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Sundance looking for theater site
Robert Redford's cinema group is seeking a location for a special movie house for independent and documentary films.
By SHARON L. BOND
Published September 18, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - Sundance Cinemas, part of Robert Redford's Sundance Group, could be interested in this city for a small movie house that would screen independent, documentary and foreign films.
Paul Richardson of Sundance Cinemas came to look over the city in August. His company, formed in June, is part of the for-profit side of Sundance that includes the Sundance Channel. The Sundance Institute, which was started by Redford and puts on the well-known film festival, is on the non-profit side, Richardson said.
Last week, Richardson would not comment on his visit but confirmed St. Petersburg was among a number of cities his company is visiting to search for sites for its movie houses, which would hold five to eight screens.
Richardson talked to architect Tim Clemmons during his visit.
"We told them, if you locate in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is the place to do it and in St. Petersburg, downtown is the place," said Clemmons.
He said Richardson and a partner owned Landmark Theaters, a company with 150 to 200 theaters. They sold the company and retired but were lured back because of the Sundance cachet.
"I suggested he talk to some local developers" about upcoming condominium developments to see if Sundance Cinemas might be a commercial anchor for any of them, Clemmons said.
Richardson also talked to Ann Wykell, manager of cultural affairs for the city of St. Petersburg.
"What I offer when we have businesses come in is the cultural overlay of the city," said Wykell, who is a fan of independent films.
"I think given the cost of new housing downtown, there will be people living downtown with discretionary income. I have a feeling a good number of people are looking for entertainment and things to do in their neighborhood. They move downtown so they won't have to get in their car and go to a mall," Wykell said.
Downtown has a 20-screen Muvico theater in BayWalk, an entertainment/retail complex. Most of its movies are first-run, commercial hits.
Clemmons said the cinema people also looked in Tampa.
[Last modified September 18, 2005, 02:15:36]
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