INTERVIEW
THERE ARE 150,000 digital cinema screens around the world . In 2006 there were fewer than 3,000 .
Premium cinema experiences are also growing fast . The number of IMAX screens globally now stands at 1,060 , with hundreds more in the pipeline for the next 12-18 months . Andrew Cripps is President of International at IMAX , and points to the emerging markets as driving the future of cinema . “ When I joined the industry in 1985 around 25-30 percent of the box office on a movie would come from the international side ,” he said . “ That ’ s more like 70 percent now .
“ I think this is a really healthy thing for the industry and Hollywood has responded by producing more globally orientated movies . I only see this trend continuing . If you think of how much growth we are experiencing in China and then the potential of untapped markets like India , we are just scratching the surface at the moment .”
Such growth in high quality cinema could be seen as unprecedented in the entertainment industry , before the advent of streaming en masse .
On demand in demand Netflix is massive . Turning over
$ 6.8 billion in 2015 , the leading on demand provider has more than 81 million members in over 190 countries who enjoy more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day . In the fourth quarter of 2015 alone the number of Netflix subscribers grew by 5.6 million .
Other internet giants such as Amazon and Now TV have joined the streaming revolution , which provides a cost effective way for consumers to enjoy their favourite shows and films in the comfort of their own home .
“ Ironically for IMAX it has actually been a good thing for a number of reasons ,” Cripps revealed . “ First of all the good news is that consumers today are seeing more movies in more places on more devices than ever in history . There ’ s been a general upsurge in movie viewing and interest in movies , which can only be a positive . People love talking about movies .”
Raised awareness of films and entertainment , Cripps believes , has also led to a heightened demand for premier experiences . He continued : “ IMAX provides people with an immersive experience . It feels like you ’ re part of the movie
10 June 2016