We Ran a Historic Movie Theater for 3 Years…

Movie Theaters Disappearing and Montello Theater Test00:01

Movie theaters worldwide are disappearing, along with the movie-going experience. At the Montello Theater in the small town of Montello (population 400), they test turnout on a Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the concession area and theater. Prediction challenge: comment how many people will show up.

Hello. Let's all go to the movies. Let's all go to the movies. Let's all go to the movies and have ourselves some fun and turn on a whole bunch of light switches.

Corporate America wants small theaters to disappear, but they're committed to staying.

Love for the Theater and Community Support01:01

I do. I absolutely love this place. I put my heart and soul into it. I put everything into it. Uh, I love it. It's got so much character. I love having the people come and new people that I get to meet.

Family takes no paycheck; every penny reinvested into the theater. Veterans get in free forever—say "I'm a veteran" and they cover the ticket cost. Unlike other theaters raising prices to $100 for a family, they keep prices the same and launch this veterans free initiative.

Local attendee: Came with friends (or one friend) to watch movies; it's cool.

Projector Room and Theater History02:03

In the projector room: projector, audio equipment, editing table. Purchased the theater out of love for movies, but fell in love with the community and regulars sharing movie passion.

After years running it, noticed Hollywood dropping the ball with fewer good movies. Decided to make their own: spent 2.5 years traveling the planet, filmed 400 hours of footage with 9 doctors and experts worldwide. A worthwhile movie people will recommend and rewatch in theaters.