FSU Acquires Regal Governor’s Square Theater

News Summary

Florida State University (FSU) has officially acquired the Regal Governor’s Square movie theater, previously closed, to strengthen its film program. This acquisition marks a transformational moment since FSU has been seeking a dedicated exhibition space for their film school for many years. With 12 auditoriums, the theater will provide a platform for showcasing student, faculty, and alumni films and enhance community engagement through themed festivals and events.

Tallahassee Film Students Get a New Playground!

Big news is shaking up the film scene here in Tallahassee! Florida State University (FSU) has just acquired the Regal Governor’s Square movie theater, a popular spot that recently closed its doors. This exciting development promises to open up a world of opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts alike in our community.

What’s the Scoop?

The Regal Governor’s Square covers an impressive 43,242 square feet and was officially closed last month, sending shockwaves through the local film-loving crowd. This theater was listed for sale last summer with a price tag of $4.6 million, but FSU managed to snag it for around $4 million. Not too shabby, right?

FSU completed the deal just this past Wednesday, making it a landmark moment for their College of Motion Picture Arts. The acquisition is seen as a transformative opportunity for the film school, which has been without its own theater since it first opened its doors in 1989.

A Long Time Coming

Students and faculty alike have been hopeful for a dedicated exhibition space for quite some time. In fact, the film school has been searching for a local theater for at least six years! Back in 2019, there were plans to purchase the Movies 8 theater, but that deal didn’t pan out. So this latest news is a huge win for the film community here!

With the Regal Governor’s Square now under FSU’s wing, the film school will finally have a platform to showcase films made by students, faculty, and alumni. This will help elevate their profile significantly, putting local talent in the spotlight and allowing families to enjoy homegrown cinema.

Features of the Regal Theater

The newly acquired Regal theater boasts 12 auditoriums, creating a fantastic space for film screenings and events. The plan is to operate it as a theater initially, giving the community a chance to enjoy movies again in this historic venue. The Regal Governor’s Square has almost three decades of history in Tallahassee, making it a beloved local fixture.

Innovation Meets Education

One exciting dimension of this acquisition is the relocation of FSU’s Center for Cinematic Innovation, Torchlight Studios, from Gadsden County to the new theater site. The aim is to boost education-to-industry pathways with top-notch production resources, including a cutting-edge virtual production stage featuring high-tech LED screens. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities that could ignite their creative passions.

Community Engagement Ahead

This deal isn’t just about education and innovation; it’s also about community involvement. The remodeled Regal theater presents opportunities for themed film festivals and other community-centric events, reinvigorating the local culture and giving residents something to look forward to.

A Collaborative Effort

FSU’s First Lady played a pivotal role in supporting the acquisition process, along with other key figures at the university. Their backing has helped pave the way for this investment that will enhance the film school’s innovative curriculum and strengthen its connections with industry professionals.

The Future Looks Bright!

As the dust settles on this exciting acquisition, the future of film education in Tallahassee is looking brighter than ever. FSU is setting the stage for artistic growth and community enrichment with this new venture. Whether you’re a film student, an aspiring filmmaker, or just someone who loves a good movie night, this acquisition will surely bring excitement back to the Regal Governor’s Square!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tallahassee Prepares for Community Meeting and FSU’s Major Real Estate Acquisition
President McCullough Announces Ambitious Growth Initiatives for Florida State University

Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: FSU Plans to Acquire Regal Governor’s Square Movie Theater
• Tallahassee.com: FSU President McCullough Delivers State of the University Address
• Tallahassee.com: Ted Bundy and FSU Murders
• Wikipedia: Florida State University
• USF Oracle: Look Dine-In Cinemas by USF to Be Replaced by Sun Ray Cinema
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Movie Theater