New programming changes theater design plans
In the first week of October, Sony teamed up with movie theaters for a four-city tour that allowed gamers to play the new PlayStation3 title “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” on the bigscreen.
Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Solution and Services Group, says the tour gave exhibitors the chance to offer additional programming options that could come from alternative content, “such as gaming events, simulcasts, prerecorded concerts and sporting events.”
With new programming, though, come different patrons who use theaters differently and make different demands. Gamers, for example, are likely to sit longer than moviegoers. So exhibitors are rethinking theater design with an eye toward accommodating new customers and events.
That affects everything from concessions to theater seating.
