So there is this old movie theater in Des Moines, Iowa that hasn’t been in operation as anything for about 5 years and has maybe another 3 to go before the building falls apart. It is a cute little theater, built in what is called the Theater Moderne style in the 1930s. The building advertised its heating and air conditioning as amenities. The theater was also built for sound. All in all, the theater lasted close to forty years and the building operated as a dinner theater for maybe another thirty.
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So I want to take this theater and turn it into a two screen lo-fi reperatory movie house and bar. Did I mention that the building used to house dinner theater? There was also briefly a restaurant/club in the place. These things mean there is a kitchen! It may need a lot of work but at least the bones are in place to cook and serve food. This also means that a liquor license is within reach.
Suddenly, I’m offering a small room with couch and love seat seating, a cocktail program, and quality food and a movie as a night out. What would you pay for that experience? Same as at the mega plex? Less? More? Whatever the price point is, I’m thinking that I have a very well defined entertainment experience at an affordable price. Hip, but not too hip. Cool, but not too cool. All movie geek.
I did a little research and found some resources for budgeting and planning for a theater from distributors of films to putting the necessary equipment in place to show the films themselves. It seems within reach to me. Granted, I am not talking about THX 43000 sound or 70 mm celluloid projectors but the whole thing can be done with blu ray players, projectors, and a home made screen. Add a decent sound system and the experience is complete.
I’m really kind of excited about this concept. The catch is that the movies are going to be projected by blu ray and they will not be the fancy new ones. I think that provides a unique opportunity to curate films and create theme nights and concepts. This is where you come in. I have laid out the scenario for you. What kind of films would you like to see in this type of place?
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