By Joe Knox, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — This Halloween, the community may have an extra treat — the first screening of a movie within one of the town’s parks.
Members of the Township Committee are discussing the possibility of bringing movies to Bordentown Township parks.
Across the nation, municipalities host variations of a “Movies in the Park” series showcasing documentaries, popular and independent films and children’s movies.
At the Bordentown Township Committee meeting July 9, members continued this ongoing conversation — which began in June — pondering the logistics necessary to host outdoor movie screenings for the viewing pleasure of the residents.
Deputy Mayor Michael Dauber first introduced the possibility at the June 25 Township Committee meeting.
Resident Mike Muhler gave a presentation to the committee, outlining various details to consider in order to bring the arts to Bordentown Township through movie screenings. Mr. Muhler made presented his ideas at the July 9 Township Committee meeting.
Mr. Muhler said he had the equipment needed to host such an outdoor movie night event.
He said the township would need to provide for the licensing fees associated with screening movies to an audience.
Mr. Muhler said, “Such licenses could be obtained through Swank Motion Pictures Inc.”
Swank is a private family owned company out of St. Louis, Missouri, and has been issuing public performance licenses since 1937.
When questioned by the committee as to the amount of money it would cost for licensing, Mr. Muhler said it can run anywhere between $500 and $900 per movie.
Mayor Karl Feltes questioned what would happen if the township were to obtain a license to air a particular film on a specific day if the event then was canceled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen problems.
According the Swank company website, if a movie screening event is canceled due to inclement weather, electrical problems, projection malfunction or other unforeseen events — towns have the option to reschedule the film showing within one calendar year of its original scheduled date.
Committeeman Jim Cann said, “My main concern is the taxpayers’ money.”
As previously reported in the Register-News, township Police Chief Frank Nucera suggested at the June 25 meeting that the township obtain sponsorships to aid the municipality in paying the licensing fees.
Mr. Muhler also told the Township Committee he had a 9-foot by 12-foot screen available for the town and a projector.
”How many people can a screen that size accommodate?” Mayor Feltes asked.
”A screen this size could be used on a crowd of 75 (to) 80 people.” Mr. Muhler said.
The mayor then said he was interested in considering obtaining a larger screen through, possibly, a rental company.
”Could we possibly use the wall of a building?” Committeewoman Jill Popko asked.
This idea was rejected by Mr. Muhler as he said it might hinder the quality of the film itself.
The committee and Mr. Muhler also discussed the requirements for powering such an event.
It was brought up in a previous meeting that there is electricity available by the pond, baseball field and gazebo in Northern Park as well as in the pavilion in Joseph Lawrence Park.
The possibility of using a generator also was mentioned by Mr. Muhler.
Committeewoman Popko said the committee was in agreement to continue to explore the possibility of screening films at township parks.
Additionally, Committeeman Cann suggested a showing of a movie be tested, perhaps during Halloween in conjunction with annual township-sponsored hayrides.
For instance, the screenings could take place while people were waiting in line, Committeeman Cann suggested.
The thought is if it works during Halloween, then possibly, by next summer this could be turned into a full summer program, Mayor Feltes added.
In nearby Hamilton, the township in years past ran a similar program, which was mentioned several times last week when the committee pondered crowd logistics during outdoor film screenings.
”This is a fabulous idea, but we need to look further into the finances of it all to make sure the township and the people will be getting the bang for their buck,” Committeeman Cann said.

