January 16, 2014
Upstate Business Journal
By Joe Toppe
The addition of an independent movie theatre to downtown Greenville is one step closer to becoming a reality after capturing the attention of a statewide business organization.
The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has selected The Film House as the initial project for its online donation portal called SCcrowdfund.com.
The portal was designed to provide access to capital for small businesses, and The Film House is an exciting first project, said Frank Knapp Jr., president of the Small Business Chamber.
“This theatre will help drive the economic development of downtown Greenville and we are thrilled to provide a fundraising portal for the supporters of this project to make their donations,” he said.
The Film House founder Daryn Zongrone has identified the Keys Building on McBee Avenue as a tentative location. Plans call for three theatres totaling 300 seats, plus a concession stand and bar serving beer and wine. Zongrone believes the city of Greenville is primed for such an establishment.
“The Film House will also serve as a showcase for independent and foreign films, classic and limited-release films as well as local films and artists,” she said.
Fundraising to date has produced $5,000 of the necessary $1 million required to open, she said.
City Councilwoman Jil Littlejohn said garnering community support is vital to the theatre’s long-term success.
“By getting the interest of a statewide organization like the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, the theatre project is on the right avenue for creating public awareness. The support of the community is crucial for this theater to make it,” Littlejohn said.
Original Article: http://upstatebusinessjournal.com/news/effort-downtown-theatre-receives-boost/