Turning ten
REGION: It’s the quaint, little cinema that’s provided escapism for Manawatu¯ movie-goers for a decade. The great atmosphere is why Focal Point Cinema keeps on going.
"It's always been hard work. We're not movie buffs, we're not foodies, but we're business people." Matt Bell, Focal Point Cinema
It’s the quaint, little cinema that’s provided escapism for Manawatu¯ movie-goers for a decade.
Atmosphere is a large reason why Focal Point Cinema will next week celebrate 10 years in Feilding, owners Matt and Julie Bell say.
There are no big crowds or cramped seats at the twin-theatre and cafe, a point of difference from the modern cinema multiplex.
In November 2007, Julie Bell wanted to put her marketing degree to use. But she didn’t want to work for other people – she wanted her own business.
The couple looked at buying Guthrie Bawron and a debt collecting agency before turning their attention to what Feilding was missing.
Unhappy with having to spend half an hour in the car to be able to watch a movie, the duo embraced the idea of establishing a picture theatre in the town.
Although, it was never supposed to grow into the miniconglomerate it had, Julie Bell said.
In the original plan, it was her and a part-time helper opening the theatre at 4pm. There was limited refreshments – beer, wine, coffee and platters.
The Focal Point brand has now expanded to Levin, Hastings and, by mid-2018, Palmerston North. People enjoyed the versatility of the combination of a cinema, cafe and bar under one roof, Matt Bell said.
People in Feilding embraced the concept.
While many small cinemas had struggled to keep the curtain raised, Focal Point Cinema would continue rolling out the red carpet for for years to come, Matt and Julie Bell said.
‘‘We love it when people bring friends from outside Feilding and show the cinema off like it’s theirs,’’ Matt Bell said. ‘‘It’s always been hard work. We’re not movie buffs, we’re not foodies, but we’re businesspeople.
‘‘The food part has definitely exceeded anything we ever planned.’’
The couple have 50 staff across the three sites, with a further 25 employed when the Palmerston North cinema opens.