ThoughtGallery.org > ‘The Definitive Story of America’s Drive-In Movie Theater Legacy’ Webinar

‘The Definitive Story of America’s Drive-In Movie Theater Legacy’ Webinar

Although there were once close to 5,000 drive-in movie theaters around the United States by the 1950s, all but around 300 have ceased to exist. What made them a normal part of life for generations of Americans? And why didn’t they survive, given that our love for cars and movies has only grown stronger? With the help of one documentarian, who has traveled to over 500 drive-in locations in 49 states, it’s time to grab your popcorn and drive through one of the most fascinating facets of American life — one that has unexpectedly seen a comeback that could be here to stay.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the rise, fall, and present-day resurgence of the drive-in movie theater — invented in 1933, these outdoor cinematic destinations would come to define American culture in the decades following World War II.

Led by award-winning documentarian April Wright — Director of Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie — our fun, nostalgic, and captivating virtual trip through the cultural phenomenon of drive-in movies will include:

  • The origin story of the first drive-in movie theater, and details surrounding the roughly 100 theaters built prior to World War II
  • The stratospheric rise of drive-ins after World War II, thanks in part to the baby-boom to suburban expansion
  • Elements that came to define the drive-in, including the snack bar, in-car speakers, and neon marquees
  • Drive-in culture throughout the decades, from being the go-to date spot in the 1960s and ’70s to a modern one in Montana that features a roller-coaster around the screen
  • A look at what led to the demise of drive-ins after their peak in 1958
  • The future of drive-in movie theaters, and whether the surge in popularity and awareness experienced during COVID can revitalize the industry
  • Personal stories and exclusive photos surrounding April’s documentary, Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with April — any and all questions about drive-in movie theaters are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About April

April Wright is an award winning filmmaker who brings a fresh and creative approach to her documentaries and narrative projects. She’s drawn to material based on real events, especially stories with an unexpected hero or point of view. Working as a narrative programmer for the Sundance Film Festival for the past 15 years, Sundance has been her film school.

April is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors, Film Independent, the International Documentary Association, Women in Film, Film Fatales, and she is an alumni of the Sundance Institute. Before working in film and television, April received an MBA from Northwestern and had a successful business career working for companies like AT&T, Delta Air Lines, Mattel, and Caesars Palace. While making her documentary on drive-in movies, she visited every state except Alaska.











When: Fri., Feb. 19, 2021 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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Although there were once close to 5,000 drive-in movie theaters around the United States by the 1950s, all but around 300 have ceased to exist. What made them a normal part of life for generations of Americans? And why didn’t they survive, given that our love for cars and movies has only grown stronger? With the help of one documentarian, who has traveled to over 500 drive-in locations in 49 states, it’s time to grab your popcorn and drive through one of the most fascinating facets of American life — one that has unexpectedly seen a comeback that could be here to stay.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the rise, fall, and present-day resurgence of the drive-in movie theater — invented in 1933, these outdoor cinematic destinations would come to define American culture in the decades following World War II.

Led by award-winning documentarian April Wright — Director of Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie — our fun, nostalgic, and captivating virtual trip through the cultural phenomenon of drive-in movies will include:

  • The origin story of the first drive-in movie theater, and details surrounding the roughly 100 theaters built prior to World War II
  • The stratospheric rise of drive-ins after World War II, thanks in part to the baby-boom to suburban expansion
  • Elements that came to define the drive-in, including the snack bar, in-car speakers, and neon marquees
  • Drive-in culture throughout the decades, from being the go-to date spot in the 1960s and ’70s to a modern one in Montana that features a roller-coaster around the screen
  • A look at what led to the demise of drive-ins after their peak in 1958
  • The future of drive-in movie theaters, and whether the surge in popularity and awareness experienced during COVID can revitalize the industry
  • Personal stories and exclusive photos surrounding April’s documentary, Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with April — any and all questions about drive-in movie theaters are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About April

April Wright is an award winning filmmaker who brings a fresh and creative approach to her documentaries and narrative projects. She’s drawn to material based on real events, especially stories with an unexpected hero or point of view. Working as a narrative programmer for the Sundance Film Festival for the past 15 years, Sundance has been her film school.

April is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors, Film Independent, the International Documentary Association, Women in Film, Film Fatales, and she is an alumni of the Sundance Institute. Before working in film and television, April received an MBA from Northwestern and had a successful business career working for companies like AT&T, Delta Air Lines, Mattel, and Caesars Palace. While making her documentary on drive-in movies, she visited every state except Alaska.

Buy tickets/get more info now