A movie-goer will never forget the feeling of being transported to another world by sitting in darkened theaters with popcorn and a cold beer. Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at your local movie theatre? Your theater workers may not want you to know some of the secrets and fascinating facts. altoona movie theater 'll be sharing some of these secrets with you and giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of the movie theater business.
Theaters Make More Money from Concessions than Ticket Sales
You're not the only one who feels like you have paid a lot for small popcorn and soda at the cinema. Concession sales make theaters a higher profit margin than ticket sales. This is why popcorn and other snacks can seem expensive. Theaters have to compensate for the lower profit margins from ticket sales.
Theatre employees get to see movies for free
Employees get to see movies free of charge as part of their job at a movie theatre. Movie-lovers who are looking to see the latest releases and not spend a lot can take advantage of this. But there's a catch - employees usually have to wait until after the theater is closed for the night to watch the movie, which means they might not get to see it until a few days after it's released.
Theaters Have a Short Window for New Releases
Ever wonder why movies disappear so quickly from theaters after they are released? This is because the theaters have a very limited time to show new releases before it's too late. You should see the movie in theaters if you want to catch it at the big screen. It might not be available for long.
Theaters use often the same movie reel to screen multiple screens
Sometimes, a theater will only get one physical movie reel when they receive a new movie. The reel can then be used to show the movie on multiple screens in the theater. This means that there is a high chance that the same movie is playing simultaneously in different theater rooms.
Cinemas Must Follow Stringent Rules to Show Movies
When showing movies, movie theaters must follow certain guidelines. For example, they can't start a movie before the scheduled start time, even if everyone is seated and ready to go. They can't show previews longer than a set time and must stop selling tickets before the movie begins.
Cleaning Theaters can be a difficult job
Ever wonder who takes out all the trash and popcorn after a movie ends? It's the theater employees. It's not an easy job. They need to be able to quickly clean up the theater in time for the next movie. It can be challenging to deal with customers who have left their trash everywhere. So, be kind and dispose of your trash properly!
Theaters Can Be Very Cold
You're not the only person who's ever felt uncomfortable at the cinema. The theaters are often kept very cool to preserve the film and keep equipment running smoothly. If you are sensitive to cold, bring a jacket or sweater.
Movie Theaters are Going Extinct
Movie theaters are finding it difficult to survive with the advent of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Many people would prefer to watch movies at their home over going to the cinema, and this trend is only growing. This is why theaters are starting to offer more luxurious experiences, like reclining seats
Theaters Use Projectors to Show Movies
While some newer theaters have switched to digital projectors, many older theaters still use traditional film projectors to show movies. These projectors use light to shine the film onto the screen, creating the images you see on the big screen. Digital projectors use a computer to project the movie.
Theaters Offer Special Events and Screenings
Many theaters offer screenings and special events like midnight showings of the most popular films or classic film screenings. These events can be a lot of fun and attract movie lovers who want to experience something unique. Some theaters even offer live events, such as concerts or performances, in addition to movies.
Movie Theater Popcorn is a Unique Experience
Have you ever noticed that movie theater popcorn has a unique taste and smell? It's usually popped with coconut oil and flavored using special seasonings. Combining oil and seasoning gives you classic movie theater popcorn flavour.
Theaters have to deal with movie piratery
Movie piracy has become a major problem for the movie business. Theatres need to take preventative measures. Security measures are often in place to ensure no illegal recording of the movie. This can include night-vision goggles or trained employees who look for suspicious behavior.
Opening Weekends are more profitable for theaters
The opening weekends of movie theatres are vital as they earn the most during these times. Theaters will often show multiple screenings of a new movie in the first few days after it is released. It's possible for a movie to fail its first weekend and be removed from the theaters quickly.
Movie Theaters Are Not Always Quiet
You're not the only one who has been annoyed by loud patrons at a movie theater. Movie theaters can be noisy places, especially during busy showings. This is why many theaters offer special screenings for people with sensory issues, where the lights are left on and the sound is turned down.
Movie Studios Charge Theaters a Percentage for Ticket Sales
The percentage of ticket sales that movie theaters make must be paid to the studios producing the films. This means that theaters don't keep all the money they make from ticket sales - they have to share it with the studios. Theaters also rely on concession sales in order to make a profit.
Cinemas offer movie buffs a unique experience. From the popcorn to the projectors, there are plenty of secrets and interesting facts behind the scenes. Take a moment to take in all that goes into making a movie experience magical next time you visit the cinema. Make sure you clean up after yourself. Your local theater staff will appreciate it.