Hollywood is forcing theaters to upgrade to digital projectors at great expense as the era of 35mm film comes to an end.
Over the years, the Crescent has brought over 150 independent, arthouse films to the region that didn't go to the multiplex. Tens-of-thousands of patrons have flocked to our theater to see these films, and we are so thankful for all of your support, whether you've only been once or come each and every week. For all of you, the Crescent's upgrade to digital will bring a whole new level of picture and digital sound quality to your filmgoing experience. You might say this is an exciting time because it's not just a change, it's an improvement!
About The Crescent Theater
The Crescent Theater is a one-screen, art-house movie theater nestled on Dauphin Street in historic downtown Mobile, and serves a prominent role in the LoDa Arts and Entertainment District. The Crescent Theater was first opened in 2008 with the mission to bring first-run art-house and independent feature films to Mobile and the surrounding region.
The Crescent Theater is more than just a movie theater -- it is also used by the community to debut locally produced feature-length films, to host the SoAL Film Festival, and to screen short films events and competitions such as the Mobile Bay Film Scramble. It is also used as a venue for live theater performances, radio plays, improv comedy troupes, and even live music performances that span from rock to rap and everything in-between.
The Crescent Theater is owned by Max Morey, who wears many hats here in the theater. On most days, he is here in the theater booking films, threading the projector, selling tickets and concessions, introducing the film, and even cleaning up after the movie. In addition to Max, the Crescent is staffed by Head Projectionist and "Sunday Guy" Judson McDaniel, SoAL Film Fest Liaison and "Wednesday Guy" Charles Kuntz, and Assistant Manager and "Internet Guy" Will Fawcett.
The Crescent Theater has 90 seats, 10 of which are leather recliners that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The theater is supported in part through the fundraising efforts of the Crescent Theater Film Society, a not-for-profit organization with 501(c)3 status pending, whose efforts have been invaluable in keeping the theater open, but the challenge that lies ahead in converting to digital is beyond their means.
Go Digital, or Die
In 2013, production of 35mm film will end, and all theaters in the US are being forced by Hollywood to upgrade to digital at great expense, or to close their doors. Mobile's own Crescent Theater is no exception. This kickstarter campaign will help us fund the necessary equipment to make this transition. With your support, we will be able to continue to bring independent, arthouse films to Mobile and the surrounding region for many years to come.
The cost of converting to digital is greater than we can afford, so we are appealing to the community to help us fund it through this kickstarter. In addition to our undying love and devotion, if funded, we've got some wonderful gifts for you in exchange for your contribution to this cause.
What is this project funding?
If we meet our goal, this money will be used to fund the Crescent Theater's conversion to digital by purchasing and installing the following equipment
- DCI-Compliant 2K Digital Projector
- Digital Cinema Media Server
- Lens
- Bulbs
- 100% New, Full-Digital Surround Sound System
- Installation
- Training
If we meet or exceed our goal, the additional funds will be used to repair or replace some of the black leather recliners, to purchase spare parts such as bulbs, and to fund general maintenance and upkeep of the theater.
When will the Crescent's conversion to digital be completed?
When the project has been funded, the equipment order will be placed immediately, and will be scheduled for installation as soon as possible based on our current lineup of films at that time, which will likely be near mardi gras in early 2013.
What happens if the project isn't funded?
Kickstarter requires that for any money to change hands, we must meet or exceed our goal. If we don't succeed, it's been a great 4 years serving you, and we'll continue to show films on 35mm for as long as possible. The closing of the Crescent Theater would result in the loss of an important cultural asset which is key to the development of downtown Mobile's emerging 24-hour a day economy.
History of the Crescent Theater
The original Crescent Theater first opened its doors at 208 Dauphin St. in Mobile, Alabama in 1885 as a vaudeville theater. In 1912 it was converted to show 35mm silent black and white films in what was, at the time, the most up-to-date theater in the city. Rebuilt from the ground up by John Switzer, former business partner of Max Morey, the Crescent Theater was reopened in October 2008 with a mission to bring independent arthouse films to the City of Mobile. The current incarnation of the Crescent Theater will celebrate its 4th anniversary in October, 2012.
FAQ
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848
Backers
$84,736
pledged of $75,598 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Sep 18, 2012 -
Nov 17, 2012
(60 days)
- First created · 3 backed
- Max Morey 374 friends
- Website: crescenttheater.com
Pledge $25 or more
203 backers
One free admission movie pass and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $40 or more
20 backers
GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR A LOCAL CAUSE. This prize was added as a special way for us to thank people across the internet that want to contribute but will probably never make it to the theater in person. You will be thanked for your contribution on the special donors page of our website. In addition, 2 free passes and 2 small popcorns will be donated to Penelope House in your name. Penelope House provides safety and support for domestic violence victims and their children in the Mobile, AL area. For more info: penelopehouse.org
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $50 or more
161 backers
Two free admission movie passes and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 2 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $100 or more
161 backers
A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster. Four free admission movie passes, two small popcorns, and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. A 4 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $125 or more
33 backers
HOLIDAY GIFT PACKAGE! This special reward is available for pickup in time for Christmas and the passes can be used at any time. The package includes 4 passes, 2 medium popcorns, 2 soft drinks, and comes in a gift box with a 35mm film bow on top. You will also be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $150 or more
57 backers
A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster and T-Shirt. Four free admission movie passes, two medium popcorns, and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 5 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $200 or more
17 backers
A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster and T-Shirt. Six free admission movie passes, two medium popcorns, and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 6 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $250 or more
30 backers
A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster and T-Shirt. Six free admission movie passes, two large popcorns, and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 7 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $500 or more
17 backers
A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster and T-Shirt. Eight free admission movie passes, four large popcorns, 4 beverages, and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes an 8 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
9 backers
An historic photo of the Crescent Theater. A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster and T-Shirt. Twelve free admission movie passes, four large popcorns, 4 beverages, and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 9 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers
An historic photo of the Crescent Theater. A "We Kept The Crescent" Poster and T-Shirt. Sixteen free admission movie passes, four large popcorns, 4 beverages, and you will be thanked by name on a special page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 10 foot strip of 35mm film as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
An historic photo of the Crescent Theater. A One Year VIP Pass that gets you and one guest into any movie, any time and you will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. 2 "We Kept The Crescent" Posters and T-Shirts. Also includes a 35mm U.S. Theatrical Trailer of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers
An historic photo of the Crescent Theater. A One Year VIP Pass that gets you and one guest into any movie, any time. 2 "We Kept The Crescent" Posters and T-Shirts. A private screening of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) for you and your friends. You will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 35mm U.S. Theatrical Trailer of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $7,500 or more
0 backers
An framed historic photo of the Crescent Theater. A One Year VIP Pass that gets you and one guest into any movie, any time, and includes concessions. 2 "We Kept The Crescent" Posters and T-Shirts. A private screening of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) for you and your friends. You will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 35mm U.S. Theatrical Trailer of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers
An framed historic photo of the Crescent Theater. A One Year VIP Pass that gets you and three guests into any movie, any time, and includes concessions. 4 "We Kept The Crescent" Posters and T-Shirts. A private screening of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) for you and your friends. You will be thanked by name on a special donors page on our website and on screen before shows. Also includes a 35mm U.S. Theatrical Trailer of the film of your choosing (subject to availability) as a memento of a bygone era.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
