LAKE PLACID, N.Y. -
Film is how the majority of people view movies in the North Country.
Film is the dominate medium, but not for long.
Hollywood is getting rid of it and forcing theaters to go digital.
A transition that will cost more than $100,000 dollars.
"We need help and there's really no other way to say it, we need help to stay in business," said Hollywood Theater owner Cory Hanf.
Hanf is one of several North Country movie theater owners to come together and ask the state for help.
On Thursday some of them, as well as industry experts met at the Palace Theater in Lake Placid to talk about a grant they applied for.
"These are the economic anchors that hold the whole community together," said Adirondack Film Society Co-Chair Nelson Page.
13 theaters have asked the state for more than $2-million dollars.
Each would still pay thousands to put the technology in themselves.
But they say there's no way they can afford to update all pieces of equipment needed for the digital age.
"Which means new electric, new speakers, new amplifiers, new projectors, and new screens. Everything is new, because the medium is completely different," said Page.
If New York doesn't help out, business leaders say prepare to see small theaters close and means a two hour trip just to see a matinee.
It could take several weeks before owners know if the grant is approved.
Owners say they've been told movies will stop coming in film as early as this January.
