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I'm interested in opening a movie theater, but I don't know how to get started. Is there a book that I can read or a website to visit. I'm thinking about opening a six or eight screen complex. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Some things we need to know:

Is it a new build (from scratch) or a re-opening of a closed theater?

Urban, suburban, or rural area?

Population

Any competition such as chain-owned or independent theaters nearby?

Is there a college nearby?

Type of films desired to be shown: first run, second run, discount, or arthouse

Will theater be free-standing or located in a mall or on mall property?

Visit the "Motion Picture Exhibitor's Forum" on Delphi.com and read EVERYTHING under the "Best of Smart Boards" entitled "Exhibition 101". It will tell you quite a bit about how to build/operate a movie theater.

Asking "is there a book" is like this: sitting with a open book in your lap and asking "where's the book?" The answer is: you are holding it. Read everything here at bigscreenbiz, film tech, and Ken's rec and come on back afterwards. Best/ Mike

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Mike Hurley
www.bigscreenbiz.com

apa6

If you can give us more information, we can advise you as to the feasibility of alternative sites (from a design point of view). Please visit our website at www.mesbursmith.com to see some examples of the variety of work we have done. Our projects range from renovating single screen theatres, to splitting up existing large cinemas, to new builds ranging from four to 20 screens.

I couldn't find the Motion Picture Exhibitor form on Delphi.com. To answer your questions. I'm looking at building a new building in an urban area. There is an independant theater in the city, but it is a little run down. Population is at least 100,000 not sure of exact population. I want first runs and there are three colleges in the city. What's the first thing that I need to do?


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ken Layton:
<B>Some things we need to know:

Is it a new build (from scratch) or a re-opening of a closed theater?

Urban, suburban, or rural area?

Population

Any competition such as chain-owned or independent theaters nearby?

Is there a college nearby?

Type of films desired to be shown: first run, second run, discount, or arthouse

Will theater be free-standing or located in a mall or on mall property?

Visit the "Motion Picture Exhibitor's Forum" on Delphi.com and read EVERYTHING under the "Best of Smart Boards" entitled "Exhibition 101". It will tell you quite a bit about how to build/operate a movie theater.</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Motion Picture Exhibitor's Forum" is now at http://forums.delphiforums.com/exhibitor