An Exciting Decade For Entertainment

Dale Davison, Senior VP of Operations and Development, Metropolitan Theatres

The last 20 years have been revolutionary for the media and entertainment industry. Known highly for its creativity potion and seamless representation of critical ideas, the cinemas have taken the driver’s seat in the bandwagon of innovation. Over the years, this change has reflected not just in what we view but also in how we view it. As a generation, we have traversed from the times of black and white pictures to motion pictures in the early 19th century to high-quality 4D movies in air-conditioned theatres. Today, it is possible for us to stream movies right from the comfort of our own homes. 

“The advent of multiplex chains has changed the movie-watching experience for the better.”

Along with theatres, the conveniences for audiences too have evolved. Screening is no longer restricted to single-screen theatres. The advent of multiplex chains has changed the movie-watching experience for the better. Undoubtedly the way in which we consume media will continue to change in the future.

Experience over Everything

At the moment, the entertainment industry is thriving. In the theatres, the focus is being laid highly on providing a wholesome, comfortable, and luxurious customer experience. 

The introduction of theatre amenities like recliner seating, movable cup holders, and virtual reality booths has increased the number of people going to the theatre, thus, maximizing revenue margins for the multiplexes. Alongside, the comfortable seating and uninterrupted visual pleasure have enhanced the customer experience as a whole. In comparison to the last 15-20 years, today, theatre companies have more expanded food and beverage menus. 

Besides, there has been a massive shift from digital viewing format to laser format (like IMAX), which has had a soaring effect on the number of people going to the theatres. The exceedingly high-definition audio, better projection technology, and stirring cinematic experience are some of the developments that have played a big part in this. 

Changing Avenues of Entertainment

In the past, various channels of entertainment were disrupted by the emergence of television and then, home theatre. With the introduction of television in the late 1940s, entertainment became affordable, cheap, and highly-consumed. With TV at almost every home, the number of people at the theatres experienced a cut. However, with the burgeoning technologies and its advancements like 3D and 4D cinemas, the annual turnout of people at the multiplexes started to increase. The content consumption from television remained constant, but theatres became the go-to avenue for entertainment. And today, with the influx in the interest of the younger population in cinema, the audience turnout has been able to dramatically revive itself. 

Change is the new Constant

Change is fundamental for every business. If you want to succeed in whatever you do, embrace change. Try newer ideas, and even if they don’t work, learn from your mistakes. This way, your business will grow by leaps and bounds. Secondly, it is essential to hire the right people and train them expansively. Training an individual will prove to be beneficial for the company in the long-term because employees are long-term assets that need to be treasured. Furthermore, continue to learn all you can about the industry to maximize the experience for not only your own company but your guest and everyone that’s within the community.