“Screens show signs of age after a certain amount of time,” said Jonathan McNeal, manager of The Neon. “Whether it’s popcorn grease floating through the air or just the fact that a bright light has been shining on a white surface for so long, screens start to fade or discolor. Also, technology of screens has changed over the years, especially in (the age of) digital projection.”
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Ann McDonough, a board member of The Neon, echoed McNeal’s awareness of evolving industry standards and the necessity of keeping up with technology.
“It’s been more than 20 years since we have changed the screens at The Neon,” McDonough said. “Just like the sun hitting something for a long time, it’s no different than a projector hitting a screen. It fades. That is why we decided to focus on getting new screens as our end of year annual campaign. Technology has improved dramatically, and new screens will instantly improve the viewing experience that our customers will have at The Neon.”
She also explained The Neon’s unique appeal as a movie theater celebrating and embracing diversity and inclusion.
“The Neon is not dissimilar to reading a book,” McDonough said. “You start to walk in someone else’s shoes and begin to have more understanding and empathy for what you don’t know about the people and world around you. The Neon is a treasure because it brings us culture and community through cinema.”
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
As the campaign enters its final weeks, McNeal is grateful for the support The Neon has received but is hopeful for more contributions, especially since he’s reluctant to raise prices. Affordability is key to The Neon’s success with tickets generally ranging from $6.50-$10.50.
“We like to keep our ticket prices low,” McNeal said. “People are often telling us to raise our prices but I feel like we can get things done in different ways, and keeping our ticket prices low allows for a wider invitation to the community at large. I don’t want to raise ticket prices or concession prices just to make ends meet. I know there will be some generous folks in the community who will help us make these changes.”
Donations at all levels are welcomed. Contributions can be made through The Neon website or at the box office.
For more information or to donate visit neonmovies.com or send an email to theneon@msn.com. The Neon is located at 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton.
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