- Why is your business unique?
- We believe in solutions first. Our specialization in the evolution in the cinema & entertainment spaces allows us to execute on design & construction projects more efficiently and effectively.
- What are the 5 most common mistakes people make when building a theatre
- Exhibitors don’t know the market well enough to ‘right size’ their facility ie.
- too big- not enough attendance to justify the fixed costs- never able to get the desired ROI. Too big c/w competitors in the market to achieve desired ROI … or
- too small to service their market which creates an overly busy facility and poor guest experience… this opens opportunity for competitors to build against you ….
- Exhibitors don’t know the business well enough to size auditoriums appropriately for the business. Ie. 1-2 large aud’s for blockbusters c/w smaller auditoriums to ‘right-size’ auditoriums for lower budget and older film product in the system…
- OOH movie going is often an ‘impulse buy’. Cinemas need ample (free if possible), well located parking and drop off facilities, barrier free accessibility and convenient (vertical) transportation to make the perceived and actual movie going experience ‘easy’ and as enjoyable as possible. This increases ‘turns’ ( number of visits). Ie. a happy customer comes more often….
- Blockbuster films do not, unto themselves, make the OOH cinema venue profitable. This equation is worsening. “Other Revenue” opportunities MUST be considered in the ‘new normal’ OOH movie ‘experience….Films pay the rent. “Other revenues” pay share holder dividends. Food, beverage, international film, gaming, experiential activations, media revenue and other new concepts must be prioritized….
- The old ‘normal’ of opening for business, just cleaning restrooms and popping popcorn has changed forever. The OOH movie going experience is challenged by Covid, technological disruptions, fundamental changes in the ‘film window’ model and changing consumer behavior. This is not the same business we knew for 75 years…
- Exhibitors don’t know the market well enough to ‘right size’ their facility ie.
- What are 3 things a person building a theatre needs to take into consideration
- What priority will the ‘OOH theatrical release window’ play in the future of film making/distribution…..
- Does the world need more theaters or should the industry prioritize ‘right sizing’ & evolving the guest experience in existing facilities ?
- Negotiate flexible leased terms to protect oneself against further fundamental changes in the industry. Ie. “Day in Date” release of film.
- Consider hiring “Fresh Design and Construction Strategies” to help them through this new and evolved industry.
- What other industries do you work in besides movie theaters?
- Our focus is the cinema & entertainment industry, and so theatres aside, we love being involved in the repurposing of underutilized spaces and alternate revenue streams for all types of OOH entertainment venues.
- What do you like best about the theater industry?
- We believe in the desire for people to want to come together outside the home and enjoy experiences and the ever changing need to evolve and adapt keeps it exciting.
- What is one thing you have learned during COVID?
- The need to be fluid and adapt to the changing market. Just like everyone else in this industry, we are having to think where the industry will be in the next 6-12 months and longer and come up with new strategies.
Feel free to reach out to Jim with any questions you may have. He answers in an extremely timely manner (unless he is on top f the world). Photo below is from when Jim recently took on a mountaintop hike! He’s got skills:)
