Downtown cinema group to launch $300K campaign

The co-op is looking to run the capital campaign after securing a location for its new downtown cinema.

Initially, the group was planning to move into the former Rainbow Cinemas, but their proposal to occupy the space fell through in May. Within a month, though, the co-op had found another downtown location.

Carlyle said he's not ready to reveal where this space is just yet, although an announcement will likely come within a few weeks.

He said the new location is preferable to Rainbow Cinemas, as it will be a one-screen cinema.

In trying to rent out the former Rainbow Cinemas, mall management had said the co-op had to take on all six screens, so it was looking at sub-letting the facility to businesses.

“We don't have to worry about that now,” Carlyle said.

Sudbury Downtown Independent Cinema Co-operative is looking to play second-run Hollywood movies and independent films at its new location.

Before any of that happens, though, the new space has to be converted into a cinema. Carlyle said he hopes construction can start in October or November and be completed in early 2015.

But that will obviously require money, he said.

Although the co-op already has some funds from selling memberships and from an Angel investor, and is also applying for a FedNor grant, the capital campaign will give the group a financial cushion, Carlyle said.

The money would be used for construction, purchasing equipment and rent.

“It prevents us from going into considerable debt,” Carlyle said.

He said he's excited things are back on track for Sudbury Downtown Independent Cinema Co-operative.

It's looking very promising,” Carlyle said.

For more information, search for “Sudbury Indie Cinema Downtown” on Facebook.