Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Bill Dever

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Posted by Donald Brown (Member # 5427) on 11-01-2015, 02:53 PM:

Has anyone else had the misfortune of encountering Bill Dever and any of the various entities that he has created for the sale of digital projection equipment?
Several years ago, Mr. Dever solicited the Skowhegan Drive-In Theatre with NEC equipment which was not suitable for the venue's screen size. Under the guise of The Independent Theatre Alliance, Mr. Dever attempted to secure a contract for the equipment and "work out the details later." When informed of the decision declining his proposal, Mr. Dever peppered my voice mail and e-mail with debasing messages.
Fast forward to the spring of 2015 and Mr. Dever is back with another venture peddling NEC equipment again. This time I simply requested that he desist from further correspondence. To date, I am still receiving newsletter length e-mail expounding on Mr. Dever's ruminations on the state of the exhibition industry today! Subjects run the gamut from drive-in romance to George Lucas.
Mr. Dever's conduct is most unwelcome, unbecoming, and relentless. For those who haven't yet had the misfortune of an introduction, Mr. Dever's tactics can only be compared to those of a bad used car salesman: beware!

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 11-01-2015, 08:19 PM:

I got on his email list some how, but I don't believe I've ever met him in person, and have never done business with him.

Generally speaking I find his "newletter" to be a short-sighted assessment of the state of the movie industry.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 11-01-2015, 09:30 PM:

Donald, please email me. Your email address is outdated. Thanks.

Posted by Rick Cohen (Member # 6140) on 11-02-2015, 11:59 PM:

Bill Dever, acting as USA Drive-Ins, Inc., is one of the architects behind the Johnny Rockets Drive-In concept, which announced about one year ago their plans to open 200 drive-in locations nationwide by 2018. Drive-ins opened so far by Johnny Rockets are zero, but who knows what will happen two years from now. There was an impressive amount of press generated, as the story was picked up by CNN and Bloomberg. My expectation is that they will be unable to finance their business plan, and it will eventually fizzle out due to lack of funding.