The majority of cinemas are very much alike. They show the same films, sell the same snacks and have similar pricing. The main thing they have that can differentiate from each other is location.
So what can a small community cinema do that a big label multiplex can't?
A cinema like Whetstone isn't contracted to show any particular movies at any particular times, so it can be more flexible to the needs of the community. There might be demand for a particular film or set of films, and it's much easier to respond to this demand when the cinema is run by the same people who use it.
Big name cinemas are there for one reason: to make as much money as they can. Therefore, the tickets are priced as high as possible and the snacks and refreshments are probably the most expensive you can buy. Even if you spend a minimal amount of money, they still make money by showing adverts before the film.
Most cinema-goers accept this as part of the experience, but it doesn't always have to be this way.
Small community cinemas are there to serve the community and are usually run by volunteers. There's no obligation to show trailers, no big film distributors dictating what movies to screen and no agencies paying money to show ads. You're there to watch a movie, not be sold to!
Some things are the same in any cinema, such as needing to be quiet and stay off your phone. But the films we see and the snacks and drinks we can buy at Whetstone are flexible. This year's summer screening is Barbie, so at Whetstone you can buy low-price cakes and Barbie-themed pink drinks!
For Whetstone Cooperative Cinema's screening in October we put a vote out so the members could have a say in the choice of film. You chose Coco, so that's what we're showing a few days before Hallowe'en. When was the last time a big name cinema asked you what you want to watch?
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