In early January, Kip Rudd of The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which is building the 1700 car parking structure for the new complex and has approval power over the construction permits of the landmark theater, as well," agreed to withhold approval of the new screen until a meeting with all parties could be held to resolve Pacific's concerns (see Preservation Update).
That meeting was held on January 18. Cinematographers John Hora, ASC and Allen Daviau, ASC, Robert W. Nudelman of Hollywood Heritage, Doug Haines, Jack Tucker ACE, and Dan Sherlock were present along with Kipp Rudd, Pacific's COO Nora Dashwood, and Neil Haltrecht.
Despite all evidence presented to Pacific to the contrary, Ms. Dashwood expressed the opinion that their unnamed experts said that there would be no problems with a smooth curved screen at the Cinerama Dome. She stated that Pacific felt the louvered screen would not work, presenting no evidence as to why. This will degrade all film screenings making Cinerama impractical. We are appealing to reverse this unfounded decision.