JOPLIN, MO.---- Jennifer McKeough and her husband Chad own the newest theater in Joplin. It's a micro theater called "The Joplin Electric Theater," of JET for short. They bring independent movies to the area that would most likely never make it otherwise.
"Stuff that makes it to Sundance but has trouble getting released past New York or L.A. and bring them here," states Chad McKeough, Joplin Electric Theater.
One of the movies they're showing is called "The Magic of Belle Isle" with Morgan Freeman. When you have a micro theater, it's just the bare essentials. They rent the room from the Old Vinery Shop on Main street to show the films twice a month. They also use a projector and show the films from a blue ray disc.
"We stated just contacting the distributors and they are anxious to get their movie out. So, we're able to work with them to get first run movies," states Jennifer McKeough, Co-Owner.
When she calls the movie distributors, they know of Joplin after all the tornado coverage on the national news.
"Every time I call New York or L.A. when we say we're the Joplin Electric Theater, there's name recognition now," states Jennifer.
They started the theater in February and it's been getting good word of mouth.
"Really nice to see friends and those friends brings more. That's what we're trying to do, getting a following and seeing where it goes," states Jennifer.
They hope to eventually buy a theater where they don't have to constantly move the chairs.
"I think if we were careful and we keep bringing good films here, and it will continue to grow," states Chad.
"Stuff that makes it to Sundance but has trouble getting released past New York or L.A. and bring them here," states Chad McKeough, Joplin Electric Theater.
One of the movies they're showing is called "The Magic of Belle Isle" with Morgan Freeman. When you have a micro theater, it's just the bare essentials. They rent the room from the Old Vinery Shop on Main street to show the films twice a month. They also use a projector and show the films from a blue ray disc.
"We stated just contacting the distributors and they are anxious to get their movie out. So, we're able to work with them to get first run movies," states Jennifer McKeough, Co-Owner.
When she calls the movie distributors, they know of Joplin after all the tornado coverage on the national news.
"Every time I call New York or L.A. when we say we're the Joplin Electric Theater, there's name recognition now," states Jennifer.
They started the theater in February and it's been getting good word of mouth.
"Really nice to see friends and those friends brings more. That's what we're trying to do, getting a following and seeing where it goes," states Jennifer.
They hope to eventually buy a theater where they don't have to constantly move the chairs.
"I think if we were careful and we keep bringing good films here, and it will continue to grow," states Chad.
