In the wake of the recent success of Billy Elliot Live, Niels Swinkels, Universal Pictures managing director of UK & Ireland will give the Keynote Address at the Event Cinema Association Conference on October 16.
Melissa Cogavin, managing director of the ECA said, “Billy Elliot The Musical Live in Cinemas set a new UK record for a live event in cinemas, grossing £1,933,155 at the box office in a single day, and we felt with such an achievement it was entirely appropriate to approach Niels, and we’re thrilled he’s addressing the conference as our keynote.”
Swinkels said, “Universal Pictures are delighted to be supporting the ECA’s conference and acknowledge the growth of the Event Cinema business. We enjoyed record-breaking success with Billy Elliot The Musical Live in cinemas recently and the timing seems perfect to address the industry about our views on this very interesting new part of the movie industry.“
All the event’s sponsors are now confirmed, each one recognizing the high profile opportunity of the ECA Conference at such a key time in the industry’s evolution. Sponsors include Philips (Platinum sponsor), LANsat/Motion Picture Solutions (Premier Sponsor), Rentrak (Awards Sponsor), DSAT Cinema (Lunch Sponsor), DCM (Drinks Sponsor), Arts Alliance (Welcome Refreshments Sponsor), Sound Associates (Network Breaks Sponsor) and Brand Sponsors Ymagis and Arqiva.
Steven Davis, director of exhibition at DCM, said, “The Event Cinema business has come a long way in a short time and the ECA has played a key role in putting Event Cinema on the map. We’re excited about the potential of Event Cinema and our partnership with ECA and events such as this conference are key to sustaining and growing momentum for Event Cinema in the future."
For the first time the ECA Conference is also being funded by Creative Skillset, who recognize the potential of the Event Cinema business.
Rebecca Davies, film partnership manager at Creative Skillset said, “Event cinema is a growing and exciting area for exhibition and this opportunity should be maximized through access to training, knowledge and best practice advocacy. Our mission is to support the growth of a world-class UK film industry – from development through to exhibition – and we will work with the ECA and its membership to ensure ongoing innovation in this field.”
Tickets and regular program information are available at: http://www.eventcinemaassociation.org/