The distributors get a percentage of the box office money. Out of our half, we pay for the building, electricity, equipment and the salaries of the employees. Only after that can we pay ourselves.
Movies are the least expensive, non-advertising revenue supported, entertainment on the market.
Due to our film contracts, we are only permitted to have so many discounted showtimes per week. Due to the overwhelming number of calls, letters, complaints, etc. we began offering bargain Tuesday in March and in doing so had to revise our matinee discount policy to the first matinee show of each film each day. We are constantly amazed that we get this complaint. The 14 year olds aren't complaining. I assume that they are on a fixed income as well.