| Author | Message | ||
     lebl1166 Citizen Username: Lebl1166 Post Number: 106 Registered: 6-2001 |
Does anyone know what kind of movies will be played at the new SOPAC movie theater? Will it emulate the movie theaters on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair (ie.., more foreign and independent films). | ||
| sbenois Supporter Username: Sbenois Post Number: 15563 Registered: 10-2001  |
May I suggest replays of your BOT Meetings? They are simply hysterical. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 886 Registered: 1-2006 |
The Beifus Chronicles, for starters. Followed by, ummm..... For Whom the Tau Tolls. A four part series on power and secrecy: Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 887 Registered: 1-2006 |
Redevelopment Blues, a multi-media political awareness celebration. In the theater. | ||
| connied76 Citizen Username: Connied76 Post Number: 75 Registered: 1-2004 |
And, don't forget, these thrilling pieces cannot be shown until it is "high movie season" because, as we were made painfully aware, the summer is the "slow season" when a theater can't possibly open.  | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12407 Registered: 5-2001 |
I cxertainly hope that the theater will be limited to showing foreign and independent art films. South Orange shouldn't condone the showing of regular Hollywood, first run films at that location. After all it is an "art" center!!! | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4566 Registered: 5-2001  |
Bob, Actually, it is largely a 14 million dollar "movie theater" and with JUST foreign films being shown I seriously doubt it would last and we all would be stuck with the bill. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12408 Registered: 5-2001 |
Shucks, I only caught one with my troll post. Usually I do better.  | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4567 Registered: 5-2001 |
Touche! Ya got me.  | ||
| red_alert Citizen Username: Red_alert Post Number: 322 Registered: 3-2005 |
The first showing at SOPAC should be "Nothing But Trouble" starring Chevy Chase, Demi Moore, and Dan Ackroyd. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102558/ There's an eerie similarity between South Orange and Valkanvania.  | ||
| Bailey Citizen Username: Baileymac Post Number: 410 Registered: 3-2005 |
Phew.. there's a whole lot of bitterness going on. I remain optimistic about SOPAC, despite the current state of our downtown. At least SOPAC is almost complete and looks somewhat promising. From SOPAC's website: "The 34,000 sq. ft. facility is unique in that it includes: A 415-seat elegantly appointed performing arts theater bringing all genres of live music, spoken word, performance art, dance, theater, comedy, and children’s programming to our community. 5-screen Cineplex featuring art, family-friendly and independent films Community space seating up to 150 people for regional and local events, classes, corporate events and meetings, smaller theatrical productions, rehearsals and lifecycle celebrations." The cinemas will be run by Clearview Cinemas, which also runs one in Montclair. I would guess SOPAC will have similar movies to theirs: http://www.clearviewcinemas.com/cgi-bin/movie_info.cgi | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 746 Registered: 6-2005 |
I still would like to see a detailed buisness plan for the place. After all, if we taxpayers are going to subsidize everyone going to the movies, we have a right to know the details of the finances. | ||
| connied76 Citizen Username: Connied76 Post Number: 77 Registered: 1-2004 |
I think the bitterness and skepticism is warranted given the town's investment in the place and the history of development (or lack thereof) in SO. I am concerned that the movie theaters were due to open this summer and we got some lame excuse about summer being a slow movie season (HUH? As far as I understood it, summer was THE season for movie releases) Now, there is no further info on when the movie theaters will open. Makes me think Clearview might be pulling out- and then what? I also think the line-up for performers leaves much to be desired. I don't think it will draw the volume needed to keep the place propsering rather than becoming a drain on our already strapped resources. Finally, (for now, anyway) I laugh everytime I read the parking information for SOPAC. I think the parking will be a disaster if the place is even marginally successful. So that's why the bitterness! | ||
| Cali6buff Citizen Username: Cali6buff Post Number: 67 Registered: 4-2006 |
I think the bitterness and skepticism about this project is pathetic. It's also pathetic that you can't ask a serious question without being unhumorously replied to by the regular crowd of yahoos. I'm sure Lebl1166 thanks you for your input. | ||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1961 Registered: 12-2003  |
"I think the parking will be a disaster if the place is even marginally successful." You're aware that the Maplewood theater has approximately four total parking spaces, and still does brisk business, right? Millburn's theater has one, maybe two spaces right in front of it on the street, and that's it. This notion that we can't build anything unless we also build a 500-space parking deck feels a bit absurd. I've never had trouble finding parking in Maple or South Orange, even at peak times on Friday and Saturday nights. It's a village, not a strip mall. If you have an expectation of being able to park directly in front of the place you're shopping, go to Route 22. If on the other hand you want to put your car somewhere, stroll to a restaurant, then stroll to a movie theater, then stroll to grab a drink or dessert afterward, you're likely to find a place like South Orange (or Maplewood) rather convenient. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider  Post Number: 15332 Registered: 1-2003  |
cmontyburns, let's go parking together. | ||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1962 Registered: 12-2003 |
Any time, any place. | ||
| Steve Hickson Citizen Username: Shickson Post Number: 55 Registered: 4-2006  |
Cali6buff, I agree with you that it is somewhat sad that lebl1166 asks a serious question and yet has to wade through a variety of jaded/skeptical responses to get a clear answer regarding what will be screened at SOPAC. Although some of the responses could be classified as humorous---particularly the suggestion to replay highlights of our BOT meetings---that would be kind of funny. But I must say, perhaps some of this skepticism and concern is an outgrowth of the issue that jayjay raises. Quite simply, what is the business plan for SOPAC? And, I would agree with jayjay that as taxpayers in South Orange we should at least have the right to be exposed to highlights of the business plan. I hope and I think almost everyone in South Orange hopes that SOPAC is a huge success---it can only help toward the longer term revitalization of the central business district. But the skepticism and concern you're seeing displayed on this message board is an outgrowth of several factors: 1. What is the business plan? SOPAC is a $14MM investment and if you watch our last BOT meeting I asked our BOT and the SOPAC representatives at the meeting what level of revenue (either monthly or annually) would be required to simply break even in terms of overall operating costs as well as SOPCAC's debt-load to the town. The short answer is I got no answer. Nobody in the room could answer this question. That is a significant concern, particularly in light of our almost $70MM overall village debt-load. If this does not raise a concern it should. 2. Where is the infrastructure? With this question I'm specifically referring to parking. Unlike Maplewood and Millburn this is a huge arts center with a 415 seat auditorium, 5 theaters, public space, etc. Parking will be a major issue---no question about it. I was almost the victim of road rage last Saturday morning when I mistakenly cut in front of someone for spot as I was trying to park near the train station. (FYI this was during my Saturday morning ritual of "coffee by the crackhouse"---a.k.a. coming soon Garden of Eden---which I find quite relaxing and inspiring at the same time). 3. Lastly, where is the execution of the SOPAC vision? SOPAC is a great concept, I really hope it works as it could be great for the town---in short, it is a smart strategy. But, the execution appears majorly flawed. There is no frontage on South Orange Avenue and it is hidden by the train tracks where nobody can see it. And parking will be a major problem as mentioned before. Could the Beifus lot have been considered as a home for SOPAC? Maybe not, but that would seem to have been a good location that would have allowed for frontage on "The Avenue", easy access to the train, room for adjacent retail, new restaurants or high-end residential space and ample parking. In summary, I think we all want SOPAC to work---but when you consider the fact that: 1) nobody seems to be able to respond to very basic business planning questions, 2) the lack of parking, 3) the junior varsity level execution of the SOPAC strategy and 4) our town's recent track record of failed projects and sky-high debt---folks tend to get a little nervous. I hope it works. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5942 Registered: 1-2004  |
I give it two years.... | ||
| wnb Citizen Username: Wnb Post Number: 493 Registered: 8-2001 |
Steve Hickson you are 100% correct on the financial accountability questions. I don't agree that parking is going to be that big a deal -- ie, I buy the "nights & weekends" argument. I don't think frontage on SO Ave is a prerequisite to success, or that lack of frontage poses a problem. Where I agree most of all is that I also want this to work. We have to make it work. But when simple business questions can't be answered clearly and directly, it's not just a matter of PR, it is a matter of confidence about our substantial investment in this place. I also question why someone who is interested in finding out what kind of movies will be shown has to come here to find out. Just to be sure, I went back to the SOPAC site, http://sopacnow.org, and all I could find was one specific reference to "...art, family-friendly and independent films." So that answers the question, very briefly, but I do think there is a desire for some meat on these bones. | ||
| Shanabana Citizen Username: Shanabana Post Number: 931 Registered: 10-2005  |
Good Grief! It is impossible to peruse the SO Specific section without being forced to read through the SAME jeers and comments by obsessed individuals again and agian. It's dawned on me that I hope SOPAC is a huge success so that you all will eat your words. I'm skeptical too, but I don't feel need to rehash my pessimism on this board repeatedly. It doesn't do any good, and it turns/pisses some readers off. PS. This is the last time I will post any comments like this here. I reaize it does no good and it turns/pisses some people off. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15335 Registered: 1-2003 |
I agree, and one could think South Orange is a dismal place to be, if one is guided by this section. I, for one, am excited that SOPAC is coming. Whether you favor it or have opposed it, it's in everyone's interest to see that it succeeds. Being able to say, "I told you so" has very limited value. If it succeeds, the town gets at least some of its money back. So tell all your friends and relatives to go. A good time just might be had by all. | ||
| wnb Citizen Username: Wnb Post Number: 496 Registered: 8-2001 |
The SOPAC site also has a questionnaire seeking input on types of programming. There was a huge thread about the type of programming that was going to be shown at SOPAC recently, many opinions were voiced. I wonder how many of those people filled out the questionnaire? Also, they are looking for volunteers. I don't have a lot of free time but I'm putting my name in to see if I can contribute in some way. Maybe others could too, and channel some of this energy into something positive. I think part of the answer to "what kind of movies will they show" is that this is a work in progress, and your input can help shape the answer to that question. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5950 Registered: 1-2004 |
We responded to the questionnaire. While we also hope SOPAC is a success, we have our doubts. It is VERY small compared to the other PAC's within a 25 mile radius. And those are struggling to survive. What is this going to the theater at the Baird Center? Or the one in Maplewood? Parking is going to be a problem. It already is. At least Bunny's, the Village Diner, the Reservoir and the restaurants in the immediate area will get some added business. | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 480 Registered: 11-2005 |
If Clearview pulls out of the deal, not to worry. I got a 16mm projector and I was looking for a good paying part-time job ---- | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1753 Registered: 3-2002 |
I too am excited about SOPAC (with a minor side of concern over the possible tax subsidy). I'm less concerned about parking for the reasons Cmonty states, and because I've seen just how hard parking can be at some of our local theaters with "ample onsite parking" (I may never go to the theater on Rt.10 again after a couple of experiences getting out of their parking garage!) | ||
| Shanabana Citizen Username: Shanabana Post Number: 932 Registered: 10-2005 |
wnb - who exactly is looking for voulenteers? How do I get in touch? It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a whole township of the village to foster a PAC... | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5953 Registered: 1-2004 |
Susan I agree with you about the parking at the East Hanover Theater. If I can't find a spot on the first level facing the theater, I'll take a quick look by Chuckie Cheese. If there aren't any, I leave. There is no way I'm going to risk the elevator breaking down! Those spots are kind of tight too! I've asked about that and was told they meet the minimum allowed. When we were kids we use to take the train to Maplewood, Millburn, even Summit to see movies. | ||
| Dufus Citizen Username: Dufus Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2006 |
Let's hope SOPAC creates foot traffic to neighboring stores and restaurants instead of everyone rushing to their cars to get out of here. Traditional movie theaters like Rt. 10 is a 1 stop shop. You go to see the movie, and then you leave. With SOPAC, we hope that people will stick around and visit local establishments. Only time will tell. | ||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1964 Registered: 12-2003 |
"Who exactly is looking for volunteers? How do I get in touch?" http://www.sopacnow.org/p-volunteer.php |
