I think these are great ideas. Even summer concerts in the park...just to go out and sit in the park and listen to the music. Most of the people in Fillmore don't go to the train festivals, just out-of-towners. I've been on the train once and that was when it first started running..but that's it. So to do something like this in the warm summer months sounds fun, and I know I could get a group of my girlfriends to go to the Midnight showing of Grease. ha That would be fun.

Ya..."DiscJockey"...I also think this idea of yours hit upon something. I don't know how many would also be interested in some of those older movies I used to see back in the 1950's like "The Day the Earth Stood Still", and some of those A-Bomb radiation flicks that showed little creatures such as spiders and lizards and ants gone out of control as they generated into a size larger than a house. There were also Werewolf movies and outer-space movies, too. Stephen King also had some classics! The only thing that I do not know is that if the theaters still use the old-time 35mm sound-on-film projectors or not; but maybe these movies are now transcripted into the updated film or discs the projectors use.

Along with this concept, DiscJockey and Jewels, maybe the restaurants [together or alternating] could stay open and cater specials to the crowds going to the theaters before the show starts, and also use those suggestions you and Jewels [and others, too] may have. The little kids can also enjoy some of these movies, but it would scare them, for sure. Somehow, my brain is organizing some other incentives to SHOP FILLMORE in the midst of these special programs. Go ahead, folks, bring this up at a City Council meeting and have them do some research and see where this would go. ~ John King

I also think those are great ideas! I would like to add that since the Valentines Movie is so popular, why not do other themed special event movies? Patriotic near July 4, Romantic comedies for spring, Christmas time classics, etc.

By the way, does anyone know what the Valentine movie will be this year?

Great idea,let's hope that the powers at be help make this happen.

Any extra use of the Town Theater would be pretty great. The whole "vibe" of the theater is very nostalgic, so playing a B-movie from the 50's would most likely bring in out of towners. It just needs some creative minds pushing the extra events, rather than a mention in the sole town paper, and a Powerpoint slide on Channel 10.

I do know the Ventura Theater has done some double features and it was very successful.

DJ

I watched an outdoor movie in a campground in the Rockies years ago. Folding chairs and a sheet screen. It was great. Good idea.

JB

The theater now has a fly screen which allows for stage events to occur. Not many have, but this feature is utilized from time to time...the theater has some of the very best acoustics in town, in my opinion...

I've always wondered, in the 60's, 70's and even 80's, they had no trouble keeping the theatre going, and it was rather run down then. I remember long lines down the block, for Hard Days night and Star Wars, oh, the fun we had there! Anyone remember when Murvin Maynard and his band played in between movies? They managed to show two movies then, and they must have made a profit? Any idea whats changed?

Management!

Booking costs and minimum run times have all changed over the decades. Many people go out of town to the mega theaters which offer mulitple showing per day. This fits their lifestyle better.

I haven't taken the crash course in how to build a movie, staff the theater, pop corn, order and stock candy, handle ticket sells, clean the bathrooms, preview the movie for proper operation, how to make corrections on the fly while under pressure, how to switch out the soda bottles, ship movies, book movies weeks in advance, make considerations which movies to book, handle money, keep the books and the list goes on.

It's easy to throw rocks at management. So when was the last time you attended a movie in Fillmore Agent86?

The Theater needs work for sure. It also needs the community to support it. Monday nights are "Family Night" with reduced prices. Save your gas money, have dinner in town and go to the movie. Support Fillmore, Shop Locally.

Steve Conaway

Steve Thanks for the breaking it down-why did everything seem less complicated when we were growing up?? I hope people will support the theatre and keep it going.

Folks, I never worked at movie theaters, but I had a friend once (he passed-on) who did. We were discussing theaters one time. He said that most town theaters were affiliates of corporations like Lowe's and MGM, etc, for instance. They assisted in some of the operational aspects of the theaters, and prescheduled the films to be shown. I would not hesitate to also mention, some of these theaters were "O&O's"; "Owned-and-Operated" theaters by local folks. Whatever the case may be, it can be an active business. Everyone realizes that now, with DVD's and "TV movies", and on-screen PC movies (such as the new "Hillary - The Movie", you can watch movies anytime, without paying for expensive theater tickets, etc. Wife's family, who were into many types of businesses in Tumauini, operated one of these O&O movie theaters. The theater still stands today and is used by some religious society three days a week for religious services. So goes the nature of small theaters. Steve's first sentence sums it all up; as our mega theaters are all over Manila, and other large cities across the Phils. I would hope something can be generated to regain the theater status in Fillmore. Everything old can be new again with community help and interest!

JK

FillmoreNative,
"Back in the day" things did seem simple, do doubt. We then grew up and learned that life is more complicated, we learned those lessons from work and adding responsibility to our lives.
Movie on demand, Netflix and local DVD stores have had an impact on theaters as John T mentioned.

"The Show" has the best popcorn, period. I see people go to the show just to buy the popcorn, it's that good.

Middle section, second row second seat, Saturday afternoon. $1.00 got me in and two grape sticks. Happy kid.

Oh yeah...oh yeah! Even while you stood at the front gate buying your ticket, you could smell that popcorn popping in that large, round stainless steel pot with that swirling agitator inside and the top which opened up to spill out thousands of those delicious kernels of hot popped corn...then came the salt...and if you wished; the butter! Remember the windows on that large containment the popper was in? It always was nearly filled with popcorn..and scooped up into your little box or the wax-treated butter cup. You're right, Steve, it WAS the popcorn! I remember when movies cost .12 cents to get into. The "Epics" cost .35 cents to .50 cents...and that was a lot when I was a kid. The ambiance of "movies-and-popcorn" always seemed to go together. I don't know why, but it's that way through today. So, this leads me onto this: If and when the Towne Theater gets back into operation (if the safety and fire standards are up-to-date and there are adequate emergency exits, etc, and etc, plus they have the projectors or updated equipment to run the movies) I hope it is never again to be abandoned. Even special events could be held in there...and those outdoor events (already mentioned) really add to a good community relations aspect. Oh...and don't forget that popcorn, if it is still available. I do know those popcorn machines can still be purchased, though! Funny...I honestly can smell that popcorn right now...no kidding!!

JK

While we're waxing nostalgic don't forget the Fillmore Towne Theater is open for business, and has been since the city took over after the Northridge earthquake. The city was able to pull in grant movies and when combines with citizen participation it's been open for business.
The old popcorn machine is still there and cooking up great popcorn to this day.
The facility is available for rent and special events. Just this last Saturday night, in conjunction with the Skate Park Grand Opening, a special showing of "Lords of Dogtown" was shown. I think we had 65 people attend. Fillmore Citizen's Patrol also uses the show for their free matinee movie once or twice a year. The city sponsors the Valentines night, which is always a nice treat.
Lately people have discussed Comedy Nights or Band nights.
I believe Slumdog Millionaire is currently being shown. Go for the popcorn, stay for the movie.

didn't the Town Theater do a benefit concert for that young girl who was murdered? Valerie Zavala I believe? That was a sucess as I recall.

In my final comment on this thread, It is very appropriate and nice to see that the Fillmore Towne Theater is still growing strong and is maintained by great management by the City of Fillmore and those who have direct operational control. It is difficult for me to get a hands-on approach to Fillmore now that I do not reside there anymore, but thanks to all those who help me in knowing about these details. I'm sure that some needed advertising is presented for upcoming movies and events in local media and possibly fliers at businesses and restaurants. Keep up the great work on this program, City of Fillmore!

JK

Thanks for the correction Steve, I thot maybe the Theatre had closed and I hadnt realized it...rather confusing..
Well, 50 cents got us in, and two candy bars and a coke, and there wasnt a better way to spend a Saturday, such good memories there at the Towne Theatre. There was a family that owned it in the 70's, I forget their name, they live up on Foothill, at the top, had a daughter that would have graduated about 1975. He had a heart attack and my husband went in on weekends to help corral the kids. They did such a good job, it was clean, movies were always decent, and I never gave a thot to all there was to running the place! I guess those days are gone..

Dale Larson, FN...his widow still lives there...Hard to compete with 16 theater complexes...easier to get to those multiplexes with a four lane road...not to mention DVD's in yer homes...it's real, real tough for a small theater to compete...the only way to approach it is just make the assumption that it will never make money, but it's there for the public good...Now, there's a concept for A-86! Public good! Roll it around a coupla times, Dave...who knows, a little of the concept might just take!

How sad, I guess it was closed the other night, as no one came? I think that would be a fantastic thing, to keep it open for public use, would the city be able to afford that, given where they're throwing away money left and right? Just think how many good ways that money could have been spent. YES-- the Larsons! Thanks, Mrs. Larson was so sweet, and so appreciative of us coming down there to help out, when her husband had his heart attack, such a kind lady. Doesnt seem like that was so long ago, but I guess it's over 30 years now...

Ya know, Agent 86, it seems like you might have some special knowledge about theater management...I'm certain that an astute fella like you might be able to get in there and turn the theater around...and I'll bet you'd even volunteer your time...

So, how about it, Dave...ya wanna put your efforts where yer mouth is? Let's see yer magic...

Sooo, say I were to follow through with this, and go to a city council meeting. How would I go about bringing this up?

DJ,
You're on the right track already. At the beginning of each council meeting every citizen desiring to address the council is given 5 minutes to make a presentation. Simply fill out a speaker card and let the council know what you're thinking. At that point the council could get involved or direct staff to sit down with you to develop the concept further.

Steve Conaway

Yeah I remember that, In fact I was sittin' on the drums.

Man, DiscJockey, this topic originated back in January (12th) 2009! Now, it is within days, nearly 2010 and nothing has been done about this suggestion? Better get on the schtick, guy! I think this is a wonderful idea, if you ask that opinion of me...boom-boom!

Fillmore just isn't that cool to show movies like that.

We have a great asset in the movie theater but no one in City Hall is apparently capable or willing to host such an event. Additionally, I don't think the citizens of Fillmore would attend such an event.

Last week I attended a showing of Hitchcock's Vertigo in Ventura. It was fantastic.

Anyway, it is my opinion that it's only a matter of time before the theater closes.

As part of the Skate Park Grand Opening a special showing of "Lords of Dogtown" was shown. It brought in 75 customers and turned a profit. It does take effort and promotion. A Classic Horror night could work but it takes effort. I think the booking fee for a classic movie like that is around $250.00, not to mention the time to set up the movie and operate the theather.
The Theater has been operating at a loss each year. The reasons for it are many.
Finding the right solution for Fillmore will be difficult.

Steve Conaway

Steve, are there any types of "projectors" on the market which incorporate DVD discs instead of the 35mm film? I do not know of any right now, but although these projectors, if on the market, will truly cost some money, especially for the lens' and all, may be out of the marketable question for the Theater. Maybe some electronic expert in this area of technology can answer this. It probably will require a new screen system, too. Well, I may have answered my own question.

I don't have working knowledge of the projection system at our theater other than being told it's old and is getting difficult to repair. Sorry I don't have more information.

Steve

Steve...we buy old automobiles, trucks, parts, furniture and the such all over the place...and then I'm wondering if there is not some outlet such in the Lowe's movie theater chain or other avenues which sell projectors that would fit in the Towne Theater? I guess some research - if that research has not been initiated already - could be checked-out. Knowing how effective Fillmore operations have been in the past, I'm sure this avenue has already been scanned for a good condition film projector with available parts.