The Neon, in Downtown Dayton, can expect big changes in the weeks to come. The Neon is a locally owned and operated independent cinema. It has been in the same location for over 25 years. It currently provides 35mm films, but starting mid-October they will convert to digital. To raise money for the new digital projectors, The Neon will host a benefit screening of “Amelie.”
“Most customers will hardly notice a difference…though we will be able to offer some improvements like having hearing assisted devices and closed captioning on occasion. We think those additions are exciting,” Jonathan McNeal, manager of The Neon, said.
McNeal wishes the cinema didn’t have to convert to digital but recognizes what the customers will gain from the conversion. McNeal has been at The Neon since 2001. He sets showtimes, plans marketing campaigns, makes the schedules and much more.
“Quite often, you won’t have an opportunity to see our features anywhere else in town. Films like ‘The Kid with a Bike,’ ‘I Am Love,’ ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ or ‘Albert Nobbs,’” McNeal said.
The cinema stays in business because of its loyal customers, which McNeal refers to as “the NPR crowd.”
“We’re a cinema for grown-ups, and our customers prefer the mature environment,” McNeal said. “Another aspect that makes The Neon different is our ability to assist local artists and organizations with outreach and fundraising through our very affordable theater rental. Local filmmakers and grass-root driven groups use our space on a regular basis.”
According to McNeal, a year ago the major distributors announced that they would discontinue providing 35 mm film to their clients, and since the deadline is approaching, The Neon had to figure out a way to make the move to digital production which would cost about $140,000.
“[The transition’s] been quite a learning curve, understanding what digital projection is all about,” McNeal said. “I wish we could hold onto our 35 mm, but in addition to not really having the space, we don’t have the electrical specs available for the building to maintain both formats. Additionally, I’ve spoken with many cinema owners across the country who have already converted to digital, and they have said that their old 35mm gear is just collecting dust.”
The benefit will take place on Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St. The Indie Lover ticket is $100 and includes: one glass of beer or wine, appetizers and the screening of “Amelie.” The Executive Producer ticket is $150 and includes: unlimited beer and wine, appetizers, the screening of “Amelie” and one entry into the drawing to name their large auditorium. Items, including those donated by Martin Sheen, Allison Janney and J. Todd Anderson, will be auctioned.
According to McNeal, restaurants such as Meadowlark, Coco’s Bistro and Roost will help with appetizers for the event and the money raised will go directly toward the conversion bill.
“Our customers believe in our mission, and I think the people who come and support the benefit will have a sense that they’ve helped ‘the little guy’ survive,” McNeal said.“Multiplexes are getting financial assistance from distributors to make the conversion, but in order for us to maintain our programming mission, the programs don’t work for us.”
“Amelie” will screen at this event because it was the cinemas first big hit in 2001.
“It showed us that there really was an audience for foreign films in town,” McNeal said. “We wanted a film that was lighter but sill artistically well-crafted. ‘Amelie’ is both a crowed-pleaser and a really wonderful film.”
To find out more information about The Neon and this event visit www.neonmovies.com or www.neonmovies.com/benefit.
