FAIRLEE, Vt. -
For almost 10 years Peter Trapp has been loading film at the Fairlee Motel and Drive-in.
He bought a projector for $40,000 dollars thinking it would last him awhile, even though he knew the industry was changing.
"But they said eventually they would be transitioning to digital in the early stage, so I don't think you could believe it," said Trapp.
But now Trapp has to because he's been told this fall movies won't be made with film anymore, and getting a new projector isn't cheap.
"The quote we had was $70,000 dollars," said Trapp.
Drive in's and other small theatres are already fighting to survive.
Now they must get replace 35 millimeter projectors with expensive digital ones.
With having to spend $70,000 dollars on a new projector suddenly other projects like putting in new speakers or fixing up an aging concession stand are gone because your focus has to be on the projector.
Trapp is asking the community to help him save his business.
Donate and maybe win a bit of romance next door!
"We're going to pick a name out of a hat to get a free stay at the motel," said Trapp.
So far they've raised only $350 dollars, but Trapp expects a Hollywood ending.
"We're just going to do what we have to, to raise the money," said Trapp.
Without the money, the drive-in and dozens of others will show their last 35 millimeter films and it will truly be "the end."
