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Denver Film Society Sues Landmark Theatres

Denver Film Society Sues Landmark Theatres

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Feature Story Bottom Left

Antitrust Allegations On Preventing Films From Being Shown And State Audit Find Colorado Film Commission Little More Than A Scam

by Glen Richardson

Regal Deal: Regal Entertainment Group owned by Denver’s Philip Anschutz sold at year-end in a transaction valued at $5.9 billion. Anschutz’s nine theaters in Denver operated under the brand names of Regal Cinemas and United Artists.

The Denver Film Society, along with three other independent film groups, filed an antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Landmark Theatres, a national specialty theater chain, claiming violations of federal antitrust law. The lawsuit asserts that Landmark engages in anticompetitive practices that have unfairly and illegally prevented theaters like the one run by the Denver Film Society from programming specialty films for its audiences.

Since opening the Sie FilmCenter (2510 E. Colfax) seven years ago, the Society claims it has been blocked from booking and showing countless films that local audiences have requested due to Landmark’s practice of enforcing “clearances.” These are restrictions that Landmark imposes on the film distributors it works with, preventing other theaters in an area from showing a film simultaneously with them. In fact, not once has DFS been allowed to show a film simultaneously to Landmark at the Sie FilmCenter. “They have enacted a complete and total blockade on our ability to show films that the Denver film community wants to see,” DFS Board President Robert Clasen alleges.

Chain Clout

Landmark can demand this from distributors because of their clout as a national chain and we believe abuses that clout to get what they want, explains DFS Executive Director Andrew Rodgers. Landmark currently operates 51 theaters with 242 screens in 22 major metro areas, making them the largest chain showing independent movies. Landmark owns the Esquire, Mayan and Chez Artiste theatres in Denver. Most of their competition comes from small mom-and-pop theaters or nonprofits like the Sie FilmCenter.

Quite understandably, many small businesses and non-profits are nervous to put up a fight against the industry’s 800-lb. gorilla. But after years of trying to work within the system and talking with partners and peers about how to overcome the unfair competition, Rodgers says they “came to the conclusion that the only way we can serve our audiences is to seek a remedy through the courts.” Washington, D.C.-based law firm Hausfeld is representing DFS, along with the other plaintiffs. The law firm specializing in antitrust litigation is taking the case on a contingency fee basis.

The suit also alleged the process is reducing output, restricting price competition, and denying moviegoers their choice of theaters to see films. Landmark is a private corporation that makes up a group of companies owned by venture capitalist Mark Cuban. It is the self-described dominant theater chain dedicated to showing specialty films in the U.S.

Troubling Picture

The troubling picture of money and movie madness in Denver steamed up even more at year’s end with the announcement that United Kingdom-based Cineworld Group PLC acquired Regal Entertainment Group owned by Denver’s Philip Anschutz. Regal has nine theaters in greater Denver compared to DFS’s single three-screen Sie FilmCenter.

The $3.61 billion deal adds to Cineworld’s already huge global movie footprint. Cineworld operates 2,227 screens in nations across the globe including the U.K., Ireland, Poland, and Slovakia. Cineworld paid $23 cash per Regal share, an 11% premium over the closing price. The transaction is valued at $5.9 billion.

The group owned by Anschutz operated a total of 561 theaters with 7,315 screens. The Anschutz theaters operated in Denver under the brand names of Regal Cinemas and United Artists.

Megaplex Or Spoof?

Orchestrating yet another Cherry Creek Valley movie drama that created headlines last summer was Redbarre Digital Media’s announcement of a proposed 70-acre film and television facility in Parker. Last August Governor John Hickenlooper, Parker Mayor Mike Waid and Redbarre CEO Don Levy held a press conference announcing plans for a $1 billion Media & Technology Campus. Levy, Redbarre’s CEO-founder, has a home in Denver. Evergreen resident Phillip Infelise is chief operations officer for the Los Angeles headquartered firm.

According to Redbarre’s presentation last summer the planned 1.9 million sq. ft. site would have multiple recording studios and a 75,000-square-foot soundstage, creating 4,000 full-time jobs. Officials stated the project would break ground early this year (2018) and begin operating in 2020. Site plans, however, had not been submitted to the City of Parker by the first of the year.

Architectural renderings of the facility show a multi-building campus that would also include retail, office, hotel and exhibition space. The site is west of Chambers Rd. in what is known as the Compark Village subdivision. Should it become operational the town of Parker might potentially become a national destination for film and television production.

Film Flimflam

After a state audit revealed the Colorado Film Commission paid $1.9 million to production companies that didn’t qualify

Sie Film Buffs: The Sie FilmCenter opened seven years ago on E. Colfax by the Denver Film Society has become a major movie Denver draw. The Society has joined a lawsuit against Landmark Theatres claiming it has blocked them from booking and showing countless films.

for the tax incentives, the state legislature cut $3 million from the state’s film incentive budget. The 20% cash rebate for production spending for films shot in Colorado started in 2012. However, the $500,000 operating budget for the state office managed by film commissioner Donald Zuckerman was preserved. Records show the state film office awarded approximately $2 million to 17 projects in 2016.

The nearly $2 million was paid to production companies without signing formal contracts, and the Commission generally decides whether to offer subsidies based on talks with producers rather than ensuring economic benefits, the auditor’s office found. Reportedly the $5 million in tax breaks the state gave to The Hateful Eight, a film produced in Telluride, motivated the rebate audit.

Due to the legislature leaving as much as $3 million on the cutting room floor, Zuckerman’s Film Commission has significantly less money to entice filmmakers. Neighboring states, furthermore, offer appreciably more “ready for action” incentives to filmmakers. New Mexico, for example, has a $50 million budget for film production incentives plus providing up to 30% in tax rebates to filmmakers.

Find Fun, Flowers And Flurries

Find Fun, Flowers And Flurries

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Valley Gadfly

February is when we envision going skiing and curling up in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate. This month receives less snowfall than other winter months but the temperatures are similar . . . freezing! If there were ever a time for the coziness of quilts and the warmth of romance, it would be February. We give flowers to warm up our love.

Valentine month requires making love with chapped lips, cracked knuckles and at least five layers of clothes. February’s maximum temperature is just 41-51° Fahrenheit.

Here are our warm-hearted thawed-out choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to get your heart pulsating and turn those flutters into true coupledom:

3 “Piece of My Heart” made Janis Joplin one of the biggest female rock stars of her era. Take the one you love to the musical celebrating the singer at the Paramount Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.

3 Edgy-historic films at the Jewish Film Festival in the elegant Wolf Theatre are sure to make your heart flutter, Feb. 7-19. Information: 303-399-2660.

3 Take your sweetie to the over-the-top Chinese New Year’s Valentine fling in the McNichols Building Feb. 9, 6 p.m. Information: 303-817-8400.

3 Enjoy a dreamy dinner with music and dancing at the Hearts & Hope Gala Feb. 10 in the Four Seasons Hotel, 5 p.m. Information: 303-424-0313.

3 Here’s a loving thought: Learn how you can help — treat your loved ones to assisted living and memory care at Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus, devoted to their comfort, safety, enrichment and contentment. Information: 303-800-7023.

3 Switch things up this Valentine’s at Aurora’s steakhouse Salvage Restaurant offering a three course Prix Fix dinner Feb. 10-14. Add a Romance Package with roses, chocolates and a champagne toast. Information: 303-751-2112.

3 Join a Valley Valentine tradition enjoying the sweet sounds of Dakota Blonde in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

3 Allow your love to blossom viewing colorful orchid blooms at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Orchid Showcase Feb. 19. Information: 720-865-3500.

3 Focus your attention, craving, euphoria and energy on your Valentine at this year’s Beaux Arts Bollywood Ball in the Hyatt Regency Convention Center Feb. 24, 6 p.m. The Bollywood film industry serves as the inspiration for an evening of music, dance performances and décor. The social gala is the local fundraiser benefiting National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Information: 303-728-6546.

Poets, novelists and songwriters have described it in countless turns of phrase, but at the level of biology love is all about chemicals. The way you breathe seems to be stolen, floating away and leaving you with a sense of euphoria whenever you meet the gaze of your crush from across the room. It’s icy outside but you’re suddenly sweltering.

Love is a work of heart: William Shakespeare wrote, “Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar. But never doubt I love.”

Snowmen may never be anything but round, but the rest of us will slim down naturally in the cold weather. February is the time for comfort, good food, warmth and the touch of a friendly hand while sharing time by the fire. Be it warm or chilly, it’s time to party with your Valentine. Learn by heart: “Love is a flower you’ve got to let grow.”

— Glen Richardson

The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.

Tackling High Blood Pressure: What It Is And What You Can Do

Tackling High Blood Pressure: What It Is And What You Can Do

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left

by Monica Heinrichs

High blood pressure: It’s something we all hear about so often it can start to lose its meaning — and its importance. But controlling it is essential to healthy living and even life or death, especially the older we get. Knowing your blood pressure, monitoring it, and taking steps to keep it in a healthy range is imperative. Here’s what you need to know and how the YMCA can help.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is what your body needs to circulate blood through the body for your tissues and organs to function properly. According to the American Heart Association, the systolic pressure happens when blood is pumped out of the heart and into the arteries. The diastolic pressure happens as the heart rests between heart beats. If blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work harder, which over time damages the arteries.

What’s worse: High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer.” This means you likely won’t feel it as it’s quietly causing damage.

Risk Factors

There are many reasons high blood pressure occurs, and that’s probably why it’s so common. Seventy-five million Americans have it — that’s 29% of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are certain factors we can’t control. One is age. Your risk increases the older you get. Men are most at risk after age 45 and women after age 65. Also, high blood pressure is often hereditary. If your parents have it, there is a higher chance that you may have it too.

The good news is that high blood pressure is most often caused by things we can control:

• Being overweight: More of you = more of your blood. This gives your heart even more to do!

• Not being active: Besides contributing to being overweight, not exercising can make you have a higher heart rate, which also makes your heart work harder.

• Smoking: This raises your heart rate, and the chemicals found in tobacco also damage the artery walls.

• Too much salt: Sodium makes the body retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.

• Stress: Simply, stress raises blood pressure. And many people try to relieve stress by eating more and exercising less, which only increases the risk.

What You Can Do

To combat high blood pressure, first go to the doctor and get an accurate baseline reading. Normal “good” blood pressure is near 120/80 mm Hg. The number on top is the systolic pressure, and the number on bottom is the diastolic. If it’s high, start taking active steps to get it under control:

1. By all means, exercise. The recommended amount is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.

2. Eat right. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy. Avoid saturated fat. Decrease salt — aim for less than 1,500 mgs a day.

3. Manage stress. Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or finding a hobby, do what you can to reduce stress. Exercise is a great option, and you’ll accomplish two things at once!

4. Monitor, monitor, monitor. Because blood pressure is silent, it’s important to actually take your blood pressure. This may mean checking it at home in addition to at the doctor’s office. Regular monitoring can help you know if your lifestyle changes are working, or whether you need to take further action.

5. Treat it with medications if necessary. There are many drugs available for treating high blood pressure, including diuretics, beta blockers, and enzyme inhibitors. Talk to your doctor about your options.

High blood pressure can be dangerous, but it’s something you can get in front of. Take the time to understand and track your health! After all, it’s your body, and you can’t trade it in for a new model.

Monica Heinrichs is the Health and Wellness Director at the Glendale Sports Center. She is originally from Wisconsin and is a Green Bay Packers fan. She is a certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Group Fitness Instructor with eight years of experience working with all types of people toward their health and fitness goals.

Raptors Abroad: Coaching Staff Travels To England In Preparation For Inaugural Professional Season In Glendale

Raptors Abroad: Coaching Staff Travels To England In Preparation For Inaugural Professional Season In Glendale

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Glendale City News

by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale

Legend has it that the game of rugby began in the United Kingdom nearly two centuries ago. Rugby has grown immensely in scope and popularity ever since. Consistently one of the most played and watched sports internationally, rugby has a substantial foothold in the United States as well, one that promises only to increase with the launch of the nation’s forthcoming professional league, Major League Rugby (MLR). Glendale, Colorado, has long been the focal point of rugby in America — home to highly skilled, championship-winning teams, site of the first rugby-specific stadium in the country, and now home to a founding member team in the new professional league: The Glendale Raptors.

Surrounding the Bath Rugby grounds, the City of Bath in the United Kingdom offers another layer of inspiration for the Glendale Raptors coaches.

Part of what makes Glendale’s Infinity Park such a special place for rugby is the organization’s commitment to retaining exceptional coaching staff. Sourced both nationally and from abroad, Glendale’s coaches are some of the best in the business. In December 2017, Glendale’s Director of Rugby Mark Bullock, and David Williams, head coach for the professional Raptors team, traveled to England to observe some of that country’s top teams and coaches. Knowing the level of support and professionalism rugby enjoys in England, Bullock and Williams endeavored to continue Glendale’s commitment to excellence in the sport by exploring the rugby environment in the U.K. — an effort they believe will improve the Raptors’ chances at success on the American professional rugby stage.

The purpose of the trip to England was multifaceted, with both Bullock and Williams fully immersing themselves in the European rugby scene, observing and interacting with established professional organizations. The Glendale duo took in Champions Cup matches, and visited with coaching and support staff from the London Irish, London Harlequins, and Bath Rugby teams. Coach Williams also met staff from the London-based Saracens Football Club, Bristol Rugby, and national strength and conditioning coaches. In addition to their work on increasing rugby knowledge in preparation for the upcoming MLR seaso

The Bath Rugby ticket office shows how well integrated the club is within the cultural fabric of this United Kingdom city.

n, Williams and Bullock were scouting hospitality at stadium venues, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities that could be implemented in Glendale. The Raptors are committed to continuing to create a fun, engaging, meaningful fan experience throughout the forthcoming professional season and beyond.

With the enormous success of Glendale’s Academy program last year, the trip also served as an exploration of how teams in the U.K. handle developmental organization and outreach to their local rugby communities. The Glendale Raptors Rugby Academy is an elite men’s development team for players under the age of 23 (U23). Designed as a feeder team for the professional MLR Raptors, the U23 squad enjoyed great success in 2017, with several players signed to play professionally. Although England’s academy programming presents boundaries of pay and other regulations controlled by the Rugby Football Union, Bullock reported that a number of usable techniques came from discussions with the English teams, knowledge he expects will benefit the Raptors programming. Additionally, Bullock noted an exciting potential exchange program between Glendale and Bath academy players, one that would allow Glendale’s players to improve their skills in the professional English Premiership environment, and provide the Bath squad with increased match opportunities in the U.S.

As part of their trip, and to experience as much of England’s professional rugby expertise as possible, Bullock and Williams attended practice sessions, coaches’ meetings, and sat in on Bath Rugby’s team building exercises. Bullock reported that the teams were quite welcoming: “Bath went out of their way to accommodate us and share their best practices. We were able to discuss their organization and their future plans with Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder and CEO Tarquin McDonald, and spent time talking about team culture and what it takes to be successful.” David Williams also noted that the English clubs, coaches, and players were both informed and curious about the professional league launching in the United States: “All the Premiership clubs were aware of MLR and of Glendale, and were welcoming and inquisitive about our Raptors team and the new professional league. That’s great to hear from these diehard rugby professionals, as eyes and ears are watching and listening worldwide.”

Given the sport’s long history in the United Kingdom, it should come as no surprise that both Bullock and Williams agreed that the fan engagement and response there, as compared to the United States, is considerably more robust — for now. Bullock described enjoying a pint with a few local Bath fans, longtime season ticket holders who were all in the team colors and talking up their squad’s chances to compete at a high level in 2018. Games were sold out, VIP boxes full, and an excited, electric atmosphere surrounded the grounds.

Williams summed up the trip, and the Raptors’ bright future in professional rugby, nicely: “Rugby is a major sport in the U.K. and has been for many years. We have a long way to go to gain the same footprint, but with the national CBS television coverage allowing rugby viewership across the country, and our loyal and growing Raptors fan base encouraging new fans to come to the stadium, we will show the United States the spectacle of the sport of rugby.”

As the first games of the Raptors inaugural professional season draw near, it is clear that the team’s leadership is fully prepared to continue its storied evolution, and to meaningfully engage an American audience.

Mayor Hancock’s Sad Sack Defense On Control By High Density Developers

Mayor Hancock’s Sad Sack Defense On Control By High Density Developers

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Editorials

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock can no longer escape the fact that many of the citizens of the Mile-High City are increasingly viewing him as bought and paid for by some of the worst high-density developers in the country. That reputation has become so prevalent that he and The Denver Post believed it had to be rebutted. The Denver Post has become so financially weakened that it is dependent for its survival on the municipal government.

The Post somewhat quietly abandoned its iconic building between the State Capitol and the City and County Building for unincorporated Adams County. The large building has been rented sub silencio by the municipality thereby saving the Post from having to close. Thus, the paper is no longer in the position to do anything but be a cheerleader for Mayor Hancock and Governor Hickenlooper, the prior mayor of Denver.

Under the heading “Is Denver Mayor Michael Hancock too friendly to developers? Here’s what he thinks,” reporter Jon Murray offered up an extended single soft ball question with no follow up. Murray noted that Hancock was “seen as developer friendly” and that “developers have donated heavily to your campaigns.” Noting that developers “are the ones who are savvy” and “the system kind of favors them” he asks whether there are “things that you plan to try to even the playing field for people who feel like developers are running this town.”

The approximately 500-word answer could be summed up as: No, I have no plans to even the playing field because (1) I am powerless and (2) back in 2011 Denver needed business development. He protested that “I would never sell my integrity — for anyone . . . . not just for me but for my family.” One wanted to ask how that squared with his administration starting off with claims he was a regular “John” for prostitutes working for “Denver Players/Denver Sugar” but no follow up questions were apparently allowed.

He noted secondly that people just didn’t “understand the process” and that “the mayor does not decide where development goes and does not engage in the permitting process. Someone may bring a design to me and I may offer an idea to them, but this is their project, and we stay out of it.”

Wow! It is clear that it is not the public that does not understand “the process” but it is Mayor Hancock who is utterly clueless how the system is supposed to work and how it really works. Assuming the “we” in the quote refers to is the government of the City and County of Denver the mayor is correct that under his aegis the city is little more than a rubber stamp for developers. He goes on, sadly, to note that in his mind all that needs to happen is for a developer see a market need and declares “we need the space.” Game over.

His Honor does not appear to understand that Denver, like virtually every other city in the country, actually has a “Zoning Code” as well as “Master Plans.” We understand he has never read them but it would be nice if he were at least vaguely aware of them. He might also be shocked to find out that there is a “Denver Community Planning and Development Department” headed up by an executive director (Brad Buchanan) and even an 11-member Denver Planning Board that must approve real estate projects before they go on to the City Council. He is apparently unaware that he appointed Mr. Buchanan, as well as each and every member of the Planning Board, and that they are all total developer cronies and hacks and Mr. Buchanan is himself a developer.

The Mayor also appoints members of dozens of board and advisory panels. They all have been systematically stripped of anyone who ever indicated any affinity to parks and open space or even suggests that Denver might want to do a little planning for parking or traffic.

We, of course, understand that he actually did not choose any of these people but they are chosen by Oakwood Homes CEO Pat Hamill and the boys and girls over at Colorado Concern who fund all of his election bids. Perhaps they have an autopen for his signature for all such appointments, so as not to overburden his Honor.

It is consistently rumored that Mayor Hancock spends most of his time when in his office watching ESPN and that his staff has had to put “parental controls” on his office computer to prevent him from going to sites like Ashley Madison.

If you found reading Michael Wolfe’s book Fire and Fury on how the Trump White House works depressing, the relatively short interview by Jon Murray with Mayor Hancock printed on December 12 is even worse.

The 19th century German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck is said to have noted that: “Laws are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made.” The Denver Post did all of Denver a disservice in showing us how Mayor Hancock and his city government actually operate. We all have had our fears, but apparently the reality is even more difficult to stomach.

Mayor Hancock is, of course, highly favored to be re-elected as mayor for a third term next spring. People really do get the government they deserve.

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