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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Topic: NEWBIE ALERT: I just bought a Theatre, advice needed...
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Mitchell Dvoskin
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1869
From: West Milford, NJ, USA
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 03-14-2011 09:07 AM
If I were to redo the multiplexing, I would pull down the center wall, and put a wall up in front of the rear "stadium seating" back section, and make 2 small movie theatres back there to support the venue when it would otherwise be closed. That would leave the slopped floor section of the main auditorium intact as one big auditorium. Of course, that would mean spending big bucks.
The problem you face as a concert venue is that even with the auditorium restored, there is not enough seating for the "big" acts, and too many seats for the small intimate performances. The owners of Roy's Theatre (or whatever they are calling it these days) down the road in Blairstown tried converting to a concert facility, and as far as I know, were not overly successful.
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Scott Jentsch
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1061
From: New Berlin, WI, USA
Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 03-14-2011 10:38 AM
Is there any chance of keeping two screens, but making the auditoriums smaller to correct the length problems? How wide are the two screens now?
My first reaction was that going from two screens to one would be a risky move, mainly for the reasons that have already been made. I would think it would be quite difficult to fill a 600-seat theater for just about any movie unless you were the only theater in the area (which doesn't seem to be the case). I could see how that would not apply if the theater has some historical significance and has a very loyal customer base. However, if the previous owner couldn't make it go with two screens, I think making it go with one screen would be an even bigger challenge.
My thought was by sticking with two screens, but shortening the auditoriums so that the geometry gets back into the proper dimensions, you would be able to keep the ability to offer two different movies and absorb the misfortune of a stinker release. Since the original capacity was 600, and I would imagine that the twin rooms had capacities near 250 or so, shortening the rooms might reduce your seating down to 100 in each. While that's much less than what you would have in a single screen, I think that's a tradeoff that I'd make.
Is the auditorium deep enough to go to four rooms (two in the front, two in the back)? If so, that might get you up to 240-320 range if you can get 60-80 seats in each. If you need a wider, larger space for concerts, maybe doing one larger room in front and two smaller rooms in back?
I don't think an auditorium needs to be large to be good, but the proportions need to be right and the performance of the picture and sound needs to be top-notch. Whether you have two rooms or four, the quality of your presentations can differentiate your operation, and help you compete with the much larger multiplexes. I would attend a really good 50-seat "screening room" style theater before going to an average/mediocre 200-seat theater.
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Scott Norwood
Film God
Posts: 8146
From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas)
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 03-15-2011 12:13 PM
You really don't want a roll-up screen if you don't have to have one. They eventually sag in the middle and can get damaged easily.
The better option would be to have a complete screen frame that can fly as one piece. You then order a normal perf screen and lace it to the frame. Screen replacements are cheaper and easier with this method, and the screen stays flat. Unfortunately, the rigging is more difficult and requires a fly space that is at least as tall as the procenium.
With either system, you will need side (and possibly top) masking that can be flown in as close to the screen as possible (a few inches in front of the screen is idea). The masking fabric needs to be sound-transparent and needs to be able to mask the screen down to an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and open as wide as 2.39:1. The masking movements should ideally be automated, but a manual curtain-rope system works for occasional one-off shows.
Loudspeakers can be flown or rolled in. A modern system requires three behind the screen, along with surround speakers mounted on the side and rear walls. The horns on the stage speakers are supposed to be about 2/3 of the way up the screen, so you might need stands for the speakers if you put them on wheels. Do not try to use the same speakers for both films and live events. This never works right and also compromises sound quality for both systems. You will also probably want a heavy black drape that can be flown in behind the stage loudspeakers to cut down on reflections that can be seen through the perf screen; this will probably also improve sound quality.
You will need a cinema sound processor and quality amplifiers. You may also need to do acoustical treatment to the room. You will have to find a cinema dealer to look at your room and advise you on this. Unfortunately, very few rooms have top-quality acoustics for both live music and film.
The good thing about screens and sound systems is that they will be the same for all types of projection systems (except for 3D, which typically requires a specific screen surface).
As for 35mm vs. D-cinema (vs. 16mm vs. 70mm): you need to decide what types of film programs you will be showing. D-cinema won't help much if you want to show classics or most art-house titles. D-cinema becomes more attractive if you need a quality video projector anyway and will be showing recent mainstream features. If you already have 35mm equipment that is in good shape, you can start with that. D-cinema or not, you will want some sort of video projector that can fill your screen with an acceptably bright image from a DVD or Blu-Ray (with guest inputs for other formats). This is important for rentals and other events (think birthday parties, video conferences for businesses, etc.). Unless you have specific programming needs that require it, don't worry about 16mm or 70mm. Regardless of projection system, be sure to have an extra porthole in the booth for some other format, should it ever be needed.
If you are just getting started, look for used equipment, with advice from your equipment dealer or someone else knowledgeable about projection and sound.
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