Fred Smilek Turns the Silver Screen Green

From the young couple on a date in the front row to the “would be critics” clamoring away in the back, Americans love going to the movies. Lately, the steady rush of cinema patrons has decreased noticeably as both ticket and concession prices steadily rise. More recently, theaters have seen fewer ticket sales as a result of the convenience of the new digital rental, as seen in home theaters, keeping customers confined to their couches. Seeing an opportunity to fill a demand, Fred Smilek has found a way to engage his community and create a fun, cost effective alternative to an expensive theatre.

“The idea came to me as I heard some young college students talking about a movie night on some part of the lawn at their campus,” explained Smilek. “The film was shown from a typical classroom projector onto a hanging sheet from a balcony at night for anyone who was willing to pull up a chair of grass and watch. I then remembered these same events happening when I was in school and how people loved going to see a film under the stars and I asked ‘why not make this a regular happening?’”

Mr. Smilek’s vision is more than just opening up a theater made of suspended linens for screens, but it still embodies that “green” mentality, stating “I am calling on the creativity of all people in the blogosphere to contribute to the first Green Theater.” The plans thus far, soon to be published on The Society to Save Endangered Species website, are strictly in the concept phase so as to allow for optimal idea generation from readers. Currently, contributions have ranged from a minimal construction amphitheatre made of recycled materials to a licensing agreement with major cinema chains that could take a model theater across the country.

A portion of the proceeds for the theater will go to The Society to Save Endangered Species, founded and governed by Fred Smilek. The society began as a discussion group with only a handful of students which has since grown to nearly 20 members. The society is an active defense for abused and endangered animals from all around the world. While the group has done an excellent job at raising funds for animal protection, they still are striving for creative outlets to advocate humane practices with all animals.

For more information on how you can contribute to the “Green Theater” project, as well as the Society to Save Endangered Species, visit http://www.fredjsmilek.com for all the up to date information on animal and environmental preservation.