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3D theater unveils Williams site plan
Proposed theater hopes for spot next to Williams Visitors’ Center

The preferred site for the proposed 3D theater in Williams would be located between the Williams-Forest Service Visitors’ Center and the Williams Recreation Center.

The preferred site for the proposed 3D theater in Williams would be located between the Williams-Forest Service Visitors’ Center and the Williams Recreation Center.

Representatives with MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF) presented business owners with a view of their proposed 3D theater July 24 during the city's town hall meeting at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Paul Fraser, president of Blaze Partners, LLC, was on hand for the meeting and offered those in attendance a sneak peak at what the proposed theater might look like upon its completion.

Fraser, who represents MFF, said they hope to acquire city owned property adjacent to the Williams Recreation Center and the Williams-Forest Service Visitors' Center. A scheduled opening date, Fraser added, is tentatively planned for early 2009. During the presentation, Fraser showed business owners and other interested parties a series of preliminary concept drawings that showed the two-story structure from different viewpoints.

"That's our preference right now," said Fraser in regards to the strip of land opposite the railroad from Max and Thelma's restaurant. "This is city owned property. We would rent it at long term rates."

He added that other options are also being considered for possible building sites.

"We've done a comprehensive feasibility study," Fraser said. "We have commissioned some new marketing research. The results of which we are going to share with the community."

The survey looks at how long people stay in town, when they typically visit the area and other related numbers. As for parking, buses would pull in and out of the Visitors' Center on a regular rotating basis, though Fraser said that roughly six out of 10 visitors to the building currently do not use their vehicles.

"The average visitor to the Williams Visitors' Center really didn't think that was a problem," said Fraser.

Initial capital investment costs, he added, will be around $5.3 million to $6 million for the estimated 9,600 square foot facility.

"That includes building as well as capital improvements," Fraser said.

The height for the theater, he continued, would be no more than 35 feet, though the screen itself, to be buried partly under ground level, may be around 40 feet tall by 70 feet in width. A little over 200 seats may be available within the theater.

GC3D

The proposed 3D theater plans to show the film, "Grand Canyon Adventure 3D" (GC3D) as its primary film. The production, filmed in various locations including Williams, will run in the neighborhood of 40 minutes in length. Fraser said theater organizers plan to "turn" people every hour. Ninety percent of the demographic, Fraser continued, would be American -based and not from Europe and other areas. He also said it was possible for the film "Polar Express" to show every Christmas and, perhaps, one or two regular "2D" films throughout the year as well.

"A custom Williams version of the film would premiere here and only here," Fraser said.

Projected costs to see a movie will be in the $11 and $12 "very top" range, according to Fraser, with concessionary rates for ages, etc. While mainly a theatrical attraction for tourists, a small concession and merchandising area will also be added to the theater, which will sell mainly products related to the theater company.

"We want it to be embraced as a community asset," Fraser said.

The idea for the 3D theater was first presented to council during their regularly scheduled meeting March 22. GC3D is scheduled for worldwide release in March 2008, while an enhanced "Williams" version would be screened at the proposed theater. One of the films produced by MFF, "Everest" grossed over $136 million at the box office, while the company itself, in recent years, has received two Academy Award nominations.


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