Jericho Drive-in is still in need of funds to purchase a new digital projector to stay open next summer.
Last summer, Jericho Drive-in owners Mike and Lisa Chenette lost their bid to win a new digital projection machine through a competition sponsored by Honda Motor Company. Drive-ins and independent movie theaters are being forced to upgrade to digital projection machines as the movie industry phases out the use of 35mm film.
“We really don’t know what next year will bring.” said Lisa Chenette. “We’ve been told for the past few years film is going away, and if we can’t get the projector, we’ll have to discuss what can be done before the start of next season.”
The Chenettes started a fundraising campaign on their own at the beginning of the season, but are still short of their goal. The couple will have to raise the money for a new digital projector or face closure next year if they can no longer find movies on film.
Depending on the equipment needed, the projectors can cost between $70,000 and $100,000.
As the season began, buckets were placed at the entrances in the hopes customers would donate some extra money when they paid for admission or at the snack booth. The Chenettes also started a Paypal account so people could donate directly to the cause.
“We didn’t do a Kickstarter campaign yet because the goal is so high,” explained Chenette. “We wanted to start fundraising for a year first because it’s all or nothing. With Kickstarter, we either have to raise the goal we set or get none of the money.”
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the drive-in held a special fundraising event. A carload of people paid just $20 to see three movies released earlier in the summer. There were also raffles, T-shirts on sale and old movie posters. However, turnout for the event was lower than expected due to the poor weather.
Chenette said they have yet to raise even 25 percent of their goal.
The drive-in has been a Glenmont institution since it first opened in 1957. In 1995, it was purchased by Mike Chenette, who had saved up for years in order to own his own business.
The couple added the ice cream stand in 2007, and the next year purchased a brand new 40-by-90-foot screen. They are still in the process of paying back both investments. This is the 20-year anniversary of the Chenettes’ ownership of the drive-in.
Earlier in the year, Chenette said although she has been told the drive-in will still be able to get movies on film this year, she is already seeing the effects of the switch.
Typically drive-ins show two movies at each showing, which is the main allure for families on a budget looking for summer fun with their children. Each night, one movie is usually a new release, with the other being a bit older.
Since it is getting harder to find movies on film, theaters that haven’t made the switch are holding on to their reels longer, meaning it is getting harder for the Chenettes to find those older movies for the second show.
“I haven’t heard yet that they stopped producing the movies on film, but once they do, it will all fall like dominos,” said Chenette. “I’m hoping that the industry makes prints for longer, since so many drive-ins and independent theaters are struggling.”
Mike and Lisa Chenette both said they are appreciative of everyone’s donations throughout the year. They said the community has been very supportive, and they’ve received a lot of well wishes.
“If we could open again next year, that would be great,” said Lisa Chenette. “We’ll have to speak with our movie booker and find out what the trends are and what films we can get.”
Depending on the weather and which new films continue to be released on film, the drive-in could stay open into October on the weekends. One of the last films to play will be “Dolphin Tail 2” on Sept. 12, but they are unsure what films can be secured after that date.
Anyone who wishes to donate can do so through the drive-in website at www.jerichodrive-in.com, or by visiting the theater and ice cream stand in person.