Update: As previously mentioned, the projector costs around $75,000. We set our Kickstarter goal at a reasonable level to ensure we were funded. The $20,000 goal was to serve as the downp ayment for the projector with plans of on-going fundraising to pay down the balance.
The more we raise in this Kickstarter NOW is less we have to raise later.
Please continue donating and all money over the $20,000 goal will be put towards the final projector cost. Take advantage of all the great prizes we offer and donate today!
Randall Drive-In: The Sequel
Our first Kickstarter was a success with our loyal fans, but ultimately came up a little short of our goal. As with any successful movie, you can expect a sequel!
Although the equipment still costs $75,000, we are re-launching our Kickstarter with a lower goal with the intent of using the Kickstarter proceeds to order a new digital projector. The remaining balance will be funded through additional fundraising efforts.
While our ultimate goal is to fund the entire digital conversion through fundraising, we know that we are a small community and it will take time. As long as we join together and at LEAST meet our minimum goal of $20,000, movies will be shown at the Randall Drive-in in 2014 in full digital glory!
The Backstory
Nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont lies the Randall Drive-In Theatre, the world's smallest remaining drive-in. The theatre was built literally in Al Randall's back yard and has been providing family affordable fun under the stars ever since. Built in 1954, and celebrating its 60th Anniversary this season, the Randall Drive-In Theatre is one of only 4 remaining drive-ins in the state of Vermont. Drive-Ins are a piece of Americana that once dotted the landscape with over 4,000 theaters during their heyday.
The Randall Drive-In has stood the test of time enduring the 1980’s when other media options (VHS, Cable) became prevalent and attendance faltered. Even Mother Nature has impacted the drive-in with recent hurricanes Irene & Ida dropping the back field into the nearby White River and reducing the car capacity to below 150 making the Randall the smallest remaining drive-in. While all previous challenges have been met, digital cinema now threatens to close down this drive-in for good.
The last 8 years have seen the drive-in leased by different parties willing to run the theater as a “community theatre”, which has greatly benefited the area residents. As is often the case with leased drive-ins, they were run year- to-year without looking forward to the dangers that digital cinema would present. At the end of the 2012 season, many people believed it to be the last for the Randall Drive-In, a sentiment re-enforced when winter storms ravaged the screen.
Seeking to restore the Randall to its former glory longtime patrons Adam Gerhard and Regina Franz formed Capture the Dream, LLC and leased the property for the 2013 season. They quickly set to work on renovating the theater. The entire projection booth was updated with high end quality 35 mm equipment to provide the best possible picture on the newly repaired and painted screen:
Many changes we also made to the theatre in 2013, including:
- Lowered admission prices so families could enjoy the newly renovated theatre
- Expanded season starting before Memorial Day and going past Labor Day for the first time in 60 years!
- Introducing triple features not once but SIX times in 2013
- Customer Appreciation carload specials
- Attention to details and Dedication customer service
- An upcoming music video was shot this summer at the Randall:
The changes our company made to Randall had an immediately impact and the Randall is having the best season in over a quarter century with record attendance and sellout nights. We increased advertising as well as a new website and Facebook page which has people travelling from near and far just to spend a night under the stars with us.
The Challenge
After a record season, it has become quickly apparent that digital cinema won't wait a few more years as many originally believed. Our dream has been to run a drive-in movie theater and rather than have this renaissance season be a Swan Song for the Randall Drive-In, we are asking for assistance so our company can obtain a digital projector and we can keep running drive-ins for many years into the future.
Digital Cinema comes at a staggering price: $75,000! For the world's smallest drive-in, funding this alone is not a viable option. We run virtually non-profit with our passion for drive-ins keeping the place open so local residents can enjoy family time under the stars. What we offer is an experience that is a throwback to simpler times. In the ever evolving digital world, it is important to preserve these opportunities for families to come together and enjoy time outside.
We have put much effort into the theatre this year and are asking the community to help fund our companies' quest to own a digital projector so we can keep running drive-ins and living our dream.
Risks and challenges
We have done our due diligence, gotten all estimates, and have put together a plan to make digital a reality at the Randall Drive-in in 2014.
As long as this Kickstarter is funded, we will be able to watch digital cinema at the Randall this year!
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Funding period
- (46 days)