Member Spotlight: Interview with Craig Zeltner!
- soniapachmayer
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Member Spotlights!
Connecting and Celebrating Our Community
Member Spotlights aim to highlight some of our long-term MPC members. Our goal is to help you learn something new and connect with your colleagues. Along the way, you may also discover fascinating industry insights.
For our second Member Spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Craig Zeltner. Thank you, Craig, for agreeing to be interviewed and for sharing your intriguing career and industry experiences with us!
Hi Craig, please share a bit about yourself and how long you have been in the industry.
I began my career in 1969 as a trainee in the advertising and publicity department at Loews Theatres. In 1971, I transferred to the film department under Frank Paterson. In 1973, I moved to Esquire Theatres as a film booker. From 1974 to 1977, I worked at Mid-States Theatres in Cincinnati as a film buyer. Later in 1977, I joined Cinema Services, a company founded by my father several years earlier, and remained there until 1998.
In 1995, I purchased the Claridge Cinemas in Montclair, NJ. I was able to modernize the six-plex before selling it to Clearview.
Between 1998 and 2013, I served as Vice President and Head Film Buyer at Clearview Cinemas until its merger with Bow Tie Cinemas. I continued to operate Cinema Services until my retirement in 2020.
The highlight of my 51-year career was taking over and operating the Claridge Cinema, promoting art films, and meeting patrons as they entered and exited the theater.
I was very fortunate to work with industry icons such as Frank Patterson, Don Baker, Roy White, Bud Mayo, and Harold Zeltner, among others.
When People ask me if I like retirement, I tell them that I do not miss getting up at 3 AM to strategize and view grosses….But I do miss the people!
How long have you been a member &, and what initially drew you to join the MPC?
I became a member back in 1977, and I was really drawn in by the club's support of various charities. Plus, I was excited to learn more about the industry and connect with others.
How would you describe the overall club atmosphere?
The atmosphere of the club has always been outstanding, thanks to the commitment of members who generously volunteer their time and efforts to foster its success.
How has being a member of this club impacted you outside of the club?
The Motion Picture Club supports the Ronald McDonald House, which is one of my favorite charities. They have also assisted me in supporting the ECLC School for special needs and learning disabilities. We host a golf outing once a year, which receives significant support from the film industry. This connection has proven to be incredibly valuable, as they have contributed a great deal.
The Motion Picture Club consistently takes out an advertisement and serves as a dinner sponsor for our event. Their commitment to these charities is commendable, and
they have been a reliable partner. It's truly amazing how consistent their support has been.
What are your top 3 Movies?
The Godfather *1972
L. A. Confidential *1997
Gone With the Wind *1939
Comments