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Up to this point I haven't had to deal with this, but someone is considering opening an indie about 20 miles from me and we're both in a "rural" area.

Are there "rules" around distance between theaters and what product we can get?
We show indies and they want to do the same.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20-miles is a good distance.

How many screens do you have?
How many screens do they plan?

Right now with 5-screens we have more product being offered to us than we can show. Being 20-miles away from you, they may be showing the same film you are quite often. All you can do is talk to the distributors and say look we do good grosses with your product can we have it exclusive? But more than likely if you are openining Spider Man on the break, so will they.

My only advice is do it better, cleaner and friendlier.

I wish I had 2 screens let alone 5!

We are a single screen art house and have been around a long time -- people know, trust, rely on and like us!

They want to be "just like us" and don't have a clue what it takes. They haven't done any research yet and have no experience in the film biz...they just "like film". They are currently planning a single screen, art house.

Thanks for the input. I have a gut feeling that nothing's going to happen but I want to be prepared if it does!

As a well established Art House it should be easy to talk to the distributors and deny them product till after you have played it.

Groovy.

Thanks again.

I hate to be a spoiler here, but...
I have a small multi, and I had to go up against Regal and General Cinemas (just before they were picked up by AMC).

Admittedly, my situation regarded booking first-run as an independent against these powerhouses. However, I made my case, clearly stated my expectations regarding booking in their midst, and made sure I had the studios' agreement to provide me product before I opened my place up. In my case, I'm 7 miles from the big boys, much closer than what you're talking about.

You guys are much farther apart than I was. However, if I could do this in the first-run tier, you might consider how you'll explain to the studios why you should be protected from somebody that far away.

This issues touches on anticompetitive trade practices, which many states have laws against and which the studios are becoming increasingly reluctant to defend against.

Realbutter, I sympathise with your situation. Just make sure you've got your ducks in line on this. Distance might not be good enough to protect you if the other exhibitor has his wits about him.

[This message has been edited by rodeojack (edited August 08, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by rodeojack (edited August 08, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by rodeojack (edited August 08, 2004).]