J. Wayne Anderson is
chairman, president and CEO of Maryland-based R/C Theatres,
which ranks as
one of the nation’s 30 largest cinema chains with
139 screens at 21 sites. A member of NATO’s Executive
Committee and the boards of NATO’s Maryland and Virginia
affiliates, he receives on March 4 the Ken Mason Inter-Society
Award at ShoWest in Las Vegas.
What about you would most surprise the majority of your
fellow exhibitors?
I don’t like most of today’s movies.
What’s the best thing
about living in Maryland?
It is close to Virginia, my home state, and also the ranch.
Leaving aside family members, who was your first role
model?
My baseball coach, Joe Linkenhoker.
What would you wish for if
a djinn offered to grant one wish (assuming you couldn’t
wish for more wishes)?
World peace.
What would you be if you weren’t
a cinema operator?
A rancher.
Who is your favorite filmmaker and why?
Mel Brooks. “Blazing Saddles,” “Young
Frankenstein” ... need I say more?
What was your favorite movie last year?
“Spider-Man.” It grossed
over $400 million.
Which movie or movies are you most looking forward to?
“Gods and Generals” or any
movie which will gross over $100 million.
Who is the most talented actor most people have never
heard of?
Mark Keyloun.
Which book would you most like to see adapted into a motion
picture?
“Sin Killer” by Larry McMurtry.
Which TV show do you hate to miss?
The morning news.
What’s your favorite
movie theatre in which you and/or your partners have
absolutely no investment?
Loews Metreon 17.
Which sacred cow would you most like to barbecue?
Film terms.
What’s the best thing
about running a cinema company?
Building cinemas where people enjoy watching movies.
What’s the worst?
Government intervention and frivolous lawsuits.
What do you wish someone had told you earlier?
The best part of my life will be after 55!
What was the single best piece of advice you ever got?
From my father, “Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.” 
