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…“We want to generate product that gets people out, particularly in the middle of the week,” said Bud Mayo, CEO of Digiplex Destinations, which operates the Bloomfield 8 Theater. “One of the ways to get them busier is to know the audience and play things other than Hollywood movies.” …
The NCM Fathom programming has included the ballet “Giselle” streamed in 3-D from Russia, four William Shakespeare plays streamed from London’s Globe Theatre, an opera series including “Madame Butterfly” from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and live sporting events in 3-D such as soccer’s World Cup and the Wimbeldon tennis finals.
“It was a challenge to generate awareness for this type of programming,” said Michelle Portillo, NCM Fathom spokeswoman. “People are catching on finally.” …
“People are surprised they can see something for $18 that would cost them $60-70 to see in New York,” plus the travel cost, Corcoran said. …
“The economics of running alternative content has gotten to the point where the concept is going to get a lot bigger,” Devine said. “It is beyond its infancy, and it has a lot of room to grow.” …
To reward Bow-Tie patrons, the company lowered all its ticket and concession prices by 10 percent for the summer running June 17 to Sept. 8. The reduction was meant more as a reward to loyal customers but is expected to increase attendance. …
Bloomfield 8 is particularly searching for the older audience underserved by Hollywood movies. The theater started dedicating one screen for independent film and is finding new programming for that crowd, Mayo said.
To cater to this alternative crowd, theaters offer concessions beyond the normal fare. The snack counter features items such as coffee, espresso and biscotti.
For screenings of sporting events, Rave Motion Pictures offers food stands at its locations, much like the food carts at sports stadiums. The idea is to give fans the same experience as a game. Mayo wants to get permits to allow fans to tailgate outsideBloomfield 8. …
Digiplex’s goals call for 1,000 screens at 100 locations in the next three years, Mayo said. …
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