Leisure Media Issue 3 2009 - Leisure Opportunities

uniting theworld of spasCRYSTAL PALACEReopens its doors tointernational eventsGROWING THEGRA SR OTSEngland Athleticslooks towards2012 and beyondCCPR’S TIM LAMBON CHAMPIONINGSPORT AND RECREATIONACTIVE PEOPLEPhilip KnatchbullBIGFeather Down Farms’Luite Moraal onGLAMPINGcamping getsglamorousTACKLINGSCREENSEDITOR’S LETTERe-mail: contact’s full name@leisuremedia.comSubscriptionsJulie Albone+44 (0)1462 471915subs@leisuremedia.comCirculation ManagerMichael Emmerson+44 (0)1462 471932Editor Liz Terry+44 (0)1462 431385Acting Managing EditorAndrea Jezovit+44 (0)1462 471918ContributorsKate Cracknell+44 (0)1462 471906Kathleen Whyman+44 (0)1462 471918Managing Editor/NewsTom Walker+44 (0)1462 471934Assistant Editors/NewsPete Hayman+44 (0)1462 471938Sarah Todd+44 (0)1462 471927Caroline Wilkinson+44 (0)1462 471911leisure-kit.netSarah Todd+44 (0)1462 471927PublisherJohn Challinor+44 (0)1582 607970Display AdvertisingTessa Alexander+44 (0)1462 471903Julie Badrick+44 (0)1462 4719019Nuzhat Hayat+44 (0)1462 431385Nadeem Shaikh+44 (0)1462 471902Jan Williams+44 (0)1462 471909Advertising artworkEd Gallagher+44 (0)1905 20198DesignAndy Bundy+44 (0)1462 471924InternetKatie Eldrige+44 (0)1462 431385Dean Fox+44 (0)1462 471900Emma Harris+44 (0)1462 431385Tim Nash+44 (0)1462 471917Michael Paramore+44 (0)1462 471926Financial ControlSue Davis+44 (0)1395 519398Financial AdminDenise Gildea+44 (0)1462 471930Credit ControlRebekah Scott+44 (0)1462 431385Contact usThe Leisure Media CompanyLtd Portmill House, PortmillLane, Hitchin, HertfordshireSG5 1DJ UKSubscriptionsTel: +44 (0)1462 471915Fax: +44 (0)1462 433909CINEMA TRENDSIwas browsing in a vast book, music and coffee shop recently when it became obviousthat the large CD and DVD section was deserted. On closer inspection it looked dusty,abandoned and full of old stock, an example of how new technology – in this case MP3 –can reduce the power of a booming industry in a very short period of time.It was interesting to hear that Curzon AE and HMV have formed a partnership to revitalisejust such spaces by harnessing yet another new(ish) technology – digital fi lm projection – tocreate boutique cinemas in prime retail space and in town centre locations.On page 30 we interview Philip Knatchbull, CEO of HMV Curzon, the company formed by thepartners. He explains plans to create 20 or more in-store cinemas if the prototype – a 200-seat,three-screen development planned for Wimbledon and opening this autumn – is a success.Curzon already operates nine screens at fi ve cinemas in the London area, so knows themarket well and the idea is to head in the opposite direction from the competition: “In a reversalof policy from 20 years ago,” says Knatchbull, “we’re taking cinemas back to the high street.We believe councils and people generally want high streets to be more socially engaging.”The combination of new technology, cross-marketcollaboration and flexibility in pricing is opening new doorsfor cinema. In addition, the blurring of boundaries betweenlive entertainment, theatre, music, film and attactions isgiving creative operators more elements to play withThe new cinemas will also offer 3D fi lms and a café, with the intention of experimenting withpricing, opening hours and co-ordinating openings with home pay-per-view services to fullytest the new business model. Content will vary, with live screenings and events to coincide withmusic launches, as well as more traditional movies and reruns of classics.It seems that cinema is a hotbed of innovation at present, with a number of operatorsannouncing new programming and ideas. Vue Cinemas is working on two new sites which willinclude 3D screens, while City Screen has announced a partnership with the National Theatre inLondon for the screening of live theatre at 18 cinemas across the UK. Also in London, the teamat Somerset House will repeat its successful 10-day outdoor fi lm festival this summer in partnershipwith Film4 and in Scotland, actress Tilda Swinton will be on tour with a mobile cinemawhich will visit remote communities so they can enjoy the pleasure of the movies.Analysts and industry commentators tell us that cinema thrives in times of economic hardshipas people seek escapism and a cost-effective treat. Couple this trendwith innovative programming and partnership working and it’s a potentcombination which is keeping cinema operators’ businesses buoyant.The combination of new technology, cross-market collaborationand fl exibility in pricing is opening new doors for cinema. In addition,the blurring of boundaries between live entertainment, theatre,music, fi lm and attractions is giving creative operators more elementsto play with and producing some very exciting new concepts.The move back to town centres is a very welcome one at a timewhen the combination of web sales and the recession mean thatmany high streets are starting to lack vitality.the leisure media company publishesspa businessleisure management works in partnership withLiz Terry, editor liz@leisuremedia.comRead Leisure Management online leisuremanagement.co.uk/digitalSPORTSMANAGEMENTAttractionsmanagementGIANTISSUE 3 2009 © cybertrek 2009Read Leisure Management online leisuremanagement.co.uk/digital 3