Marie Flanagan
Member Profile
How has Cinema United membership been impactful to you and/or your business?In the past, we were struggling to see how small theatres in the heartland of America could possibly be represented but Michael O’Leary, NATO CEO, recognizes the beautiful addition that small, local theatres have on the industry. Though we are small, we are mighty! Thank you, Michael, for giving us the recognition while also giving us a voice.
It wasn’t that we chose the industry, we chose our community! With a shuttered theatre of almost 100 years old, we took on the responsibility of opening the theatre to give our community a view they had lost.
To be honest, I should say our guests BUT every day in the office I work with the world’s BEST booking agent (Mike Wilson – Wilson Theater Service) and a core group of theatre owners who have truly become great friends! All of that combined makes the magic come to life in our little town in Wyoming!
The moment we opened to the public! We weren’t perfect yet and our guests didn’t care! They were just so thankful we were back open!
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Going to Twisters in Oklahoma City! I was in high school, and it was so great knowing that it was made about our state! I felt a sense of pride! Also, meeting Dennis Quaid (CinemaCon 2024)! I chose to include my staff when we met and he had never had that happen before – got to love FaceTime!
I am hoping that we can make small town theaters relevant again. Too many small towns are losing their theatres, and I am looking forward to the day that our historical theatres are the go-to place to immerse yourself with the sights and sounds that only old theatres can offer.
Find a core group of people who want to see you succeed! We wouldn’t be where we are today if we hadn’t had our support system! A booking agent & theatres of similar sizes will be who you rely on the most! Connect yourself and ask questions to whoever you see, you may be surprised at what you find!
