What if Willy Wonka owned a movie theater instead of a candy factory, and one day he decided to pass his business on to one lucky but deserving individual, chosen from a number of passionate movie fans whom he invited to participate in a contest?
That's sort of the story of Rob Newton, current owner and creative director of the Cape Ann Cinema and Stage in Gloucester, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. He's retiring from running the theater, and he wants to give the place away to someone he deems worthy.
Plus, he's also throwing in $20,000 to help you with its operation.
First, Newton has to raise that money and another $55,000 through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Some of that amount will be used to pay off the cinema's debts, and some of it will go to Newton, as payment for his service during the past seven years and presumably to make up for the fact that he's not selling the theater.
Newton will also be around to support and help with the transition during its first year, but he's hoping to find someone adequately qualified to pick up the reigns of a small business in addition to being passionate about movies and their exhibition.
Here's what you get:
Ownership (75%) of a single-screen, living-room-style art-house movie theater (see above) that seats more than 100 and the lease on its digital projector, which was upgraded (also via Indiegogo crowdfunding) in 2013. That includes the lease on the space for the theater. It does not include food or liquor. You'll have to pay rent and stock up on concessions with that extra money you receive.
Here's how to enter:
The winner of the cinema will be selected based on his or her 250-word essay answering "Why I Want to Own and Operate a Small Seaside Cinema." Tell Newton you want to feel like the Charlie Bucket of cinephiles, maybe. There's also an entry fee of $99, which will go towards the prize money and a fund to help out other independent cinemas. Be sure to read all the rules before participating.
Good luck!
[h/t: Film School Rejects]
