Drive-in Cinema for Cork

The Pontiac

THE big screens for the country’s first permanent drive-in cinema will be turned on before Christmas.

The new Co Cork venture will rekindle memories of 1950s American waitresses taking orders from courting couples in Buicks, Mustangs and Chevrolets.

Cork County Council has granted planning permission for two massive outdoor screens at the Fota Retail Park, where there will also be 200 parking bays.

But, unlike the US nearly 60 years ago, those coming to see the big screen experience won’t have to keep their engines running to stay warm in the winter months.

"We will be providing our patrons with portable propane heaters so they don’t have to keep their car engine running to stay warm. Also, if it rains we will provide them with canopies so their windscreens won’t get wet and they can see out," John Caulfield said.

John and his business partner, Stephen Redmond, who is also from Cork, have formed the company Drive-In Cinemas Ireland, which will carry out the development.

"We looked at a couple of venues and decided that Carrigtwohill was the right one because it had good road access. We were delighted to get planning from the county council and hope to start construction on the site by the end of August. We envisage having it up and running before Christmas," John said.

He said the company carried out market research on the project and it was likely that the outdoor screens would attract people in their late teens and married couples looking for a different night out break from their children.

Initially they will open a 20 x 16 metre main screen, following it up later with a slightly smaller version.

"We will have waitresses taking orders for food from the cars. It will be reminiscent of 1950s America, but they will not be supplying alcoholic drink," John added.

He said initially the company was looking at screening new release Hollywood blockbusters, but if the demand was there they would also look at the possibility of screening major sporting events.

"We know it is untried and untested in this country, but from the feedback we got from our market research we believe it has huge potential," John said..

Link

I like the idea and think it will be a success.

MRBEAVER

Park and Ride

Owen

Bad bad bad bad idea. The ones that are run in the Showgrounds annually are a disaster. It seems like a fantastic idea, until you realise sitting in your car for 2 hours is not as comfortable as you might imagine. Then, with your engine off, your windows start to fog up. And your car ends up stinking of popcorn.

The ones in the Showgrounds probably aren't the best example - all they show is stuff that's cheap to project - The Great Escape, etc - but I think people will go to this once or twice for a novelty and that'll be that.

Outkast_IRE

ya to be honest i would rather be in a nice warm cinema than stuck in the car for two hours with windows fogging up etc.
One of the great things about a good cinema is the sound quality , thats non existant through most car speakers.

Barr

I've been to showgrounds where it was done before , the idea is great but sitting in your car for two and a half hours was not pleasant.

Owen

Knowing the wonderful Irish weather, we'll go, it'll be fine, the forecast will be fine, and then half way through the heavens will open and we'll be watching the movie with wipers on!

The Pontiac

PaintDoctor wrote: »

Knowing the wonderful Irish weather, we'll go, it'll be fine, the forecast will be fine, and then half way through the heavens will open and we'll be watching the movie with wipers on!

They'll be providing canopies though.. but knowing this country they'll charge you through the roof for them (no pun intended)..

"We will be providing our patrons with portable propane heaters so they don’t have to keep their car engine running to stay warm. Also, if it rains we will provide them with canopies so their windscreens won’t get wet and they can see out," John Caulfield said.

kev250

Your right there paintdoctor but sure we are used of the rain:(
It seems like something to do once or twice but you cant beat the cinema unless your in love with your car.
Cant refuse it for cork tho:)

Owen

<Ollie> wrote: »

"We will be providing our patrons with portable propane heaters so they don’t have to keep their car engine running to stay warm. Also, if it rains we will provide them with canopies so their windscreens won’t get wet and they can see out," John Caulfield said.

Okay. Propane heaters and cars are not a good thing to mix.

And if the cars are under canopies, how do they propose to cancel out the noise of the rain hitting the canopy, and magic away the rain between the canopies and the screen so you can see things properly?

The Pontiac

PaintDoctor wrote: »

Okay. Propane heaters and cars are not a good thing to mix.

And if the cars are under canopies, how do they propose to cancel out the noise of the rain hitting the canopy, and magic away the rain between the canopies and the screen so you can see things properly?

That's all part of fun PD. Think you might be better off in Mahon Point Cinema by the sound of it.

Owen

I just don't think they've thought it through. I work under a canopy occasionally if it's raining lightly - not heavily - and the noise can be deafening at times.

BArra

what if a transit pulls in with the extended family in the back...

if you are the car behind, surly your view would be obstructed? its a flat parking area i presume?


whats to stop ppl jumping outta their cars, sitting on bonnets, roaming around ect?


its an interesting idea of a thing, im a bit unsure about it at the moment

Blitzkrieger

Yeah - I ever thought about that. What if you're in a Micra and there's an enormous Chelsea tractor in front of you?

<Ollie> wrote: »

I like the idea and think it will be a success.

I like the idea and think it will be a flop.

My new car is way more comfortable than my last but a cinema seat would still be more comfortable. It's got a decent stereo but it's still not going to be as good as a cinema and unless you're in the first few rows I can't see the screen being as easy to see either.

I hate to be negative but I can see it having a small boom and then tumbleweeds once it loses it's novelty. Unless it becomes the country's dogging destination of choice :eek:

deRanged

I'm really looking forward to trying it. I don't think perfect sound or picture was ever a feature of a drive in - it's just a fun experience isn't it?
I imagine that you'd still go to a traditional cinema for that, and the drive in would be like a special case, going for the sake of the experience. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

nightster1

Blitzkrieger wrote: »

Yeah - I ever thought about that. What if you're in a Micra and there's an enormous Chelsea tractor in front of you?



I like the idea and think it will be a flop.

My new car is way more comfortable than my last but a cinema seat would still be more comfortable. It's got a decent stereo but it's still not going to be as good as a cinema and unless you're in the first few rows I can't see the screen being as easy to see either.

I hate to be negative but I can see it having a small boom and then tumbleweeds once it loses it's novelty. Unless it becomes the country's dogging destination of choice :eek:

Ah! it's a grand idea, feck the begrudgers, just don't go if you can't stand your car, you cant beat a drive-in for a change!

bladebrew

its cetainly an interesting idea, im not sure if it will last though,

i mght be missing something here, but how do you listen to the film

H8GHOTI

^^^Tune in to a certain frequency in your radio AFAIK

It would be something a bit different. I think I'll go when it opens. Once.

Owen

Which makes it worse again! FM radio is sampled at 22KHz, which is half the quality of CD Audio. So not only are you going to miss out on the fantastic sound which normally makes going to the cinema an experience, you're going to get watered down washed out sound from your 10 watt car stereo on top of it.

I think it'll be a novelty, everyone'll go once, maybe twice, and then go back to a normal cinema. Can't see it lasting.

gaz wac

To be honest ( im from Dub) its a great idea! There are shows held twice a year in Farmleigh and its a great success. Sound comes through your radio and to be honest, its not bad at all. As reguards to a van parking in front of you, people with large vans or jeeps are told to park at the back.

Dont know about the heaters that they are going to supply !! me and the missus just threw a duvet over us and had pillows and knocked the seats back....100% more comfortable than the cinema. Its also cheaper as well as you can bring your own food with you.Yea, windows get a little steamy, but you just open them a little. There is no way they will charge for the canopy...its the only thing that will keep this idea alive in Ireland, its a necessity !

Great idea, hope it works out for the lads involved and hope it comes to Dublin soon

gramlab

Might not last but fair dues to them for doing it.

People are often asking 'what is there to do in Cork' , so the more things like this that start up the better.

nightster1

gramlab wrote: »

Might not last but fair dues to them for doing it.

People are often asking 'what is there to do in Cork' , so the more things like this that start up the better.

Ah, t'is something else to do. Bet ya it will take a few boy racers off the road for a while. iwouldnt knock it.:)

SandStone

gaz wac wrote: »

To be honest ( im from Dub) its a great idea! There are shows held twice a year in Farmleigh and its a great success.

Obviously not enough of a success to make it worth holding more than twice a year though. And that's in a city the size of Dublin.

gaz wac

SandStone wrote: »

Obviously not enough of a success to make it worth holding more than twice a year though. And that's in a city the size of Dublin.

Its free !! there are other place around Dub that they (Gov) have these set up, Smithfield, TempleBar...I just dont go to those ones. Its always packed and tickets are highly sought. Got mine yesterday for four films on the 7th / 8th Aug...Happy days

Ghost Estate

All i need now is a nice 1950's american car with a V8 engine to show up in with a few chicks

gramlab

No radio plugs or media adverts that I've seen or heard, and a website with no info a week before the first showing???

This isn't a task from the apprentice, is it?

deRanged

I saw some construction there over the weekend - great to hear it's nearly live.

Judes

I am so excited about the prospect of this - as I grew up in Australia as a child (albeit better weather than here) and I have the most fantastic memories of Drive In Movies - as a family outing.

Mum and dad would be in the front seat, my brother and I in the back with pillows and blankets and it was a great family night out - sitting in the back with our popcorn, hotdogs etc. My brother and I used to fall asleep half way through some of the films, but it was such a fun way for the family to be together - and I suppose when we did conk out - it meant my parents had a bit of time to just enjoy the film themselves. (Great way to save on babysitters too).

There used to be couples, groups, all ages, in other cars around us and a little cafe, where you could get hotdogs, etc. and most importantly "use the loos". But this time around, I'll be in the driver's seat, with my parents in the back seat. Ha Ha - I'll be in control!!!

And whoever says nothing ever happens in Cork - "hello" are they actually living in Cork....................

Blitzkrieger

Chips and burgers in Carrigtwohill? I'll just stop at Frank's on the way...

Cork Computers

Cork Computers wrote: »

try ordering a bag of chips and a burger at the indoor cinemas!!!

Do you really want a list of pros and cons ? :pac:
Sitting in my car watching a movie eating burgers and chips seems like a rather rotten evening out to me.

CIND

nightster1 wrote: »

Ah! it's a grand idea, feck the begrudgers, just don't go if you can't stand your car, you cant beat a drive-in for a change!

NEGATIVE PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO GET OVER THEMSELVES THERE IS ENOUGH DOOM AND GLOOM IN THIS COUNTRY WITH WHATS GOING ON AROUND US SOME PEOPLE TRY AND COME ABOVE AND RECTIFY THIS BY DOING SOME GOOD FOR CORK AND OUR YOUNGER SOCIETY AND WHAT IN RETURN NEGATIVE FEEDBACK PEOPLE LIKE THIS MAKE ME SOO ANGRY I FOR ONE WILL BE SO EXCITED FOR THIS NEW VENTURE THERE IS VERY LITTLE IN THE CARRIGTWOHILL AREA WITH A VERY BIG POPULATION IT WILL WORK DEFO I WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON THERE WITH MY HUSBAND!

Lemag

CIND wrote: »

NEGATIVE PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO GET OVER THEMSELVES THERE IS ENOUGH DOOM AND GLOOM IN THIS COUNTRY WITH WHATS GOING ON AROUND US SOME PEOPLE TRY AND COME ABOVE AND RECTIFY THIS BY DOING SOME GOOD FOR CORK AND OUR YOUNGER SOCIETY AND WHAT IN RETURN NEGATIVE FEEDBACK PEOPLE LIKE THIS MAKE ME SOO ANGRY I FOR ONE WILL BE SO EXCITED FOR THIS NEW VENTURE THERE IS VERY LITTLE IN THE CARRIGTWOHILL AREA WITH A VERY BIG POPULATION IT WILL WORK DEFO I WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON THERE WITH MY HUSBAND!

People who don't flick off their 'Caps Lock' key and who flagrantly disregard punctuation..

CIND wrote: »

..MAKE ME SOO ANGRY

Max001

I hope this succeeds, I really do. However, launching a drive in movie theatre at the start of winter in Ireland strikes me as a bit bonkers. Disagree? Take a look outside today Some things translate well from
the States, others don't. You decide which category this fits into

Dj Stiggie

Max001 wrote: »

I hope this succeeds, I really do. However, launching a drive in movie theatre at the start of winter in Ireland strikes me as a bit bonkers. Disagree? Take a look outside today Some things translate well from
the States, others don't. You decide which category this fits into

While I agree with you, it could be a nice Christmas outing for the family

CIND

CIND wrote: »

NEGATIVE PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO GET OVER THEMSELVES THERE IS ENOUGH DOOM AND GLOOM IN THIS COUNTRY WITH WHATS GOING ON AROUND US SOME PEOPLE TRY AND COME ABOVE AND RECTIFY THIS BY DOING SOME GOOD FOR CORK AND OUR YOUNGER SOCIETY AND WHAT IN RETURN NEGATIVE FEEDBACK PEOPLE LIKE THIS MAKE ME SOO ANGRY I FOR ONE WILL BE SO EXCITED FOR THIS NEW VENTURE THERE IS VERY LITTLE IN THE CARRIGTWOHILL AREA WITH A VERY BIG POPULATION IT WILL WORK DEFO I WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON THERE WITH MY HUSBAND!

Great 1st post Is your husband involved in this by any chance ? Any members of the younger society who have a car aren't short of things to do, they can drive to a nice warm, comfy cinema for example :pac:

Blitzkrieger

CIND wrote: »

NEGATIVE PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO GET OVER THEMSELVES

YOU KNOW WHAT?

sorry

To hell with being called negative - this is a stupid ****ing idea. It will not work. Five minutes into the first movie anybody sees, they're going to realise how crappy the experience is compared to watching it in a real cinema, or lets face it, downloading it and watching it at home. I have a decent sound system and comfy seats in my car but I still wouldn't want to watch a movie there, and god forbid, cross a car park in the rain if I need to wee halfway through. And launching in winter? That's just the icing on the cake. You think they'd launch in summer to not only try to take advantage of any good weather we have, but also in the hope that the draw of the big summer blockbusters would keep them afloat. They'll be lucky to even survive until the summer. That would be fine if it was their own money they were losing, but ultimatly we all know at this stage, it's our money they're spending. Everytime you see a movie screening to a near empty car park, know that's your taxes hard at work.

And don't get me started on how dodgy the developer of the retail park is and what he's trying to do to Carrigtwohill....

theprop

Blitzkrieger wrote: »

YOU KNOW WHAT?

That would be fine if it was their own money they were losing, but ultimatly we all know at this stage, it's our money they're spending. Everytime you see a movie screening to a near empty car park, know that's your taxes hard at work.

And don't get me started on how dodgy the developer of the retail park is and what he's trying to do to Carrigtwohill....

The land the screen is being built on is leased from the Fota Retail Park owner by the lads involved in Movie Junction, the only taxes hard at work will be the ones that Movie Junction pays on VAT and on the 15 new employees they're hiring.

Blitzkrieger

That's about all I heard about the financial side of it, but I seriously doubt that the project was done with only their capital. I could of course be entirely wrong, but I suspect that a bank loan was invovled. When that turns into a bad debt, who's going to pay for it?

FTGFOP

In fairness, at least it gets dark early in winter and it's not like you can bank on dry summer nights here.

I wish this thing the best. Could be fun with the right movies.

Blitzkrieger

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see it succeed. And even if it doesn't, it will create some jobs in the meantime. I honestly just can't see it working. Today's probably an extreme example, but who'd go to a drive in today?

deRanged

Blitzkrieger wrote: »

who'd go to a drive in today?

it'd be great if it was a horror film. nice and atmospheric!

Judes

OK - reading half the posts up here on this subject has made me realise I am soooooooo part of a different generation. I'm 46 and as I said previously, LOVED the experience as a child - but my parents, who were in their early 30's at the time LOVED it also. And when I told them recently about this - they had a good old laugh, as they want to be in the back seat (and they're 70!!!).

I'm assuming half the posters here are of a certain age category - i.e. the celtic cubs.

Don't knock something - give it a chance - it could be a great success and if it isn't, well, at least they tried something different!!! And on a night like this - nobody with any sense will be going anywhere, if there's a storm.

LenaClaire

I loved going to Drive-ins as a kid and even found one later in my 20s that was a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to this

eurokev

Blitzkrieger wrote: »

YOU KNOW WHAT?

sorry

To hell with being called negative - this is a stupid ****ing idea. It will not work. Five minutes into the first movie anybody sees, they're going to realise how crappy the experience is compared to watching it in a real cinema, or lets face it, downloading it and watching it at home. I have a decent sound system and comfy seats in my car but I still wouldn't want to watch a movie there, and god forbid, cross a car park in the rain if I need to wee halfway through. And launching in winter? That's just the icing on the cake. You think they'd launch in summer to not only try to take advantage of any good weather we have, but also in the hope that the draw of the big summer blockbusters would keep them afloat. They'll be lucky to even survive until the summer. That would be fine if it was their own money they were losing, but ultimatly we all know at this stage, it's our money they're spending. Everytime you see a movie screening to a near empty car park, know that's your taxes hard at work.

And don't get me started on how dodgy the developer of the retail park is and what he's trying to do to Carrigtwohill....

We should all just roll over and die will we and forget about trying to take chances... Pfff.I couldnt care whos money people are spending once theyre making an effort and doing some good for the country. If it works we will make hundreds times more back on vat, rates, taxes etc etc

I really like the idea, and really hope it works for them and are rewarded for taking the chance. Ill certainly give them some support

leahyl

I think this sounds like a great idea - there was a piece in the echo about it tonight and they seem to have everything figured out - the heat, the fogging up of the windows, rain and bigger cars blocking your view - the solutions being propane heaters, canopies covering your windscreen and the parking is sloped towards the screen so you'll be able to see the screen without other cars blocking your view.

I'd give it a go anyway and see what i think! Although it is a risky time to be opening something like this alright!

darrenh

Blitzkrieger wrote: »

That's about all I heard about the financial side of it, but I seriously doubt that the project was done with only their capital. I could of course be entirely wrong, but I suspect that a bank loan was invovled. When that turns into a bad debt, who's going to pay for it?

Sure lets never give out loans again. Problem solved.

Are you for real?!

Blitzkrieger

So let's give out loans to any twit who comes looking for them and value the land disproportionately?

I hate being this long winded about things but, hey, I'm bored...

I'm going to give the people who run movie juntion every credit. I'm sure they did their research, have a viable busness plan and the drive to make things happen.

What I feel, and what everybody else I've spoken to about it feels is that it will be a flop. Everybody's excited about it, myself included, and everybody hopes it will do well, but people can't see past the drawbacks of watching a movie in your car vs the comfort of an ordinary cinema or on your own sofa. A lot of people think they'll go once and never go again.

I think the choice of film is also unwise. I know a lot of adults love Harry Pothead too, but starting out with a kids film? I know I neither want to sit in the back myself or have kids standing on my back seats so they can see. When bringing kids you'd have to always hope it's an awesome movie. Have you ever tried to spend any length of time in a stationary car with kids? Nightmare.

I could of course be wrong. A lot of people have said they'll try it out, and if turns out to be awesome they'll get a lot of repeat business. There might also be enough people who for whatever reason (laziness, angry lonerism, etc.) would prefer to watch a movie in their car than go to a regular cinema to keep the business going.

TBH, if it's still running this time next year I'll be surprised. I certainly wouldn't expect it to last longer than 18 months. I don't know what way their finances are structered, but (speculation I know) I doubt if they'll pay back the bank in that time. It's my opinion that this is an excessive risk for a bank to be taking in this climate.

So, I'm not being negative for the sake of being negative. It's almost FF propaganda at this stage that anybody who can be seen as a 'doom and gloom merchant' is contrary to the national interest. I'd love to see the banks lending and the economy growing. I just don't want to see them throwing away money on pie in the sky stuff like this. I'm not being negative - I'm being a realist.

LenaClaire

In the US going to the drive-in is usually cheaper than a regular theatre and that is part of the draw. Has anyone seen any details on pricing? All I can find on google are articles about it but nothing from the actual theatre with pricing and times and such.

deRanged

€16 per car & tiered parking!

I'm going to miss the opening night as I'll be away - but as soon as I'm back I'm heading down. I think it's a great idea.
I've no idea if it's a viable business or not, that's up to the lads that run it.
All I care about is it sounds like brilliant fun.
I also don't care if the fidelity of the audio isn't quite up to cinema standards - I've got easy access to cinemas for that.

digme

Brilliant they could get this done woohoo cant wait

leahyl

This is their website

www.moviejunction.ie

It looks pretty impressive anyway:)

dodger50

An "economy mode" setting kicks in in my car after about 15 mins shutting down the radio.
Is the Harry Potter movie longer than this?