27-11-2017

Europa Cinemas See Loss of Young Audience as Biggest Threat to European Film

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    Europa Cinemas See Loss of Young Audience as Biggest Threat to European Film credit: Ionut Dobre

    BUCHAREST: The biggest threat to European film is the loss of young audiences, while the biggest perceived threat to the future of cinema is competition for scarce consumer time according to the survey Strategic Investments in the Future of Film issued by Europa Cinemas network during the 20th Europa Cinemas Conference that took place in Bucharest from 24 to 26 November 2017.

    The survey also points out that the number of screens increased, as well as the variety of the films on offer in the existing cinemas of the network. One third of venues (31%) increased the number of screens (including 5% in the last 12 months) or is planning to do so in the next five years (10%).

    After the conversion to digital projection the question is now how far the potential of digital cinema can go. Almost two-thirds of venues have not invested in 3D screens and only 3% plan to do so in the next five years.

    A total of 208 cinemas from 141 towns in 31 countries participated in the survey.

    The 20th conference focused on the next stage of evolution for cinemas and for the cinema experience, a detailed look at the core social, cultural and economic foundations for future growth, in terms of innovation but also at how to build on the underlying and unchanging realities for the theatrical sector and the broader film ecosystem.

    “The exhibitors here have underlined the essential role they play in the future of cinema because they embody and defend the two key values – the film and the cinema itself.  The cinema itself cannot only guarantee quality programming and projection. It must give added value in terms of a welcome, its environment and atmosphere“, Claude-Eric Poiroux, Director General of Europa Cinemas, said in Bucharest.

    Europa Cinemas has increased the number of its member cinemas steadily since 1992. The network, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, has now 1088 cinemas with 2,684 screens located in 654 towns from 41 countries.

    Click HERE for the press release.