Fix Theaters In 2010 Part 2

Entertainment has gone through many changes throughout out the years. Radio, silent pictures, “talkies,” and eventually “movies” and their theater houses have been the center of our attentions for the past century. However, in today’s day and age with so many possibilities vying for our attention how will theaters keep us coming back for more? How will they stay socially relevant? The following is a continued looking into what I consider a few suggestions for theaters to not only survive, but thrive into today entertainment market.

8. Foster Arts

Cinematic chains are typically viewed as the only portion of entertainment which gives the least back artistically to a community. Time for a change. Local independent film festivals are an excellent way to boost attendance to the theater, and to grow local artistic interest, and can be very simple to put on. My local Cinemark has done an excellent job of pairing with the local colleges, unions, and schools to produce some of the best work in some time. Theaters should reach out to the community and make this a possibility.

9. Event Viewing

Currently, you are able to appreciate the Metropolitan Theater Opera on Cinemark screens for a limited time. This is an excellent idea as it bring in a completely different typically un-theater demograph. Although, it is a valiant first attempt it is far too small of a niche to merit any notable success. Bring “Phantom of the Opera,” to the big screen and I will be there. Hell, if you brought a few Disney shows, Newsies, to the stage I would bring my friends. If Thriller can get its own musical why can’t we see it in a theater?

10. Pre-Roll

Rather then spend time and effort on convincing me to have my next business meeting in your theater offer me other pre-roll entertainment. Only recent theaters began giving you “Behind the Scenes” access which the Army has been all to kind to sponsor. Give me some Pre-Roll entertainment that has something to do with the movie I am about to watch. I didn’t watch the specials, interviews, or extras that were on television regarding the movie I am about to watch, and even if they were I would gladly watch them again. I already gave you my money, now give me more value.

11. Previews

Film commercials have gotten almost formulaic. Lots of explosions, awkward comedic catchphrases, maybe a little skin here or there, and the unavoidable close up of the most bankable star. I’m not complaining entirely. I love to see who is in what, and even what I can expect, but I want to be intrigued as to the quality or storyline of the film. The Dark Knight was an excellent example. Their viral campaigns consisted of multiple websites from the perspective of its main characters, and how those characters might affect your life as an innocent Gothamite bystander, then advertisers got involved. You could have gotten a pizza delivered from Pizza Hut if you were clued into the Hahahatimes from the Joker.

12. Price

Going to the movies has gotten almost more expensive then putting gas in my car, and with so many less expensive ways to get my entertainment you must be competitive. Other methods are becoming popular and simple to use including Netflixs, etc. I would hope that theaters would offer incentives or discounts based upon your interaction with the film. For example, give the rabid fans of Star Wars, a dollar discount if they come in full face paint and costume. They will feel like a valued consumer, and return. Understandably they are coming anyways.

13. Smarter Audiences

Be a smart audience member. Make them earn your business. If you do not like a movie it is your right to walk out within the first 20 minutes and receive a full refund. Consider this something of a modern day “civil/film rights” sit in. Buy a ticket for a movie that you are protesting with a large group of people, walk out twenty minutes into it. This causes the refunds to appear on the books, and your dollars now have an impact. Not to mention the local theaters may stop carrying stupid movies that you do not appreicate.

14. Etiquette

I can not tell you how often an excellent film has been ruined by a damn enthusiastic texter, the over ambitious chatter box, and even the half naked raving minority child. The theaters have done a decent job of attempting to crack down on the frenetic texters with an additional reminder commercial break to STOP, but I think that they should go one step further. Provide a simple text at the beginning of the film offering the patrons the option of a manager stepping in for a minute or two and catch the annoyance in the act, and either escort them out or tell them to stop or kill them.

Conclusion

Essentially, theaters must reconsider how they operate their businesses. Everything from the inital experience to the audience etiquette during the movie must be taken into consideration. I, for one, am very excited to spend a Friday evening with my lady enjoying a blockbuster. Let’s see if we could get that expereince everytime.