converted (each installed a different system). Since they are discount no VPFs apply. No big boy discounts.

What with the costs of certain upgrades to their sound systems, new automation, necessity of additional Air Conditioning in the booth required for the server etc (each theatre had different issues) the final total cost of everything including installation for each theatre came in at the same amount of $80,000.00.

So no Rufus I do not think Crazy Bob is bending the truth about the costs of convertion (at least not by much). Yes I do agree that old nonsense about how much theatres pay to the distributors (especially drive ins which get killer deals) is a bunch of horse manure.

muviebuf wrote:
I have no idea what you are saying here. I have never challenged anyone's costs of digital conversion. Where do you get that? Who is Crazy Bob? the Old Showman?

www.onargatheater.com/save_the_onarga_th...r_digital_conversion

just a small part from their website:

"How can you help? Well there are many ways that you can contribute to keeping the Onarga Theaters doors open and us being able to raise the money needed to make the conversion. There are so many ways that you can help and we have listed some of them below..

1. Come to the theater and enjoy a movie with friends or family.

2. Purchase concessions from us and please do not sneak in food or drink.

3. Purchase a Save our theater shirt that will be on sale shortly. All proceeds from the shirts go to the digital fund.

4. Advertise with us on-screen. Not only is it tax deductable but it is a great way to advertise your event or business

5. Purchase our special holiday popcorn tub for gift giving available soon..

6. Come to our special $2.50 family classic movie night that will be coming up. Where all proceeds will go towards digital.

7. Purchase gift certificates for gift giving.

8. Cash, check, or anything of value we can sell will be greatly appreciated. You can drop it off, send it in the mail, or we will come pick up whatever it might be. Please call 815-383-5988 or send to Onarga Theater Digital Conversion Fund P.O. Box 22 Onarga Il. 60955

9. Any other fundrasing ideas you might have please call or email us.

10. Sign up with iGive.com and pick us as your cause."

Interesting story www.jemmovies.com/digital.html

JEM Movie Theatre Digital Projector Conversion

We are so thankful for all the donations, help, community support and all the fundraising efforts that have taken place since the JEM announced the need to raise funds for a digital projector one year ago.

It is so hard to put into words how thankful we are for everyone's support, in so many ways. Last year when the decision was made to make our dilemma public, it was a difficult decision to ask for the community's help. We never wanted to ask for support, but we knew the public deserved to know why the JEM may have to go out of business. The theatre itself was fine, but the mandatory change in the movie delivery format was not a price the JEM could afford. When this news got out, so many people stepped up to offer their help and expertise. We really appreciated this.

Paul and I were so excited going into 2012 and reaching our fundraising goal. Losing Paul in January was very tragic for our family and I know for so many in the community as well. I personally am overwhelmed with the kindness, continued donations, help and support by so many.

Over $40,000 was donated to the JEM Digital Fund! This is amazing! I have paid off the loans that required payments. The JEM is no longer in need to raise funds for this cause.

Thank you to everyone! Without all that you have done. The JEM would not have the opportunity to keep its doors open to show new movies to so many people and families. Thank you all for being 'Friends of the JEM'!

Michelle Haugerud

We are so thankful for all the donations, help, community support and all the fundraising efforts that have taken place since the JEM announced the need to raise funds for a digital projector. With the recent event at Wheelers on February 11th, the total amount raised to date is nearly $37,000!!! A huge thank you to Lynn Mensink, Brian Fishbaugher, all the organizers and Wheelers for all they have done. With their hard work, the benefit raised nearly $16,000, and has put the theatre so close to reaching the goal of paying off the immediate loan for the digital projector for the theatre.


We are deeply saddened by the loss of Paul. He was a wonderful man that so many enjoyed being around. We worked so hard over the last year to upgrade the theatre to digital and we are so grateful for all the support that has been given to that effort. We are very blessed to have so many supportive friends and family and with their help the theatre will continue to show movies. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayer’s during this very difficult time... The family of Paul Haugerud

Wonderful News for the Fundraising Effort!
The total amount needed for the JEM to payoff the Digital Projector loan and to purchase the additional needed equipment to allow the new digital projector to communicate with DVD, TV and gaming is $60,000; With the $11,800 raised so far, this leaves $48,200.

JEM Theater Community Challenge!
With the help of some wonderul people and through a generous gift from Gladys Evenrud, the Trust for a Better Harmony has made available $30,000 to the JEM Theatre for the digital projector conversion and is challenging the community to raise another $30,000, or more by April 1, 2012!

Donations can be made at First Southeast Bank, ATTN: JEM Theatre Projector Fund. All donations will go directly towards Ms. Evenrud's challenge to fund the projector. For questions on how to donate, please call First Southeast Bank at 507-886-6922.

Of this $30,000 that is going directly to the note for the digital projector, $10,000 will be repaid to the Trust to support future community projects. This leaves a balance of $18,200 to be raised to fully pay for the projector conversion and then an additional $10,000 to allow for the JEM to repay the Trust. $28,200 is a much better goal than $75,000 from what the JEM started with and the JEM could not have gotten this far without all donations from our generous community. So many have been a part of allowing the JEM Movie Theatre to stay open for families to enjoy today and in the future. We are all very lucky to live here.



Where the JEM is at with Fundraising!
Our first ever Football Night at the JEM on Monday, November 14th was a success! Thanks to the 'Friends of the JEM', all the local businesses that donated food and door prizes and to all the volunteers who helped make the night a success, over $4,000 was raised and donated to the Digital Conversion Fund. I hope everyone who came had a great night. This brought the total amount raised with fundraising to over $11,000!!!

The Greeting Card fundraising is about to wrap up, so if you are interested in purchasing a box of cards, contact the JEM to order.



The JEM is going DIGITAL…but the fundraising goes on!
With the reduced number of 35mm prints available, the JEM was facing a tough decision to either shut the doors or take a short-term loan to get a digital projector now. So with the donations to date, $7,200 and a recent opportunity to purchase a barely used digital projector and required equipment for only $55,000 vs. $75,000, the bank agreed to loan the difference so the projector could be installed. We will continue the fundraising for another six months with 100% of the funds raised going toward this loan. Our goal is to have the projector completely paid for by the end of April 2012.

If you have made a donation to the projector fund, THANK YOU! Without the funds raised to date, this would not have been possible. If you would like to support this transition, funds can be sent to First Southeast Bank, PO Box 429, Harmony, MN 55939 for the JEM Projector Fund. These funds are not going to or handled by the JEM Movie Theatre.

This being said, the JEM will be digital effective 11/11/11! If you want to be a part of the JEM Theatre history, come to the movie this weekend for the last 35mm film to ever run there.

The JEM Movie Theatre has been a place to enjoy current movies and still afford to bring an entire family for the movie and concessions. The technology that has been in place at the JEM has been there for many years using a 35mm film projector and platter system. The industry has been slowly converting over to digital movie prints which requires a special digital projector that the movie industry has approved. The time has come where all movie theatres are being forced to change the way they show movies and are being forced to purchase a new projector or go out of business. 35mm print movies are being produced less and are expected to no longer be made by 2013. For the bigger movies houses, this is not as big of a deal, but to theatres like the JEM, it may be devastating. The cost to convert the JEM to digital is $75,000, and this is without 3-D capabilites.

The JEM Movie Theatre is rare in that it is a family owned and run movie theatre. All the owners in the past have put their own money into the theatre to make improvements or upgrade equipment. We have done this as well. Since 2002 when we purchased the movie theatre, we have reinvested by updating the building with a new roof, new insulation and interior walls, upgraded the electrical, replaced all the theatre seats, repaired the marquee and ticket booth from major water damage, installed new lobby carpet and air conditioning. We have also purchased theatre equipment, including a new platter system, projector lenses, movie screen and popcorn maker.

Having a family run business has allowed us to share the business with our six children. They all have worked with us at the theatre. We have also committed to showing good movies every weekend since 2002. We have worked all but three of these weekends over these years. Even though we both work full-time during the week, Michelle at SMG Web Design in Preston, Minnesota and Paul is a self-employed as a drywall finisher and painter. We still enjoy coming to the theatre each weekend and sharing the movie experience with so many. We strive to keep the theatre open and at a cost where all families can come and share the theatre with their children. This projector conversion is one that could force us to shut the doors. Although financing for it is available, the theatre would not be able to afford additional debt to this extent. Therefore, we are reaching out to our surrounding communities for support in this.

Funds raised will only go toward the projector conversion cost. If for some reason the goal is not met and we are still unable to purchase the projector, we will refund to those who donated and/or donate to another local cause.
This fundraising has only one goal...Keep the JEM Movie Theatre Open! Paul and Michelle Haugerud

www.concrete-theatre.com/Concrete_Theatre/Home.html

Interesting Idea:

Why Buy a Seat?
Purchasing one or more seats is a way to demonstrate your support of the Concrete Theatre and help insure this theatre remains an important part of life in eastern Skagit County. Buying a seat can also be a unique and thoughtful way to honor a family member, friend, group or company. The seat(s) of your choice will be personalized with a brass name plaque.

1. Select Your Seats
There are 127 seats in the Theatre, and they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis. A seating chart is posted below.

2. Choose What Your Plaque Says
Plaques are 4 inches wide, and 3/4 inch high and they can accommodate one line of text, with 25 characters (including spaces). You can type in what you want the engraving to say when you make your purchase, but feel free to send an email or call us for more information or assistance: (360) 941-0403. We will verify your engraving before proceeding.

3. Make Your Purchase - $300 per seat
Using a credit card or your PayPal account, you may make your purchase securely online, below. If you’d prefer, you may also purchase a seat when you’re at the Theatre. Please talk to Valerie or Fred.
Yes, I want to help SAVE the Concrete Theatre
by purchasing a seat: $300 each.

43 of 127 seats sold

I met Fred when I toured this house two years ago. Nice little theatre with lots of potential. I wish them well. An interesting idea indeed.

while multi screens do gross more and have more income to pay for the conversion: I have to belive it is easier to raise the funds for a single projector than it is for a 3 or 5 screen.

A different twist: digital & a new building.

This theater also would seem to be a good grosser as it opened People Like Us this past weekend.

www.gullroadcinema.com/default.cfm

www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2...5_customers_r_1.html

Gull Road Cinema 5 customers rallying to keep their theater


Aaron Mueller / MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette
Gull Road Cinema 5 has launched a fundraising campaign to fund a relocation project. The theater and the other remaining tenants of Gull Crossing retail center will have to close or relocate to make room for a new Menards store.

COMSTOCK, MI -- A group of avid movie-goers are rallying to keep their community cinema in town.

Teresa LaFountain, owner of Gull Road Cinema 5 in Comstock Township, said she was planning on closing up shop when she heard Menards had purchased the Gull Crossing retail center, where the theater is currently located. Menards will tear down the strip mall to make room for its new store, which could open next year.

But a bevy of loyal customers have inspired LaFountain to start a fundraising effort, dubbed "Save Our Cinema," to build a new theater in Comstock.

"People have just been coming out of the woodwork, saying, 'We can't lose our theater,'" LaFountain said. "The news was really a blow to our customers, but they are very much rallying behind us."

The goal is to purchase a building on Gull Road for a seven-screen theater with digital projection and sound and stadium seating. There would also be a bigger lobby, a coffee bar and party room.

The pricetag is around $3 million, based on builder estimates, LaFountain said.

"We are just a mom-and-pop theater. We don't own any other cinemas," she said. "That's why we need help from the community."

People can make pledges for donation on the Gull Road Cinema website, and organizers are planning various fundraising events.

The first will be an event for the opening of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" July 24. A VIP ticket will allow people to see a life-size replica of the Batmobile featured in the movie.

The vehicle, which was designed and built by Kalamazoo resident Bob Dullam, is valued at $440,000. The VIP ticket also allows access into a Wayne Manor display inside the theater.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $12 for students, and proceeds will benefit the building project.

Gull Road Cinema 5 is one of the few remaining tenants of the 224,732-square-foot retail center.

"The community wants and supports this theater," LaFountain said.

For more information on the fundraising efforts, visit the theater's Facebook page or website.

rufusjack wrote:
According to their facebook page, they reached the $100k goal.

rufusjack wrote:
Only $133 left to go with 8 days left.

The Patio has reached their goal and more.