How to start a cinema

01

Foreword by director Michael Winterbottom

Acclaimed director Michael Winterbottom gives a rousing call to arms for more independent cinemas and why they matter

02

Strategic Choices

The fundamental choices you need to make about your cinema before you start to raise funds or think about the programme.

03

Planning

The hard work begins. The proper planning of a cinema can take months, even years, and like any other business, involves a range of tried and tested planning tools explained here.

04

Understanding audiences

The key to making a cinema successful is having a strong feel for the range of audiences that it might attract: who are they, what do they want to see and how do you communicate with them?

05

Organisation and constitution

There are different organisational structures that a cinema can adopt according to its purpose. This chapter provides a run through of the most common models.

06

Premises issues

Local cinemas come in all shapes and sizes, in converted old buildings, new purpose built designs or re-claimed former cinemas. This chapter explores the plethora of ownership, licensing and regulatory issues which relate to managing a venue.

07

Building design

For audiences, the style and design of a cinema can be as important as the programme in making a cinema visit an unforgettable experience. Cinema has very specific design requirements and getting these right is an essential part of developing a facility that audiences will enjoy.

08

Technical and Equipment Issues

What are technical choices open to new cinema organisers, and how do these determine what you can show in your cinema?

09

Capitalisation

What are the key elements of your capital funds and how do you set about raising the money?

10

The economics of the operation

What are the key income streams and costs that need to be managed effectively to make a cinema viable?

11

Operational matters

From understanding film classification, to running a successful marketing campaign, there are a host of basic operational matters that local cinemas have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

12

Appendix 1: Sample Options Appraisal

13

Appendix 2: Sample Sensitivity Analysis for one screen

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Appendix 3: Sample Risk Assessment

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Appendix 4: Cinema Audience Research