The 85 year old Catlow Theater located in Barrington, Illinois is a throwback to an era when movie theaters were wonderful structures built to last and viewed as important community structures. For most movie goers today the experience is less than ideal. Enduring cookie cutter, cheap structures, where viewers are jammed into multi-plex cinemas where a screen or two is of good size – but the rest belong in someone’s basement.
The Catlow needed to upgrade to digital to survive the de facto edict from the movie distributors ” Go Digital or Go Dark”. A challenging hurdle for small theaters.
So what did owners Tim O’Connar and 
Roberta Rapata do? They certainly did not go to their local “Bailey Building and Loan Assocation” – where they most certainly would have been turned down. The owners chose another alternative. Kickstarter – where they could ask for support from those who knew them the best and cherished the business the couple wanted to continue.
The crowdfunding campaign set out to raise a substantial amount. $100,000 in 60 days. The crowdfunding campaign closed this week with over $175,000 raised.
The money raised will go straight into the business. A digital projector, upgraded audio system, a new screen, are all on the list. But the greatest value will be generated by aiding a business and saving a historic structure.
The crowdfunding campaign had more than a few who donated a $1000 or more. But most contributors pledged at the lower levels. The final tally delivered 1,394 supporters who felt the Catlow needed to be saved.
Perhaps in the sprint to digitize the film industry, thus cutting costs, improving margins, and competing with the ubiquitous home theaters that are staples of every home today, the film industry has missed an opportunity to be able to compete more effectively.
Maybe if there were more theaters like the Catlow, the public would be more interested in leaving their basements and be able to truly enjoy a film experience – just like the good ole days.
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