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Testimonials

Who we are

What we do

What we have done

Who we work with

Meet the team

Associate consultants

Testimonials

Keith Davies - Director of Development and Regeneration - Bolton Council

“As non-experts in the cinema industry, we were impressed by the thoroughness of the approach, the level of engagement with the local community and that the information was presented to us in a way that we fully understood.”

John Younis - Entertainment Director of Baneasa Development - Bucharest

“Cinema Next has been closely tied to the history of Grand Cinema & More, from its design and well into its first years of operation. Their vast industry experience was initially key to giving an otherwise inexperienced team comfort in taking on the responsibility of running a large multiplex. Their fool-proof operational procedures, their creativity and flexibility in solving commercial problems and their highly customer-oriented approach to service not only rubbed off smoothly and quickly on the local team, but produced astonishing results as well, with an average YOY growth of more than 15% for the first 4 years. The Grand Cinema & More team has taken the values and mentality preached by Cinema Next to levels never before imagined in Romania by introducing innovation across many areas of the business: from concession counter and support areas design, to critical campaigns designed to dramatically increase traffic, and all the way to arguably the most complex and varied Alternative Content (Event Cinema) calendar in Europe.”

3Copyright © Cinema Next, An Ymagis Group company

Cinema Next is an international management consultancy and services business, specialising in the Cinema Exhibition and the wider leisure markets. We have an extensive experience devising, managing and delivering complex solutions to the cinema industry.

Cinema Next was formed in 2006 by Keith Pullinger and John Sullivan and joined by Mike Thomson and Damian Drabble in 2008. All four were Directors of major cinema companies: Virgin, UGC, Village and AMC.

In 2014 Cinema Next became the consulting business unit for Ymagis Group, one of Europe’s largest providers of cinema services, digital and satellite equipment, and content.

Through Ymagis Group, Cinema Next has expanded its geographic knowledge and expertise to include the emerging Eastern European countries, the Nordics, India and the Middle East with planned expansion into the Baltics and Africa.

Who we are

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Looking to bring cinema back into a town centre?

Searching for a cinema to anchor your leisure offer?

Adding a cinema chain to your investment portfolio?

Think Cinema Next if you want to maximise the commercial po-tential of a cinema | whatever your needs.

5Copyright © Cinema Next, An Ymagis Group company

We provide a wide range of specialist services, including expert advice to those considering investing in cinema operations or real estate.

Our core services include: Advising property organisations, investors and developers in leisure developments

Specialist advice and management support to cinema operators

Developing commercial strategies for operators and developers of cinemas and associated leisure, including all marketing functions

Cinema design and layout expertise to maximise efficiency and revenue opportunities to global “best practice”

Cinema and Leisure operational management support

Advice on locations, demographics and market potential

Our core activities continued: Viability studies and market appraisals

Advising property organisations, investors and developers in leisure developments; particularly where a cinema forms a key component.

Expert Witness for planning, consultation and legal hearings

Advice on acquisitions, disposals and property management

Procurement and supply arrangements

Advising Local Authorities on suitable leisure provision

Digital Cinema and the evolving cinema business model

What we do

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Selection of projects undertaken by Cinema Next

Bucharest (Romania) - Grand Cinemas & More - Baneasa DevelopmentsCinema Next advised Baneasa on all aspects of the creation of one of Europe’s most innovative modern cinemas. From research through initial design and development, pre- and post-opening commercial and operational support, the cinema has grown from 650,000 to 950,000 admissions over 3 years. Six years after project commencement Cinema Next continue to advise on strategic matters today.

Halle (Germany) - The Light CinemaFollowing an initial successful re-launch of the cinema in Halle, Neustadt (post take over from Cinemax) the admissions plateaued. Cinema Next created an admissions growth strategy and repositioned the cinema along with integrating its marketing activity with the adjacent shopping centre. This resulted in an admissions growth of 53% over three years and returning the cinema to profit.

Chelmsford (UK) - Aquila GroupActing on behalf of developers Aquila Group, Cinema Next identified a cinema opportunity, on their Bond Street development, and then assisted through design and planning. This enabled our client to go to operators with full planning and an imminent and deliverable planning programme. Everyman Cinemas are now fitting out this opportunity.

Thessaloniki (Greece) - APN Property GroupCinema Next carried out a review and investigation of a cinema abandoned by its operator on behalf of Shopping Centre owner APN, presenting a strategy to reopen the site on a commercial basis.

What we have done

7Copyright © Cinema Next, An Ymagis Group company

South Korea - CGV CinemasActing on behalf of Village Roadshow and CJ Group, John Sullivan worked with the initial development team on the first fifteen sites which became the foundation of what is now recognised as Asia’s leading multiplex cinema brand.

Southampton (UK) - Hammerson WatermarkThis is an example of a difficult long term project, with Cinema Next involved in all areas during the twists and turns of the design, development and commercial phases. Engaged initially in 2001 to ascertain the feasibility of the market and working through the various phases of the development process, Cinema Next will finally see the culmination of its work with the opening of the stunning new Watermark development anchored by an eye catching 65,000 sq ft Cinema de Lux.

Galway (Ireland) - The Eye, Radical Property GroupIn a competitive market we were engaged to design and develop a cinema which would both compete with and surpass cinemas in an already crowded market place. The Eye is still regarded as a fundamentally unique design and both John Sullivan and Rob Arthur worked through the design, planning, commercial and operations stages. After ten years The Eye continues to hold 50% of the market on only 20% of the seats and screens.

Scarborough (UK) - Benchmark PropertiesCinema Next have worked with the developer in all aspects of design, development and planning stages. After five years of effort by the developer, there have been rewards with the granting of their planning application.

Belfast (Ireland) - Odyssea Cinema, Village Cinemas Australia The Odyssey Cinema is the last remaining European Cinema for Village Cinemas Australia. Cinema Next are the managing consultants of this cinema since 2009.

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Leeds (UK) - Scarborough Group Cinema Next undertook the feasibility study for a cinema as part of their planning application to redevelopment of Thorpe Park.

Private Equity FundsCinema Next have advised major PE companies on the acquisition of cinema chains in the UK and Nordic territories.

Walthamstow (UK) - EMD Granada Cinema, for UKCGCinema Next were engaged by Locum Consultants to meet with lobby groups and inspect the cinema with a view to suggesting alternative methods of incorporating a cinema use.A full report has been presented to the local authority which it is hoped will draw a line under the debate by showing that cinema and Church uses are compatible and present a financially strong operating model.

Dublin Central (Republic of Ireland) - Chartered LandChartered Land is a major property developer in Ireland that planned to develop a major retail and leisure scheme in O’Connell Street. In a competitive market, the developer was keen to include a cinema that would be the first choice for cinemagoers in the city. Cinema Next carried out a market study; assisted in securing the planning consent; recommended the quality of design for the cinema; forecast annual admissions and analysed the commercial potential for the cinema; produced fit out cost plans; marketed the scheme and negotiated a commercial deal with the proposed operator.

London (UK) - W Hotel, Leicester Square, for Starwood HotelsCinema Next consulting was engaged to advise Starwood on creating their superb screening room at their prestigious West End hotel. This included selection of suitable sound and projection equipment (including satellite transmissions and video conferencing); running the tender process and appointing suppliers; supporting the project team and ensuring progress on site, staff training and thus delivery of the screening room.

9Copyright © Cinema Next, An Ymagis Group company

Warrington (UK) - The Wireworks, for Modus and Warrington Borough CouncilThe out-of-town Wireworks project in Warrington was one of two competing schemes that included a proposed cinema (the other, Time Square (SIC), an in-town development). Following objections from the developers of the in-town scheme, both were subject to a Planning Enquiry.Cinema Next was engaged to demonstrate that the Wireworks scheme, although formally out of the town centre, had a number of benefits over and above the Time Square location.Cinema Next carried out a full market study on the existing and proposed provisions and delivered the evidence that resulted in Warrington Borough Council upholding the decision to grant full planning consent to the Wireworks scheme.

London (UK) - Westfield shopping centreCinema Next were appointed to advise Westfield on how to develop as an alternative location for film premieres. Using our extensive links with UK Film Distribution, we helped Westfield re-invent the shopping centre as a venue capable of hosting major premieres, which it continues to do successfully today.

Sofia (Bulgaria) - The Mall, Assos CapitalCinema Next were engaged to assess the cinema and leisure offer at Assos Capital’s flagship Mall in Sofia. Mike Thomson carried out a complete review of both the existing entertainment offer at the Mall and throughout the Sofia market as a whole. The resulting recommendations have been embraced by Assos and they have successfully implemented 85% of the findings.

Oldham (UK) - Oldham Council Cinema Next were engaged to carry out a feasibility study on cinema provision for Oldham, the largest UK town without a cinema. As well as identifying demand, the council were keen to utilise its existing redundant estate if possible. Cinema Next’s report proposed using the Old Town Hall

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to create a new cinema and further enhance the cultural sector of the town. A £5.5 million, seven screen Odeon cinema will open summer 2016.

Bolton (UK) - Bolton Council Cinema Next were engaged to carry out a feasibility study on the potential for a cinema in the town centre, as part of its drive to re-energise the town centre. The town has two out of town cinemas. Cinema Next carried out a full feasibility study and identified the Market Hall as the prime location and delivered a business plan outlining the type, size and potential of the cinema. The result is that The Light cinemas will open an 8 screen cinema, Spring 2016 as part of Moorgarth’s £15 million redevelopment of the centre.

Den Haag (The Netherlands) - Leidsenhage, Unibail RodamcoUnibail Rodamco plan a major redevelopment of their shopping mall in Den Haag and appointed Cinema Next to ascertain if there was demand for a cinema within the scheme. They had allocated space for a small 8 screen cinema. Cinema Next carried out a full market review and provided a business plan that included the size and type of cinema alongside a business plan. The report identified the opportunity for a 13 screen destination-style cinema. Unibail Rodamco have now successfully appointed an operator to open the cinema in 2018.

11Copyright © Cinema Next, An Ymagis Group company

Preston Markets Quarter (UK) - Preston City CouncilUndertook a thorough due diligence of Preston catchment and cinema market with a particular focus on viability of Markets Quarter to accommodate a major regional multiplex. As a result of our work, provision for a major cinema presence has been made in their Master planning for City Centre regeneration and this is now supported fully by Lancashire County Council. A developer has been appointed and cinema operators are in negotiation with the appointed developer.

Skelmersdale (UK) - Threadneedle and London & Cambridge PropertiesCinema Next were engaged to investigate possibility of inserting a modern multiplex cinema in the fabric of existing shopping centre. We established there was a market for cinemas in catchment and that it would be possible to create a seven screen cinema. Since completing report, Threadneedle and LCP have engaged with an operator and the development will soon be underway.

Berlin (Germany) - O2 redevelopment, AEG Cinema Next were engaged to investigate potential for a multiplex led leisure development alongside O2 Centre. After investigation our findings concluded that there was a strong commercial case for a significant cinema presence. The clients are now proactively engaging with an operator for a significant cinema presence to anchor their development.

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Property Developers/ Owners

Investors

Asset Managers

Cinema Operators

Local Authorities

Planners (Expert Witness)

Who we work with

13Copyright © Cinema Next, An Ymagis Group company

John Sullivan is an expert on all property aspects of Cinema development with over thirty years of experience in senior level property negotiation. Through the 1990’s to 2002 and in the middle of the most intense global multiplex development programme, John negotiated numerous deals on behalf of Village and various Village affiliates throughout Australia, Asia and Europe as Senior Vice President of International Development for Village Roadshow Ltd. From 2002 John has acted as an independent consultant to both the cinema and property industry on all matters related to development in that sector.

Mike Thomson’s background is both operational and commercial. His expertise is in developing commercial strategies for cinema and leisure owners, operators and developers. As Commercial Director at Virgin/UGC Cinemas Mike developed successful, integrated, commercial strategies, including the UK’s first, and largest, cinema subscription scheme - the ‘Unlimited’ card. Prior to the cinema industry Mike held senior executive retail positions and is uniquely positioned to help developers, shopping centre owners, asset managers and local authorities on delivering integrated entertainment offers within malls or town centres. Mike currently works across Europe, with particular focus on the emerging Eastern European market, Nordics and the Middle East.

Damian Drabble is our operational delivery specialist, having previously opened numerous venues and managed high volume leisure destinations, particularly cinemas, for over 20 years. He has worked with several major companies including AMC, Virgin and Warner Village. He brings a wealth of experience in operational process and procedures, profit & loss management, people management, box office systems, supplier management and maximising profits. He can advise on and deliver best practice procedures to the business ensuring optimum efficiencies and maximising the bottom line. An expert in recent digital equipment advances, he is currently working closely with our technical specialists in Liege to be at the cutting edge with the latest innovations within the industry and can utilise this knowledge to optimise efficiencies in the new digital age.

Meet the team

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Judith Querfurth joined dcinex UK in 2013 as a Project Consultant. With a BA in Communications, she held several roles as a Communications Consultant for various companies including ING Real Estate in the Netherlands. Judith’s main focus has been on delivering reports for Local Authorities on cinema provisions, particularly in the North West of England. This includes site visits, stakeholder meetings and developing and managing customer research for each project. Judith also provides wide-ranging support on all consulting projects.

James Fryer joined the Cinema Next team recently and has worked collaboratively with urban and social planners on Master Planning exercises for both current and future communities in Australia. He has undertaken a diverse range of projects relating to culture, tourism, travel and leisure, including a study into events in the public domain for the City of Sydney Council, exploring tourism opportunities as part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Planning process and undertaking a future-uses study for the Biome within Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

Keith Pullinger has 26 years’ experience in the Cinema Industry and was a board director for 12 years at Virgin and UGC Cinemas. He was responsible for Business Development at both Virgin and UGC, where he was responsible for concept development which included innovative designs and offers including licensed bars, VIP screens, memorabilia stores, cafes and self-service concessions. He gained international experience, working on cinema developments in France, Spain and Japan. Highly skilled in managing fit out programmes and budgets, equipment procurement, ongoing property and maintenance management, today Keith works with developers and cinema operators on new design and offer concepts delivering experiential and efficient designs.

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Associate consultants

Craig Shurn Craig is an independent Film and Cinema Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the UK and International Film and Cinema Industry. A former senior executive of Odeon and Sony Distribution, Craig is also currently Director of Filmhouse Cinemas.

Rob Arthur Formerly Managing Director of Apollo Cinemas (UK), Rob has worked in the UK and International Cinema sector for the past 24 years with companies such as Vue, Curzon, SBC, Warner, Village, and UCI. Rob has extensive experience in Taiwan, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom and Ireland.

Julia Brown Julia is a broad based marketing consultant who has worked at board level, both client and agency side, in the service orientated retail and entertainment sectors. Her experience in cinema spans 16 years and companies such as Ster-Kinekor, UGC, Cineworld and Apollo. In addition to consultancy activities in these areas she also runs a digital ad network to drive revenue for independent exhibitors.

Simon Jeffries Former Project Director for a PE funded European Cinema Company based in London, with 20 years’ experience in cinema and entertainment field having lived and worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Greece & UAE, undertaking fast track build-out cinema and leisure developments. Holds a 1st Class Honours degree in Architecture and has directly managed building projects ranging in size from £1.5m to £50m.

Andrew Smith Former Construction Director for Warner Bros. International, delivery £500m of cinema fit-outs / new builds across UK, Europe & Japan. Andrew is a Mechanical Engineer by training and resident in UAE where he runs his own MEP, PM & QS practice along with Simon Jeffries, operating from London, UK.

Jérôme Michel Jérôme is from the more technical part of the cinema world. As senior project manager and international sales manager within Ymagis exhibitor services, he earned a lot of experience in the international cinema industry. He worked on complex cinema new build projects, difficult financing deals and a lot more from Kazakhstan to Greece.

John SullivanT: + 44 776 801 3702E: john.sullivan@cinemanext.co.uk

Mike Thomson T: +44 789 448 0669E: mike.thomson@cinemanext.co.uk

Damian DrabbleT: +44 782 571 1562E: damian.drabble@cinemanext.co.uk

Cinema NextThe Observatory, 10 Argyll StreetLondon W1F 7TQ+44 203 695 8474Cinemanext.co.uk

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