The Big Picture

MIT and the Evolving Cinema Industry

Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:59 -- Nick Dager

In addition to being a leading cinema systems integrator, Moving Image Technologies designs and manufactures a wide range of proprietary products in-house, including subscription-based solutions and developing potentially disruptive software as a service. Despite the well-known headwinds facing the cinema industry – the pandemic and the Hollywood strikes – MIT had a relatively strong year in 2024. Last year the company repurchased 758,000 shares of its own stock. It also introduced several new products and last summer began a sizable project upgrading Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas across the country. In August MIT was awarded projects from Horizon Cinemas, Schulman Theatres, and Flix Brewhouse. And, last fall, Francois Godfrey was promoted to the role of president and COO as part of MIT’s succession planning. He was also appointed to the company's board of directors. I recently spoke with Godfrey via email to get his thoughts on his new role at MIT as well as what he sees for the future of exhibition and post-production. Here is that conversation.

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Moving Images Technologies

Can Influencers Make a Film a Success?

Tue, 12/17/2024 - 09:47 -- Nick Dager

Dreamscape Productions, in partnership with OPS Consulting, has unveiled what the companies believe to be an innovative promotional campaign for its highly anticipated film, Round the Decay, slated for theatrical release on January 31, 2025. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to revolutionize the way films are marketed and booked for exhibition. The campaign, spearheaded by Sean Ward of Dreamscape Productions and Art Seago of OPS Consulting, leverages the star power and digital influence of the film's cast to drive early interest and ticket sales before Round the Decay is even booked by theatres.

Fithian Group Revolutionizes Film Distribution

Thu, 10/31/2024 - 09:46 -- Nick Dager

The Fithian Group today announced a data-driven, digital theatrical distribution marketplace designed to revolutionize how independent filmmakers and rights-holders book and release movies in theatres, increasing both the number and range of movies theatre owners can offer to satisfy the demands of today’s audiences. Called Attend, the platform provides a unique opportunity to allow filmmakers to directly connect their movies to theatre owners, assist exhibitors in programming, targeting, and marketing a wider array of diverse titles, and attract more moviegoers to theatres more frequently.

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Attend

Cinema Helps Restore Wild Spaces in the UK

Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:50 -- Nick Dager

Cinema advertising contractor Pearl & Dean and UK National Parks offer the world a breath of fresh air today as they join forces to launch Wild Spaces. This is a nationwide advertising project where purpose driven brands that want to help nature thrive can be featured in a dedicated advertising reel that funds nature restoration projects across National Parks. This shows that with some creative planning, media spend can be leveraged to support the halt of biodiversity decline in the UK and help connect audiences young and old to nature.

River Oaks Restoration is Complete

Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:47 -- Nick Dager

After undergoing a two-year, multi-million-dollar restoration and modernization, Houston’s beloved River Oaks Theatre is holding its grand reopening on October 3. Culinary Khancepts led the extensive effort to rejuvenate the theatre with a stunning new design that thoughtfully blends the theatre’s original rich burgundy and gold Art Deco charm with luxurious modern touches and a new full-service food and beverage experience, elevating the standard for both cinematic and live entertainment in Houston.

Ster-Kinekor Elevates the Cinema Experience

Mon, 08/26/2024 - 11:10 -- Nick Dager

Founded in 1896, Ster-Kinekor is South Africa's largest movie exhibitor, operating 352 screens across 41 local complexes and five international locations in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Dedicated to providing crystal clear visuals and sound that reverberates in your soul, Ster-Kinekor invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and digital projection systems, leveraging premium cinematic technologies such as Imax and D-Box to deliver superior image and sound quality, along with motion-enhanced seating. Ster-Kinekor continues to elevate the movie-going experience with their Cine Prestige sites, while the implementation of new self-service catering and ticket reservation systems reflects their ongoing commitment to refining their esteemed cinematic proposition.

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Arts Alliance Media Lifeguard

The Cultural Power of Cinema

Mon, 07/08/2024 - 09:44 -- Nick Dager

The Cultural Power of Cinema is the latest edition of Digital Cinema Media’s Building Box Office Brands series, created in partnership with experts, Burst Your Bubble. The study reveals cinema’s leading role in co-viewing experiences (98 percent) and how brands using the medium can in turn maximize commercial and social impact.

Sony Completes Sound Facilities Upgrade

Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:01 -- Nick Dager

Sony Pictures Post Production Services is celebrating the completion of the final phase of a multi-year effort to expand and modernize its motion picture and television sound facilities. Aiming to establish an inviting, state-of-the-art space for filmmakers and creative sound artists, the studio has integrated the latest immersive sound technology across 14 mix stages on its lot in Culver City. It has also made extensive aesthetic improvements. Its historic Cary Grant, William Holden, Kim Novak, Burt Lancaster, and Anthony Quinn mix stages have been restored to sparkling condition, with new acoustics, cinema screens, creature comforts and creative support.

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Sony Pictures Post Production Services

VR Chairs Coming to Cinemas

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 09:41 -- Nick Dager

Digital Light Sources and Positron have reached an exclusive agreement for DLS to market and sell Positron’s patented Voyager virtual reality chairs to cinemas in the United States. “DLS is very excited to work with Positron to bring this multi-sensory VR experience of a lifetime that offers the creativity and drama of cinematic storytelling and delivers it right to movie theatre lobbies," said Sami Haddad, president of DLS.

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