How to Start a Drive-In Theater
- Find the Ideal Spot. According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, you should look for a closed drive-in theater to remodel.
- Buy Projection and Sound Equipment. ...
- Construct Buildings. ...
- Obtain Movies. ...
- Obtain the Necessary Licenses. ...
Full Answer
How to start a drive-in movie theater business?
These categories are namely; a drive-in theatre screen, a projector suitable for drive-in movies, and Drive-in movie concessions. There is ample information for you as you read on if you truly want to start this business. 1. Understand the Industry 2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies
Who invented the drive-in movie theater?
In the 1930s, New Jersey inventor Richard Hollingshead mounted a Kodak projector on the hood of his car and created the drive-in movie theater.
What size drive-in theater do I Need?
Many drive-in theaters use a ratio between 2.0:1 and 2.2:1. A typical drive-in screen is between 50 and 100 feet wide. Once you’ve chosen your width you will base the height on your chosen dimensions. Screen height is also important. A drive-in screen should be at least 15 feet from the ground depending on the lay of your land.
What do you need to know before remodeling a drive in theater?
You’ll need a combination of careful planning and an investment in today’s projection technology to provide entertainment on an outdoor screen. According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, you should look for a closed drive-in theater to remodel.
How do you build a drive-in movie theater?
0:443:51How to Make Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe power requirements of the projector. Are around 350 watts for our particular projector. But you'MoreThe power requirements of the projector. Are around 350 watts for our particular projector. But you're really going to want to read up and see what the power requirements. And your projector.
Do drive-in theaters make money?
How much profit can a drive-in movie theater make? You may be making as little as 10% of each ticket sold when you are showing new releases during the summer blockbuster season. Concession items offer profit of 50 to 80%, but your operational expenses will eat into all those extra dollars.
How much does it cost to build a theater set?
Building a movie theater can cost a few hundred thousand or close to $5 million. Most of this depends on where you are building your movie theater and the size of theater you are looking to build. Obviously, a single-screen movie theater is going to be much cheaper to build than a multiplex.
How do you install a drive-in movie car?
5:1012:55DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER Date Night (Cute Car Setup) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we don't need any kind of plug-in. And I'm sure they're super cheap probably can find them onMoreSo we don't need any kind of plug-in. And I'm sure they're super cheap probably can find them on Amazon you'll also want some kind of table of sorts we're using this crate for eating.
Are drive-in theaters dying?
Exurb encroachment was the beginning of the end for drive-in theaters. Urban and exurban sprawl is a substantial undercurrent leading to the demise of drive-ins. At first blush that feels obvious, because we all know there's less physical space available than in the '50s and '60s when the suburban boom first began.
How do I keep my car from dying at drive-in?
Answer provided byLet your car idle, recharging the battery, before you shut it off.Disconnect anything that may be draining power, like subwoofers or amplifiers.Bring a portable radio to get the movie sound and turn your car off completely.Get a new car battery.Turn off all of your car's lights.
How much does it cost to run a Theatre?
The Cost of Running a Theatre It takes money to run a theatre and related programs. MYACT's annual operating expenses range from $25,000 to $30,000 per year. Approximately 80% of the funds to pay those expenses come from ticket sales, summer camp tuition, and sales of concessions.
How much does it cost to install a theater room?
As a starting point, you can expect to spend $10,000 on a private home theater room. At Audio Advice, we have designed award-winning, high-end theaters in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but most of the custom theaters we build range from $10,000 to $50,000.
How much does it cost to build a small stage?
When it comes down to it, building a stage in your backyard is basically the same as building a free-standing deck, also called a floating platform or island deck. While homeowners typically pay between $1,700 and $18,000, the exact cost to add a deck to your property will depend on a variety of factors.
How do drive-in movies stay cool?
Tips to Help You Have a Blast At Your Local Drive-In Movie TheaterGet There Early and Grab a Spot Near the Exit. ... Bring Your Own Radio and Extra Batteries. ... Bring Bug Spray. ... Plan for a Full Evening. ... Wear Comfy Clothes. ... Bring Cash, Just in Case.
Do you keep your car running at a drive-in movie?
Run your car for a few minutes as soon as you park; then turn it off. This will allow the alternator to add some juice to the battery. Turn off all accessories and lights, including taillights, headlights, and dome lights. If your vehicle has video screens, be sure they're off too.
Can you cuddle at a drive-in movie?
If you have a pickup truck, back into the parking spot at the drive-in so you can watch from the back. Line the bed with some blankets and pillows so you can both lie down inside and cuddle up together. If you want to be extra comfortable, set an air mattress in the bed of your truck.
How much does a Broadway set cost?
And “Wicked” has a set that propels cast members into the sky, making it the second-most expensive of Broadway sets behind “Spider-Man.” The estimated cost of a Broadway show's set is about $250,000, but costs can run as high at $500,000.
How much does it cost to build a commercial IMAX theater?
The cost per IMAX auditorium (or screen) is in the range of Rs 10 to 10.5 crore (including the civic cost and infrastructure cost), which puts PVR's investment on this expansion at Rs 50 to 55 crore.
How much does a home Theatre cost?
The national average cost of a home theater is $2,000 to $33,000. This includes the price of your home theater system (sound system, TV, wiring, etc.), seating, lighting, and home theater installation from a qualified professional.
How do you build a theater room?
If you're thinking about building a home theater, let HGTV walk you through the steps.Step 1: Choose a Location. ... Step 2: Frame and Insulate. ... Step 3: Pre-Wire Surround Sound. ... Step 4: Pre-Wire a Video Projector. ... Step 5: Pre-Wire Lighting. ... Step 6: Install Drywall and Sound Barriers. ... Step 7: Set Up Video and Sound Systems.More items...
Due to the spread of the coronavirus, is this business essential?
No. Under current guidelines across multiple states, this business is not classified as essential while emergency orders are active.For more inform...
What are the costs involved in opening a drive-in movie theater?
You will need about 10 to 14 acres of land ready to be developed or you may find an abandoned drive-in up for sale. You won't be able to use old pr...
What are the ongoing expenses for a drive-in movie theater?
Your payroll will be a major expenditure. Film rentals are a controllable expense as you can opt for second run flicks at a much lower rate. You wi...
Who is the target market?
Your preferred customers will be someone looking for an old fashioned moviegoing experience. Drive-in movies reached peak popularity in the 1950s a...
How much can you charge customers?
The average ticket price per person is about $10 a piece, with discounted rates for children and seniors. You may wish to offer a car-load price of...
How much profit can a drive-in movie theater make?
You may be making as little as 10% of each ticket sold when you are showing new releases during the summer blockbuster season. Concession items off...
How can you make your business more profitable?
The key to success is filling up your drive-in every time you open the gates. Running obscure or old movies that don't bring in customers might be...
Is this Business Right For You?
The successful drive-in owner will have a love of film and entertaining families in an all-American style. You won't mind working nights, weekends,...
What happens during a typical day at a drive-in movie theater?
When your operate your drive-in movie theater, on any given day you might need to: Sell tickets and admissions to your patrons Work with distributi...
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful drive-in movie theater?
Knowledge of film history and emerging film trends will help you select movies that your audience will appreciate. If you play movies that do not a...
Do people go to drive in theaters?
Most people these days have never gone to a drive-in theater. Recreate the experience with your friends and family in just a few simple steps.
Can you connect a projector to a Bluetooth speaker?
Note: Many devices only allow you to connect via Bluetooth to one other device at a time. If you’re planning on using Bluetooth speakers you will likely need to connect to your projector using a chord or cable.
Who invented the drive in movie theater?
In the 1930s, New Jersey inventor Richard Hollingshead mounted a Kodak projector on the hood of his car and created the drive-in movie theater. To test his concept, he displayed films against a sheet he nailed to some trees in his backyard. Thus was a lifestyle of open-air moviegoing born. Drive-in theaters reached the height ...
When did drive in theaters become popular?
Drive-in theaters reached the height of their popularity in the 1950s, but then succumbed to a slow decline as these community gathering spots gave way to suburban movie multiplexes and, eventually, the comfort of home theaters. Ironically, the very same equipment that is fueling the home theater revolution can bring back ...
How much does a home theater projector cost?
High-definition digital home cinema projectors using either DLP or LCD technology have plummeted in price of late and can be had for less than $800. With a few basic parts and accessories, you can take the same projector you bought for your home theater and set it up in your car, just like Hollingshead did -- and create a drive-in theater anywhere.
Is projecting the Fast and the Furious on the wall a public performance?
Several drive-in enthusiast groups ( mobmov.org and guerilladrivein.org) have sprung up, staging impromptu movie screenings in public areas. However, that type of outdoor exhibition may put you on the wrong side of the law. Projecting The Fast and the Furious on the outside wall of a local Wal-Mart for the entertainment of you and your buddies qualifies as a public performance under the federal Copyright Act, and requires a license and payment of a fee. If, however, you are on private property with a limited number of guests, you should be in the clear.
How much does it cost to remodel a drive in theater?
This is one way to keep costs down. Otherwise, setting up a single-screen drive-in theater may cost between $300,000 and $500,000 – and that doesn't include the land.
How many acres are needed for a 500 car theater?
A 500-car theater requires at least 10 to 14 acres, and the land must then be sculpted to ensure that the screen is visible from every parking spot. Look for land that doesn’t have lots of interference from surrounding lights.
What kind of projector do you need to show old movies?
Showing old movies requires a 35mm film projector along with a sound processor, large projector lamps, and a platter system to handle the film. But if you want to show new or recently released movies, you must invest in a high-definition digital projection system because new releases are no longer distributed as 35mm films.
How many drive in movies were there in the 1950s?
How to Start a Drive-In Theater. In the 1950s, more than 4,000 drive-in movie theaters dotted the American landscape. While less than 336 drive-ins currently serve up movies viewable from your car, there’s still an audience for this unique viewing experience.
Can you show new movies in an indoor theater?
Once films have been out a few weeks, the fee starts to drop and you'll keep more of the ticket price. Showing new releases may be difficult if you're located near an indoor theater, as these venues are usually given the first opportunity to play the movie since they can generate tickets during daylight hours, too.
How long do drive-in theatres open?
A lot of drive-ins are seasonal operators, which open an average of eight months each year.
Why do people drive in theatres?
A lot of people depend on drive in theatres to be able to relax and have a good time, so when starting your drive in theatre business; you must first resolve your own problems before looking to settle the problem of others . Some of the problems you may encounter include;
How much does it cost to start a splicer business?
Note there are multiple vendors of used equipment and you may want to buy used when possible. We believe that the cost of a new splicer alone can be $500. A used booth set-up will cost approximately $20,000.
Why do drive ins need projection lights?
It is very essential to note that a drive-in generally needs larger projection lamps due to the long throw to the very large screen and due to the fact that moonlight and other ambient light interferes with the image . For you to make sure you succeed in this business, you must have good sound and a bright picture.
What is diversity represented by drive in theatre?
In this business, diversity represented by drive in theatres has been seen increasingly as a lifestyle choice for a range of audiences with shared values and attitudes , rather than simply a cultural choice for a particular social class.
What is the best legal entity for drive in theatre?
When thinking of the best legal entity for your drive in theatre business, an LLC is the best legal entity you can ever think of. If you really understand it, you will know that it is a hybrid business entity that has some of the characteristics of a corporation and a partnership or a sole proprietorship.
What are the demographic characteristics of drive in theatre?
There are a noticeably higher proportion of people with higher educational qualifications. Older audiences tend to dominate but teenage audiences (14-20 years) rarely attend.
Why do you need additional screens in a drive-in theatre?
Additional screens allow you to bring in more products and keep your offering fresh, which today’s audiences require . Nonetheless, here are the estimated costs of building a standard drive-in theatre.
How does a drive in sound work?
The sound is usually broadcasted over radio waves and received by each car’s stereo system where patrons can control the volume. Note that a successful drive-in owner will have a love of film and a desire to entertain families in an all-American style. You shouldn’t mind working nights, weekends, and holidays as these are peak times for the movie business.
How to get a drive in up and running?
There are three main ways to get a drive-in up and running: buy one that is open, re-open a closed one, or build one from scratch. Note that the first method is by far the best option since you have the operating infrastructure, even if run-down; but it may not be where you want it to be and may not be for sale.
How does the film industry generate revenue?
This business meanwhile generates revenue by selling tickets to films and through the sale of concession products. Most of the profit is generated through food and drink sales as film distributors take a serious portion of ticket sales for new films.
What is the most common aspect ratio for drive ins?
Most were traditionally close to the scope aspect ratio of 2.39:1 with the most common aspect ratio being between 2.0:1 and 2.2:1.
How much does it cost to start a movie theater?
What Are The Startup And Ongoing Costs For A Movie Theater? 1 The cost for registering the business 2 The cost for securing the required license and permits 3 The cost for publicity and branding 4 The cost for leasing and equipping a facility 5 The cost for insurance 6 The cost for paying of utility bills 7 The cost for hiring and paying of employees 8 The cost for purchasing the required supplies to run the business. 9 The cost for facility management, repairs and cleaning
Is drive in theatre a profitable business?
There is certainly low-cost land available, but most often the cost is low because the location is very remote. A drive-in theatre can be a lucrative and fun business venture if you know how to do it right. Build your business plan with the understanding that you may be running a seasonal business.
