This is topic Clearance Zones? in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Dave Bird (Member # 490) on 07-11-2000, 10:38 AM:
I know some of you may have built and/or run your own theatres as independents. Surely, it must be common when considering such a venture to confirm in advance which, if any, theatres you will compete with for prints. Or conversely, how far away you will need to be before no-one can request clearance. So who would I contact? A booker? The studios? Thank you.------------------
Dave Bird
Posted by Ky Boyd (Member # 23) on 07-13-2000, 03:43 PM:
Dave,Clearances are a huge can of worms and with the building of megaplexes the rules in some zones have changed. I'd consult with a reputable booker who knows the area you are interested in. Also, the rules with clearances may be slightly different in Canada than in the states.
Posted by Kenn Fong (Member # 118) on 07-14-2000, 11:29 PM:
Dave,Our theatre owner, Allan Michaan, filed suit because venues in his small, independent chain were subject to clearances from national chain venues. He was able to show that in San Francisco (and in Contra Costa County), competitors which were geographically closer were getting the same titles on "day and date" (that is, the same day and date) but he was subject to clearance from the Jack London.
It was a big news story, and the Justice Department is looking into it. Now we get all the big movies.
kenn
Posted by Dave Bird (Member # 490) on 07-16-2000, 07:22 PM:
It seems like up here, and I've heard this term before on these forums, that the studios pretty much "carpet-bomb" prints especially right now. The local chain multiplex is playing nothing the drive-ins and discounts haven't already had. Is this a summer phenomenon, everyone gets a print? Or is this trend likely to continue with shorter and shorter runs to video?------------------
Dave Bird