The Go Digital or Go Dark Campaign, the Adirondack Park-wide initiative to assist theater-owners with funding for their film-to-digital conversions, kicked-off at the Palace Theater in Lake Placid on Friday, April 26 in Hollywood style.
Movie-goers walked the red-carpeted entryway to view the premiere of a movie trailer created by filmmakers Aaron Woolf and T.J. Brearton in support of the effort.
The region-wide fundraiser, organized by the Adirondack Film Society in conjunction with the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), aims to increase awareness and funding for 10 north country movie theaters, including the Strand Theatre of Old Forge.
The trailer begins as a typical movie trailer, then abruptly cuts to an image of an empty film roll and patrons sitting in a darkened theater.
A voiceover explains how the digital switch by major Hollywood studios—which goes into effect in fall 2013—could force small theater owners to shut their doors due to the cost-prohibitive nature of the conversion.
The trailer was shot on location at all 10 theaters. The three-minute film includes the common introduction and customized footage of each theater featuring cameos of its patrons. It will be viewed on all screens throughout the campaign.
As of Thursday, May 2, the campaign has raised $7,810 of the nearly $835,000 needed. Donations in the amount of $835, so far, have been ear-marked for The Strand.
There are many options available for individuals wishing to donate to the campaign.
Checks can be sent to ANCA where the donor can designate the gift for either a specific theater or for the general fund. All donations made through ANCA are tax-deductible and can be sent to: Adirondack North Country Association, 67 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983.
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.
Tax-deductible donations can also be made online through The Razoo Foundation at www.razoo.com/story/Go-Digital-General. Donations can be made to the general fund or to the theater of one’s choice.
