December 4, 2014
By Ashley Boncimino | GSA Business
Local film enthusiasts have organized a crowd funding campaign to set up a local independent art theater, The Film House. While Greenville is making economic strides, it deserves a local independent theater to showcase local artists and be a hub for film enthusiasts in the immediate area, according to the organizers.
Where the group’s Indiegogo campaign targets $5,000 in crowd funding, organizers are aiming to raise $30,000 in the short term to secure a downtown location, begin renovating space and buy a digital projector. The group hopes to make The Film House a must-see destination in the Upstate as well as a community artist hub.
The Film House Founder Daryn Zongrone said the goal is to finish fundraising by January 2015 and establish the theater in the Keys Building at 307 E. McBee St. The space would include a pizzeria and would serve beer and wine.
The closest independent theater is over an hour away, too far for many people in the community, according to the Indiegogo campaign. The projected theater would show locally produced and current independent and foreign films and would host film history and education events.
“When I was graduating, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to take any more classes on film, so I started looking around for other opportunities in the community, and there were none,” said Zongrone. A 15-year native of the Upstate, Zongrone said she has been working with small business advising organization Score to develop a business plan and funding options for the startup.
“When I finally started a Facebook page and a website, it was amazing the amount of support I received from that, and we just started in September,” said Zongrone, who added that local businesses such as The Warehouse Theater and Coffee Underground have already voiced their support. “It’s been amazing.”
Reach Ashley Boncimino at 864-235-5677, ext. 103 or @ashleyboncimino.
Original Article: http://www.gsabusiness.com/news/49720-greenville-film-buffs-push-for-art-theater