2019 Conference

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Photos

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Program and Film Information

Click here for a Word document that includes descriptions of all the new films, films in production, and projects in development that were presented at the conference (no login required)

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Professional Development Sessions

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Giant Screen 101: Knowledge, Experience, and Insights for All

Organizer: Diane Carlson, Giant Screen Cinema Consulting
Session Moderator: Paul Wild, IMAX Victoria in the Royal BC Museum

It's not just for first-timers! Giant screen veterans and newcomers alike have high praise for this ongoing series of discussions with knowledgeable and approachable industry experts.

Selling Pandas in Sweden

Presenter: Caroline Borgudd, Marketing Communications Manager and Steering Committee Member, Cosmonova, Swedish Museum of Natural History

This presentation takes a fresh look at how a giant screen movie can be launched to drive awareness and interest in a local market. Ms. Borgudd shares how an exciting blend of marketing techniques, including influencer marketing, a grand-opening night and third party endorsements, all created a Panda-fever in Stockholm.

A Global Audit of GS Pricing Strategies & Structures

Presenter: Paul Fraser, President, Blaze Cineworks
A new Blaze Cineworks’ survey of GSCA theater members' ticket prices shines a light on current GS theater ticket price strategies and structures, and how they’ve changed since the 2015 edition of this worldwide survey. Since ticket price data was collected from theater websites, a review of best and worst practices in selling tickets online is included.

A Unique Media Approach and Results

Presenter: Julie La Roche, Director, Business Development, Old Port of Montreal
A Montreal reporter followed Ms. La Roche during GSCA Conference in Chattanooga. Why? Hear the story behind a unique media initiative.

2019 Digital Marketing Tools and Tricks for Exhibitors and Distributors

Presenter: Brian Siddle, Partner Strong Coffee Marketing
A look at some of the digital marketing tools and tricks that Strong Coffee is using to help promote Superpower Dogs that can be applied to all titles. Included also is a look at the role that exhibitors and distributors play in the marketing of a film.

Embracing the Wonders and Horrors of Digital Filmmaking

Presenter: Michael Daut, Michael Daut Productions
With so many giant screen films starting and ending in a digital format, why isn’t it easier than ever before to produce technical excellence on the giant screen? We explore the challenges and pitfalls that an all-digital workflow introduces and share the fantastic resources created by the GSCA to help filmmakers navigate these turbulent digital waters.

Concessions in 100 Square Feet/9.3 Square Meters

Presenter: Michelle Duncan, Director, IMAX Theater Operations, The Tech Interactive
Learn about the keys to success in a tiny concession stand that services a 300 seat theater including advanced group sales, product choices, pricing, staffing and space efficiency.

We Need to Talk...A Town Hall Meeting on the Giant Screen Industry's Business Models

Moderator: Paul Fraser, Blaze Cineworks
Panelists: Daniel Ferguson, Cosmic Picture; Caroline Borgudd, Cosmonova, Swedish Museum of Natural History; Amber Hawtin, SK Films; Jeana McNeil, Isurus Market Research and Consulting

The giant screen film and theater industry has not experienced growth in a long while. In fact, some metrics are on a downward trend. It’s hard to imagine growth returning while we continue to use current models. It’s time to shake things up. We need to have a brutally honest but constructive discussion about new models and strategies for each of the major stakeholder groups—filmmakers, distributors, theaters, and projection system integrators.

This was a highly participatory session, a town-hall-style meeting. It began with a series of one-on-one discussions between the moderator and individuals representing each stakeholder sector to illuminate where we are now, trends, and some ideas for change. Models, insights, and a speaker from outside the GS industry was part of the discussion too.

LED Displays as Alternatives for Flat & Dome Screen Projection

Moderator: Paul Fraser, Blaze Cineworks
Presenters: Nick Conti, Samsung; David Richards, Moving Image Technologies; Kirk Johnson, Evans & Sutherland

Not long ago, the idea that LED displays could replace projection systems in theaters seemed far off in time and theoretical at best. However, direct-view LED screens are now operating in a few commercial multiplex theaters (screens up to 46 feet wide), and more are expected. Further, Evans & Sutherland has announced plans to bring LED to large domes in a package branded DomeX.

The adoption of LED will be a major technological disruption for cinema worldwide, eventually impacting the GS business too.

This session is organized as a series of 10-minute presentations from representatives of companies that are active in LED for theaters, followed by a Q&A segment.

Presenters address topics such as:

How does it work? (The “101” on LED). Advantages versus projection systems?
Sound?! How will an immersive audio experience be possible, especially in domes?
Where can we see LED screens now, and in the near future?
Implications for theater buildings, operations, maintenance
Costs: now, and when will LED be feasible for GS theaters?
Content implications

GSCA Theater Operations Survey Results

Presenters: Marlene Janetos; Mary Jane Dodge, MacGillivray Freeman Films

Earlier this year the GSCA Member Services Committee conducted an extensive survey to understand how giant screen theaters structure their operations. The survey included questions about ticket prices, programming, attendance, capture rates, advertising and marketing budgets, staffing, concessions, and much, much more. The results are of value not only to theaters but to filmmakers and distributors as well so the entire industry can better understand how programming is constructed and what theaters need to be successful. In this session, Member Services Committee Co-Chairs Marlene Janetos and Mary Jane Dodge share the topline results of the survey, with time included for questions and answers.