Atlas Shrugged fans shock theater chains

[Mike Renzulli]

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atlas-shrugged-fans-shock-theater-chains-119063899.html

CULVER CITY, Calif., April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on the film's recent fan-based grassroots uprising, "The Strike" Productions today announced it will be expanding the initial release of the Atlas Shrugged movie from 11 markets to over 50.

"AMC called directly to report their online contact system was being hit too hard. They requested we direct traffic to a specific address just to handle the volume," said producer Harmon Kaslow.

"While it's unusual for showtimes to be listed this early, the doors of the exhibitors have been thoroughly beaten down by Ayn's fans. Many of the theaters are now posting showtimes so tickets can be pre-purchased," continued Kaslow. "And, theaters and showtimes are now being reported as sold-out."

Fandango.com lists the 7:00pm showing at Regal Cinema's Union Square Theater in New York City as "sold out."

"Our online 'Demand Atlas!' service has been receiving an incredible amount of traffic since launch," said Scott DeSapio, Online Marketing Director of the film. "After toping the charts at another web site as the 'Hottest Demand Worldwide' for more than a week, we decided to build our own in-house 'Demand Atlas!' feature to better service Ayn Rand fans. We're completely blown away by the response."

"Our fans have spoken, and we have directed our booking agents to expand the release of Atlas Shrugged into the major theaters located in more than 80 cities across America," announced Kaslow. "Of course, until we're locked down, fans still need to let us know where the movie should play by coming to our website and demanding Atlas to their city."

"As a direct result of fans in Atlanta demanding Atlas, we immediately set about booking a theater. The current report is that the theater is already sold out for a number of shows on Friday, April 15, 2011 - opening day. We couldn't be more excited." concluded Kaslow.

For up to date theater information, visit http://www.atlasshruggedpart1.com/theaters.

Fans can "Demand Atlas!" at http://www.atlasshruggedpart1.com/demand.

Edited April 2, 2011 by Mike Renzulli

[Richard Wiig]

We're completely blown away by the response."

"

Wonderful!

[9thdoctor]

This was already discussed a bit on another thread:

http://www.objectivistliving.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10337&view=findpost&p=131054

[GALTGULCH8]

I stopped in to the AMC theater in Framingham, MA to inquire. The two staff people with whom I spoke had never heard of Atlas Shrugged but confirmed after looking it up on their future schedule that it is indeed there to be shown in the small theater reserved for "independent" films.

No advance tickets have yet been sold. The tiny theater does not have stadium seating.

I encouraged them to read the book, that there is still time to do so before the film is released.

We will buy tickets at another theater which is farther away but does have stadium seating.

I have yet to see the additional 50 markets showing up on the website.

We will make our friends aware of the show at dinner tonight.

Maybe the enthusiasm shown elsewhere is in more enlightened states rather than here in stuffy, elitist, liberal and progressive(ly worse) New England.

[caroljane]

I stopped in to the AMC theater in Framingham, MA to inquire. The two staff people with whom I spoke had never heard of Atlas Shrugged but confirmed after looking it up on their future schedule that it is indeed there to be shown in the small theater reserved for "independent" films.

No advance tickets have yet been sold. The tiny theater does not have stadium seating.

I encouraged them to read the book, that there is still time to do so before the film is released.

We will buy tickets at another theater which is farther away but does have stadium seating.

I have yet to see the additional 50 markets showing up on the website.

We will make our friends aware of the show at dinner tonight.

Maybe the enthusiasm shown elsewhere is in more enlightened states rather than here in stuffy, elitist, liberal and progressive(ly worse) New England.

Isn't "Live free or die" New Hamspshire part of New England? Didn't a group of Objectivists move there to make a stand for capitalism and liberty? Aren't they doing anything?

[algernonsidney]

All the theaters care about is filling up the chairs. If the film does that, it will be everywhere.

[BaalChatzaf]

Isn't "Live free or die" New Hamspshire part of New England? Didn't a group of Objectivists move there to make a stand for capitalism and liberty? Aren't they doing anything?

In New Hampshire "live free or die" is a plea to let the folks grow weed in peace.

Ba'al Chatzaf

[caroljane]

Isn't "Live free or die" New Hamspshire part of New England? Didn't a group of Objectivists move there to make a stand for capitalism and liberty? Aren't they doing anything?

In New Hampshire "live free or die" is a plea to let the folks grow weed in peace.

Ba'al Chatzaf

I

You wouldn't think so if you'd had to follow their licence plates the way I have. I was scared to death I tell you. what if they stopped me and gave me the choice? "Can I just pay a few taxes and get a non=fatal illness?". I don't think so,

[Philip Coates]

Just don't tell them you're a socialist. Above all, don't display that twisted sense of humor.

[caroljane]

Just don't tell them you're a socialist. Above all, don't display that twisted sense of humor.

It's no use not talking! They just look at the Canadian license plates, and they know everything!

[Philip Coates]

A WAY TO PROMOTE THE MOVIE: Opening week is the decisive one - it's when chains traditionally decide if they want to "bid" or negotiate for a small studio, independent, limited release film.

However, for most people right now, the movie is -not- playing in your city. You will have to make a long drive:

**Fill up your car with people**. Tell them the gasoline and the ride is on you. They don't have to be Ayn Rand fans. Could be family, friends, your dentist, your bookclub, a co-worker.

That alone could help double? the number of people seeing it opening week. And help the theater chains decide to expand it to -thousands- of theaters in every state.

And in *every* city.

Edited April 3, 2011 by Philip Coates

[9thdoctor]

However, for most people right now, the movie is -not- playing in your city. You will have to make a long drive:

So you'll be coming down south to see it after all?

[caroljane]

However, for most people right now, the movie is -not- playing in your city. You will have to make a long drive:

So you'll be coming down south to see it after all?

If he is, hope you've finished digging the Hospitality Gulch and stocked up on lawnchairs! He'll have a carful of high-maintenance guests.

[9thdoctor]

However, for most people right now, the movie is -not- playing in your city. You will have to make a long drive:

So you'll be coming down south to see it after all?

If he is, hope you've finished digging the Hospitality Gulch and stocked up on lawnchairs! He'll have a carful of high-maintenance guests.

Nah, he’ll probably be going to one of the showings in Broward, which is one county to the north. It’ll cut at least an hour off his travel time.

[Philip Coates]

Which one's in Broward?

[9thdoctor]

Which one's in Broward?

Ft. Lauderdale, Davie, and Sunrise. The Ft. Lauderdale one is right off I-95, the Davie one's by I-75, so it depends which way you're coming.

[Selene]

Which one's in Broward?

Edited April 3, 2011 by Selene

[9thdoctor]

Phil said he lives somewhere near Tampa, so does Rich Engle. That’s in Hillsborough County, the central or southwest part of the state. They’re more likely to come via I-75, it takes about 5 hours each way, maybe less since they’re only going as far as Broward. It’s still quite a hike to see a movie. I gather Phil's still a newcomer to the state.

[Philip Coates]

Thanks, ND and Adam, for the information. I'm pretty new to the state: I still can't figure out whether Sacramento, the capital of the state and location of Florida Governor Schwarzenegger, is in the Panhandle or South Florida.

I'd come by I-75, unless I want to hit the Atlantic beaches and Cape Canaveral and make a weekend out of it. (Rich Engle lives south of me also on the gulf coast, it looks like, so he'd probably do the same.)

I'm going to wait till the last minute. I assume it will expand to more theaters in first or second wave - either in Tampa/St. Pete or Orlando. It's odd to only release in the Miami area when it's releasing in quite a few Florida theaters.

(I wish the official site had a timely list - it's probably a week out of date. I posted a complaint and suggested a pushpin type map. If others want to do that, it's easy to post comments on the official website.)

Edited April 3, 2011 by Philip Coates

[Selene]

Thanks, ND and Adam, for the information. I'm pretty new to the state: I still can't figure out whether Sacramento, the capital of the state and location of Florida Governor Schwarzenegger, is in the Panhandle or South Florida.

I'd come by I-75, unless I want to hit the Atlantic beaches and Cape Canaveral and make a weekend out of it. (Rich Engle lives south of me also on the gulf coast, it looks like, so he'd probably do the same.)

I'm going to wait till the last minute. I assume it will expand to more theaters in first or second wave - either in Tampa/St. Pete or Orlando. It's odd to only release in the Miami area when it's releasing in quite a few Florida theaters.

(I wish the official site had a timely list - it's probably a week out of date. I posted a complaint and suggested a pushpin type map. If others want to do that, it's easy to post comments on the official website.)

Phil:

When you do get out to the Panhandle, make sure you schedule a day or two for DeFuniak Springs which has one of the greatest little book stores in Western Florida. It is run by a retired school teacher and school board member whose son runs it with her. He was part of the second Chicago Eight trial in the sixties.

Also, DeFuniak was a big Chautauqua Town:

DeFuniak a special town

"DeFuniak Springs was established as a final-destination resort, and the developers enlisted the cooperation and aid of the Chautauqua Movement. The Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, an auditorium seating 4,000, was constructed on Lake DeFuniak in the center of town. Seminars, classes, and the like were held in the Hall of Brotherhood building for people on vacation. The auditorium of the building was severely damaged by Hurricane Eloise in 1975 and razed. However, a charitable foundation, The Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood Foundation, Inc., has undertaken a capital campaign for the historic restoration of the building.^[4] The westerly portion of the building facing Circle Drive is still in use.

As demonstrated through the Chautauqua movement, many residents of DeFuniak Springs have always had an active hand in education. In 1886, the town held an important meeting that forever changed the course of public education in Florida. At this meeting, teachers from around the state formed the Florida Education Association. This teacher's union remains the state's predominant voice for educators and is affiliated with the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers."

Ir also has:

Lake DeFuniak is a lake in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, United States, at the center of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District.

Lake DeFuniak is one of the two almost perfectly round circular spring-fed lakes in the world. [1]

[Philip Coates]

Thanks, Adam. That whole part of the gulf coast is one of the parts of the country I've never been to.

[9thdoctor]

Thanks, ND and Adam, for the information.

Thanks, Adam.

Wow, I feel the love! You’d swear Phil genuinely likes us!

Crap, now look at this, here’s another thread that’s become all about Phil!

http://www.objectivistliving.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10418&view=findpost&p=131396

[Selene]

Collier County Naples Florida demands and obtains exclusive opening week for Atlas Shrugged

Amazing how one individual, with purpose, integrity and courage can achieve their goal!

"Conservatively inclined Collier County has the makings of a receptive market.

The tea party movement, which has a strong presence here, embodies many of Rand’s ideas.

There is a ready-made fan club, the Ayn Rand Society for Individual Rights of Naples, clamoring for the film to be shown.

Jim Smith, co-founder of the group, said he hadn’t had any luck getting local theaters to commit having “Atlas Shrugged,” on April 15 or even to bringing it in later. “I’m in the dark,” he said last week.

But once Schiffer heard an underlying buzz of interest in “Atlas Shrugged,” she set about getting it. “There’s a lot of interest. I’m going for it,” she said Friday.

On Monday, her efforts paid off. “My cinema manager just told me we’re getting an exclusive for opening weekend,” she said.

According to the movie’s web site, seven Florida theaters, all in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, have scheduled showings for April 15.

Normally limited release mean only big cities. But Naples’ reputation as a conservative bastion and the success Silverspot’s had with other independent films may have prompted distributors to include Naples in the premiere week. “The fact that they’re opening this to Naples is huge,” Schiffer said.

As an independent film with a budget reported around $10 million, “Atlas Shrugged” won’t be initially distributed as widely as a major motion picture would be, Schiffer explained.

As opposed to the digital format employed by the big studios, “Atlas Shrugged” will likely be distributed on an old-fashioned movie reel. There aren’t as many physical copies as there would be otherwise and simply getting the movie from one place to another can be expensive. “Just shipping can be $1,500,” she said.

But she’s glad for the theater. “Waiting for Superman,” an independent documentary on the travails of the public education system, recently completed a successful run at Silverspot.

Being the only Florida theater outside the Dade-Broward corridor to premier Atlas Shrugged represents a feather in the theater’s proverbial director’s cap. Advance ticket sales will begin soon, she promised.

“I’m very happy,” Schiffer said.

Contact Brent Batten at naplesnews.com/staff/brent_batten"

[9thdoctor]

Collier County Naples Florida demands and obtains exclusive opening week for Atlas Shrugged

This'll cut a few hours off Phil's opening weekend trek!

Just trying to keep it all about Phil.

[Selene]

Collier County Naples Florida demands and obtains exclusive opening week for Atlas Shrugged

This'll cut a few hours off Phil's opening weekend trek!

Just trying to keep it all about Phil.

ND:

Of course. I certainly would not have posted this for any other reason.

I mean, the personal integrity of Ms. Schiffer is clearly secondary to keeping Phil front and center.

As a completely unnecessary issue to raise, in the euphoric aura that emanates from Phil's persona presence on all threads wherein he graces us with his existence, did you find it "odd" that Atlas is being distributed as an "old-fashioned" movie reel?

Adam