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Topic: Open door policy

Bob Minge
Film Handler

Posts: 43
From: Fergus Falls, MN, USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 02-25-2001 09:38 PM

Does anyone working in a theater that is situated in a mall have this problem and how to fix it. In our mall, I am next to the big doors that they bring in cars, boats etc, when they have a hallway show. I have told the mall that they must wait until my last show has started (fri nite 9PM shows when bringing in - Sun nite 5PM shows when leaving) before opening the doors and letting them out. Tonight the herd started at 5PM and I had shows starting at 5:00, 5:20 (2) and 5:25. Not only did my customers have to wait and/or weave around the boats, docks, cars etc, but the cold air (Minnesota) whooshed thru my concession area and into the first 2 theaters, since I could not close my doors. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

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Bob Minge
Manager/Projectionist
Westridge Cinema 5
Fergus Falls, MN
http://geocities.com/lakesandriverscinema/westridge_cinema_5.html

Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-25-2001 10:29 PM

Hi, Bob. Maybe another polite "discussion" with the mall manager might do some good. Your orginal discussion apparently fell through the cracks.

Ken Layton
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1452
From: Olympia, Wash. USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 02-25-2001 11:21 PM

They do that here in Olympia at the Capital Mall, but to add insult to injury, they put three canned pop vending machines right next to the snack bar!

Randy Stankey
Film God

Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-26-2001 12:57 AM

Don't they have some kind of exclusivity clause in the mall lease? If there is one, then putting vending machines near the snack bar would "technically" be a violation, wouldn't it?

As far as them "loading out" a show diring one of the rushes, if it were me, I might send the mall management a letter that politely stated the facts and remind them that IF a customer was to be injured during one of these times, the mall would be liable.

I dunno'... These kind of things are why we have lawyers.

Jeff Taylor
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 601
From: Chatham, NJ/East Hampton, NY
Registered: Apr 2000

posted 02-26-2001 07:49 AM

You guys must be dealing with TERRIBLE Mall management. I run Malls, and neither I nor anyone else I know in the business would risk bringing exhibits through the "promotion" doors (that's what they're called) during Mall hours. Forget the inconvenience to the theater, it would be too much of a liability problem. Second, the deals I've cut with theater companies ALWAYS contain clauses dictating what types of tenants and amenities can be placed within so many feet of the theater entrance. Shoot me back the name and address of the Mall(s) in question, and I will look it up to see who owns/manaages it and who you should yell at.

Brad Miller
Administrator

Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99

posted 02-26-2001 08:18 AM

Moving to Ground Level forum.

Ken Layton
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1452
From: Olympia, Wash. USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 02-26-2001 10:30 AM

Jeff:

Capital Mall, Olympia, Washington, owned by Westfield Malls Of America (a.k.a. Westfield Shoppingtown). Ever since the the Ernest W. Hahn company sold the mall to Westfield it's really gone downhill fast.

Bob Minge
Film Handler

Posts: 43
From: Fergus Falls, MN, USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 02-26-2001 12:51 PM

Update. I found out the weekend show was run by the local radio station NOT the mall, and they run things there way. The mall manager is going to talk with them about it so it doesn't happen again next year. He will also talk to his janitors to make sure they check with me before opening the doors. Thanks for the ideas.

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Bob Minge
Manager/Projectionist
Westridge Cinema 5
Fergus Falls, MN
http://geocities.com/lakesandriverscinema/westridge_cinema_5.html

Jerry Chase
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1068
From: Margate, FL, USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-26-2001 01:14 PM

You may end up having to put your own locks on those doors (with the mall manager's knowledge). I can tell you from years of first hand experience that radio "talent" can be rude, agressive, and bull-headed. Be prepared for a battle or two. It might help to find out who owns the station and work from the top down. Often the owner will be reasonable, while the minions have the attitude of "outta my way!"

Randy Stankey
Film God

Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-27-2001 12:14 AM

I had a problem with some radio "talent" when I was doing a benefit show at the local Warner theatre.
They came up in the booth and started showing some of their "people" around and acting like they owned the place. I couldn't really stop them because this was all about raising big $$ and the radio station was helping out a lot. I had to give booth tours to all the people that wanted them.

So, this guy comes into the booth, walks over to the machinery and starts talking like he knows everything. (A set of AA-IIs w/ Super Cinex arc lamps)

I was in the other room where the generators were when I heard them come in. I walked right up to the left machine and struck up the lamp. Now, all you guys that have used these babies know that once you get the hang of it you can strike 'er up with just a flick of the wrist. You'll barely hear a "crack" as they light. No.. I made sure she struck with a nice "B-ZzzaP!"

I promptly turned to the crowd and asked if they had any questions then commenced with the "grand tour". Never had any problems outta' that guy for the rest of the day.

Oh! And I think the fact that I was wearing a shirt and tie with a white lab coat added to the effect a little.

Jeff Taylor
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 601
From: Chatham, NJ/East Hampton, NY
Registered: Apr 2000

posted 02-27-2001 02:12 PM

Bob: That's total BS about the radio co-op promo event! No manager worth his salt abandons control to any outside group holding an event.

Ken: Capital Mall...Bon Marche, JC Penney, Lamonts, and Mervyns (602,090 square feet/average sales $242 per square foot). You're right that Hahn was a great developer manager, and their director of management was a good friend. Frankly, though, Westfield isn't bad (they're actually Australian, and backed by Goldman Saks money). Their headquarters is in LA@1601 Wilshire Blvd. Call Roger Burghdorf at 301-478-4456. By the way, who runs "Capital Mall Cinemas"?

Ken Layton
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1452
From: Olympia, Wash. USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 02-27-2001 03:18 PM

Jeff:

It's run by Regal. It's a 4 plex and its a DUMP! Always has been a dump from the day it opened (very poor & cheap design). Tunnelvision auditoriums, mono sound, echo chambers, smelly all throughout the theater, no ceiling (all exposed ductwork), center aisles, etc. You get the idea.

Jeff Taylor
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 601
From: Chatham, NJ/East Hampton, NY
Registered: Apr 2000

posted 02-27-2001 03:58 PM

Ken: The last theater I developed was a National Amusements 16(the only solvent theater company...they OWN Viacom, Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster, CBS & Infinity Broadcasting, etc). Regal had already started a 16 3 miles away six months before us. They finished six months after us, and promptly had a stabbing murder in their game room (two 15 year olds fighting over a girl). Typical of Regal! According to the Wall St. Journal they are looking at closing that unit after only one year, and we did over a million admissions the first year!

Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-28-2001 12:30 AM

Jeff: I an certainly not a fan of Regal. IMHO, if they would not cut their staff to the bone, that stabbing would have never happened. From what I gather, this is the second time it has happened. Regal seems to be interested in one thing only: The bottom line. Seems as though they could care less about the community they serve, let alone showmanship. I worked for that company for a short period of time. Quite franky, I would sooner eat out of a trash can than to be re-employed by that rottin' company. Whenever I hear a speach by Regal's CEO, I brush it off as nothing but whitewashed lip service filled with nothing but a bunch of lies. If they learned how to become concerned humans, my opinion of them would change, but I don't think that'll ever happen from what I have seen, heard, or experienced with that company.

John Scott
Master Film Handler

Posts: 252
From: Oakdale, MN, USA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 02-28-2001 01:56 AM

Jeff --

Just to clarify, National Amusements isn't the only solvent publicly owned theatre chain.

Marcus is also doing well and is still profitable.

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

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