Hollyweird #009 – Marshall Strauss (Owner of Cinema Salem) – Movie Theater May!

In this episode, the host sits down with Marshall Strauss, the owner of Cinema Salem, a community-focused independent movie theater. Marshall shares his journey and adventure of acquiring the cinema during the pandemic, negotiating with the landlord, and the transition from a shuttered venue to a vibrant community hub. They delve into the challenges Cinema Salem has faced, particularly the impact of the pandemic on the film industry and the evolution of audience behavior. Marshall discusses the history of the cinema, its connection to the local community, past and present events, and how the theater embraces Salem's unique Halloween tourism culture. The conversation also covers the economics of running a cinema, the importance of mixed programming to sustain interest and attendance, and the future plans for maintaining Cinema Salem as a vital part of the community. The episode wraps up with a chat about favorite films and reflections on the magic of cinema. 00:00 Introduction and Meet Marshall Strauss 01:34 The Impact of the Pandemic on Cinema Salem 02:39 The History of Cinema Salem 05:38 The Magic of Movie Theaters 10:21 Community Engagement and Support 18:20 Adapting to Salem's Unique Culture 25:49 Diverse Programming and Events 36:39 Exploring CinemaCon and Movie Trends 37:34 The Shiny Object Syndrome in Modern Film 38:58 Impact of Streaming Platforms on Theaters 40:47 The Financial Dynamics of the Film Industry 43:46 Challenges and Strategies for Independent Theaters 50:47 Advice for Aspiring Theater Owners 55:57 Future Plans for Cinema Salem 01:00:09 Favorite Movies and Their Impact 01:08:21 The Art of Horror and Comedy in Film 01:11:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices