This is topic Can A 13 Year Old Own A Theatre? in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-21-2001, 06:59 AM:
Hey Everyone,
Have you ever seen those things where children have opened up their own companies? Oprah has done it a couple times. What I want to know is do you think a 13 year old could lease out an old theatre and operate it? Cineplex Odeon has an old theatre here called the Garrick in Winnipeg's Exchange District. It has 4 screens and has been in Winnipeg since 1955. An older Garrick use to sit on the same spot in 1929-1954 with only 2 creens. It was torn down. Anyways, Cineplex Odeon has had this place up for sale/lease since 1990. If they do go bankrupt, I'd love to go into their other theatres in Winnipeg (The Grant Park Cinema [8 screens] And the Drive-In [1 screen]).
What do you think of this? Can I Do it?
Andrew McCrea
Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 01-21-2001, 11:30 AM:
If you have the money and parents legal permission then you should be able to do it!
Posted by Jerry Chase (Member # 660) on 01-21-2001, 02:47 PM:
I don't know about Canada, but in the states you have to be of the age of majority to sign legally binding contracts.If you have the skills, and have someone you trust willing to sign for you, then the answer is maybe. Landlords tend to be fussy, and no film company will let you sign their legally binding guarantee of payments.
Lots of entrepenures have hidden behind front men though.
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-21-2001, 05:55 PM:
Hey!
I'm working on the business plan right now and so far have not had any help. I probably won't need help, even thoguh I've done one for my dad before! I'M REAL SERIOUS ABOUT DOING THIS, and I've gotten some strange remarks, some confused remarks, some alright remarks and pretty much, no supporting remarks.
I don't know about Canada's laws either, but i'm really hoping that I can pull through with this. A lot of you are probably laughing, but I'm not.
"I know I can, I know I can!" Is what I'm going to keep saying. And.... I'll do it!Andrew McCrea
P.S. I did a test show schedule for Swingfire Central, so you can see it here at this link! http://atrons.virtualave.net/SHOW%20SCHEDULE%20VALID%20FEBRUARY%209.doc It looks like Famous Players and Cineplex Odeon's ads.
Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 01-21-2001, 06:37 PM:
Not to be discouraging (and I sent you some more info via private email on this), but in case you care, I looked at some numbers a couple of years ago for possibly assuming the lease of an already-existing single-screen theatre. I figured that it would require about $100,000 in cash to take over the existing (underperforming) theatre, make some minor physical upgrades, and then pay film guarantees for the first six months or so in order to cover expected losses until the business was able to re-gain enough of its former customers in order to break even and, eventually, become profitable. This may have been a bit over-cautious with the funding and over-generous with the upgrades, but it should give you some idea of what you might be jumping into.
Good luck with your efforts...your age could almost be an advantage in this case, and you could likely get a lot of free publicity if you tried to make a big deal of it.
Posted by Dave Bird (Member # 490) on 01-21-2001, 07:26 PM:
Save the drive-in, my man! Differentiate yourself! Unfortunately, this is the property that will cost the most. My listing says 996 cars at the Odeon, a lot of land........
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-21-2001, 10:34 PM:
I don't think it is the guys here you will have to worry about taking you seriously. It's the people negotiating the leases and the studios who will ultimately be supplying you with the product. Do you have pictures of this place? The worst thing you can do to yourself is to take over a non-performing theater that is a dump. Does this place have all digital sound systems? Is there stadium seating? What is the demographics? What is your competition? What kind of repairs do you have to do to the theater? (That one will KILL you!) Do you have a booker yet or one lined up? Do you have a manager lined up (as pathetic as this is, customers won't treat you with an ounce of respect if you even appear young and will generally walk over you). Have you any projection knowledge, or do you know someone who can handle it for you? Finally, whatever dollar figure you come up with for this project, quadrouple it...because that's what it will end up taking! Who will you get your financing from and will your parents back you up on this, signing and taking responsibility for any debts that you might accidentally rack up?(We're not being negative and not saying that you cannot do this, just that there is an incredible amount of things that must be handled in order to make this all work. The comments the guys have made here are just trying to help make sure you aren't forgetting anything. What I've listed above doesn't even constitute 5%. 
)
Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 01-22-2001, 06:39 AM:
Brad's right (as usual). The last thing you want to do is get stuck with a lease on a theatre that is in poor physical condition. If the building has been closed for ten years (as you state), then it has probably been neglected during that time and likely has structural issues as well as expensive-to-fix annoyances (leaky roof, HVAC system in need of repair for having not been run for a decade, rodent infestation, etc.). If there are _any_ issues like these, make _sure_ that the landlord agrees to fix them as part of the lease deal, so that you don't get stuck paying for improvements to someone else's property.
Also realize that you'll be paying a lot in film guarantees for a multi-screen theatre. You can't just call up a distributor and say "I want movie X." You'll have to convince them that you will make it worth their while to send a print to you rather than to any of the other theatres that want it. If you want to play first-run titles, you'll be competing with other theatres in the same market for those films. Second-run or art is easier to get product for, but it may not be appropriate for your market. If you're going to do first-run or anything else where there is a lot of competition for prints, you will definitely need a booker. If you're doing second-run or art, you can probably get by without one, but that requires a lot of knowledge about your market and a good booker should be able to get better deals (or, at least, lower guarantees) on films than you could probably do on your own.
Not knowing anything about the theatres you describe or the market in which they exist, I'd guess that the drive-in is probably the best bet if the screen and concession area are in good shape. There are fewer structural issues with a DI and you can probably do most of the repairs yourself. The insurance cost might be higher, though...I don't know. It's also easier to deal with a large single-screen establishment than a multiplex, and booking is easier, since you only need one double-feature per week. If you can put the land to use for other functions (flea markets, etc.), then you might well be able to start generating cash right away.
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 01-22-2001, 09:14 AM:
Another thing to remember is that if it is an extreemly old building, 30 years or more, you will probably have to make modifications. Alot of repairs do to the age. In this case you have to pass your local inspections. You may have to install sprinklers, change your plumbing and all your electrical systems in order to comply with fire codes and other codes set up in your area.
Posted by Bill Carter (Member # 156) on 01-22-2001, 06:16 PM:
I'm not sure how similar things are in Canada, but in the states it can be much more difficult to repopen a closed theater than to takeover an operating business. Once any commercial building has been closed for a year or more, it must be made to comply with all current code if you want to reopen. That means plumbing, electrical, handicap accessibility, and (god help you) asbestos removal. Sometimes, fixing these things in a really old theater building can cost more than building a new one from scratch. I think that's probably why so many really great old downtown theaters across America will never reopen.
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-22-2001, 06:55 PM:
NO! It's still open! It's been on the market for sale/lease for at least 10 years! I'll edit this post later because I can't really picture the theatre now, but I know what I can do (to make it look good) and evrything!Andrew McCrea
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-23-2001, 06:50 AM:
I'm working on the "OPINIONS" section in the business plan. If anyone in the business wants to send opinions, then please e-mail them to me at mccoolkid2000@hotmail.com!Thanx!
Andrew McCrea
Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 01-24-2001, 12:34 AM:
I filed my first 'fictitious business name' at age 16 (1972) in the state of Nevada as 'Cinemechanics Service'This effectively put me in business! (I've been paying taxes since!) I am not sure that you could actually legally pull it off without a co-signer, but I can say to you is: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" GOOD LUCK!!!------------------
John Eickhof President, Chief Slave
Northwest Theatre Equipment Co., Inc.
P.O.Box 258
Wendell, ID. 83355-0258
208-536-5489
email: jeickhof@nteequip.com
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-24-2001, 04:54 PM:
I REALLY NEED Good Comments And Opinions From The Members Here Who Are In The Profession To Have A Better Chance Of Getting A Loan From The Bank. If you can e-mail them to me, I would REALLY appreciate it and You'd Help Me Finish My Plan! PLEASE SEND THEM NOW!
Andrew McCrea
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-25-2001, 01:11 AM:
You might want to consider making the basic plan available as it stands now to the members here so they could help you more specifically, as opposed to having people randomly throw out suggestions and ideas. I can upload it to the server if you need me to. (Just email it to me.)
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-28-2001, 08:37 AM:
Apparently Cineplex Odeon is finishing closing their 112 theatres by the end of February. Most within the next week! :EEK: I have to get to the old Garrick right away! This may sound very stupid, but Cineplex has lowered their ticket price a dollar in Winnipeg and Famous Players is raising theirs a dollar! Why would a company do this if they're going bankrupt?
Brad asked how the Garrick looked that I wanted to "take over" 
! Well, It's dark red/brown bricks that has more brown, The main floor lobby that looks the street has an all glass front wall, It has a bunch of backlit poster cases and flourescent marquees. The inside I've seen a little bit when I've driven past. Theirs a round ticket kiosk, 2 concession stamds (1 isn't used and is just empty), the carpet is so old from the tacky age that it looks cool again and theres 4 auditoriums with bcklit flourescent marquees above them.
Before they shut it down, my dad promised to take me to a movie! I'll be going by next Saturday, so I'll tell you all about it after my trip!!!!
------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 01-28-2001, 10:26 AM:
One of the auditoriums hs Dolby Digital Sorround Sound. The others have stereo. Apparently there's a steep sloping floor. Our demographics are 14-35 year olds. We'll run movies that generally appeal to that age group! The competition is Famous Players 2 screen Northstar, Famous Players Portage Place and Landmark Cinemas Towne 8 second run with 2 first run screens. The Famous Players are first run. What I want to do to the theatre is paint the outside bricks sky blue, put the companies name in big backlit letters with the logo on the building (backlit), Paint the lobby with a drop rod ceiling and tracks, L.E.D. Marquees above the auditorium entrances, paint the auditoriums black, put purple waterfall curtains in the auditoriums (not neccessary) & lease out the other concession stand to New York Fries or something! Purple (like Cineplex Odeon) Would be the companies colours. What's a booker? Is it someone who books what times the shows will play, which audioriums they'll play in & which films we'll roll? It it is, No, but I could book the films into the auditoriums. I do know Winnipeg's film distributer though! I have no manager lined up yet, but I'll be looking after I get the general asking price for the theatre and after i incorporate! I have some projection knowledge, but If anyone could e-mail me info on projections and projection, It would be so appreciated!Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not bad! I'm just drawn that way!" Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-03-2001, 07:39 AM:
I saw The Wedding Planner at this theatre. The theatre is in mint condition, It's just dated! The auditoriums are HUGE. The auditorium I was in probably had close to around 600 seats. The screen was GIGANTIC! The auditorium I was in was suppose to have digital sound, but it was only presented from speakers behind the screen, even though there was speakers all around us! Half the auditorium had a sloping floor and the back half had stadium seating!It's a shame no one goes there! When we got there, us and 5 others were in the lobby (7) and in the auditorium, I counted 9 people before and after the show! They only had 5 people working!
1 box office
1 ticket coll./usher/cleaner
1 concession
1 manager/accountant/blah blah blah
1 projectionest
The theatre was great! I honestly like it way better than the other theatres in our area, including the new multiplexes! The splicing for the trailers was a little bad!
Anyways! I love this theatre and Thursday was suppose to be their last night! It stayed open though!
------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 02-03-2001, 09:34 AM:
Andrew,The bookers job is to convince the ditributors to play a movie at your theaters. Large chains have what's called an in-house booker. They work spacificaly for that chain. Only booking films for that chain. Then you have independent bookers that hire out their services to small companied or single mom and pop opperations. Not being a large company having competition around you can make it hard to convince a dist. to book a film at your theater. It may be a good idea to try and book a theater like the one you have described as a repratory theater. Give the area something the other theaters do not have. Older films rare films. Midnight movies. Anything to be different. Once you establish the market for the films you play it will become a little easier to convince the film companies to put films into your theater. It is your job as the owner to set up the policy of how films should be scheduled and the managers job is to follow your policies. You need to be sure to go in with a substantial bank roll so that everyone who works for you will be garenteed a paycheck. Add up how much you would pay your managers and staff for a year and multiply it by 5 years and that is how much you will need to lock in for payroll only. Don't forget to adjust for possable yearly raises also. It could take five years to turn a profit. If in five years you are not then plan on getting out fast. Hope this helps and your dreams come true.
Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 02-03-2001, 12:36 PM:
Can A 13 Year Old Own A Theatre? Yea! But you can't watch any of your films without your mother present. 
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-03-2001, 01:30 PM:
2 Questions! Daryl, How do I get a booker, or anyone, where can I get a booker for my independent theatre?Also, Ian, I'll take that as a joke, but If it's true, My mother will be seeing a lot of films !
------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 02-03-2001, 02:32 PM:
In my Independant Marketing Edge Movie Theatre Yellow Pages they list 38 Buying & Booking Services. That's too many to type.But you can buy your own Movie Theatre Yellow Pages by writing to the following address.
Just send $9.95 US Plus $2 for foreign orders for postage to:
Independent Marketing Edge
517 South 22nd Avenue, Suite 3
Bozeman, MT 59718
USA
(406) 587-1251 Fax: (406) 586-1571
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 02-03-2001, 06:44 PM:
>>The auditorium I was in was suppose to have digital sound, but it was only presented from speakers behind the screen, even though there was speakers all around us!<<Not every movie has surround information, even in digital (just listen to any Woody Allen movie of late which are Dolby SRD or DTS MONO). people that complain about not hearing any surrounds in a perfectly functioning sound system are a big time pet peeve of mine. 'But on my home theatre system, I get talking and sounds out of all the speakers!' is a common reply to the 'not all movies have surround in them' explanation..... grrr.
Aaron
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-04-2001, 07:36 AM:
Isn't The Wedding Planner suppose to be in surround though? The only movie playing there that I haven't seen was the wedding planner, so I had to go because I need to get a good opinion on has it's run! Right here I have Famous Players movie schedules in front of me and it says "Wedding Planner 1:50 4:30 7:20 10:00" and before the name it has a check mark beside it! The check mark indicates it's presented in digital sound, with stadium seating, hearing assitive headsets & wheelchair accessibility!------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-10-2001, 10:04 AM:
Here's The New & Improved Website For Swingfire Central! Check it out, I built it myself!
http://atrons.virtualave.net/base.htm ------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 02-11-2001, 01:15 AM:
Andrew,
thats a nice site but I would steer away from using copyrighted trademarks of other companies. This will certainly endure you a lawsuit. I would instead just put "other chains" or something to that affect and list the prices.------------------
I love to smoke I smoke seventhousand packs a day and I'm never F*&ing quittin!-- Denis Leary
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-11-2001, 06:52 PM:
Sean,
The logo's have been removed and replaced with "Canada's Largest Chain" and so on! 
Sorry Everyone!
------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-17-2001, 04:01 PM:
The Garrick equipment is as follows
4 Ballantyne Pro35/70's
2 Vic 10's (in the d150 screen)
2 Vic8's
all with CP200's
This was 8 years ago
Cineplex removes all seats and equipment when a theatre closes as it is assets of a different entity. So you would be renting a shell.
Also in many cases theatres in canada rent with a o competition clause that it can't be used as a theatre for x# of years
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-18-2001, 07:30 AM:
Gordon,
How do you know this?------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-18-2001, 01:18 PM:
Because I have been there many times
Also the original Grant Park single was a great D150 theatre with a strip screen and DP75's
Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-24-2001, 07:18 PM:
Sad News. The theatre just became a second run house and I ended up going to "Dude, Where's My Car?"I enjoyed the place though and the screen wasn't as big as cinema 2's. I was in Cinema 4. Cinema's 3 & 4 were added on in 1952 and look very different and have different seats and ceilings, etc.
Anyways, now it's just $2 all the time! It's pretty good and I'll be going a lot more now!
------------------
Andrew McCrea
"I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way!" - Jessica Rabbit
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 02-25-2001, 12:18 AM:
Don't give up on your dream Andrew, maybe it will come true someday, somewhere, somehow. I just hope you understand and take the advice that everyone has given you and apply it to your future dreams.