Cheaper than the cinema...

[wmrcomputers]

I'm considering setting up my own local "mini cinema" if I can find a suitable hall with adequate seating on a weekly hire basis. It would all be done legally with the correct licences etc in place.

If I go ahead with such a plan, then the movies would usually be screened around 10 to 12 weeks later than the main cinema release (in many cases still earlier than DVD release dates), and I'm wondering what people might think is a fair price per ticket so that I can start some calculations.

Additional info - 10ft screen, cosy audience size of around just 100 - 150 people (maximum). Cheaper popcorn and drinks or even bring your own.

Thoughts on ticket cost? Comments? Suggestions?
Thanks

 

[Libzz]

I like the idea of a mini cinema but I prefer the idea of a cinema showing films not currently being shown at the cinema.

Stafford Film Theatre already do this at the Gatehouse or sometimes at the old Apollo, often showing subtitled films at a small fee of £5.75 or £48 for 12 films (works out at £4 a film).

In an ideal Stafford I would like to see a small/cosy cinema open for the Stafford community to get involved in by welcoming cinema goers/Stafford forum users and Other Social Network users to vote/suggest films for upcoming months.

This would hopefully result in a varied/exciting cinema experience



I would be happy to pay£5/6 with the option of buying cheap popcorn/drinks but with a friendly approach for customers to also take own refreshments (I already do but this would eliminate my current smuggler guilt)

 

[wmrcomputers]

This is precisely the kind of feedback I was hoping for! Many thanks for your time in replying.

I was thinking of some kind of website for the regulars to "vote for upcoming films" for this very reason. I'm possibly looking into pricing it at around £4 per ticket, so you've led me to believe that might be quite a realistic price to ask. The biggest problem is that hall hire and the licence alone to legally show the movies costs a fair bit, so I wouldn't be able to offer it overly cheap as it will only be a small profits venture anyway.

Massive thanks again Libzz. You gave a great response for a relative newbie to the forum. from me

 

[wmrcomputers]

What are your thoughts on membership? Do you like the way that the Stafford Film Society is ran, or do you think that a straight forward pay per movie option works better?
I'm also considering an annual membership option for discounted tickets, priority bookings etc. Obviously there would be a pay-on-the-night option but it would always be subject to availability.

What are your thoughts on best night of the week etc.? Obviously I would like to offer kids / family movies aswell as those suitable for more mature audiences so I'm wondering if people are less likely to go if it was a week night etc.

 

[wmrcomputers]

Are there really no movie buffs here? 51 views yet only one newbie response to this, and they're opening a 6 screen cinema in Stafford soon??? I think someone should tell them..

 

[Toble]

I'd say beware. We got in to trouble years ago showing films on a big screen as part of a university society. Released films always come with a "not for public performance" clause on them, and if you are getting them before the DVD release you have to be really careful.

 

[wmrcomputers]

You've mis-understood Toble. I'll be licenced to screen them publicly and advertise publicly too. The actual licensing company supply the material too so there's no illegal downloading or anything involved. I can get them earlier (in most cases) than DVD release dates due to being licenced to screen them.

 

[wmrcomputers]

It would all be done legally with the correct licences etc in place.

 

[wmrcomputers]

I have now set up a temporary website for more information and for people to register their potential interest in this project. You can find it at http://staffordmovieclub.weebly.com
If anyone reading this know people who regularly go to the cinema, would you please be kind enough to ask them to take a look?

Thanks

 

[kilmaccumsey]

I do believe there used to be a man on the sandon rd used to show old footage of Stafford in the garage in his garden , this was only up to a few years ago , he was a film buff

 

[littleme]

I think this sounds great, we don't often to to the cinema as its so expensive, so £4 is a good start

Have you thought about a family ticket maybe? We would probably be more up for the family/kids films as we can easily pick up 'adult' (I don't mean that kind of adult!) DVDs to watch at home & its nice to be able to take the kids out & do something.

Also a kids film club in the holidays? Probably might be to difficult to arrange though as I'm guessing any 'staff' would have to be crb (? whatever its called now).

 

[wmrcomputers]

Yes I forgot to point out that any children will need to be accompanied by an adult. I have been thinking about "Family ticket" options too and would probably include pricing for that at the time of launch.

Superb of you to show willing. Remember to fill in the newsletter form please at http://staffordmovieclub.weebly.com so that we have an idea of interest levels and can keep you posted.

 

[Libzz]

I have never viewed a film through the Stafford Film Society but I do know someone who views films there frequently. I would prefer to pay as you view films but would consider paying a membership fee if it meant receiving benefits/discounts such as:

Occasional 2 for 1 offers / free popcorn

A Loyalty card scheme where members get the 10th/20th film showing for free/half price

A rating system on the Stafford Movie Club website for each film showed with possible comment box for viewers to leave brief reviews

Priority booking for tickets to themed evenings for example musical films/sing along showings (Rocky Horror, Mamma Mia etc) this would be good on a Friday/Saturday night.

I have registered on your website as I am very interested/excited about your idea

 

[wmrcomputers]

Some great thoughts again Libzz. Thanks for registering - we're as excited too. I've just been to view a possible "location" which I can't confirm yet, but plans are in motion and this is something we'll DEFINITELY be at least trying once or twice and hopefully above and beyond that.

 

[wmrcomputers]

PLEASE SEE THE NEW THREAD regarding a new website address and latest information
http://www.staffordforum.com/xf/ind...ited-exclusive-memberships-now-on-sale.13681/

 

[My Name is URL]

How about a drive in movie... that would be good. Might need some more tech to make it happen but might be offset by not needing as expensive a venue. Telford council are doing drive-ins at the moment although a bit steep at £20 a car.

 

[wmrcomputers]

Something we hope to build up to one day