I own 3 theatres and actually inherited them in a round about way. I embrace the business, but as an independent, I find the film companies, at certain times of the year create a monopoly with the distribution of film product to Loews and AMC, Clearview etc. The experience is grand when business is slamming, you have great films and your onscreen. However, staffing is a constant battle and securing solid, well, trained projectionists another. The income is not as good as it used to be. The competition is fierce. The film companies expand their marketing strategies which has you playing the same film as the mall and the small trio all within 14 miles of each other. The splits are never in your favor along with the "House Allowance," and the "Open Checkers" haunt you, but are honest. The "Blind Checkers" rarely show up, but fabricate their numbers which is a big problem.
I am still searching for a motivated, responsible theatre manager with projection experience and will probably be doing so until I finally sell. I rather miss the projectionist union. I cannot believe that I am writing this. They came in and they did the job... Perhaps, a little disheveled or unkempt, but they knew how to keep you onscreen.
Forums 
