# SAVEYOURCINEMA from NATO

In the event that you scrolled quickly through your emails, peruse this worthwhile information:
# SAVEYOURCINEMA
(well, by saving your cinema, you will save other cinemas).
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATE + CALL TO ACTION!
In the rapidly changing landscape of pandemic relief negotiations, we are adapting our lobbying efforts to advocate for elements that have the best chance of inclusion that will aid movie theaters. Although we have lobbied heavily for and still support the RESTART Act, the elements below have the greatest chance of making it into this round of relief. The Save Our Stages Act initially called for $10 billion to aid live music venues and live theater. We are working with stakeholders and key sponsors to include movie theaters and increase the funding to $15 billion. The Paycheck Protection Program Extension will provide more flexible and expanded relief to movie theater companies of all sizes, by allowing a greater percentage of funds to go to non-payroll expenses and companies to meet employee headcount limits by counting by location instead of company-wide.

Contact your Senators and Representatives to support their inclusion in the current round of relief. Suggested talking points are below!

CLICK HERE FOR CONGRESSIONAL STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
WHY MOVIE THEATERS NEED HELP
Theaters need specific relief targeted to our circumstances. Absent this relief, theaters may not survive the impact of the pandemic.

The pandemic has been a devastating financial blow to cinemas. 93% of movie theater companies had over 75% in losses in recent months. If the status quo continues, 69% of small and mid-sized movie theater companies will be forced to file for bankruptcy or to close permanently, and 66% of theater jobs will be lost. Our country cannot afford to lose the social, economic, and cultural value that theaters provide.

Movie theaters are economic force multipliers and essential cultural landmarks. In addition to the 153,000+ employees working in cinemas nationwide, the industry supports millions of jobs in movie production and distribution, and countless others in surrounding restaurants and retailers that rely on theaters for foot traffic. 268 million people in North America went to the movies last year to laugh, cry, dream, and be moved together. Moviegoing is one of the most affordable out-of-home entertainment options. We cannot let our beloved cinemas disappear.

WHAT WE’RE ASKING
Support the Expanded Save Our Stages Act 

  • Support an expanded SOS Act that provides grants to performance venues, live theater, and movie theaters, calculated at up to 45% of gross 2019 revenues or $12 million per company, whichever is less. Also allows a supplemental grant for businesses that have lost over 80% in revenue.
  • Movie theaters and live venues are among the hardest-hit industries that will be the slowest to recover from the pandemic.
  • SOS is the only proposal that offers the right amount of FLEXIBLE funding that will be the bridge that keeps the theaters from going dark forever. Across the country this legislation would save over 3,500 theaters.

Support PPP Extension

  • We urge an expansion of the per location/affiliation waiver to the movie theater NAICS Code of 512130. We also urge increased flexibility on the PPP 60/40 rule for businesses that have lost more than 75% in revenue.
  • This targeted funding could save a significant number of the 153,000+ jobs in this industry alone and would include a majority of movie theaters.
  • Many theaters have had trouble accessing any other form of capital; the PPP expansion is necessary to help some of the mid-sized theater companies survive the pandemic.
Questions? Please email Esther Baruh at [email protected].

CJ Cinema Summit #25

If you were not able to make it to this segment of the CJ Cinema Summit, time to do so. It was a fantastic presentation and definitely worth your while (and the statement about diet coke is real:)

Following the news of the postponement of ‘No Time to Die’ and the responses from cinemas we will be holding a 90 minute Special Edition #CJCinemaSummit#CJCinemaSummit to discuss the path forward for the cinema industry. We will be confirming the panelists in the coming days and more than even look for the involvement of our #CJCinemaSummit#CJCinemaSummit community. The situation is tougher then ever, but it is not hopeless.

The 25th event in the series will go live on October 8th, 09:00 Los Angeles, 17:00 London time

# CJCinemaSummit will enable industry stakeholders to stay connected to the industry and gain key up to date insights as well as to ask questions and support each other through these turbulent times.

The sole aim is to create a virtual meeting space with a regular schedule where speakers will share industry information, as well as enabling a space for round tables and audience participation.

 

 

REPLAY

Vendor Spotlight: Camatic Seating

This week our vendor spotlight is on Diana Frankowski, National Sales Director at Camatic Seating! Enjoy learning about Camatic Seating as well as Diana. Take the time to visit the Camatic website or contact her via email , or  phone .

Why is your product necessary to have in the theatres? Because standing to watch a movie in the theatre would not be very comfortable!  Which is where Camatic comes in. Providing comfort to the consumer during this premium movie going experience is important. The consumer has a choice in theatres to patronize. We help to contribute to this overall experience to keep them coming back time after time. Camatic believes that one of the main differentials  for viewers attending a cinema is the seating offer, and with over 55 years of seating experience, Camatic adds value and that experience to the overall offer.

What are your best-selling features?  Aesthetically, the Camatic recliners have a very clean and sophisticated look which is what draws patrons in, but what keeps them coming back is the comfort. Our inhouse formulated and moulded specialty foam, is high density and resilient, providing unparalleled comfort for patrons and long-lasting wear, which owners love. Removable features of the Camatic recliner (seat and back overlays, arm caps which cinema staff can change out) makes the chair less expensive to own and maintain over the life of the product.

Any new products coming out in the 2020/2021 year?  We certainly do! We just launched a manual recliner. A great VE option to theater owners that want to upgrade from a Rocker style to a recliner but be a bit more conservative with costs. We still have plenty of exciting cinema products that we will be unveiling before the end of the year. Stay tuned!

What other industries do you work in besides movie theaters?   We provide seating solutions to the sports industry globally- our largest segment – designing , manufacturing & installing seats in major stadiums and arenas all over the world. Recently completed installations are; SoFi Stadium (LA Rams and Chargers), Allegiant Stadium (LV Raiders) & Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), totalling approx. 175,000 chairs ranging from GA to VIP suite fit outs. We are regarded as the number 1 seating supplier to both the NFL and MLS. We are also heavily involved in performing arts centres, education and auditorium seating.

What do you like best about the theater industry?  Going to see a movie in a theatre is still one of the greatest, low cost experiences in the entertainment industry. Not only is it incredibly enjoyable, widely available and affordable, but for two hours you are completed immersed within the theatrical experience. It is up to the consumer how much additional they want to spend to enhance their experience with inhouse dining options.

What is one thing you have learned during covid?  Take this pandemic seriously but think of ways to still enjoy life. Get out of your house,  support your local businesses and don’t be afraid. Be cautious but not afraid. Life is short – don’t miss a second of it!

Vendor Spotlight: Theresa Boysen : Kernals Season’s

 

Our featured vendor of the blast this week is Theresa Boysen (you may all know her as Eleanor’s mom) of Kernel Seasonings. Enjoy this new segment and if you would like to be featured, email us.

Why is your product necessary to be in the theaters?
Offering a good variety of Kernel Season’s Popcorn Seasoning, helps split and increase popcorn sales by inspiring groups to “get their own” and season it up to create their own individual perfect popcorn. Even when sales are split between kids/teens getting their favorite flavor popcorn while purist parents stick to butter and salt you’ve still added another high margin sale to your precap totals. Our seasoning has a long shelf life, doesn’t increase queue time, and generates great online reviews for your theatre.

What are your best selling flavors?
White Cheddar is number one followed closely by Nacho Cheddar and Ranch. Kettle Corn and Cheesy Jalapeno round out the core program, and although they are not top seasoning flavors, they are top popcorn sales drivers because lovers of spicy or sweet popcorn will often be directed to buy their own bag instead of sharing with the group.

What new products are coming out in the 2020 year?
Truffle Popcorn Seasoning! This is the item I’m excited to introduce to the Dine-In team because it’s prepared in the kitchen and served to patrons (at a decent upcharge of course:).

Also excited to announce I will be taking on additional Sauer Brands products this year, including DUKE’S MAYONNAISE and Duke’s dipping sauce packs.

What is your favorite flavor? 
I’ve been using our new Sriracha flavor the most. It’s the perfect amount of heat without being overwhelming.

What do you like best about the theater industry?
The energy. Combine the excitement of new movies with the commitment and passion of our exhibitors and vendor friends, and the energy is overwhelming.

What is one thing you have learned during Covid?
I learned to make fresh pasta, because I clearly needed a new way to eat more carbs.

 

To reach Theresa directly, email, call her at 773.899.3032 or visit her company website🙂

Boxoffice Pro Podcast

In today’s episode, Russ, Daniel, Rebecca, and Shawn discuss California’s safer economy blueprint at 25% capacity in select counties, successful films pre-COVID, international film festivals, and Paramount and Disney’s list of releases pushed back in 2021.

Listen in to find out how Tenet is driving the recovery efforts of exhibitors.
REPLAY

 

CJ CINEMA SUMMIT #22

August 27, 2020

Warner Bros’ “Tenet” is the film on which all the hopes of restarting the global cinema industry rest. We will talk to the people who have been closely involved in bringing the Christopher Nolan thriller to the big (and biggest) screens at this unprecedented time.

It is truly a historic moment in the 125 years of the cinema industry and he 22nd CJCinemaSummit will put you in the front seat.

A special thank you to David Keighley, Chief Quality Guru and President Emeritus at IMAX Post/DKP Inc, and Craig Dehmel. EVP/Head of Global Distribution, IMAX Entertainment, for giving us a unique look behind the scenes at “Tenets” long road to the big screen.A special thank you to David Keighley, Chief Quality Guru and President Emeritus at IMAX Post/DKP Inc, and Craig Dehmel. EVP/Head of Global Distribution, IMAX Entertainment, for giving us a unique look behind the scenes at “Tenets” long road to the big screen.

REPLAY

Amy + Matt Went to The Movies

Sunday, August 23rd, Matt and I went to Moviehouse & Eatery Trails to watch “Unhinged” starring Russell Crowe. I am not sure what I was most excited about 1. resuming movie night with our dear friends (riding to and from the theater while yammering in the car about our kids going back to school) 2. having food and drinks brought to our recliner (enjoying Wisconsin Cheese Curds (a new addition to the menu) and hogging down on warm, buttery movie theater popcorn- with refills) 3. seeing the theater filled with people who were just as excited to be there as I with their eyes entranced by the screen 4. listening to yelps, screams and surround sound of the movie itself (and still wondering why people don’t run from a serial killer) 5. receiving 2 free movie tickets because we spent over $50 in food and beverage.

All of these reasons contributed to a great night and confirmed the depth of my deeply missed movie going experience. Although this might not be a movie we would have selected if other new options were provided, IT WAS WORTH IT. The next time I consider honking my horn, I promise to consider the ramifications. Time to get back to the movies!

Seriously, for reals:)

CJ Cinema Summit

A special thank you to Tonje Hardersen and Gyda Velvin Myklebust from Haugesund International Film Festival, and Marit Sætre Færevåg from Edda Kino, for joining us.

REPLAY

As we announced during last week’s summit, we are taking a break this week, to prep for next week’s event. Stay tuned for details on next week’s #CJCinemaSummit, which will be live on August 27th at 17:00 London and 09:00 Los Angeles time, where the focus will be on – you guessed it – the release of “Tenet”.

Stay tuned for details!

In strange and difficult times, one thing remains certain: there is incredible power in people coming together.

CJ Cinema Summit #20

We missed Sperling at the 20th CJ Cinema Summit as he was spending some quality time on a holiday.

A special thank you to Olga Zinyakova and Paul Heth from Karo Cinemas, and    Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore for joining us.

REPLAY

In strange and difficult times, one thing remains certain: there is incredible power in people coming together.