Summer blockbusters are a bust for small town

WALSENBURG — Theatre in Walsenburg has gone dark, and it isn’t because the lights are dimming ahead of a feature film. “Movies are not profitable here,” says Fox Executive Director Mike Peters. By “here” he specifically means in Huerfano and Walsenburg. The recent pandemic is partly to blame.

During COVID-19, theaters were shuttered. Even now, many chain multiplexes are still struggling to attract fans back to theaters. Plus, streaming first run films can hurt theater attendance. But there is more to the local situation.

Peters goes on to explain that the big Hollywood movie studios have been implementing new requirements and it is obvious that a ‘one size fits all’ requirement does not bode well for smaller, more rural communities. Peters says, “Some studios now require that when we rent a big summer blockbuster, we have to run it for three weeks. We have data for 10 years that shows even when we run a film for a second weekend, attendance drops off. We just don’t have the attendance to support and commit to a three week run.

” Additionally Peters says, “If we don’t commit to that, then we can’t rent and show the film until it has been out for five weeks. By then, most customers have already gone to see the film elsewhere. ” “Disney Studios owns 60% of the film market because it also owns the rights to Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Disney also has demands that hurt smaller markets.

If you run a first-run Disney film, then Disney will not let you run a repertory film [such as a Disney classic like Snow White],” says Peters. Peters explains, “We have to pay a license fee between $267 to $352 to show a film in the theater. An outdoor film, like the one that was recently shown at Cuchara Mountain Park cost $400. ” These costs can vary, and who pays for the costs can depend on the agreement between the Fox and the other party.

The Fox owns an outdoor film and sound system that can be leased. The Fox also has trained staff who set the system up and run it. “I understand that we have to pay for content, but this version of entertainment isn’t working. We [the Fox] have lost money on 15 of the past 20 films we have shown”, says Peters, adding, “Let’s do something else.

I mean, we aren’t burnt out. In fact, we are excited. ” To that end, Peters says he and his staff are pursuing, “Anything that uses a stage. ” He states that they are looking at live comedy shows and live music.

“We also support the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival for two days. We are booking a 12 piece acoustic band that covers the music of Tool [a Heavy Metal band]. We also have a world class Flamenco guitar player coming. ” Peters states, “I want a wide variety.

Something for everybody. I’m open to suggestions. I hate choosing things! ” Disgruntled movie goers should put on their thinking caps and share some ideas with Peters.

What? Did someone say the Grateful Dead are on tour? Peters can be reached at: 719-696-2199 or email him at: mike@foxtheatrewalsenburg. org