At the beginning of 2014, after a century or more as the state-of-the-art motion picture format, 35mm films will no longer be printed or distributed by many major movie studios. This move is provoking a crisis for many independent cinemas, who may find themselves with no access to new releases, and no room in their budgets for the new digital projection systems.
Jenn Chavez talks with two Portland exhibitors who have found creative ways to fund digital conversion while also leaving room in their programming for traditional film formats. Heyward Stewart, co-owner of the Academy Theater, has mounted a fundraising campaign, while Dan Halsted of the Hollywood Theatre is taking the opportunity to diversify the formats available in each of the venue's three cinemas.
To listen to Part Two of the Go Digital or Go Dark series, click here.
On the subject of local media, we hope that you'll take this opportunity to become a member of KBOO Community Radio by calling (877) 500-KBOO. Available thank-you gifts include tickets to any regular screening at Portland's Northwest Film Center.
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