see all jobs
First night for easyCinema
The curtain will go up at Stelios Haji-Ioannou's introductory easyCinema site on 23 May.
What was formerly UCI's 10-screen operation, The Point in Milton Keynes, has been leased to provide the first in a roll out of low-cost cinemas, with tickets booked in advance being available from about 20p.
Prices will rise to nearer £5 as the screening time approaches. They will also reflect whether the film has just been released or has been running for a while.
The cinemas will have fewer staff, with no box office - all bookings being made via the internet - and no facility for purchasing refreshments.
Haji-Ioannou is reported to be expecting problems with film distributors, who traditionally take a percentage of ticket revenues, but to whom he proposes offering a lump sum instead. He has said his lawyers are ready for the challenge.
Of the easyCinema concept, he said: I've made many mistakes in other industries by rolling things out too fast so I'm going to sit on my hands for six months to a year before I try another cinema.
The Point, adjacent to the Central Milton Keynes shopping mall, was the first multi-plex operation to open in the UK, in the mid-1980s. Details: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk and type 'Stelios' in the News search engine.
More News
- News by sector (all)
- All news
- Fitness
- Personal trainer
- Sport
- Spa
- Swimming
- Hospitality
- Entertainment & Gaming
- Commercial Leisure
- Property
- Architecture
- Design
- Tourism
- Travel
- Attractions
- Theme & Water Parks
- Arts & Culture
- Heritage & Museums
- Parks & Countryside
- Sales & Marketing
- Public Sector
- Training
- People
- Executive
- Apprenticeships
- Suppliers