Recently, a new study came out from Canada’s independent cinema owners that said the industry is in crisis, and they are looking for public funding to help keep the doors open.
Sixty percent of cinema operators told the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors that they operated at a loss at the end of their most recent fiscal year.
We reached out to Mark Rapley, owner of the Strand in Simcoe, who was part of this survey and said the Strand is sitting in a position of feeling slightly more comfortable than average, but continued community support is needed.
One of the benefits of having a theatre in rural Norfolk is that they are able to get blockbusters on day one, which some independent cinemas are not allowed to do if they are within proximity to a larger movie theatre chain.
Rapley talked to us about his love for independent movie theatres and what separates them from the larger ones in the city.
A few weeks ago, a Facebook post by the Strand blew up online as it talked about surge pricing.
It noted that while large movie chains were jacking up ticket prices for the opening week for Dune 2, that is not something independent movie theatres like the Strand feel is right.
Admission to the Strand, aside from their “cheap night” on Tuesdays, is $10.
They pocket less than half of that, with the majority of the movie-going to the studio.
Rapley noted the give and take of this, saying to get Barbie at the Strand day one – they had to take a significant hit off their admission price, but it also meant the theatre was packed for weeks on end.
He says the cinema should be a cultural experience, noting the many special screenings and documentary films set to air in April at the Strand.
A movie theatre should be able to show you the fun movie to take your mind off of life for a while, but also be able to really bring up important conversations as well.
Rapley said if you want to support independent cinemas, all you need to do is go and see a movie.
He said for a relatively cheap night out, take a chance on a film you are interested in, good or bad, for that shared experience with friends and family.
Below is our full interview with Rapley where he goes more into the weeds on how certain things run behind the scenes at the movie theatre and the events taking place in April.
Written by Matt LeBlanc