Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: General Cinema Dies

This is topic General Cinema Dies in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001483

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 09-27-2000, 05:59 PM:

Effective tomorrow night (9/29) General Cinema will close over one-hundred screens, including ALL of their locations in Florida (82 screens), one location in Atlanta, and several throughout the Carolinas, among others.

I do not know if their CA theatres are on the "kill" list, but I know they've been wanting out of those for a long time, too. If some or all of those theatres are shutting because of this Chapter 11 business, the number could be closer to 200 screens.

I'm not surprised, though, we moved down here expecting it not to last very long.

Next...

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Mark Lensenmayer (Member # 134) on 09-27-2000, 06:19 PM:

I wouldn't be surprised if the 2 in Columbus go bye-bye. One is an 8-plex with one THX room that is 2 miles from an AMC 30-plex. It has been neglected in the last few years, only recently adding stereo to 4 of the rooms. The other is an 8-plex 2 miles from a new Regal theater. They did add digital (even with EX!) in a few of the rooms, but some are just barely stereo. Neither have the now seemingly essential stadium seating. They have even stopped running full ads, just running a token ad telling customers to look showtimes up on the web site (to be fair, Regal is doing this, too).

If things keep going, this could be an all AMC town with 2 Marcus theatres as the only competition!

Mark L.

Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 09-27-2000, 07:29 PM:

A scary predicament - all AMC town - I shiver just thinking about it.

Posted by Mark Lensenmayer (Member # 134) on 09-28-2000, 07:53 AM:

Well, I was 1/2 right...the GC Northland (with the THX/70mm room) is closing tomorrow AND an old (mid-70's) shoebox style AMC 6-plex is also going away.

The Northland had one of the most musical sound systems I've ever heard...music sounded just incredible in the THX room. There were some trumpet themes in Star Trek IV that sounded almost exactly like a live player. Ah, the good old days of 70mm.

Mark L.

Posted by Mitchell Cope (Member # 32) on 09-28-2000, 08:01 AM:

When the business goes through one of these downturns, should it be easier to find used equipment at good prices? Where's a good place to watch?

Sorry if I sound like a vulture.

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 09-28-2000, 11:30 AM:

The company that I work for is just thrilled about all of this because being a one site start-up with plenty of capitol (and weve been doing good business) this means that now there will be cheap real estate my company is thinking about rolling out four or five new sites.

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 09-28-2000, 12:46 PM:

Just call General Cinemas and ask them if they're interested in selling any of their equipment.

The independent I used to work for (last week) does this all the time whenever he hears of a GCC, UA or other chain closing. They usually want to get rid of good equipment CHEAP so they don't have to find professionals to go strip out the theatre.

If the equipment sucks... then just tell them you're not interested, but you might be interested in other locations.

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 09-29-2000, 02:36 PM:

I've heard of theatre chains closing business on a screen or two at a time, but this is absolutely horrifying.

And sad. Face it: we're dinosaurs and the projection business is probably dead already. We just haven't been told yet.

Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 09-29-2000, 02:50 PM:

<GRABBING ARI BY THE SHOULDERS>
"Good God my man...pull yourself together!!!"

The projection business is not in danger and is going to be around for a long time to come despite DLP and any other digital mediums to come. Just because big companies can't make decent business decisions and run their companies at the expense of others doesn't mean it will affect the industry in a matter that will stop movies completely. There are theaters out there that are making money and lots of it. Like most of the bigger houses in New York and San Fran that rake in 45,000 dollars a weekend. That is not a sign of a dying business.

"Now, put yourself back together and go get em tiger!!"

Rory

Posted by Dave Bird (Member # 490) on 09-29-2000, 05:18 PM:

You only have to look at any "home theatre" type magazine (OK, I peek

) to know where DLP's market is. There are dozens upon dozens of models. Interestingly, most editors of these mags lament the passing of great presentation at real theatres (must not be visiting any of yours guys).

Not to worry, I have no home theatre, only about a thousand pounds of the "real" stuff!

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 09-29-2000, 05:47 PM:

Has anyone called any of those General Cinemas to see if they actually did close?

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 09-30-2000, 02:54 AM:

>>"Now, put yourself back together and go get em tiger!!"<<

But, but... they're dying all around me. Everywhere, death. Destruction. Another large-screen theatre gone, another small art house closed. Another zillion-screen megaplex announced (with restaurants, sports stores, hairdressers and toy stores, too!)

Whatever happened to the art of presentation (no offense to you multiplex projectionists, I know you're doing a fine job out of it).

"Yeah, I can see from that list of yours that you've been projecting films for fifteen years, but the question is, do you have the time to make popcorn and clean the men's room? And can you wear this silly suit when you're in the booth? We're worried that the kids might spot you."

Never mind, nothing to see here. Carry on with your regular thread. I'm just having one of my fits.

"He's dead, Jim."

GGGAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Posted by Tom Ferreira (Member # 70) on 09-30-2000, 05:57 AM:

Ari, have you seen too many Bergman films? Perhaps General Cinema played chess with the Grim Reaper-and lost!

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 09-30-2000, 12:46 PM:

Actually, GCC is closing theatres in 9 states. They say that all of them were not profitable. Not one theatre in California is closing at this time however. Which surprised me.

There was an email sent by someone in GA about the way that the company handled this. They were apparently told last Friday, and not to tell the staff until Monday. This upset the manager quite a bit. So, he sent an email to everyone in the company. Stating that the way that they handled the situation was rather poor. He even blamed former AMC alumni Frank Stry-something or other-ski for leading GCC into bankruptcy. I did like the guy's statement that he found out that he did not have a job from the guys that sell the cheese pumps instead of the company. Isn't how that always is. The last person to know is the one that is most effected.

At any rate, they have been wanting to get rid of these theatres for quite some time. I think that they announced the possible bankruptcy, then closed all these theatres that they want to get out of, then make some sweet deals to get out of the leases. Brilliant move strategically, however, the personal toll is quite harsh.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 09-30-2000, 06:10 PM:

quote:
Has anyone called any of those General Cinemas to see if they actually did close?

They closed, Ken. Florida was my territory.
Re: Kevin's observations, this is S.O.P. now, for GCC. Last year, they closed two locations in this state, and only gave the employees a handful of day's notice.

I moved down here expecting them not to last long, as it's been no secret that they wanted out of Florida and California. And I thought they might continue to close a location here or there, as leases expired, etc.; but I sure didn't think they'd shut them all at once! (That is, until they started talking Chapter 11.)

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Russ Kress (Member # 461) on 09-30-2000, 06:32 PM:

UA closes theatres using an identical method to the one described here that GCC uses.

Our first clue that they would be closing came when our film delivery guy (non-TES films) told us that they had no scheduled print deliveries/pick-ups scheduled after a certain date.

Theatre management was notified a few days later, but instructed not to tell the staff.

They were scheduled to close both Charleston area locations (a nine-plex and a triple) at the close of business on the following Thursday, but when the local press broke the story, they closed them a few days early.

Russ

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 09-30-2000, 11:01 PM:

Tim, sorry to hear about that. Are you out of work because of it, or does ASC have enough contracts to keep you busy. I heard that they were going to send a guy from CA out there.

By the way, UA has one upped GCC. Out here they closed a 6 plex without even telling the owners of the mall. They came in on Monday to see that there was noone at the theatre, and the lobby emptied of any equipment.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-01-2000, 11:56 AM:

Hi, Kevin. I'm being transferred to another territory. Don't know exactly where, yet, but I should find out this week.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 10-01-2000, 03:29 PM:

>>"Ari, have you seen too many Bergman films? Perhaps General Cinema played chess with the Grim Reaper-and lost!"<<

I don't watch them, I just run them.
God knows they don't pay me enough to watch them.

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 10-02-2000, 11:57 PM:

I heard a rumor today that GCC is closing at least one theatre out here in CA. It is in Southern CA. It has not been making money for quite some time.

And it was a game of Battleship that the Reaper and GCC were playing. Or was it twister?

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 10-03-2000, 03:39 AM:

I know the film they must have been playing: "Armageddon".

Posted by Trevor Bailey (Member # 75) on 10-06-2000, 04:25 PM:

The Portland Press Herald in Portland, Maine reported this week that the GC 7 screen in South Portland is no longer running a showtime ad in the newspaper. In the article, the GC spokesperson said they have no plans at this time to close that theater. It is the only GC in Maine.

Here's the story:
http://www.portland.com/business/stories/001005cinema.shtml

Thursday, October 5, 2000

Troubled chain to keep theater open for now

By RAY ROUTHIER, Portland Press Herald Writer

SOUTH PORTLAND — Maine Mall Cinema will stay open for now, despite financial trouble that caused its parent company to close 25 other theaters last week.

General Cinema, based in Newton, Mass., closed theaters in nine states, said Brian Callaghan, director of communications for the company. The closings came two weeks after General Cinema revealed in a federal regulatory filing that it is considering selling off assets and may seek bankruptcy protection.

As of July 31, the company listed total assets of $64 million and liabilities of $163 million.

On Wednesday, Callaghan said the company had not decided to file for bankruptcy protection or close more theaters, but he said both are possible.

"These are very competitive times in the movie theater industry, and we're looking at selling theaters, closing some, renegotiating leases, and keeping the option of bankruptcy open as well," Callaghan said.

Maine Mall Cinema, a seven-screen theater across from the Maine Mall, has been operated by General Cinema since 1975. It's one of three first-run theaters in Greater Portland, along with Hoyt's theaters in Falmouth and South Portland.

Maine Mall Cinema is the only General Cinema theater in Maine, Callaghan said.

The closings of General Cinema theaters last week left the chain with 105 theaters, Callaghan said. The company remains one of the 10 largest theater chains in the country.

The chain has closed theaters in Georgia, Tennessee, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, Ohio and Washington. Callaghan said it now will focus on the financial health of its theaters in the Northeast and Midwest.

There is no plan now to close or sell Maine Mall Cinema, Callaghan said, but he would not speculate on its future.

As a cost-saving measure in Greater Portland, Callaghan said, General Cinema has stopped buying ads in the Press Herald for Maine Mall Cinema's movie lineup. The chain has stopped buying ads in other newspapers in other cities, relying on customers to call the theaters or get movie times on the Internet.

General Cinema is one of several theater chains experiencing financial difficulty after a period in which chains have expanded quickly, building many 12-, 14-, and even 20-screen megaplexes. Two chains bigger than General Cinema, Carmike and United Artists, have filed for bankruptcy protection in the past few months. Julia McCue, library assistant, contributed research to this story.

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at: rrouthier@pressherald.com

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 10-06-2000, 10:48 PM:

In the last two months GCC has closed 31 locations, with over 200 screens. Much more pruning and they won't be a major player anymore.

Posted by David Miller (Member # 412) on 10-07-2000, 08:19 AM:

GCC closed two locations that I know of in western Washington. I helped close the Gateway 8 in Federal Way, WA (about half-way between Seattle and Tacoma on I-5) last week. This weekend the Lincoln closed in Tacoma. Federal way is now an all AMC town. Tacoma, however still has a variety of Cineplex, Regal, AMC and a few independents.

The Pacific Place 11 and the Cinerama in Seattle are quite safe from any closures. The Pacific Place is only two years old and the Cinerama is owned by Paul Allen (the Microsoft Paul Allen) and only operated by GCC. Even if GCC pulled out it would stay open. With Allen's 20% stake in Dreamworks first runs wouldn't be too much trouble.

------------------
David Miller
millerdk@plu.edu
Projectionist, Seattle Cinerama

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-07-2000, 08:44 AM:

Yes, and now I'm OUT OF WORK! The territory ASC was going to create for me didn't materialize due to politics... corporate-theatre-circuit POLITICS!

And now we're left high and dry, 1,000 miles from our nearest relatives, stranded in one of the most expensive places you can imagine to live. There's no getting a McDonald's job to survive, either; that won't even pay the electric bill down here.

I have to hand it to Bruce Schroeder, he sure went to bat for me. He really tried his best to hang onto me. It was a pleasure working for him. There are none better.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-07-2000, 10:39 AM:

OUCH! That's terrible news. Any possibility of taking a company/chain tech job somewhere?

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-07-2000, 10:44 AM:

I don't know where. Nobody's hiring. I'm talking to my home local right now, trying to get back there. Maybe that will turn up something. Nothing promising now.

I believe I've had it with this business. I'm going to consider another line of work. I think we're just going to head north with nowhere to go, about Wednesday, and just lug everything into a storage rental when we get there.

Nothing's left down here.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 10-07-2000, 12:23 PM:

Tim,

Take a look at Marquee Cinemas. They are located in West Virginia. Last I read they are looking for a company booth tech. Toni McCall is the person to talk to. Hope that helps you out. 1-304-255-4036. Let me know if you take a job.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-07-2000, 06:01 PM:

I would have thought ASC would use a senority system to decide on layoffs?

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-07-2000, 08:20 PM:

I'm one of the low men on the totem pole this time.

And thanks, Mark, for the great tip! I should talk to her on Monday.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 10-07-2000, 08:43 PM:

There's places in California that could use you too, if that's not too far to go.

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 10-07-2000, 10:01 PM:

Actually, Jesse is right. I was asked by Jim Paitsel again this week to do work for ASC in CA. Although, Jim only wanted me to do Northern CA. The two remaining General Enemas, and emergency calls for the 3 Regals. But Jim said that there was still more than enough work out here in CA.

What Jim offered in salary was below what I am getting for tech work with the company that I work for now.

But if you were to move out here you would have to put up with the liberal people that CA tends to produce.

Posted by Richard C. Wolfe (Member # 431) on 10-07-2000, 10:19 PM:

They don't call it the "left" coast for nothing!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-08-2000, 02:37 AM:

Tim,

Best of luck in getting another job secured and taking care of your family. You are too skilled to be out of work. If there is anything I can do, please let me know (and I'll bet that goes for pretty much everyone else here on the forum too ).

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-08-2000, 12:22 PM:

Wow, thanks for all the good words, fellas. I appreciate the support and suggestions, it helps. It's good to know you're there.

I think the reason ASC didn't offer me CA is because it still IS GCC, at least as far as they are concerned, and probably inevitable that the same thing will happen out there. Only out there, I would be 3,000 miles removed from family, instead of 1,000. That, and by hiring CA residents to fill openings they currently have in that state, they won't be out the expense of relocating me there. I'm only guessing here. It's frustrating, but apparently it just made good business sense for them to simply cut me off.

Oh, I'd sure love to live and work there, if I could find something a bit more secure (as secure as it can be in this business, that is).

BTW, I have many close friends of that persuasion, Kevin. It doesn't bother me.

Thanks again, everyone, for your kind support. I won't forget it.

I'll be in touch.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-08-2000, 03:21 PM:

Tim: Best of luck! Where is your "home local" up north?

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 10-08-2000, 06:01 PM:

Tim, it's a long shot, but we are opening two theaters in Florida, one in Miami and another in Jupiter. Management has been staffing for awhile, now, but maybe there's still something. I didn't see your e-mail listed, or I would have contacted you directly.

E-mail me, and I'll give you the names of two guys to call. As I said, it's a long shot, but you never know.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-08-2000, 07:37 PM:

Thanks, Mr. "P"!

Local 163, Louisville, KY

Very good, Mr. "W", it's off.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 10-09-2000, 12:48 PM:

Wow Tim I am also here in Louisville. Would your contact happen to be Larry Hopewell?

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-09-2000, 12:58 PM:

Tim: Kodak has a job opening for a Theatre Specialist and Trainer for the SCREENCHECK Experience program, covering NY, PA and NJ theatres:
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/jobs/postings/te20001005-02.shtml

The job just was posted last week. Good luck!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-09-2000, 04:45 PM:

Thank you, John. I will pursue that, too.

Mark, you are correct! I worked at the South Park drive-in, for the last two seasons it was alive, and the Kenwood, as well as an occasional vacation at the Village 8. Louisville's home for us.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 10-09-2000, 06:08 PM:

Well I now work at the Village 8. Only here I am in management. Trying to get in the union. I have another prospect for you. ShoPro INC. They are looking for a sound and projection guy. They just want a resume and salary requirements sent to them.

Director of operations, P.O. BOX 190 Yorkville, IL 60560. Or e-mail to joe@shoproinc.com

Posted by Jonathan M. Crist (Member # 413) on 10-09-2000, 06:36 PM:

Heard today that General Cinema will be closing some more Pennsylvania locations. I think Scranton and couple of Philadelphia locations were mentioned.

They had closed one in Wilkes Barre about six months ago when the lease ran out.

Posted by Richard C. Wolfe (Member # 431) on 10-09-2000, 10:02 PM:

GCC closed Scranton several months ago. They will be closing Wilkes-barre shortly.

This leaves Allentown as the only site beyond the Philadelphia area in eastern Pa. that they will still operate. I wonder if that will last as it has only eight screens, conventional slope floors, rest rooms on the 2nd floor, some auditoriums that have stairs to climb to enter and a rather odd layout as it was enlarged from the original three to five, then eight. Carmike now has a very nice new 16 plex two miles down the road with all the amenities.

Time will tell I guess!

Posted by Paul Konen (Member # 41) on 10-10-2000, 10:28 AM:

This is from the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

Tuesday October 10 07:47 AM EDT
General Cinema shuts theaters in Tarrant

By Steve McLinden, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

General Cinema Theaters has pulled out of Tarrant County, making its
theaters here the latest casualty in an industry that is struggling nationwide.

General Cinema confirmed Monday that it closed older theaters in Arlington,
Fort Worth and Bedford, and one in Richardson, on Oct. 5. Company executives did not return repeated calls
seeking comment.

The move, and recent cutbacks by other theater chains, leave some North Texas neighborhoods without
nearby movie screens.

Theater industry experts say the changes reflect the relative success of flashy megaplexes, which surfaced in the
mid- to late 1990s. Seeing that success, theater chains responded by rapidly building theaters with 20 screens
or more. But that has created a glut.

"There are about 37,000 screens nationwide now," said David Allen, an analyst who follows the industry for the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter investment firm. "That's from 10,000 to 13,000 too many. You will see more
consolidations and more bankruptcies and more closings over the next two or three years."

Full story at Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 10-10-2000, 10:57 AM:

Paul,

Do you happen to know if GCC has closed or sold the theatre they have in Irving Mall? I opened about 2 maybe 3 years ago. I noticed it wasn't mentioned in the news article, but it seems odd that they would hold onto one theatre when they're trying to tuck tail and run out of town.

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 10-10-2000, 07:08 PM:

You you happen to know how many GCC Trailers are just being thrown out during all these closures?!

I WANT ONE! Is it too much to ask for some film with some cheesy dancing candy and popcorn bags?

--Gonna go take a cold shower-- getting too worked up over this.

Scott Neff
Desk Jockey
Confection Auditor
Century Theatres

Posted by Paul Konen (Member # 41) on 10-11-2000, 08:47 AM:

Press release by GCC on Wed 10/11/2000
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001011/ma_gcx_res.html

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 10-11-2000, 10:17 AM:

*Dustin puts Queen CD in CD player*
bmm, bmm, bmm, Another one bites the dust

Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 10-11-2000, 01:54 PM:

Good point- I want one of those old "clickity-clack" trailers!!!

Posted by Frank Prete (Member # 627) on 10-12-2000, 03:26 AM:

Wow, it realy does seem that no cinema chain is safe from a downturn in the market. It easy to see that there is a downturn around every ten years when people find another source of entertainment to destract themselves with.

And to match the downturn there is an upturn that takes cinemas to a higher level! First it was larger halls with bigger screens, then it was drive-ins and when videos killed them it was twin-plexes. These days its been the multis with mega screens, stadium seating and digital sound. What will it be next? Entertainment precincts? The introduction of Digital Projection (please God, no) or maybe a return to traditional style cinemas - large single screens, complete with dress circle, pre feature entertainment and intermission?

Frank.

Posted by Paul Konen (Member # 41) on 10-12-2000, 08:51 AM:

Jason, A Dallas Morning News article stated that the Irving Mall is going to remain intact.

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 10-14-2000, 06:54 PM:

It's the rule of the small companies baby!!!
Kiss competition goodbye!

------------------
"Trying is the first step towards failure!"
-Homer Simpson

Posted by Jonathan M. Crist (Member # 413) on 10-15-2000, 10:03 PM:

Add Rutgers (N.J> ) to the list of those that GCC is closing.

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 10-15-2000, 10:15 PM:

Got word this weekend that GCC is closing the Dublin 6. And leaving everything in the building but the concessions inventory. 2 DTS units and a Sorny among the other equipment. Not to mention the new computer system they put in a couple of years ago. If you have a niche market you could walk into a completely furbished theatre for nothing. I am sure the landlord would cut you one hell of a deal.

Mine is the last of the GCCs in No. CA. Makes me nervous since the mall keeps talking about paying out the lease for the theatre so they can tear it down. But it is a very profitable location for them. Still ranks in the top 20 for the chain. That use to mean something when they were 200 units, I guess that it may mean something with only a 100 units as well. Hell, we made the first purge. Since the bankruptcy filing, we might make it another year til the lease is up.

Anyone know of a good resume writer?

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 10-15-2000, 10:38 PM:

Hey Kevin! So the old 'Turdcage Enema' as Guy
puts it is the sole survivor!!! I wish you luck in the future! I haven't missed norcal
since I left 10 years ago!!! John Eickhof

Posted by Mark Lensenmayer (Member # 134) on 10-16-2000, 08:36 AM:

The last remaining CGG in Columbus OH is 2 miles from a 16-plex Regal and about 3 miles from a 10-plex Cinemark (or whatever it is now...it seems to be unbranded!)

They have shifted to intermediate run from first run, pulling all films more than about a month old, and running things like ART OF WAR and COYOTE UGLY. No change in pricing policy that I am aware of, but running only 2 shows per day.

Mark Lensenmayer

------------------
"As a moral to young men who come down to the city, don't go round breaking people's tambourines."

Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 10-17-2000, 01:18 AM:

If they close Turdcage, where does the print of "Rocky Horror" go?

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-17-2000, 06:56 AM:

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports that General Cinema is closing its Pittsford-6 and Marketplace-7 theatres in Rochester:
http://www.RochesterNews.com/1017theaters.html

These 13 wonderful screens (including two THX houses) will be sorely missed. They did a very good job of maintaining presentation quality.

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 10-17-2000, 07:22 PM:

Hey Kevin -

I just started working for Century Theatres in their main office... from what I can gather they pay pretty well.

AND! If I refer you and you stay employed with Century, I get $500!!!

Of course - I'm sure you have an opinion about Century... everybody always does.

Scott Neff
Desk Jockey
Confection Auditor

Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 10-17-2000, 09:16 PM:

Scott Neff
Desk Jockey
Confection Auditor

Please update your email address in your profile so I can send you the latest gossip.

You are no longer ops@cinemawest.com .

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 10-18-2000, 07:57 AM:

OH CONTRAIRE MON FRERE.

I am still ops@cinema-west.com

(being the webmaster has it's privledges)

Anywho - yeah - GCC sure is dying.
(HAD TO MAKE THIS POST SOMEHOW RELATE TO TOPIC)

-Scott

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 10-19-2000, 01:50 PM:

Scott, you are right, I do have an opinion of Century. It has gotten better in the last few years. I know one of the techs here is Sacto. He seems to like working for Century. My ex-girlfriend did not like working for Century at all. But I guess being in management is a different arena. I do appreciate the offer, but if the Union or Signature cannot find me work, I think that it is best to just get out of the business.

Jesse, about Rocky. I had to send in our year and a half old print on Monday. On Tuesday there was cans for a "new" print in the booth. We shall see tonight if that is the case.

John, as for being the sole survivor in Northern Calif. well that may only be for a short time. The latest rumor is that the mall is going to plow us under after Christmas. They may sell the booth equipment cheap. There is some goodies to be had. AW3 platters, and Guy's favorite projectors. Which he reminds me of everytime I talk to him. So if any of you are in the area stop by and see the place. I need to take some pictures of the crappy Mann construction so that all of us can see the quality in one of the most profitable discount theatres in the land.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 10-19-2000, 05:15 PM:

So how does one go about buying up used equipment from theatres that are going under?

Does this all get sold in bulk to dealers or is there a possiblity that individual items would get sold to individuals?

Whom do you call? The theatre itself? The home office of the chain? Someone else?

Depending on how "cheap" this stuff goes, I'd love to try to get some of it for home use. I doubt I have the cash for the "good" stuff like Century projectors decent lenses, etc. (even if they're going "cheap"), but I would love to try to get some smaller stuff (splicers, small and large reels, rewind bench, etc.) out of some of the theatres before the close if it's possible to buy the small stuff individually.

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 10-20-2000, 02:35 AM:

I am not sure how you would approach GCC. I think that they use to have people hounding them. Not the case anymore I am sure. At one point they were getting $5000 a screen for everything but their digital racks. Speakers included, with the exception of the digital screens.

I think that that would still be a bargain for the stuff at my theatre. 5 CP 50s (Most with either 150 C, E, or F cards), 1 CP 55, 6 AW3s, 6 Simplex Projectors, 3 LP Assoc 2K Consoles, 3 LP Assoc 1.6K lamphouses, 3 Heavy Duty Simplex bases, plus all the speakers, splicers, 2 rewind benches,

Hey wait a minute, I am trying to sell out my job here.

But I think that they want someone to buy all of the equipment and pull it out. I doubt that it is a piecemeal thing. I know that John Eickhof sells stuff pretty cheap. He seems to have a nose for these things.

By the way John, I hear that you are going to be in Palo Alto next week. Does that mean that you and Guy are going to stop by and say good bye to the Turdcage?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-20-2000, 05:20 AM:

Scott,

If you know the people at some of these theaters that are closing down, ask them to see the official inventory list. Frequently, the chains don't bother with splicers and small items and are discarding them.

Posted by Scott Madsen (Member # 167) on 10-20-2000, 06:27 PM:

Add Shelard Park, a 5-plex in Minneapolis, to the GCC closed list. It closed yesterday. If anyone out there needs new carpet, they had it.

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 10-23-2000, 12:20 AM:

I ripped by a closed Carmike mini-multi that was being loaded into trucks, & they took EVERYTHING.

I mean including trailers & paper magazines.

------------------
William Hooper
Junk drawer: http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/theater/3622
Theatre Empire: http://members.xoom.com/saenger.1

Posted by Mark Lensenmayer (Member # 134) on 10-23-2000, 09:06 AM:

Columbus Westland went bye-bye last Thursday. So much for GCC in central Ohio. They were the big player here at one time many years ago.

Looks like the Cleveland GCC theatres are still in operation. Can't tell about the few other Ohio sites.

Mark Lensenmayer

------------------
"As a moral to young men who come down to the city, don't go round breaking people's tambourines."

Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 10-27-2000, 07:56 PM:

Tim, did you take a job anywhere? Are you still in Florida?

Posted by Trevor Bailey (Member # 75) on 10-28-2000, 06:35 AM:

I'm not trying to speak for Tim, but a nearby GC operator told me he was in her theater last week doing some work.

She was impressed with his solution to the problem.

Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 11-03-2000, 01:29 PM:

Tim,

Did you take a job with anyone?

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 11-05-2000, 01:50 AM:

Is anyone else aware that the Smith family, primary owners of General Enema, is selling off Harcourt General? And should have about a billion dollars to spend in the next month or so.

I find it odd that they would declare bankruptcy, step down from the Presidency of the company, and sell off their other holdings at the same time an odd coincidence. Could it be that they want to buy back into the theatre industry? Or do they want to once again be the largest independent botteler of Pepsi products?

This whole thing a ruse to buy back the company stock at only $2 a share instead of $30?

Does anyone else have speculations on this?

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 11-07-2000, 11:31 PM:

Hi Kevin... I will plan on visiting next trip (around thanksgiving) If you are still there I will try and drag Guy over and I'll bring the digital camera too! Take'er easy!

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 11-14-2000, 10:05 AM:

The theatre will still be there, but I will only be there when they are paying me to be there.

Give me a call. Guy should have my number. Is this a trip so you can put a bid in on the equipment? That way you can write off the trip.

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 11-20-2000, 03:30 PM:

General Cinemas closed two of thier 3 Austin theatres in Late October. The Highland 10 and Great Hills 8 were casualties in this. The following week they closed the Meyerland 8 in Houston, The Galleria 5, Furneaux Creek 7, and Central Park theatres in Dallas. The Second week of September saw the Point Nasa 6 in Houston close marking the end og GCC in the Houston area. Theatre count for GCC in Texas is down to the Irving Mall 14 in Irving (Dallas), The Barton Creek Square 14 in Austin, Tx and The Cielo Vista Mall 4-10, The Park 6 and Sunland Mall 6 all three in El Paso, Texas. The Highlanad and Great Hills found out 2 days before they closed. Funny thing is the Great Hills was originally constructed (1989) with 4 dolby and 4 Kintek theatres. Less than 6 months before they closed GCC sent down two racks with Dolby CP45's and DTS units in them. All equipment was left in place to never be touched by GCC again. 1 Auditorium at the Great hills was 70 mm with a CP200 and DTS and THX and a second THX theatre had SDDS installed with a CP55. The Highland 10 had 3 THX 70 mm houses, 3 plain Dolby Stereo and 4 Kintek house. Each THX had one of the Digital units installed. All Projection equipment at both places were Christie Platters and Cinemacannica V-5 (35 mm) and V-8 (70mm) projector and consoles. All had Kelmar Custom Deluxe Automation version III. On another point one of the UA theatres I used to work for did the Magical dissapppearing act out of Padre Staples mall. However they were unable to get all the equipment out before Monday morning and had to open with only two screens up. The did eventually make off with al the equipment from the booth before skipping out on the lease. All equipment was Strong Platters, Simplex 35 Projectors with the TU2020 Auto Turrets and Highlight II consoles. Automation was UA's homemade, but reliable brand.

William T. Parr
Former Projectionist Current Technician.

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 11-20-2000, 06:03 PM:

No Kevin, I am not interested in that stuff, I have a warehouse full right now! Too much snow and the ground is too frozen to build another warehouse untill spring...But I will try and stop by anyway! John

Posted by Betsie Beadling (Member # 591) on 02-17-2001, 06:03 AM:

If General Cinema Died. How Come Springfield
Mall, Virginia and Mazza Gallerie Wash DC
Locations still open???

------------------

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 02-17-2001, 07:16 AM:

Betsie: Many major theatre circuits (United Artists Theatres, Edwards, Loews-Cineplex, Carmike, Regal, GCC, etc.) have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This allows them to restructure their debt and get out of leases for theatres they want to close, while still operating their more profitable sites. Many good theatres will unfortunately close (Rochester NY just lost 13 well-run General Cinema screens), but the more profitable sites will remain open.