How to Support Local Movie Theaters?

Answer 1

These days, it is increasingly important for local citizens to support the independent movie theaters in their community. In the age of the mega-cinemaplex, a growing number of communities are finding that their only option for enjoying a film in a movie theater is visiting the nationwide movie theaters operated by companies like Conglomerated Theaters and AMC Theaters. While these huge movie theater companies might offer comfortable seating and high quality surround sound, many movie lovers also find that these theaters are almost completely lacking in soul. If you are lucky to still have one or more locally owned movie theaters in your community, you know how big of a difference it makes when a theater is run by true movie lovers rather than MBA graduates. Here are a few simple things that you can do to support your local movie theater.

Attend Regularly

There is nothing quite like becoming a regular at a locally owned establishment, whether it is a cafe, a restaurant or a movie theater. Once you and your friends get to know the owners and staff of your local movie theater, you just might find yourself lingering in the lobby after the show engaging in a heated conversation about film or media in general. Getting to know the owners of a locally owned movie theaters is a great way to have a say in the movies that are available in your community, and you will know that every dollar that you spend their is supporting your local economy.

Spread the Word

Use every chance that you get to talk up your favorite movie theater. The more that you engage people about how cool it is to catch a film in a real cinema instead of the sticky floored movie theaters at the mall, the more people will think twice about where they spend their entertainment dollars. Most people do not realize just how much they influence the spending habits of their friends, family and acquaintances. Even if people do not seem to be struck by the difference between a local cinema and a theater franchise when you are talking with them, you might be planting a seed that will germinate into a change of opinion when they are thinking about the difference later on their own.

Participate In Film Festivals

Almost all locally owned movie theaters host some sort of a film festival or another, and getting involved in one is a great way to support the theater and the general cultural atmosphere of your community. If you are new to the world of film, participating in a few local film festivals is also a great way to meet some of the people in the industry, and you never know where having a few social contacts like that might lead.