Watching movies is a special mystery when a person plunges into a completely different reality for a moment. It is as if he himself experiences events on the screen, which is why he always receives strong, real emotions. This allows you to escape from everyday problems, get inspiration or a positive charge, which must be shared with someone close or completely unfamiliar, but experienced the same feelings.
Therefore, many people prefer to go to the cinema, and not just watch movies downloaded from the Internet at home. In order to see the news, you need to go to a large cinema - this is a well-known fact. However, sometimes it’s so nice to review something well-known or get acquainted with a rather old film, for some reason not seen before.
And I want to do this in a small company of other people in a cozy, almost homely atmosphere. Previously, there was practically no such opportunity. Today, it is offered by small cinema halls, which are increasingly opening throughout the country. If there is none, take on this business yourself. About how to open a small cinema for residents of your city, you will learn from this article.
Should I open a mini-cinema: pros and cons
In recent years, this business has become quite popular, despite a number of obstacles facing small cinema halls. Its attractiveness is understandable - large investments are not required, filling the hall for each session is quite simple, there are practically no competitors in this niche yet, and you can reach net profit after 3-5 months of operation.
But why then is not everyone in a hurry to realize this attractive business in many respects? In each barrel of honey you yourself know what. Small cinema is no exception. A novice entrepreneur will surely face a number of obstacles, including:
- the need for licensing activities (which is not always easy);
- the inability to show new items (due to the specifics of the mini-cinema);
- attracting visitors - you need to try hard so that as many people as possible know about you;
- maintaining interest in your place for a long time, etc.
Of course, all these issues can be resolved if you have a real desire and not be afraid of difficulties. Is this all about you? Then there is no reason to refuse to occupy an empty niche.
How to register activity?
One of the rather controversial issues is the licensing of small-format movie theaters. In order not to miscalculate and not violate the law, it is better to contact the local administration with an official question. There you will be prompted with a list of all necessary documents, licenses for the legitimate conduct of business and the absence of problems with supervisory authorities. The most important thing is to comply with copyright and safety requirements, in particular - fire.
With regard to registration, the most appropriate form would be the opening of a limited liability company. The OKVED code for showing films is 92.13. To pay taxes, you can use the preferential system.
Repertoire: what and where
Before you open a small cinema, you need to decide the most important point - which films you will show and where to get them. The first part of the question is solved quite simply - show those tapes that were successful with the public (you can be guided by the rating of “Kinopoisk”) and which you would love to watch yourself.
You can conduct a survey in social networks about which movie / genre people would like to go again, that they are ready to review forever, etc. As a rule, a pretty clear picture emerges as a result, which helps to create a successful repertoire.
The second part of the question requires a cautious approach. Do not think that since you are not showing new items, you can download old films from the network and take money for showing them. Of course, if you do not want to be held accountable. This moment is decided by the purchase of films with films from copyright holders, more precisely - from their representatives. In this case, the right to show you do not get forever, but for some specific period.
Demonstration of films released on DVD and BluRay-disks is officially permitted after the acquisition of a license. It is given, as a rule, for two weeks. The Association of Small Cinemas, which also deals with legalization of the repertoire, will help to get acquainted with the rules of operation of mini-cinema halls.
Equipment and furniture: what to show and what to sit on
The main point in the matter of how to open a small cinema is to acquire the necessary video and sound equipment. Fortunately, expensive equipment is not needed. The main list should include the following equipment:
- movie projector, screen;
- receiver (amplifier);
- media center (player with two hard drives);
- speakers (at least 4 front and 2 rear);
- fixtures, fixtures, wires, etc.
On average, for a small cinema for 50-60 people, it will be necessary to purchase equipment in the amount of 300-350 thousand rubles. In addition, you need to think about how to furnish the room. Some entrepreneurs prefer to buy used cinema chairs. However, they will not look very attractive.
You can do it another way - buy small cute sofas or bean bags. Such furniture will create a special atmosphere and your own image of your cinema. In addition, in these seats, people will feel comfortable and relaxed, like at home. Just do not forget to organize a wardrobe - sitting in a jacket on a soft armchair is not very convenient.
Room: where to show
For an audience of 40-50 people, a small area is required. About 60-70 squares. However, when looking for rental premises, consider the height of the ceiling - it should be at least 3-3.5 meters to easily accommodate a large screen and other equipment. In addition, the building must be soundproof and non-residential. Otherwise, there will very quickly be someone to whom the work of your cinema will openly interfere.
The location itself is better to choose in a busy area of the city, but away from a large cinema. Otherwise, there may be problems with attendance. This may be a sleeping area, the main thing is that there should be a lot of people around.
What about opening a movie theater on the street? In summer, such a place will be especially popular. You can start with this idea, and with a cold snap move "under the roof." It is even better if the summer "open-air cinema" will operate on the basis of your cinema. This will expand the audience in the season and attract additional visitors to the main hall when autumn-winter comes.
Advertising: where to find the public
The best ads today are online. You can make a vivid announcement on the poster site of your city, and additionally create a group in the social network dedicated to the work of your cinema. Here it will be possible to discuss the repertoire, accept various wishes, answer questions from visitors and inform them about the schedule of film screenings. The signboard of the cinema itself, which attracts the attention of passers-by, will also not hurt.
We consider the costs: how much to invest
How to open a small cinema and spend a minimum of money? Simple enough. On average, the initial investment in this business will amount to 600-700 thousand rubles. These include the costs of:
- equipment - 300-350 thousand;
- furniture - 100-150 thousand;
- rent - up to 50-60 thousand;
- film rental - about 12-15 thousand;
- salary to employees (administrator, cashier) - about 40 thousand;
- other expenses.
Based on the prices in your area, create a business plan for the mini-cinema, taking into account the main costs and planned revenues from the show. With good attendance and a ticket price, about 150 rubles will be able to pay back the investment in 2-3 months of work. If the occupancy of the hall is small, then the period may increase up to 5-6 months. In any case, the business will begin to make a profit quickly enough, you only need to carefully think through everything and be able to capture the attention and love of the public.
Conclusion
Opening a small cinema is a completely feasible task, even if there are a number of specific nuances and difficulties of this kind of business. In addition, if you approach the issue with all responsibility and a great desire to do everything perfectly, you can soon discover a number of pleasant advantages of such a thing and such a place for both businessman and cinema visitors.
A movie will be given to a small cinema no earlier than 2-3 weeks from the start of general rental !!!