Independent Movie Theater

         

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Interview with Jackson Davis, Owner of Davis Independent Movie Theater in Portland, Oregon.

1. Can you tell us how you got started with the Davis Independent Movie Theater?

Well, it all started when I was in college studying film. I was always passionate about independent movies and wanted to create a space where people could enjoy and appreciate them just as much as I did. After graduation, I worked at a couple of theaters before realizing that I really wanted to be my own boss and create a more personal movie experience for people. That’s how the idea of Davis Independent Movie Theater was born.

2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your own business?

The biggest challenge for me was definitely trying to compete with all the big cinema chains out there. As a small business, it can be really hard to get your name out there and attract customers when they’re so used to going to the big theaters. Additionally, I had to learn how to navigate the legal and financial aspects of starting a business, which was a bit overwhelming at times.

3. How did you eventually achieve success with your theater?

One of the major turning points for us was when we decided to start selling our independent movies and documentaries online. We created a Shopify store for our business, which was a game-changer. Suddenly, we were reaching customers all across the country who were interested in the type of content we offered. This eventually led to an increase in ticket sales for our theater, as people sought out the unique experience that we offered.

4. How has Shopify helped your business specifically?

Shopify has been a great partner for us. Having an online store has allowed us to reach new customers and generate revenue in a way that we couldn’t before. It’s also a really user-friendly platform that has enabled us to easily manage our inventory and sales, which makes running our business a lot easier.

5. Can you describe your movie theater experience in one sentence?

We strive to provide a personal and engaging movie experience for our customers that they won’t find anywhere else.

6. What is your favorite movie that you’ve ever shown at your theater?

Oh, that’s a tough one. I’m really proud of all of the unique and thought-provoking films that we’ve shown over the years. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Moonlight. It’s a movie that really resonated with a lot of our customers, and it was a great example of the type of content that we’re passionate about showcasing.

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own independent movie theater?

I’d say to just go for it! It’s not always an easy road, but if you’re passionate about what you’re doing, the hard work is worth it. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to other businesses and people in your community for support. Building relationships is essential to success in any industry.

         

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