With the December 31 deadline approaching for full digital film conversion at the Strand Theatre, co-owner Bob Card says he is anticipating the receipt of four working digital projectors within the next couple of weeks.
“The equipment is ordered and if all goes as planned we will be installing the projectors the first week of December,” he said, adding that his is reluctant to celebrate until the projectors are fully installed and in operation.
“We are very thankful for the people who have supported us the way they have,” he said.
While the majority of new films will be in digital format starting in January 2014, some are already being released in that way, according to Card
“By and large we have been pretty fortunate, but some films have eluded us because of the lack of digital equipment to date,” he said.
The cost of the Strand’s full digital conversion is estimated at $250,000 to $280,000.
The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) announced in September that it had reached its community fundraising goal of $150,000 for the Strand Theatre’s Go Digital or Go Dark Campaign and in adding the amounts from other pools of resources it is estimated that about $200,000 has been raised.
Fundraising continues to ensure that all costs can be met and to cover increased operating expenses associated with the new equipment.
Nick Rose, Executive Director for CAP-21, host organization of the Strand Digital Conversion Fund, said that contributions continue to come in from permanent and summer residents and people that are just traveling through the area.
Anyone interested in making a contribution through CAP-21 can send it to: CAP-21, P.O. Box 642, Old Forge, NY 13420.
“We are thrilled that we are able to help play a role to preserve one of the town’s cultural centers,” Rose said.
The ANCA campaign to convert a number of North Country theaters has been extended from October 31 through December 31.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made on the ANCA website, anca.org, or sent directly to the organization at: Adirondack North Country Association, 67 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Make sure you designate that your donation is to be directed to the Strand Theatre of Old Forge.
To donate directly to The Strand, checks made payable to “Strand Digital Conversion” can be mailed to: The Strand Theatre of Old Forge, P.O. Box 681, Old Forge, NY 13420.
Donations can also be dropped in the collection box in the lobby of the theater.