What those crazy kids running The Nickelodeon Theatre do all day. 📽

I’ve been in Cola for ~14 years now, and am ashamed to admit I’ve never been to the Nickelodeon Theatre – 🤦‍ even more shameful on my behalf: I didn’t even know The Nick showed popular movies (i.e. “Hollywood hits” that I’ve heard of, like LaLa Land – they actually showed it the same time it was in multiplex theatres – which is a pretty big deal in their world). You can judge me for knowing nothing about The Nick. I will understand.

Indie Grits - Friday April 17, 2015 Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford

Last week, I got to spend the entire day with the Nickelodeon Theatre staff – learning everything they do – from how they decide what films to show to how the popcorn is made. 🍿 🎞 I even got to attend all their Monday meetings, like I was member of the team. I’m not sure who was more excited: me, for getting to spend a whole day playing outside the office, or the Nick staff for having an outsider come in and give a new perspective of the whole operation.

Here’s my day in the life of a Nick Theatre staffer. ⬇️

⏰ 10 a.m. // 🗓 Film chart meeting with Alison (theatre director) + Amada (programming coordinator)

I listened in while they went over the film showing schedule for the week + weeks to come. Since I’m a newbie to the film world, I also needed a full rundown of all the Nick must-knows:

Q:What exactly is the Nick?

A: A movie theatre, *plus*. It has everything like your typical multiplexes, *plus* beer on tap, bottled wine and conversation before + after the film. // ⬅️ This is what I found to be most important to the Nick staff: creating a whole movie experience (like no other) where you can be challenged with conversation + others’ views of what you just watched.

Q: Is the Nick the only theatre like this in the area?

A: We’re actually part of the Art House Visiting Members Program. We’re like a family with tons of other similar theatres across the country. Your Nick membership works at all of our sister-theatres. // They’re also the only •nonprofit• arthouse cinema in S.C. Take that, CHS + GVL. 😉

Q: How do you decide what films you show in Cola?

A: The Sundance Film Festival (fun fact: it was created by Robert Redford) + the Toronto International Film Festival are *huge* resources for our type of theatres. // At Sundance they watch ~10 films a day over the course of a week + pick the best of the best to show in Cola.

⏰ 11 a.m. // 📝 Education programs meeting with Seth (director of Indie Grits Labs) + Steffi (1 of 4 assistant managers)

The Nick is more than just a place to watch a film with a glass of wine. Another extremely important aspect they focus on is appreciation + creation of media literacy (in Seth’s words: reading movies). The *newly named* Indie Grits Labs is a combination of workshops, after-school programs and field trips for K-12th grades.

⏰ 11:30 a.m. // ☑️ Staff check-in meeting with the majority of the team

I watched as everyone went around + gave updates on their departments: how currently-showing films are doing, pre-sale ticket numbers, how to get members excited about trailers they’re seeing + my personal favorite: the status of The Nick Mag 📖 (only published 4 times per year – the fresh summer edition came out via a launch party last Friday).

⏰ 1 p.m. // We took a little break for lunch + then I met with Amanda (another assistant manager, as well as the volunteer coordinator)

Since the Nick is a nonprofit, volunteers help keep costs down and help provide members + new guests with the best customer service experience (most volunteers are regulars + long-time lovers of the Nick). Typically 1-2 volunteers work per night, and they help with concessions 🍫 + cleaning 🗑 between films. Pro tip: Volunteers get one free movie ticket per day worked. 🎟 You can often find volunteer ops on their Facebook page.

⏰ 1:30 p.m. // Development meeting with Carrie (development manager) + her intern

I got some great •insider info• on upcoming events that you’ll definitely want to mark on your calendar:

📆 October | 🎉 5 year anniversary (since in the new Main St. location) party with lots of fun number 5-themed things planned + an unveiling of a donor plaque 🏆

📆 December | Education fundraiser – their biggest fundraiser of the year – at The War Mouth

One more awesome thing I learned about in this meeting: The Nick vs. Drip annual kickball game. 🏅 They always bet different things – like last year, it was one week of free coffee vs. “Drip beat the Nick at kickball” on the Nick’s famous marquee. Let’s just say, the Nick staff was highly caffeinated for 7 days straight. ☕️I think this was the very moment I decided I loved the Nick + would never pay to see a movie at another multiplex again.

Relationships with the community + other businesses on Main Street are so important to them. They talked about their love for the community with such passion that it made me smile listening. 😊

⏰ 2 p.m. // Marketing meeting with Alison, Savannah (designer) + Pauline (marketing coordinator)

More in-depth talk of The Nick Mag release (it’s their 10th issue 👏 ) and the party they’re planning to celebrate (which happened last Friday). There was also talk of social media strategy (right up my alley) + how to get more engagement on Facebook and Instagram. Y’all go follow them.

⏰ 2:30-5 p.m. // Hung out with concessions + then watched a film

I loved this. All of it. The foodie + craft beer-lover in me was in heaven. They let me sample everything: Sprecher Brewery’s gourmet soda line, a delicious summer shandy + Cannonborough soda mix, and a new coconut porter that I enjoyed with my popcorn 🍿🍺 (pro tip: members get a free small popcorn at matinees + all day Wednesday). Fun fact: People are obsessed with the popcorn. Obsessed. Some people come in *just* for the popcorn – not even to see a movie. They say it’s always been – and always will be – Cromers.)

After concessions, I watched the 3 p.m. showing of Our Cousin Rachel: a dark, romantic thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat. 🖤 Literally.

One more cool thing I learned: The Nick loves to partner with local restaurants + bars for some of their films – in July they are going to work with Sweet Cream Co. to have specialty ice cream flavors made for a July 25 screening of The Fifth Element. 🍨 💯

Y’all, this place is legit. I’ll see you in the theatre when The Big Sick comes out next month.

-Sam