Business Idea: How to Open a Movie Theater (Part 3)

In the first and second parts of our article series, we delved into the intricacies of investing in opening a cinema or even a network of entertainment venues. By now, you've learned how to properly budget for the initial stages of running your own business, how to select the right space and equipment for the successful operation of your movie theaters. Today, we will explore aspects of business development at the next stages.

Effective Management

First and foremost, it is crucial that you are actively involved in addressing key issues and tasks for the smooth operation of the cinema. If you are managing a network, your first step should be to hire experienced and reliable managers whom you can trust to make important on-the-ground decisions confidently.

Advertising

It's not news to you that only high-quality films that will be in high demand with viewers should be screened. The challenge lies in the fact that when choosing a movie, you need to consider several principles, primarily taking into account the mindset and tastes of your target audience. Not everything that is hugely successful abroad will be positively received by your potential audience.

Hence, advertising plays a significant role here: how well-known and hyped a movie is, how anticipated its premiere was—alongside, of course, the storyline and genre of the film—all influence your visitor's choice. Therefore, it's more beneficial to show blockbuster hits or beloved family comedies rather than experimental films by lesser-known directors.

Location and Audience Numbers

Regarding the physical location of the cinema within the city, it is advised not to renovate old, possibly Soviet-era, premises as it could be technically challenging and financially prohibitive, potentially not justifying the expenses. It's better to construct a cinema from scratch in a less attractive area of the city than to spend time retrofitting abandoned buildings.

In terms of the number of visitors, for consistent daily profits, the cinema should attract a minimum of 3-4 thousand people per day (considering multiple halls screening different movies simultaneously). Failing to reach this mark makes it uncertain if the endeavor will pay off and generate significant income. Calculating the exact number of viewers is much simpler and quicker now compared to two decades ago, given the electronic ticket reservation methods and computerized ticket systems in place, enabling the registration of all guests. This data can also provide statistics on the popularity of different genres and styles, aiding future movie selection.

A well-rounded mix of promotion strategies for your cinema, vibrant advertising, and a user-friendly discount and promotional system will help attract a wide audience and lead to success.