projecting nostalgia: georgia drive-in movie theater struggles to adapt to digitization - digital projector

TIGER, Ga.
-People travel a few miles away and enjoy a picnic on the tailgate and the first-
Running a movie on Tiger AvenueIn.
But the outdoor theater in the Georgia town faces a financial hurdle: It has to be upgraded to a digital projector before major film studios are phased outMillimeter film
"It doesn't make much sense to spend $80,000 on such a big business," said boss Tom Major . ".
"But I have to figure it out anyway.
Major said he owed clients his business. [pullquote]
"Children like to run around and sit down and watch movies," says Michelle Roberts . " Her family let the 40-year-old
It is only a few minutes' drive from eastnonley, Georgia.
Watch the animated Thanksgiving comedy Free Birds.
"It gives them something we used to do when we were young.
"Nostalgia is a driving force for customers and owners.
The major's father is-
The law opened the door of the Tiger in the 1950 s, and in the past ten years, the number of driving has reached
Ins peaked at more than 4,000 nationwide.
According to data from the coalition, there are fewer than 360 people today.
Association of Theater Owners (UDITOA).
UDITOA President John Vincent estimates that half of cars in the United States
Ins has been converted to a digital projector, but admits that upgrading is difficult for others.
"There is no doubt that there will be some closures," Vincent said . ".
"We want any closure to be temporary. "Although Dec.
The 31st was the deadline for widespread rumors, and Vincent said he would not be surprised if Hollywood continued to release movies next summer, giving cinemas more time to make digital transitions.
"With our studio partners, we 've been asking them, 'When will it happen? '
When will it happen?
"No one has a date yet," Vincent said . "
"I hope they will be more active.
This year, Honda passed a Project Drive-In.
"But, in addition to winning the competition, other theaters are trying to reduce costs by renting projectors or waiting for the development of the used market.
When major reopened his fatherin-
In 2004, he couldn't afford a $65,000 new screen, so he built his own screen from scratch for a fraction of the cost.
He said he was optimistic that he would come up with another solution that would allow tigers to cross the digital divide and preserve American pop culture for future generations.
"It will bring you back, as if you saw a 1957 Chevrolet passing by," said Major . ".
"This is a great time.
People bring their grandchildren here and let them experience an important part of life at that time.