Downtown Hanford theater stays open with new ownership, membership system

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- This summer, Hanford's downtown movie theater announced that it was going to close its doors, but within a few days, Metro 4 Cinema would stay open, thanks to some heroes who stepped in.

Matthew Sconce is a producer, director, and co-owner of Movie Heroes--a member-based system he says saves small independent theaters from going out of business.

Members pay a monthly fee for unlimited movie-watching freedom.

Think Netflix, but at the theater.

"People can watch unlimited movies, as many times as they want, and they never pay for the ticket when they go in because they already pay $19.95 a month," Sconce, who now owns Metro 4, said.

Four years ago, Sconce and his business partner saved Oakhurst's theater with Movie Heroes, doubling its revenue in a year.

The system is also in place at Coalinga's theater, and now, at Metro 4 in Hanford. .

This weekend, employees and volunteers will be out spreading the word that the theater is still open and has a sweet new deal.

Members can pay month to month, and get discounts at the concession stand.

"So it opens up their world to new stories, saves them money," Sconce said. "They don't have to rent it later, they can always just come right now, and see how it was meant to be seen on the big screen."

You don't have to become a member and still buy a single movie ticket.

But Sconce thinks they will need to sign about 1,000 people to stabilize the theater.

"We came in and stopped it from closing and now it's up to Hanford to save it>

Sconce, who has a passion for small towns and independent theaters, truly believes the people of Hanford can save theirs.

You can also buy your membership at https://www.savethemetro4.com/