As far as we know, there are no books or publications written that provide specific information on opening a cinema. The best way to learn is to ask questions. Therefore, we recommend that you consider attending an industry convention. CinemaCon, NATO’s official convention, takes place in the spring at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The ShowEast Convention occurs annually in the fall in Miami, Florida. For further information regarding ShowEast, please call (646) 654-7680. Both of these conventions will provide you an opportunity to meet with other exhibition personnel, ask questions and generally get a feel for the business. For a full listing of exhibition industry conventions (including international, national, and regional shows) please visit the Events page on NATO’s website.
There are also a few media resources available to potential cinema owners/operators. The official magazine of NATO is BoxOfficePRO, and their associated website (www.boxoffice.com). Subscriptions to each are worthwhile investments. Furthermore, NATO publishes an online resource, the Encyclopedia of Exhibition. You can find more information on the Encyclopedia of Exhibition, and subscribe to it, through the NATO website. Another potential resource is an excellent book called, The Movie Business Book, revised and edited by Jason E. Squire. It details important aspects of exhibition and distribution in an easy to follow format. For anyone wanting to delve into the valuation of movie theaters businesses and real estate, we highly recommend The Valuation of Movie Theater Operations, by Stephen K. Bethel. Bethel is Director of Frazier Capital Valuation, and has been active in the business and valuation profession for over 20 years.
There are a number of companies that can assist you in developing either a marketing plan, or help you determine the feasibility of building a cinema in your area. In addition to a consultant, we strongly encourage you to enlist the services of a professional buyer/booker. The process of obtaining movie product (for any kind of operation, be it first run or discount) is very complicated. A good buyer/booker can make your company successful. Done improperly or inefficiently, you will without question fail. This is the meat and potatoes of your business. We cannot stress this point more.
We know of several companies that specialize in assisting individuals to get started. While we are happy to refer you to them, NATO does not take responsibility for the assistance they provide you.
Mike Doban, Arcangelo Entertainment, Inc., (818) 623-1015, www.ArcangeloEnt.com
Steve Felperin, Theatre Service Network, steve_f66@yahoo.com
Mike Spaeth and Chris Dugger, Alerion Services – Hollywood and Bollywood (Indian) Film Booking, Theatre Management Services (678) 364-1150, www.alerionservices.com
Richard and Jan Herring, Consulting/Booking/Buying, (540) 929-4173, fax: (540) 929-4042, www.StartAMovieTheatre.com
Jack Panzeca, Universal Cinema Services, Inc., (817) 633-2180, fax: (817) 633-2190, www.UniversalCinema.com
Lee Josselyn, Galaxy Consulting, (818) 986-9000, ljosselyn@galaxytheatres.com
Michael E. Covey, Sonic Equipment Company – Consulting, Equipment, Building, (800) 365-5701, covey@sonicequipment.com
Bruce M. Taffet, Taffet & Associates, LLC, (303) 840-9026, fax: (303) 840-9643, btaffet@taffetco.com
Howard Taormino, Theatre Services Unlimited, (610) 933-3234, Cinemaland@aol.com