Comments on: Help an Independent Movie Theater with the Brattle's Digital Projection and HVAC Renovation Kickstarter

By: john jeffreys

john jeffreys — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:12:54 +0000

The Boston Underground Film Festival screens there every year, I think.

By: Joe Marine

Joe Marine — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 02:22:35 +0000

Kickstarter obviously thinks this is acceptable since a number of these projects have made their way to the platform.

By: John Morse

John Morse — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:34:39 +0000

Yeah I know about the foundation, and again, I love The Brattle, but my main point was that this project is about purchasing equipment, not creating something. And whether or not people fund a project has nothing to do with whether or not it belongs on the site – many funded and partially funded projects have been canceled due to not meeting Kickstarter’s criteria. Kickstarter’s homepage says it’s “a funding platform for creative projects”, that’s really where my argument starts and stops. I understand that The Brattle supports the arts and is a great non-profit, but I don’t see the creativity in buying & installing new equipment. You don’t see production companies or non-profit filmmaker collectives on there raising money for new cameras and grip gear.

By: Joe Marine

Joe Marine — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:18:37 +0000

The Brattle is owned and operated by the non-profit Brattle Film Foundation, and donations are a part of their business.

As far as whether it belongs on Kickstarter, that’s the great thing about Kickstarter – if people like something they will fund it. It’s true that the platform started as a resource for creative projects, but I think supporting the arts is more important than some smart watch or a new iPad pen that you probably won’t be using a year from now.

Let’s also not forget that huge projects like this are the reason Kickstarter can stay in business and keep expanding, as they collect 5% from every successful project.

By: John Morse

John Morse — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:00:13 +0000

I was wondering the same thing, Petr. I love the Brattle but I don’t think this project should be on Kickstarter. Is this really a creative project? I understand there’s a renovation involved but to me it seems like this is a business that wants new equipment and they want someone else to help pay for it. In fact, they practically state that: “To prepare us for the next 60, we’re depending on the kindness of strangers “. Kickstarter is not meant to substitute for a good business plan and proper allocation of profits. When I see a project like this I always think about the filmmakers, musicians, designers and other creatives who’s projects might be passed over by people who decided to help buy a company a new machine instead. Again, I just don’t think that’s what Kickstarter is for.

By: Petr

Petr — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 17:48:44 +0000

Hope they succeed.
But there is one question that came into my mind: shouldn’t a cinema or any other business calculate such expenses for new technology or especially if something gets old and brakes into their ticket prices? I mean what if their old toilettes or doors or popcorn machine breaks and needs to get replaced? And yes I get that the DCP is a special situation here and also a huge investment, but what about the HVAC? It’s not a secret that things break and have to be replaced eventually. Shouldn’t one be saving up over the long run for such things?
I am not trying to troll, just would like to understand. Maybe some one can explain to me what the exact financial situation the independent cinemas are in?
Thank you.

By: DIYFilmSchool.net

DIYFilmSchool.net — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:16:46 +0000

Their cause is admirable. Hopefully this will be a success for them.

By: alex

alex — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:50:14 +0000

Really hoping Brattle is successful. They’re my go-to when I’m back home. Where else could you see Dr. Strangelove and Bladerunner on the big screen, in the same day?

By: Help an Independent Movie Theater with the Brattle's Digital Projection and HVAC Renovation Kickstarter | Film School Home Study

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 03:23:20 +0000

[...] Often when I’ve talked about small theaters going away or losing relevance thanks to the digital transition, many seem incredulous. Part of the reason they’re closing left and right is related to the expensive digital transition, which involves far more than buying an HD projector at a lSee all stories on this topic » [...]