BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2013, approximately 3,000 small town cinemas and theaters in America will shut down.  These "Mom & Pop" theaters have been part of local communities for decades, but won't be able to stay open because they lack the funds needed to make the switch to digital equipment.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121217/FL29713 )  

SAVE AMERICA'S CINEMAS is a 501(C)3 non-profit group solely dedicated to providing the financial assistance required to acquire digital equipment for these theaters and has retained TransMedia Group (www.transmediagroup.com) to promote it nationwide. 

The Problem:
For decades cinemas have been showing movies with 35mm film. Starting in 2013, this will no longer be the case as all movies will be shipped to cinemas and theaters across the country in digital format only. The only way to show movies to people will be to purchase digital projectors, sound systems, servers and movies screens.

The Cost:
Up to $100,000 per cinema. These small town cinema owners, operating on small margins and modest incomes do not have the resources to convert and will close down and fall like 3,000 dominoes resulting in the loss of almost 50,000 jobs. 

TransMedia Group is planning a special launch party in January that will feature celebrities, struggling cinema owners and the major companies that have partnered with Save America's Cinemas (www.saveamericascinemas.org).  At the launch, a power ball type lottery will determine the first cinemas that will receive the funds to upgrade to digital. 

The non-profit was the inspiration of filmmaker, producer Walter T. Shaw (Genius on Hold) and former jewel thief for the mafia.  Shaw has gotten his GoodFellas buddies to join the cause including, Frank Vincent, Tony Sirico, Tony Danza, Chuck Zito, Vincent Pastore, Eddie Lynch and Mike Starr.

"We are keenly aware of the historical, emotional and cultural damage that will be caused by the massive closings of these well established community icons that have brought joy and countless memories to generations of small town families across this great nation.  We can save these theaters," said Walter T. Shaw.  "We're excited that TransMedia Group is on board to help educate America that something needs to be done and can be done to save these cinema landmarks."

Media contact: Glen Calder (561)750-9800 x216; gcalder@transmediagroup.com

SOURCE TransMedia Group