Movie Theatres, Cinemas Industry Terminology

- “We added wheelchair spaces and companion seats to meet ADA compliance.” - “Are we stocked with assisted-listening devices for ADA shows?” - “The remodel brings restrooms and ramps up to ADA standards.”

- “Advance bookings for the Friday premiere hit 70% of capacity.” - “We opened advance bookings four weeks out to build momentum.” - “Pre-sales suggest we’ll need two PLF shows on opening night.”

- “Ancillary revenue per head rose after we introduced gourmet snacks.” - “On-screen advertising boosted ancillary revenue this quarter.” - “Membership fees and convenience fees are key ancillary streams.”

- “Mask to 2.39:1 for this feature; the trailer is 1.85:1.” - “The IMAX DMR has shifting aspect ratios—train staff on masking cues.” - “Ensure the playlist includes the proper lens macros per aspect ratio.”

- “ATP rose to $12.10 after the weekend price adjustment.” - “Track ATP by format to evaluate PLF pricing.” - “A lower ATP this matinee indicates more discount uptake.”

- “We booked the title for a three-week run with a 55% week-1 split.” - “The distributor granted two evening shows per screen.” - “Holdovers will reduce capacity to book the new release widely.”

- “Domestic box office gross exceeded forecasts by 12%.” - “Our location contributed 3% of the market’s opening gross.” - “Compare weekend gross to Friday to find the multiple.”

- “We need 4,000 admissions this week to break even on the new title.” - “Higher staff hours increased the weekly break-even threshold.” - “The PLF surcharge lowered our break-even on that screen.”

- “The CMS integrates ticketing, concessions, loyalty, and reporting.” - “Use the CMS to set combo pricing and manage inventory.” - “We’ll export daily sales from the CMS to accounting.”

- “Upsize beverage—concessions per cap will improve.” - “We’re piloting hot food to diversify concessions mix.” - “Concessions COGS improved after a new popcorn supplier.”

- “Concession COGS dropped 200 bps after renegotiating cups.” - “Track COGS separately for hot foods vs candy.” - “Shrinkage control lowered COGS on packaged snacks.”

- “A day-and-date streaming plan may dampen our ATP.” - “We negotiated marketing support due to day-and-date risk.” - “Eventize the first shows to offset day-and-date leakage.”

- “Confirm the new projector is DCI-compliant.” - “Non-DCI devices can’t ingest encrypted DCPs.” - “Our integrator filed the DCI compliance certificates.”

- “Ingest the DCP and verify the CPL in the TMS.” - “The feature DCP is 4K Scope with 7.1 audio.” - “Trailer DCPs must match rating and aspect policy.”

- “Week 1 is 55% to distributor, stepping down each holdover.” - “The deal has a floor and a per-cap marketing fee.” - “We modeled cash flow using the projected rental split.”

- “Tag the show as Atmos to unlock the surcharge.” - “Run a pre-show sound check for Atmos object placement.” - “Marketing emphasized the Atmos mix for the action title.”

- “E-ticketing reached 72% of sales; staff fewer box office agents.” - “Scan QR codes at usher stands for faster ingress.” - “Members get fee waivers on e-ticketing.”

- “Opera and concert event cinema drives weekday utilization.” - “We’re testing live sports as event cinema.” - “Event cinema requires a different marketing cadence.”

- “The exhibitor agreement specifies ticket terms and passes.” - “We must honor the minimum show commitments in the license.” - “Audit rights are detailed in the licensing agreement.”

- “Forecast OW admissions to plan staff and cleaning turns.” - “We re-forecast after strong Tuesday pre-sales.” - “Forecasts drive trailer placements and screen allocation.”

- “Offer a group rate for the school matinee.” - “Group pre-buys help us fill weekday daytime shows.” - “Bundle concessions to raise group sales per cap.”

- “We’ll hold over the hit in two auditoriums.” - “The studio required a second holdover at 3 shows/day.” - “Poor midweek results mean we won’t hold over.”

- “IMAX presales justify a midnight show.” - “Aspect shifts—train staff on IMAX masking cues.” - “The IMAX premium lifts ATP significantly.”

- “Local spots run in the preshow before trailers.” - “We booked a beverage brand activation in the lobby.” - “Advertising revenue offsets slower Q1 attendance.”

- “The KDM expires Monday; request an extension.” - “Ensure the KDM matches the correct server serial.” - “No playback until the KDM window opens.”

- “Laser raised brightness and cut lamp costs.” - “We marketed the auditorium as ‘Laser—See the Difference.’” - “Laser helps 3D look brighter and cleaner.”

- “The LOR is three weeks, with a step-down split.” - “We negotiated a shorter LOR due to a crowded slate.” - “LOR affects trailer commitments and show counts.”

- “Members drive 45% of admissions and higher per caps.” - “Tiered loyalty unlocks fee waivers and upgrades.” - “Push double-points days to lift weekday traffic.”

- “Motion seats carry a $5 surcharge.” - “Sync checks ensure the motion track matches the CPL.” - “Motion boosted attendance for the action sequel.”

- “Members pay no convenience fee.” - “We A/B tested fee levels to optimize conversion.” - “Disclose the fee pre-checkout to avoid cart drop.”

- “Opening weekend gross exceeded comps by 15%.” - “Strong Thursday previews lifted the opening weekend.” - “We scheduled extra late shows for opening weekend.”

- “Concession per cap hit $6.25 on Saturday.” - “PLF audiences show higher per caps.” - “Bundles increased per cap despite flat traffic.”

- “Convert Auditorium 6 to PLF for blockbusters.” - “PLF upcharges improved ATP and margins.” - “Market the PLF as laser + Atmos + recliners.”

- “Upgrade POS for faster concession throughput.” - “POS data feeds the CMS and loyalty system.” - “Train staff on POS combos and modifiers.”

- “The preshow loop runs 20 minutes before trailers.” - “Insert safety messaging into the preshow.” - “Coordinate preshow brightness with ad partner specs.”

- “Program more matinees for family titles.” - “Rebalance shows toward PLF after presale trends.” - “Programming must meet the license’s show minimums.”

- “Run QC on focus, brightness, and audio before doors.” - “Conduct a full QC after the server update.” - “QC failed—swap the CPL and reingest.”

- “Reserved seating reduces aisle congestion.” - “Show the live seat map on kiosks and mobile.” - “Block ADA companion seats per policy.”

- “We revenue-share the convenience fee with the vendor.” - “Subscription tickets require a unique revenue-share model.” - “Concession brand activation includes a revenue split.”

- “We’re a 12-screen site with two PLFs.” - “Increase screen count for the holiday slate.” - “Screen count drives total show capacity.”

- “Subscription members accounted for 30% of tickets.” - “Implement peak surcharges on the pass.” - “Allocate revenue from pass scans by title.”

- “Build SPLs in the TMS and schedule automation cues.” - “Push the DCP from the TMS to Auditorium 3.” - “The TMS reports KDM expirations across screens.”

- “The title has a 45-day theatrical window.” - “Shorter windows can reduce late-run admissions.” - “Window strategy affects how much PLF we allocate.”

- “Studio requires the attached trailer on every show.” - “Swap in a horror trailer pack for the late shows.” - “Match trailer ratings to feature ratings policies.”

- “We need a 15-minute turn between shows.” - “Slow cleans increased late starts—adjust staffing.” - “Shorter turns on weekdays; full turns on weekends.”

- “Raise evening prices; lower weekday matinees.” - “Zone the auditorium for premium rows.” - “Dynamic pricing follows presale velocity.”

- “Our VPF commitments sunset this year.” - “VPF rules affect how we book repertory titles.” - “Budget the VPF recoupment in title P&L.”

- “Walk-up spiked due to good weather.” - “High presales mean fewer walk-up buyers.” - “Staff extra ushers during walk-up peaks.”

- “A 2.9x weekend multiple signals strong word-of-mouth.” - “Family films often show higher weekend multiples.” - “Use the multiple to refine week-2 forecasts.”

- “The xenon lamp is near end-of-life—replace before Friday.” - “Laser conversion will eliminate xenon lamp costs.” - “Dim image? Check xenon hours and alignment.”