The time limit to win a $350,000 movie theater may be prolonged through the end of January — which is first rate information, particularly for people that didn't know this type of contest even existed.
For a number of weeks now, Mike Hurley has been advertising an essay-writing contest whereby the winner gets possession of his two-display movie theater in Houlton, Maine (population: 6,300).
the competition became purported to end on Jan. 15, but he informed The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that he'll lengthen the deadline through at least two weeks to take talents of an expected surge in free press.
Hurley has already tried to sell the property, but found no takers, so in its place he'll supply it to the person who writes the most advantageous 250-notice essay about why they should be the brand new proprietor of the Temple Theatre.
it's no longer charity, as Hurley is gathering $100 per entry and has set a 3,500 minimum of entries, making certain he'll get his asking rate. If he would not get at least near that many, he'll refund the funds. so far, only 200 individuals have submitted essays, however he's not worried.
"we now have talked to americans who have finished this, and that they inform us many of the submissions come on the ultimate minute, simply earlier than closing date," he says.
in fact, there have been a few recent examples of identical giveaways of restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and other companies, and they're regarded criminal alternatives to traditional revenue thoughts.
Hurley obtained the theater a dozen years in the past "for nearly nothing," then spent $200,000 to renovate it. He bought it after reading concerning the previous owner shutting it down. in the newspaper picture, the theater's marquee carried the message: "Thanks for your lack of support!"
"I drove 152-and-half miles to study it, and fell in love," he says.
truly, Hurley changed into already a theater proprietor in Belfast, Maine, the place he nonetheless lives, and he also owns Fiberglass Farm, a business that makes bobble-head figurines, including the eight-foot-tall Tommy Lasorda at Dodger Stadium in los angeles.
His choice to movement on from the Temple Theatre changed into spurred by means of the upcoming resignation of his manager, whom Hurley describes as an vital jack-of-all trades. "I constructed the success of the theater on that guy, and i do not need to teach a person else," says Hurley, 65.
Hurley says he'll also be selling his Colonial Theatre in Belfast, notwithstanding via natural skill. As a younger adult, he saw superstar Wars there in 1977, then purchased the movie-apartment later. Now he says J.J. Abrams, the director of star Wars: The drive Awakens, is constructing a summer home in Camden, just 10 miles far from him. fitting, he says, because that blockbuster film is proof of the fitness of the film exhibition business.
He says he "makes a ton of money" on concessions at his Temple Theatre, where a small popcorn is still beneath $2 and Wednesdays are free popcorn nights (carry your personal bowl). He upgraded to digital projection greater than a year ago, so the brand new proprietor may not should do lots renovating, if any.
The ninety eight-yr-old Temple Theater is housed in a three-story building, although Hurley owns (and is therefore giving freely) most effective the first two flooring. each screen comes with a balcony and seats 200. The 2nd flooring contains four,200 square ft of office area and a 2,000 rectangular-foot apartment, the place his manager lives.
He and some staffers in Belfast will study the entire essays, then send the 20 superior to a secret panel of three in Houlton. "native americans in a position to decide good writing should make the last determination," he says.
Assuming, of course, he finds 3,500 americans inclined to provide it a shot.
email: Paul.Bond@THR.com
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