Professional Development Session

6 Habits of Highly Effective Theaters

Presentation of giant screen films is paramount to setting the experience apart from what a regular moviegoer experiences at a multiplex. A 1986 IMAX service manual stated, “The combination of a dedicated theatre staff and the IMAX system can provide a spectacular experience for audiences. To maintain this level of achievement, the staff and equipment involved in this unique communication process must function at optimum efficiency. This is the challenge of every performance.” Truer words have never been spoken, and as we see multiplex screens [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:35:01+00:00November 21st, 2023|

How Alternative Content Works for Us

The big takeaway from how we approach alternative content is that it must have an experience attached to it to be successful. Anyone can show alternative content and likely have a decent enough crowd, but consistent sell-outs for the content on its own is unlikely. Theaters need to find that unique hook, leverage the other areas of their institutions to offer guests something unique that they can’t get anywhere else, or find community partners. The presentation will also include results from the GSCA Alternative Content [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:35:55+00:00November 21st, 2023|

Gen Z: Opening Our Doors to the Future

The future is Gen Z. If you want to understand the future of our industry—whether it’s exhibition, production, or distribution—you need to understand Gen Z. Born 1997–2012, Gen Z is engaged and entering the work force and our theatres as we speak! They are expressing their opinions and rewriting the norms. Members of Gen Z are resourceful and independent learners who value diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity. They are passionate about social impact and environmental responsibility, and their top priorities include wellbeing and mental health. Do [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:38:12+00:00November 21st, 2023|

Partnering for Success

Post COVID, many giant screen theaters have been challenged to revive attendance to their documentary films. How can theaters and distributors work together so both succeed? How can distributors best position theaters for success? And how can theaters maximize the opportunities of a film to build and sustain audience interest? Hear directly from your peers about best practices that include using social media, selling the experience, and using tried-and-true basic tactics. Included will be examples of leveraging internal resources across institutional divisions. Smart and cost-efficient [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:42:09+00:00November 21st, 2023|

New Models for the New Normal

Fundraising of film production budgets and distribution marketing will become increasingly more challenging in the competitive, post-COVID environment. Investors require ROI, but well-aligned sponsors present a unique opportunity to drive box office and differentiate a film’s support package when in consideration from buyers. In this session, we’ll explore the new approaches for the new realities, not only for producers and distributors, but for theaters too. The session will be broken up into three sections: The role of equity investments and sponsorships Making sponsorships work for [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:50:45+00:00July 6th, 2023|

Audience Focus, Marketing, and Data-Driven Action

Revealing Consumer Insights From Visitors and Non-visitors To Drive Attendance Presenter: Caroline Borgudd, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Cosmonova From in-depth interviews, learn what drives current visitors to the giant screen experience and what the barriers are for non-visitors. Gain fresh and surprising insights about what the biggest competitors to out-of-home entertainment have in common with the GS experience. These insights will help you reengage with audiences and invite new target groups to find meaning from the giant screen experience and provide encouragement for anyone [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:48:40+00:00July 6th, 2023|

Energize Your Marketing Efforts: What You Can Do Now!

Market it and they will come, but with marketing budgets drastically reduced or even eliminated, how do you activate moviegoers and generate theatre attendance? This session will provide tips on new and inexpensive marketing tactics for launching films and energizing the theater. You’ll hear from successful theaters and outside experts about how to make your digital marketing plan more effective, including how to select the best social media channel for various target audiences, reorganize your YouTube channel, email marketing strategies, use mobile messaging to get [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:52:15+00:00July 6th, 2023|

Theater and Filmmaking Insights: Sharing for Success, Richard Morrison, IMAX Melbourne

Previously titled “Giant Screen 101,” this session is more than just a first-timer’s introduction to the giant screen industry. Seasoned veterans and newcomers alike will take away new ideas and contacts from this highly engaging and informative session. The session includes post-COVID success stories, how to program feature films and documentaries, and how to make giant screen theaters stand out from the competition. Filmmakers share insights on the challenges of making films for the giant screen as well as the wonderful creative opportunities provided by [...]

By |2023-12-06T17:55:31+00:00July 6th, 2023|

Theater and Filmmaking Insights: Sharing for Success: Susan Todd, Archipelago Films

Previously titled “Giant Screen 101,” this session is more than just a first-timer’s introduction to the giant screen industry. Seasoned veterans and newcomers alike will take away new ideas and contacts from this highly engaging and informative session. The session includes post-COVID success stories, how to program feature films and documentaries, and how to make giant screen theaters stand out from the competition. Filmmakers share insights on the challenges of making films for the giant screen as well as the wonderful creative opportunities provided by [...]

By |2023-12-06T18:06:56+00:00June 22nd, 2023|

Theater and Filmmaking Insights: Sharing for Success: Jonathan Williams, BBC Earth

Previously titled “Giant Screen 101,” this session is more than just a first-timer’s introduction to the giant screen industry. Seasoned veterans and newcomers alike will take away new ideas and contacts from this highly engaging and informative session. The session includes post-COVID success stories, how to program feature films and documentaries, and how to make giant screen theaters stand out from the competition. Filmmakers share insights on the challenges of making films for the giant screen as well as the wonderful creative opportunities provided by [...]

By |2023-12-06T18:08:11+00:00June 22nd, 2023|
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