Welcome to BigScreenBiz.com

Does anyone have any ideas where I can go to get info or costs or start up advice on starting a drive-up movie theater operation. My friend and I are itching to get info to see if it's worth persuing.

Thanks.

---

Drive-In Links:
http://www.uditoa.org/ (Trade Organization)
http://www.driveinworkshop.com/
http://www.drive-ins.com/
http://www.americandrivein.com/

---

John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Customer Technical Services
Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Telephone: +1 585-477-5325 Cell: +1 585-781-4036 Fax: +1 585-722-7243
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Pytlak:
<B>Drive-In Links:
http://www.uditoa.org/ (Trade Organization)
http://www.driveinworkshop.com/
http://www.drive-ins.com/
http://www.americandrivein.com/

</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks. All very useful information.

And don't forget to check your local zoning regulations to be sure drive-in theaters are a "permited use".

This topic comes up often, especially since many people still think that getting a drive-in built is mainly a matter of bulldozing a field and tossing up a few screens.

From what I've seen lately, you'll need an upper 6-figure credit line... at least.

A ballpark figure isn't easy to come by. costs of land, permitting, construction, equipment, etc. can vary widely, depending on your proposed location and your personal experience.

Hearings, zoning, business plan, financial wrangling... all the things you'd be looking at to plant a business on a piece of land... you'll probably need it all.

You'll also need LOTS of time. Even if you get the place built, you'll spend nearly a full day getting ready for the full evening... something that's not unusual when you're operating your own business...

It would help if you have some experience in what actually goes on at a drive-in. Many drive-in owners will strongly suggest that a prospective new operator spend time as an employee, to learn what happens before the crowd shows up.

These things don't seem to sprout up overnight, either. There are a couple of people here who've actually done this, and might comment... but it seems that you're looking at 2-3 years... at least... to get one from the dream stage to the first ticket sold, especially if this is your first theatre.

[This message has been edited by rodeojack (edited June 07, 2006).]