Epic buys the Old Mill playhouse

[fcgiii]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?

[Stu from NYC]

Time will tell. Guess the developer decided he would do better by getting out of the movie business.

Tells me the other theater will not be opened by him.

[Two Bills]

///

[Taltarzac725]

There is a story in The Villages Daily Sun about this.

Epic changes coming to Old Mill Playhouse | News | The Villages Daily Sun | thevillagesdailysun.com (https://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/news/villages/epic-changes-coming-to-old-mill-playhouse/article_af036184-4ded-11ee-be57-c7360daba1c7.html)

[PugMom]

it sounds good, a much wider variety of movies may be on the way!

[LuvNH]

There is more money in renting properties than running them.

[LuvtheVillages]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?

Epic did not BUY the Old Mill Playhouse. They are "operating" it, according to the article.

The Developer will never sell any property within the town squares. If he did, then the new owners would be landowners and entitled to vote on members of the Sumter Landing CDD. Currently, the Developer has all the votes.

[rustyp]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?

There is more money in renting properties than running them.

LuvNH has a good point. The Developer's model is to lease their buildings here in TV not sell them.

[villagetinker]

I wish EPIC would take over the operation of the Brownwood movie theater, this would have given us some choices between AMC and EPIC.

[Chi-Town]

Seems like really good news. A dedicated movie theater is a highlight of any town center. Won't miss Lazy Mac's food or Margaritas any but liked some of the entertainment.

Thanks Epic for your decision to invest in this tradition.

[Stu from NYC]

I wish EPIC would take over the operation of the Brownwood movie theater, this would have given us some choices between AMC and EPIC.

Unfortunately that does not seem to be in the cards.

[Hape2Bhr]

Darn it; we had finally put together a good Boozy Bingo team.
I wonder if $6 Monday's is out the window too?

[Taltarzac725]

Darn it; we had finally put together a good Boozy Bingo team.
I wonder if $6 Monday's is out the window too?

We will have to see what they do with the pricing and the like. They have a lot of theaters in this area of Florida.

[Jayhawk]

I wish EPIC would take over the operation of the Brownwood movie theater, this would have given us some choices between AMC and EPIC.

The fact that they are not should be plenty of proof that there is not enough profit, if any, in re-opening that theater. EPIC is very experienced in the business and appears to have no interest in Brownwood Theater.

[Dusty_Star]

The fact that they are not should be plenty of proof that there is not enough profit, if any, in re-opening that theater. EPIC is very experienced in the business and appears to have no interest in Brownwood Theater.

& I'd say that is an interesting jump to a conclusion - NOT proof. For all we know Epic could have indicated interest in any Villages theater & the only property offered was Old Mill.

[Taltarzac725]

& I'd say that is an interesting jump to a conclusion - NOT proof. For all we know Epic could have indicated interest in any Villages theater & the only property offered was Old Mill.

That sounds right. That will probably be high end apartments or something like that.

Maybe a hotel?

[Stu from NYC]

& I'd say that is an interesting jump to a conclusion - NOT proof. For all we know Epic could have indicated interest in any Villages theater & the only property offered was Old Mill.

I am surprised they have not started on whatever they plan for that theater but that time will come. BTW the only possibility and it is a very small one, that another theater comes to the area it will be on non developer land

[JoMar]

Darn it; we had finally put together a good Boozy Bingo team.
I wonder if $6 Monday's is out the window too?

I hope so :)

[Keefelane66]

If I want to see 80’s 90’s reruns ill stick with Netflix.

[vintageogauge]

The article stated that TV has no plans to re-open the theatre in Brownwood.

[FLSunshine]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?

I hope they offer more movie times since I was interested in going to the movie a few weeks ago and the movie times were limited so I didn't go to the movie theatre.

I've never been to any EPIC movie theatres so I don't know first-hand about the experience but did look up reviews on some of their movie theatres near The Villages. There were quite a few negative reviews of dirty theatre seats, stale food, and expensive pricing. I hope it's not an indication of what the Old Mill Playhouse will be. The Villages does a great job in maintenance so I hope this theatre is maintained.

[Stu from NYC]

I hope they offer more movie times since I was interested in going to the movie a few weeks ago and the movie times were limited so I didn't go to the movie theatre.

I've never been to any EPIC movie theatres so I don't know first-hand about the experience but did look up reviews on some of their movie theatres near The Villages. There were quite a few negative reviews of dirty theatre seats, stale food, and expensive pricing. I hope it's not an indication of what the Old Mill Playhouse will be. The Villages does a great job in maintenance so I hope this theatre is maintained.

If they have done some research before doing this they should realize that a higher price point is not going to work here.

[Kelevision]

& I'd say that is an interesting jump to a conclusion - NOT proof. For all we know Epic could have indicated interest in any Villages theater & the only property offered was Old Mill.

They say in the article they have no interest in Brownwood.

[Dusty_Star]

They say in the article they have no interest in Brownwood.

Nope. Reread the article. They say in the article: "The Villages currently has no plans to reopen the Barnstorm Theater at Brownwood." Not Epic had no interest. You maybe right, but given the limited information we have - we can not say that Epic had no interest.

[Taltarzac725]

Nope. Reread the article. They say in the article: "The Villages currently has no plans to reopen the Barnstorm Theater at Brownwood." Not Epic had no interest. You maybe right, but given the limited information we have - we can not say that Epic had no interest.

They could use a movie theater for the Southern parts of the Villages.

[Chi-Town]

The article stated that TV has no plans to re-open the theatre in Brownwood.

Currently.

[Ksarracco]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?

From three wonderful, busy theaters to none…in each center..Florida’s friendliest town. We are getting to be just houses crammed together.

[Blackbird45]

The movie industry and movie theatre industry are two separate business. The movie theaters have to rely on the movie industry, with advances in home viewing technology the movie industry might find it more cost effective to directly deal with the consumer. What we can never forget no matter what business you're talking about cutting cost and increasing profits is the goal.

[Stu from NYC]

The movie industry and movie theatre industry are two separate business. The movie theaters have to rely on the movie industry, with advances in home viewing technology the movie industry might find it more cost effective to directly deal with the consumer. What we can never forget no matter what business you're talking about cutting cost and increasing profits is the goal.

Cutting costs in terms of actors salary does not seem to be in the cards.

[HoosierPa]

Epic did not BUY the Old Mill Playhouse. They are "operating" it, according to the article.

The Developer will never sell any property within the town squares. If he did, then the new owners would be landowners and entitled to vote on members of the Sumter Landing CDD. Currently, the Developer has all the votes.

I’m glad they do. They.built a great place and feel confident they will keep it great. Not
Sure about “others”

[HoosierPa]

From three wonderful, busy theaters to none…in each center..Florida’s friendliest town. We are getting to be just houses crammed together.

& more amenities than any other retirement community in the world !!

[GizmoWhiskers]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?
Silly to do all that work at Sumter Landing when Brownwood sits empty forever... I suppose price per sq ft impacted Epic's decision.

[deborahcme]

Think this is a positive sign. Always wondered if the redo of the lobby at Sumter was an effort to inject some cash or "monetize" an otherwise non-cash generating lobby. And while Lazy Macs and that little stage are fun, it always felt kinda weird to me to have to scuttle past the seated group to duck behind the curtain to get to the movie part. So we will see what Epic brings. This is not exactly the heyday of movie theaters as they are being shuttered across the country. Maybe Epic wants to see how it does at Sumter before considering other properties. They, at least, have the experience to run a theater business. It's a hopeful sign.

[Warcats]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad? This could be a disaster. We need a movie theater. As the villages spreads south Brownwood might be the best spot

[JGibson]

Isn't Hollywood on strike?

This must have some effect on theaters in the near future.

[Stu from NYC]

This could be a disaster. We need a movie theater. As the villages spreads south Brownwood might be the best spot

If theater companies thought that this need would be profitable would have been here before now. Sorry that ship seems to have sailed

[rickaslin]

From three wonderful, busy theaters to none…in each center..Florida’s friendliest town. We are getting to be just houses crammed together.

You do realize that EPIC is in the movie theater business, right?? Just homes "crammed together " is your opinion not a good one but yours, if you can't find something to do here in The Villages I feel sorry for you.

[Regorp]

A family owned Florida company has bought the Old Mill Playhouse. Lazy Macs will close and the theater renovated. Maybe Brownwood will reopen, though the villages has "no plans" to do it. Good or bad?

Never been to Old Mill Playhouse as I prefer AMC for comfort, snacks, and variety. Nice road trip.

[Blackbird45]

Cutting costs in terms of actors salary does not seem to be in the cards.

I was not talking about actors, I was talking about distribution of there pooduct

[Stu from NYC]

I was not talking about actors, I was talking about distribution of there pooduct

Cut the salary of the actors and the price of tickets goes down which I believe would increase revenue possibly, making running theaters a profitable business again

[Burgy]

Suspect prices will go up. However the paper and Villages app don't always have the same info and no one answers the phone

[Blackbird45]

Cutting costs in terms of actors salary does not seem to be in the cards.

I earlier briefly commented on your post, but not directly on what were your concerns and your mis concept of the business. I was in the business for 40 years not as an actor but as a crew member. 35 years in the field and 5 years negotiating contracts for my local. Even though these strikes are having an effect on the members of my local member's employment and when it is settled the members will not reap any of the benefits, they support it. WHY?

Over the year I seen there are 3 pay grades when it comes to actors.
The stars who we all know, what they eat, who they are sleeping with and what type of tooth paste they use. These actors will make more in one movie than most people will make their entire life, these actors are in the minority. The second on the list are the actors we recognize and have seen them in many movies but we most likely won't even know their names, they are working stiffs who just make a decent living in the business. The last group who are actually the majority are known as extras or in some cases if they're lucky Under 5, which means they will have fewer than five lines of dialogue. Even though they list their profession as actors. They usually support themselves as waiters, sale clerks at department stores, I've even work with doormen. The unfortunate fact most of these people will never make in the field they love and as they pursue this, they will have little to no saving, no hospitalization and will always live hand to mouth. This is the true nature of the business. While many of the executives are earning as much as the stars. I hope this will give you a better understanding of the business.

[JoMar]

Went to Old Mill today, not busy. Actually kind of depressing. I hope Epic has an answer.

[Michael 61]

Went to Old Mill today, not busy. Actually kind of depressing. I hope Epic has an answer.

Do you think the lack of business is due to the actual theater or the quality of movies?

[Stu from NYC]

Do you think the lack of business is due to the actual theater or the quality of movies?

Can I vote for both?

[Hizzonner1030]

Darn it; we had finally put together a good Boozy Bingo team.
I wonder if $6 Monday's is out the window too?

Looks like the Saturday night ticket price for a Saturday evening showing of Big Fat Greek Wedding is $12.50 per person at their Ocala theater. Good news! kids price are heavily discounted to $12.00. What a deal! If they do that here, they won’t be seeing me at their theater!

[Lisanp@aol.com]

So sad to see Lazy Macs go away! Loved going to trivia nights and comedy there and it was always packed so there is the demand…

[tophcfa]

Bummer, we liked Lazy Mac’s for a quick outside meal in the square. Oh well!

[JoMar]

Can I vote for both?

They are supposedly going to do some remodeling although the theater is comfortable. Turning it back into a traditional theater might help. Plus Epic's economy of scale based on their other screens might help also. Looked at the marquee and the movies weren't highlighted, but the comedy club was all over it. The movies are not bottom end and have had first runs. Big Fat Greek Wedding was released yesterday (produced by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson) and turnout was light. I personally believe most Villagers will show up for 6 bucks and if any more they will stay away. The 6 buck weekend should be telling. Much of the fun date night stuff has given way to price priority.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Just an observation…but the shows at the Studio theater seem to be very close to sold out. Maybe they will move to brownwood space along with some stuff from Savannah?

[coffeebean]

& more amenities than any other retirement community in the world !!

Not to mention the countless clubs and activities offered. The Villages offers a lifestyle not just a house to reside in.

[Taltarzac725]

Bummer, we liked Lazy Mac’s for a quick outside meal in the square. Oh well!

My older brother loved Lazy Mac's. He would often get something just before we went to the movies at the Old Mill Playhouse. I only got something at Lazy Mac's when he was along for the shows.

Maybe Lazy Mac's will find a new location.

[Stu from NYC]

Looks like the Saturday night ticket price for a Saturday evening showing of Big Fat Greek Wedding is $12.50 per person at their Ocala theater. Good news! kids price are heavily discounted to $12.00. What a deal! If they do that here, they won’t be seeing me at their theater!

Not about to pay those prices for a very old movie.

[JMintzer]

Not about to pay those prices for a very old movie.

Big Fat Greek Wedding 3...

As if 1 & 2 weren't enough...

[Freeda]

Totally agree with the comment above about AMC in Leesburg. Plus wth an A-List membership, AMC is much less expensive ($24 aprx per month on autopay for up to three movies per week, convenience fees for gettg tix in advance are waived; and many other perks - discounts at concessions etc; and is useable at AMC's anywhere) ; and is very clean. And a mall (it's not a huge mall, but it's a great choice for walking, especially in hot or rainy weather) to take a walk in. For those of us who like movies on a big screen AMC is great. Plus contrary to rumors, lots of movies are always coming out; and did so all through the pandemic. Some are better than others; but that has always been the case. Not all movies have to be blockbusters to be enjoyable. Especially if you're paying only less than $4 (with A-List) on average to see them.

[Bilyclub]

We didn't use our free movie passes on our first official visit many years ago, and haven't been to Old Mill except for a few Charter Research freebies, which were blockbuster hits.

[Stu from NYC]

Big Fat Greek Wedding 3...

As if 1 & 2 weren't enough...

Thought 1 was outstanding just thought that was enough so never saw 2 and do not think 3 will be seen either

[kcrazorbackfan]

Good lord, who wants to go to the movies anymore when you can see them in the comfort of your home shortly after they’re released?

[Stu from NYC]

Good lord, who wants to go to the movies anymore when you can see them in the comfort of your home shortly after they’re released?

The big screen is great for action movies and special effects. Still we go out to movies much less than say 10 years ago.

[Taltarzac725]

The big screen is great for action movies and special effects. Still we go out to movies much less than say 10 years ago.


I like the smell, sound and feel of the movie theater. Granted sometimes they have them way too cold and way too loud for me.

[GCMartin]

Toby Mac’s is a great place for variety entertainment and reasonable prices!!

The place is always packed! Change the menu and keep the venue!!

[kansasr]

& more amenities than any other retirement community in the world !!

And more failing expensive infrastructure repairs than any other retirement community in the world !!

[Stu from NYC]

And more failing expensive infrastructure repairs than any other retirement community in the world !!

Huh?

[Topspinmo]

From three wonderful, busy theaters to none…in each center..Florida’s friendliest town. We are getting to be just houses crammed together.

Around 2016 or so movie business started to fall off, then Covid finished it off.

[Stu from NYC]

Around 2016 or so movie business started to fall off, then Covid finished it off.

Very true. Not many people making parts for horse drawn wagon anymore either