In the ever-evolving cinema industry, AMC Theatres is pulling out all the stops to keep moviegoers engaged and the box office buzzing. This week, the chain has unveiled a series of initiatives that are as inventive as they are surprising, proving that AMC is not shy about experimenting with new ways to attract audiences.
What Gimmicks Are AMC Theatres Rolling Out This Week?
Halfway to Halloween Film Festival
First up, AMC has teamed up with Blumhouse Productions to launch a “Halfway to Halloween” film festival. Starting March 29, for five days, fans can enjoy a selection of Blumhouse’s spine-chilling hits including M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split,” “The Purge,” “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” “Insidious,” and “The Invisible Man.” Priced at just $8 per film, this festival is a horror aficionado’s dream come true. But one has to wonder about the timing – is it really the right moment to dive into the Halloween spirit when Easter eggs are still on the shelves? And let’s face it, we’re not even close to halfway to Halloween. Nevertheless, AMC is going all-in, offering this experience in 100 theaters nationwide, complete with sneak peeks, giveaways, and exclusive messages from the filmmakers. Costumes are optional, but enthusiasm for a good scare is mandatory.
Zoom Rooms: A New Frontier for Meetings
As if a horror festival wasn’t enough, AMC also announced the activation of its Zoom Rooms in eight U.S. markets. Remember when renting out a theater for a private viewing was a novelty? Well, now you can watch your company’s quarterly report in cinematic style. Initially announced in 2022, AMC had plans to launch Zoom Rooms in 17 markets by late 2023, and they’re making good on that promise. Locations like Chicago’s River East 21 and The Grove 14 in Los Angeles are now equipped for corporate events that combine AMC’s theatrical setting with Zoom’s collaborative technology.
Tim Anderson, Vice President of Sales at AMC Theatres, hailed this as a “groundbreaking fusion of technology and entertainment.” It’s clear that AMC is looking to reinvent the corporate meeting experience by providing a unique space where business and pleasure can coexist.
Popcorn for the Home Movie Night
Not content with just luring customers back to its theaters, AMC is also targeting movie lovers at home. Starting the week with a bang, AMC announced that its branded microwave popcorn is now more widely available. You can find it at grocery giants like Publix and Kroger and even order it online from Amazon. For $35, you can get a box of six bags of AMC popcorn to bring a piece of the theater experience into your living room.
Navigating Industry Challenges
All these gimmicks come at a time when the film industry is navigating through choppy waters. With the impact of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and big studios like Disney delaying major releases, AMC is feeling the pressure to keep its screens lit and seats filled. While some hits like “Dune: Part Two” and “Mean Girls” have graced their screens, there’s been a noticeable gap in new content that these gimmicks aim to fill.
In conclusion
AMC Theatres isn’t just sitting back and waiting for the storm to pass. They’re actively conjuring up creative ways to draw in crowds and keep the love for cinema alive. Whether you’re a horror fan ready for a scare fest in March or a corporate professional looking for an out-of-the-box meeting space, AMC has something for you. And if all else fails, there’s always popcorn – because no matter what’s happening in the world of cinema, popcorn is one thing that never goes out of style.
