Starting up a movie theater?

So there's this old theater back home that's been shut down for about a year now. Last time I checked it was still standing but closed and I was wondering if anyone knew the ballpark figure for remodeling and opening it back up again. I'm going to look into getting help from a venture capitalist to do this project but I think there are about 9-12 screens that I want to convert to digital projections instead of film. I'd also have to redo the seating into stadium seating with better seats in general, and I'm thinking of turning one or two of the screens into a couples/chick flick screen with loveseats instead of chairs. I'd also have to put in a new sound system too because the one they had there before closing was horrible. So if anyone knows the initial costs of starting up a theater minus building the theater itself (seeing as the building is already there) that would be lovely. Any helpful links would be greatly appreciated.

So I think there's only six screens there which would already bring down the costs by a ton but I still haven't gotten any answers to the actual question itself although I do appreciate the support and ideas:-D

This is a tricky question because price vs participation is a huge part of start-up projections. If you committed yourself to getting in front of the right people you could easily take it from here to opening day for as little as $220k safely

Beyond that you'd be looking at a minimum of a 1.3 million dollar investment figuring the property to be a shell.

You might also want to consider alternative means of financing taking into account all future sources of revenue from this project and applying that in your search for funds.

The good part is you should receive a lot of free publicity for reopening a theater. It's a good idea - I'd stick with it.

Benny, not I don't have any information that can help you with your answer except _ GOOD LUCK! I wish you all the best. If we could only bring back some of these old buildings more often.

I love the love seat idea- too cute! I also think one of the screens should be strictly for arthouse films (you could even support local film directors- hint, hint). They wouldn't even have to be new releases- just eventual releases.

I hope you find some constructive answers. This sounds like a really big project.

lcd display

You have got great imaginitive power why not use it .

You say "Old Theater", why not try the Historical Society" in that community or some of the Theater Societies, they may be better at getting you info and help in getting this off the ground.