Everything is slowly getting ready. The foyer in the Cineplex in Friedrichshafen shines in new splendor. Workers have been busy since mid-September bringing the entrance area into shape. Now theater manager Alexander Ronkartz is happy: “The counter has been completely renovated.” In fact, technology is now used here that many people are familiar with from fast food restaurants: “Customers can now order everything on large touchscreens – and then place their order pick up.” Guests who are not yet familiar with the new technology will receive support, emphasizes Ronkartz. But this was not the only construction project.
Theater director Alexander Ronkartz in front of new machines in the foyer of the Cineplex. Guests will be able to place their orders here in the future. | Image: Benjamin Schmidt
Properly invested
“In addition to the foyer – including new seating – we have renewed the sanitary facilities,” says the 35-year-old happily. The quiet places were getting old. Now everything is new and modern again. The renovation was not cheap. In total, the measure cost a good half a million euros. But is it even worth it?
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“Yes,” replies the theater manager. The golden times of the industry are over. He is alluding to the years 2015 and 2016. At that time, the Cineplex had around 300,000 visitors a year. Films like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “First Avenger: Civil War” attracted audiences to the cinema in droves. But even with around 200,000 visitors in 2022, there is still money to be made, says Ronkartz. But he admits: “We have to keep an eye on the cost side.” How high the profits ultimately are is not publicly visible.
The sanitary facilities were renovated – the women’s toilet can be seen in the picture. | Image: Benjamin Schmidt
There are still blockbusters
Streaming services had an influence on development. One reason: These have drastically shortened the time between showing in cinemas and being available on the Internet. “Before Corona it was four months, now it’s only four to six weeks,” says Ronkartz. The result: Some people prefer to stay on the couch. And yet visitors come to experience film spectacles on the big screen: currently – still – the films ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’, which have been running for some time.
2023-10-21 07:14:13
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