Bargain Matinees Aren’t

What happened to the bargain matinee? As an actor living in Westwood, I am blessed with many movie choices each day. Today I was shocked to pay $7 for a bargain matinee. There was a total of 3 people in the house for the 3:45 show. If the price was $5, there would have been at least 15 people and the theater would have made five times as much. But what do I know, after reading more than $3-billion worth of market research every month while working at some of the biggest ad agencies in the world? While working in Japan on Coca-Cola, I found they use a 100-year plan for their marketing strategy. Perhaps that’s one reason why Detroit was humbled. The short-term thinking and incompetence we suffer every day could bring this country to its knees.

The headlines and long lines at the banks are obvious. The bargain matinee with three people in a room that seats 300 is more subtle. Wake up, Hollywood, and brew some fresh coffee for America while you’re at it.

RODOLFO PAIGE PAGLIACCIO

Los Angeles