UK cinema is in rude health

Because it’s an exciting time for cinema. Despite the proliferation of digital distractions, the Football World cup and one of the hottest summers in living memory, UK cinemas recorded their highest attendance for over 15 years during the first half of this year.

And it’s not just the popular blockbusters from the likes of Disney and Marvel driving this growth. Of the 800+ films released in the UK every year, many appeal to upmarket, older audiences, particularly during the traditional raft of highbrow movie releases around the Q1 awards season.

As cinemas vie to compete with the other popular night-out destinations, restaurants, live sporting events, music, the sector has focussed on what consumers want from their experience.

This, combined with the influx of small, independent cinema openings, is driving up standards, with cinemas now commonly incorporating plush seating as standard, cocktail bars and high-quality food menus.

For brands navigating a world of distractions and low attention spans, no other media can match cinema for impact and involvement. And next year, with a list of big-budget releases already scheduled and new technology like 4DX promising all kinds of sensory enhancement, cinema attendance is expected to grow by a further 6%.

As a media Agency it’s our job to work with firms like DCM to harness this growth for our Clients. So to find out more about the role cinema and other media can play in your next brand-building strategy, contact Steve Chambers.