07-29-2017, 07:56 AM
I don't think a movie theater would make it. Most (usually 90%) of the ticket prices go to the studios and operating cost of the theater. It might actually be higher here because of the high cost of air conditioning. But regardless, a theater's profit comes solely from concession sales, and Pahoa strikes me as the type of town where people would forgo the popcorn or sneak things in, while they complain about the high ticket prices. The studios would win in the short term, but the local theater operator would lose.
A "second run" theater might make it, showing older films that studios rent at a discount. There are dozens in the Pacific NW that show older films and make their money serving pizza and beer. Many of them are retired "first run" theaters and the new owners ripped out every other row of seats and replaced with narrow tables. Usually they charged a nominal fee, like $1.00 to see a double feature.
A "second run" theater might make it, showing older films that studios rent at a discount. There are dozens in the Pacific NW that show older films and make their money serving pizza and beer. Many of them are retired "first run" theaters and the new owners ripped out every other row of seats and replaced with narrow tables. Usually they charged a nominal fee, like $1.00 to see a double feature.