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Community Corner

Historic Maynard Fine Arts Theatre Place Launches New Campaign to Raise Funds for Digital Conversion in Advance of December Deadline

“Support the Arts – Help Us Go Digital” Campaign Sets Goal of $200,000 to Fund Digital Conversion Necessary to Receive First-Run Movie Releases

 

Maynard, Mass. (September 17, 2013) – The Fine Arts Theatre Place in Maynard announced today the launch of a new campaign to raise funds to convert to digital projection, which is required by the film industry as of January 1st, 2014 to continue to receive first-run movie releases. 

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The “Support the Arts – Help Us Go Digital” campaign has set a goal of $200,000, which will cover the cost of new projection equipment, computers and a sound system necessary to support the digital format.  The Fine Arts Theatre Place will also host an open house kickoff event during Maynard Fest on Saturday, October 5th. 

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“The Fine Arts Theatre Place is a cornerstone of the community and a beloved cultural asset for thousands of families and children throughout the area,” said Steve Trumble, co-owner of the Fine Arts Theatre Place.   “We purchased this theatre last April because of its rich history and my own fond memories of viewing films there.  This campaign is essential to raise the funds necessary to continue to show new release films, so that generations to come will have the opportunity to create their own memories while watching their favorite movies.”

 

The film industry has used 35mm film since it first launched in 1910, but it is now making the transition to digital projection.  New movies will cease being released on 35mm film by the end of 2013, meaning that theaters must have the updated equipment to show new films.

 

“The Fine Arts Theatre Place provides critical contributions to the arts and culture in Maynard and surrounding communities,” added Trumble.  “For many, the closest large cinema is more than 30 minutes away, and the Fine Arts Theatre Place enables families to have easy access to movies and entertainment right here in the community.”

 

The Fine Arts Theatre Place was originally built as an automotive showroom in the early 1900,’s and was converted to a movie theater in 1949.  Since purchasing the Fine Arts Theatre Place last April, Trumble and his business partner Melanie Perry have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into the restoration of the building.  Interior renovations are also scheduled to begin later this year.

 

With the budget depleted, the new “Help Us Go Digital” campaign will provide residents and community and business leaders with the opportunity to directly support the arts and Fine Arts Theatre Place on this specific goal of digital projection.

 

“We’re proud to have invested more than $500,000 in the restoration of the Fine Arts Theatre Place, efforts that are essential to preserve the theatre,” said Perry, who co-owns the theatre with Trumble.  “We know this is a beloved community asset with thousands of devoted fans, and we hope individuals will visit our website and learn more about our efforts to restore the theatre and convert to digital.”

 

Most of the large cinema chains have already made the conversion to digital, which is often more cost effective for multi-screen theaters buying equipment in bulk.  Many smaller, independent community theaters in Massachusetts and across the nation have been forced to raise funds to help cover the cost of digital projection.

 

For more information on the Maynard Fine Arts Theatre Place and the “Help Us Go Digital Campaign” please visit www.fineartstheatreplace.com or “like” the theatre’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Fine-Arts-Theatre-Place    

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