Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Non-Multiplex Multiplex

This is topic Non-Multiplex Multiplex in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Edward Jurich (Member # 1787) on 12-20-2007, 01:55 PM:

I just came back from a trip in the Philippines. While in Davao at the big shopping center, I took in a movie at the 5-plex. First, it is during the week, mid afternoon and slow. The ticket booth has 3 cashiers. I go to buy a ticket but have to go to the correct cashier for the movie I want to see, each cashier only sells for certain movies. Then with ticket in hand, I walk down the mall and there are 5 separate theater entrances, each entrance has a ticket taker. While watching the show I notice a flicker in the picture and I think "that looks like a carbon flicker". Sure enough, cue marks scratched on the film and a changeover. So we have a 5-plex run like 5 single screen theaters and running changeovers. The one I was in was big and I assume they are all the same size since the entrances all appeared the same.
My first thought was what a huge overhead with all those employees but then I don't think they make much money. And would you call this a multiplex or 5 single screen theaters with a remote box office.

Posted by Robert W. Jones (Member # 4228) on 12-20-2007, 03:00 PM:

Ed,

You paid twice the amount the cashiers and a projectionist make in Davao per hour.

My first experience there was watching two TV episodes of "the Six Million Dollar Man" cut together as a feature. Cost 20 cents US. Changeovers and carbon arcs. This was in 1979 in San Fernando, Pampanga, Luzon just north of Manila.

Out of curiosity, were there vendors walking the auditorium selling pork rinds and peanuts?
Rob

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-20-2007, 07:02 PM:

The monetary denomination in the Philippines is the Peso-which right now sits at one Peso (PHD) equals 0.024 to the US dollar.

Thus the average Filipino over there makes between $100.00 to $200.00 monthly income (my friend is over there with his filipino wife starting an online business..and tells me of the situations in that country) and they tought the Americas as "filty rich" and prime targets for the local gang members over there.

Thus, going back to that comment on the huge overhead since the pay is so horribly low, it's quite affordable...just don't rent anything over there. You purchase and sell back.

Posted by Edward Jurich (Member # 1787) on 12-21-2007, 06:10 PM:

quote: Robert W. Jones
Out of curiosity, were there vendors walking the auditorium selling pork rinds and peanuts?
Rob

No vendors in the auditorium. There was a large concession stand in the mall hallway by the theaters.

As for Americans being a prime target for gangs, that would explain why I was told to stay off the streets at night.