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Gecko urges support for new phase of development
November 14th, 2009
By David Armstrong
Motueka's quirky alternative cinema, Gecko Theatre, is undergoing its second phase of development and hopes that its core patronage will expand and support the initiatives.
The cinema has recently upgraded its projection technology from DVD to hard disk, and will soon offer its first live performances to coincide with the usual late-summer boost in attendances.
The improved delivery technology provides better on-screen quality but also enables them to access more recent, higher rating movies from the distributors on whom they totally rely.
"It's a Catch-22 situation for us," says Willy Cameron, spokesman for the group of five directors. "If we get more patronage viewing our movies, that gives us more leverage to get more recently released, better movies from distributors. The more we can pay them, the better films they will allow us to screen.
"But we also know that we can only pay them more if we get more customers."
Hence the "Use it or lose it" email message sent recently to the cinema's database. Willy says it's not a matter of going out of business, rather a matter of building the energy to improve the service for the benefit of the Motueka community.
The business, which has 22 shareholders, is paying its way currently, but wants to build the funds and the energy to fuel growth and make attendance at the cinema more of a social and cultural occasion, as people interact in the laid-back theatre setting.
The Gecko is well known throughout New Zealand for its homely feeling and friendly service, with comfy couches, cushions and coffee tables spread around the theatres and more than ample leg space to stretch out. This setting in encourages interaction among the audiences.
The cinema started six years ago in a cute but cramped room in High Street, and 20 months ago took its first big step forward, moving to far more appropriate premises off Wallace Street, with its proper foyer and two viewing rooms.
Now it has upgraded the technology and begun mounting special events such as the current short film festival, and in January live performances to adult audiences will be given in the large cinema room over four weeks by Motueka Valley puppeteer John Crick. It will also focus more energy on marketing its special offerings.
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