Blog

Cinemas and VOD platforms join forces to combat COVID-19

Posted on July 2, 2020

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, cinemas and video on demand (VOD) platforms have joined forces to combat the crisis. But how are these joint initiatives being implemented? How will they affect the future of film distribution? And what are the main benefits for the participating cinemas? Davide Abbatescianni, Ireland correspondent for Cineuropa, spoke to representatives from three distribution outfits to find out more. 

Reopening Europe's Cinemas: Part One

Posted on June 30, 2020

The UK Government has announced that cinemas will be allowed to reopen from 4 July with social distancing measures in place. Across many countries in Europe, where the impact of Covid-19 has not been as severe as in the UK, the process of reopening has already begun. Curious to find out about this experience after months of closure, CICAE asked some of their members how it went.

Further considerations for independent cinemas when thinking about reopening

Posted on June 26, 2020

Reopening cinemas while we all live with the Coronavirus Pandemic is complicated. There is no one-size fits all solution to doing this completely without risk to health, our economic sustainability and cultural robustness. But as we work towards restoring something approaching normality within cinema-going we can think about several key areas and how to implement the best possible practice while looking after our audiences, staff, economy and culture.

Marketing in a Pandemic

Posted on June 4, 2020

Results from our recent survey suggest that many independent cinemas will not be able to reopen until September at the earliest. With this in mind, digital channels may remain the primary means for cinemas to engage their audiences for some time yet.

In this blog we outline some ways to stay in touch with audiences online, hear from several organisations about what they’ve been doing to maintain engagement while their doors are closed, and point to some resources which will help you keep your digital content effective and accessible.

News & Opportunities: May 2020 round up

Posted on May 28, 2020

Our regular monthly update featuring all the news and opportunities that matter for your cinema, festival or film society right now.

Drive-in cinemas in post-lockdown UK

Posted on May 21, 2020

We're seeing more and more drive-in cinemas popping up around the world, providing a way for audiences to watch films communally during the coronavirus crisis. As UK cinemas remain closed we spoke to a number of organisations about the pros and cons of drive-in screenings, to see if they might be a viable option for a communal viewing experience when it’s safer for us to leave our homes but before cinema buildings are able to reopen.

How Flatpack took their festival online during the Coronavirus crisis

Posted on May 14, 2020

With cinemas closed and social distancing measures in place due to the Coronavirus crisis, festivals all over the world have been forced to rethink their plans over the last few months. We spoke to Ian Francis, Director of Flatpack Festival, about how they took their festival online and some of the lessons they learnt along the way.

News & Opportunities: April 2020 round up

Posted on April 30, 2020

Our regular monthly update featuring all the news and opportunities that matter for your cinema, festival or film society right now.

Living and Working with BPD - A Navigational Guide

Posted on April 23, 2020

Taking care of your mental health can be challenging at the best of times, but the conditions introduced as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have further highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing. Hannah McHaffie, Marketing and Operations Coordinator at Live Cinema UK, reflects back on her experiences of working and living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – offering guidance on how to manage your own symptoms and support colleagues with the condition.

Q&As: lessons from a decade of hosting

Posted on April 16, 2020

Q&As can be one of the hardest things to get right as an exhibitor. We spoke to Anna Smith, film critic, broadcaster and Q&A host for some words of wisdom on how to hit the right balance with these discussions.