ideas then...
Showing of events, e.g. sports, theatre & opera. some of the larger chains do these already, but you're looking at a much better ambiance in a more intimate place. Good example recently was a broadcast performance from the National Theatre. Might even be able to get Arts Council or similar funding for these types of thing.

Sing-alongs - Buffy musical episode, Dr Horrible, Sound of Music, Rocky Horror, Mamma Mia, and so on...

Memberships/Friends of the cinema type things (with discounted events, christmas parties, etc.) - perhaps multiple things for different genres?

Meetings and events have been suggested - if you have the space for meeting rooms (also available for parties, etc.), then don't just provide flip-charts, screen-projectors, etc. - make it themed! Provide popcorn on the tables, offer a later afternoon movie showing as part of the deal and so on.

Premium popcorn! Something like from these guys

Enthusiastic staff! And don't just have them sat behind the ticket desk - get them dressed up in costume, let them choose films for showing, etc.

Film clubs - local universities, schools, colleges all have film buffs. Offer the cinema for a nominal cost, help them out with film suggestions, speakers, AGMs, etc.

Loyalty cards - set-up a simple membership scheme that lets you mail-out to customers in exchange for some personal marketing data.

Also, some more practical ideas:

- This is a small business - you will need to manage costs ruthlessly, yet make is seem like you're not. An eye for good design and flair for presentation will be crucial.
- Grants - especially if you're reviving an old building, it might be possible to get some sort of grants for refurbishment.
- Sponsorship - carefully selected and sympathetic sponsorship may be possible. Is there a large company HQed nearby - offor sponsorship and throw the chance to have meetings and/or kick-off events there.
( Fireflier La la la la, not listening on, Tue 18 Aug 2009, 13:33, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

Great advice!
Although I can't get my head around "premium" popcorn considering the outrageous price of the bog-standard stuff...
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Tue 18 Aug 2009, 13:35, Reply)

i like the idea
But one of the ethos' would be, that no one gets fleeced on popcorn, good stuff or not. Its fucking disgusting what the chains charge.
( I have run out of coke is a little sweaty, Tue 18 Aug 2009, 13:40, Reply)

Quite agree on the popcorn, but...
The way I see it, crappy normal cinema popcorn is shoveled into buckets and rarely finished below 1/3 of the container. It costs nothing to make and is more or less pure profit for the cinema. It's thrown all over the place and causes massive cleaning problems.

Sell good, tasty popcorn that costs slightly more to make, in much smaller packs (that can be sealed and taken away), then you have less waste, similar profit and customers value it more.
(EDIT: To me, if the customer values the product, and are willing to pay for it then that's not fleecing them - it's good honest business where everyone wins!)

Now, wouldn't you rather have a small pack of Grape, Hot Cinnamon or Caramel & Cheese flavour rather than bog standard Sweet or Salty?
( Fireflier La la la la, not listening on, Tue 18 Aug 2009, 13:43, Reply)