WIAT-BIRMINGHAM, AL
A new movie theater in Birmingham promises to not only be state of the art, but also bring economic growth to a struggling area.
Edge Movie Theater owner Marty Felts says,
The Edge Movie Theater at Eastwood Festival Center will provide more than your average night out at the movies.
"No box office, we sell tickets at concession stand, self serve drinks so free refills with drinks, we're going to be very family friendly."
Its easy to see the shopping center is struggling, as neighboring buildings stand vacant, but owner marty felts isn't discouraged.
"When the theater shut down in '06, at some point there might have been a stigma about this area, but I think we're going to the ones to set that tone."
"We're going to have 3 3D screens, 12 screens, two will be dedicated to art films year around and we'll be a regular first run movie theater." And even in a weak economy, the movie industry is one that hasn't really taken a major hit.
"Last year was the largest box office take in the history, a lot of folks are still traveling to Disney World and spending thousands of dollars on traveling and they come in and spend 8 or 9 bucks on a ticket and it's more economical than traveling."
Crews are working around the clock to get the edge theater open, for what felts hopes is the start of good things to come.
"I think people are going to come to the movies but I think in the next 6 months you're going to see a lot of the places that are empty being filled up."
Marty Felts says they are hiring customer service personell for the theater. There will be a job fair at the theater on Saturday, August 14th from 9 am- 3 pm. The theater is located at 7001 Crestwood Blvd in Birmingham.
