Lights, Camera, Action!
Coming soon to the Westlake Cinema near you…
By Christopher Finley

                The Westlake Cinema project began a couple of years ago when The Willard Companies conducted a survey to find out what lake area residents felt was needed in the community. The company took the feedback seriously. They then set out to envision how to service those demands. As a result, plans for a new movie theater will become a reality with a grand opening set for May 2005.
                The 13,800-square-foot Westlake Cinema, adjacent to Kroger, will feature a four-plex movie theater, stadium seating, concessions and possibly a children’s play area.
                According to Ron Willard II, vice president of The Willard Companies, “Our goal is to offer the public an upscale movie theater with first-run movies, state-of-the-art sound system and full-service concession area.”
                Willard added that the theater will have Dolby® Digital Surround, which is the most advanced film sound technology available. The Dolby® brand is recognized far and wide as standing for the best in cinema sound. Westlake Cinema will be the first theater in the region to offer Dolby® Digital Surround. According to the Dolby® website, “Dolby® has established standardized sound replay conditions for cinemas and for mixing studios to ensure that films will be consistently replayed as they were envisioned.”
                The Willard Companies will own the Westlake Cinema and will employ approximately 15 people including a general manager as well as full and part-time employees who will operate the theater.
                Ron Willard, Sr., President of The Willard Companies says the biggest reward of bringing Westlake Cinema to the Westlake Towne Center is “bringing milestones to the community.” In addition, convenience was another one of the main issues that prompted Willard to move forward with the project. “Having a theater open at the lake offers residents the convenience to stay local instead of driving to Lynchburg, Greensboro, or Roanoke markets. It’s time to keep the money here at the lake,” said Willard.