How much does a drive-in movie theater cost?
The drive-in is still very popular and doing very well. The drive-in is currently for sale with an asking price of $860,000 which includes 16 acres of land and all the furniture and equipment. You can find its sale listing here.
What are the best types of movies for drive-in theaters?
Second-run and classic movies can be a good option for drive-in theaters as they are often easier to obtain than new releases. However, you must take into account the level of demand in your area and how profitable older movies will be, even in the face of lower licensing fees.
How many first run movies can you see at a drive-in?
So for one admission price, you get to see two first run movies. In addition, many drive-ins will charge by the carload which can bring the admission price down even more if you take a full vehicle of people. When should I get to the drive-in? Drive-ins start their first movie at dusk.
Do you have to stay in your car at a drive-in movie?
Generally yes. There are a few drive-ins that require you to stay within your vehicle during the movie but this is certainly the exception. How do I hear the movie at the drive-in? Almost drive-in theaters have now converting to FM Radio to broadcast the audio for the movies shown. So if you plan to sit outside your vehicle, take a portable radio.
How much does it cost to play in a movie?
Movie licensing pricing can range from $300 to $2,000+ depending on a number of factors. Some factors affecting the licensing price can include the number of people in attendance, location, application, revenue generated from ticket sales, and the film being displayed.
How do you set up a drive-in cinema?
How to Create Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater at HomeSet up technology for showtime. Majcher says that you'll need to choose a movie (or several), have a means to show it, and somewhere to screencast it. ... Map out plots to maintain proper distance. ... Announce the movie schedule. ... Prepare a socially-distanced menu of snacks.Aug 13, 2020
How profitable are drive-in movie theaters?
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.Oct 15, 2020
Do you keep your car running at a drive-in movie?
But you probably shouldn't leave your car running. Doing so wastes gas and is inconsiderate to anyone sitting outside, Roadway Ready reports. Most modern drive-in theaters provide sound via FM radio. If you're worried your car battery might die, bring a portable radio to tune in to listen to the movie.Sep 15, 2021
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
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.
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.
How many acres are drive ins?
Drive-ins can occupy 30 acres or more, and originally were often built on low-value farmland. But urban sprawl eventually caught up, with shopping mall builders in particular buying and razing the outdoor theaters.
When was the first drive in opened?
The drive-in obituary has been written repeatedly, for what seem to be good reasons. The first drive-in opened in 1933 in New Jersey, and about 4,000 were operating by the late 1950s, but a changing America found new leisure-time loves.
How much did Mission Tiki cost in the 1950s?
Credit... Mission Tiki, reflecting prices at drive-ins nationwide, charges $7 for adults and $1 for children ages 5 to 9. Younger children are admitted free.
What contributed to the drive-in downfall?
The solidification of daylight saving time in the 1960s contributed to the drive-in’s downfall, forcing later starting times. Widespread sales of color televisions hurt, too. Later, the VCR and multiplexes — called hardtops in movie theater parlance — took a toll. And real estate development is a continuing threat.
How are drive-ins modernizing?
Drive-ins are modernizing by converting to digital projection systems , though the main allure for many of their customers may still be the opportunity to watch movies inexpensively, and under the stars .
Is the Sun set on a drive in?
The Sun Hasn’t Set on the Drive-In. Some moviegoers love drive-in theaters for the nostalgia. Others like the ticket prices: $7 for adults and $1 for children ages 5 to 9 at Mission Tiki, a four-screen drive-in near Los Angeles.
Who owns DriveInMovie.com?
DriveInMovie.com is owned and operated by true drive-in movie enthusiasts. We love visiting different drive-ins and wanted to share this passion with others by providing an online resource which allows users to learn about drive-ins and search for drive-ins based on different factors such as location, size, features, age, etc...
When do drive ins start?
Drive-ins start their first movie at dusk. So show times will vary throughout the year as the time of sunset varies. You should always try to arrive at least 30 minutes before show time in order to get parked, make a run to the concession stand, etc? However, during busy weekends at the peak of summer, you may have to arrive much early to even get in as many drive-in experience large crowds and turn people away when they reach capacity. It is not unusual to arrive one to two hours before show time on busy weekends.
What is the purpose of drive in database?
Our primary purpose is to help people discover the joy of visiting drive-in theaters and help them locate drive-ins near them. However, we also like to preserve the history of different drive-ins for those who wish to stroll down memory lane or research drive-ins that have operated in their area.
Can you bring outside food to a drive in?
Many drive-ins allow you to bring outside food and drinks and many do not. So check with your particular drive-in. But even if the drive-in does allow outside food and drink, you should leave it at home and patronize the concession stand. Drive-in theaters (like all theaters) have to pay up to 90% of the money they take in at the box office to the movie studios who makes the films. So drive-ins make very little money from your admission. They make their money at the concession stand so please support them by buying your food and drink there. Some drive-ins now prohibit outside food and drinks unless you purchase a food permit which generally run between $5 - $10.
Do drive in theaters accept credit cards?
Some do, many do not. And others may accept credit cards at the concession area but not at the box office where you pay your admission to get in. So as a general rule, we suggest always taking plenty of cash when visiting a new drive-in theater.
Can you grill at drive ins?
This may seem like an odd question today, but in the past, most drive-ins allowed grilling. But today, almost all prohibit grilling or any open flames. But there are still a few that do allow this but these are mainly drive-ins that also allow camping. So plan on no.
Can you bring alcohol to a drive-in?
Is alcohol allowed at drive-ins? Generally no. Almost all drive-ins prohibit bringing alcohol. There are a few drive-ins that sell alcohol at their concession areas but you are not allowed to take the alcohol back to your car and it must be consumed in the concession/bar area.
How much did the original drive in theater cost?
When it was first conceived in 1933, the original drive-in theater cost $30,000 in start-up fees. In 2020, that equates to a $594,916.15 investment. American Stock Archive Getty Images. 4 of 13. Talk about a cheap date night. Original drive-in tickets cost 25 cents per car, as well as 25 cents per person.
When did drive in movie theaters open?
While indoor brick and mortar movie theaters rose to prominence in the early 20th century, the first drive-in theater opened up in Camden, New Jersey, on June 6, 1933. Bettmann Getty Images.
How many drive-ins were there in the 1950s?
In the 1950s and 1960s, there were approximately 4,000 drive-ins across America. During the golden age of drive-ins, one of the largest theaters was located about an hour outside Manhattan in Copiague, New York.
What was the drive in theater called?
Before the term "drive-in theaters" gained nation-wide recognition, many of the original outdoor cinemas were referred to as "park-in theaters.". American Stock/ClassicStock Getty Images.
When did drive in movies start?
Getty Images. While indoor brick and mortar movie theaters rose to prominence in the early 20th century, the first drive-in theater opened up in Camden, New Jersey, on June 6, 1933.
What was the golden age of drive-ins?
While the 1950s was the golden age of the American drive-in, the trend didn't take long to catch on overseas. European countries like France really embraced the outdoor cinema experience throughout much of the 1960s.
Where is the largest drive in theater in the world?
Although it technically hasn't opened its doors yet, Lighthouse 5 in Eustis, Florida is set to become the world's largest drive-in theater. It will have five screens, and it's even set to offer RV parking and camping.
How much land is needed for a drive in theater?
The typical drive-in theater requires between 10-14 acres of land. This should allow up to 500 cars to park at your theater. You will also need to consider the space required to funnel cars off the road and through the box office.
When is drive in season?
Build your business plan with the understanding that you may be running a seasonal business. Drive-ins operate generally between April and October in northern locations, as the costs of removing snow and weather make operating in the winter exorbitant. Think about other ways to use your property during the daytime such as classic car shows, flea markets or running charitable events for schools and community organizations. Join organizations such as North American Theater Owners to expand your contacts with distributors and vendors.
How much does a projector screen cost?
A quality projector screen for your drive-in theater can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on your area and the specific local requirements. Most screens are made of steel and anchored in concrete. You will generally need to have a screen professionally constructed and installed to meet wind-load requirements.
Why is it so hard to book a new movie?
As a small theater, booking new releases can be difficult. This is because many studios place specific requirements on leasing their films to theaters. Often, a new release will only be leased to a theater that can play the film seven days a week.
Is film rental a major expense?
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 will be placing weekly orders for concession supplies. Lot maintenance will also take up a large chunk of your expense spreadsheet.
