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Author Topic: Cinema Referbishment Bruce McGee Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1776 From: Asheville, NC USA... Nowhere in Particular. Registered: Aug 1999 posted 05-05-2003 06:14 PM                     Pretty bad. If you do go ahead with the project, I hope you have plenty of money to throw into this place. How does the outside--front-- of the building look? Thats what people see first. Amazing how a building can go down in 7-8 years. I bet you have to rewire the entire place.  |  IP: Logged Jim Spohn Film Handler Posts: 95 From: Bakersfield, CA, USA Registered: Jan 2003 posted 05-08-2003 10:40 AM                     I am restoring a 1927 theatre that had been occupied by transients for the last 20 years, so I've been where your going. One must look at the fact that a building in good shape in which you install a projector and screen may not be able to sustain its self much less turn a profit. When you add the fact that restoration is required (before you can put a picture on the screen)the prospect looks pretty dim. If this a hobby and you can get grants and help from the community and the rewards are pride and self-satisfaction, well and good. If your looking to make your fortune or even stay out of serious debt......good luck. When we started our restoration project we knew that no money would EVER be made. The whole intent was a place to install 23 tons of Wurlitzer pipe organ so that we could do a silent movie from time to time and have fun ...as a hobby. Yes we have had many, many private screenings for groups and brought in a couple of bucks (the local utility company was very pleased and has it all!!) but we will NEVER re-coup the money we've spent. Then again we knew this going in. If you indeed enter this venture you're in for a hell of a ride, and that can be a lot of fun. Good luck on it. If there is a way I can help, please let me know.....Jim  |  IP: Logged Darren Briggs Master Film Handler Posts: 371 From: York, UK Registered: Dec 2001 posted 05-13-2003 03:58 AM                        So Neil what are your thoughts after everyones input?? Darren  |  IP: Logged Neil McGovern Film Handler Posts: 35 From: Sheffield, UK Registered: May 2002 posted 05-13-2003 12:08 PM                        Thanks for all the comments. I'm waiting for the architectural plans and surveyors to come round, but it looks like the place is structurally sound. We'll be getting a marketing company to do some market research for us to find out the feasibility of it too. If both these turn out OK, we'll probably go ahead.  |  IP: Logged Jack Ondracek Film God Posts: 2348 From: Port Orchard, WA, USA Registered: Oct 2002 posted 05-13-2003 05:49 PM                        After you get your reports, it would be very interesting to hear how your information supports lighting that place back up. Please keep all of us doomsayers updated as your project progresses! Also, PLEASE get ahold of a reputable booking agent before you go ahead. You seem pretty convinced you want to do this... but you owe it to yourself and everyone involved... especially anyone helping finance your project, to make sure you'll be able to get the titles you'll need to bring in the customers. With the studios, it is NOT a sure thing. If you do manage to get your place remodeled and equipped, then find you can't get film because of the competition, the fallout will mess up your life for years. Good luck!  |  IP: Logged Neil McGovern Film Handler Posts: 35 From: Sheffield, UK Registered: May 2002 posted 05-13-2003 05:56 PM                        Not sure how it works over there, but I normally book the films directly from the distributors themselves, as I have quite a few contacts with them. For ones I don't (the minority) I use Troy Film agency. And I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on progress/problems [ 05-13-2003, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Neil McGovern ]  |  IP: Logged Per Hauberg Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 883 From: Malling, Denmark Registered: Jul 2000 posted 05-29-2003 06:57 PM                        Those nice English £'s... Is that something, You just dig up in Your garden over there ? The pictures give me the impression of something to spend Your money on from no till You get carried away. Must be a better place to start, sorry to say. Per  |  IP: Logged Bernard Tonks Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 619 From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England Registered: Apr 2001 posted 05-30-2003 05:39 AM                     Neil wrote, quote: Built in 1935, ground lease until 2033 with a condition that it is used as a cinema... If the council are that keen it is used as a cinema only, what you do Neil is tell them, you won’t pay anything for the building, and will just pay a nominal rent of £1 per year. You will be making the heavy investment in refurbishment and equipment together with the risk. Do try and negotiate this with the council, it has been done before. Someone, who has two cinemas, reopened the Regal, Evesham and closed it again six months later due to lack of support. One person turned up for the last performance. Don’t lose your shirt!  |  IP: Logged Neil McGovern Film Handler Posts: 35 From: Sheffield, UK Registered: May 2002 posted 05-30-2003 07:01 AM                        quote: you won’t pay anything for the building, and will just pay a nominal rent of £1 per year. The problem with this, is that the Council don't own the actual building. However, thanks for the advice about ground rent. It also looks like we may be able to get 80-100% off business rates.  |  IP: Logged

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