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ArtsceneAt the moviesPHOTOS BY MICHELLE SIU / OAKVILLE BEAVERDespite the best efforts made by Encore Theatre owners Jeff Knoll and Jason Speers (pictured), Oakville's only independent theatre is having a hard time making ends meet. Increased minimum wages, conservative creditors, a year of mediocre mov-ies, a rent increase and a surge in the amount demanded by studios have made this their hardest year. They stand by their value of keeping ticket prices reasonable at $8 for general admis-sion and $5 on Tuesdays, but it has been trying.The independent theatre business is incredibly hard work. The theatre is Jason Speers' livelihood to support his family and he handles the daily operations from selling tickets and working the concession, to managing all the projectors. Jeff Knoll, better known to Oakville residents as Councillor Knoll, handles the business side. He is the founder and has invested personal finances into the business, but admits the financial gains are minimal.The men are driven to keep the local business running because of their firm belief in it, but it continues to be difficult to compete, especially in a market where Cineplex dominates the majority of Canada's theatres. www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 4, 2011 26