How to become a cine-bar
Discerning movie goers may well appreciate a visit to the pub (as well as a pint) during the latest film releases, so why not bring the silver screen to the pub door? Don't leave it all to the local multiplex — Hollywood is calling!
Filmbank provides films and licences for film viewing outside the home. One big advantage is that the latest blockbusters can be shown just 10 to 12 weeks after they are released on the big screen, which is usually about three months before they are released to DVD.
The firm is owned by Warner Bros and Sony Pictures, but represents most of the other major companies too, and can also provide most independent movies.
"It can be a real revenue generator, especially for a pub in a rural area without a cinema, or with only a very expensive multiplex," says Nicola Metselaar, Filmbank marketing manager. "Some pubs will put on a Disney film for kids in one room, and have a room next door where parents can have a drink and relax."
In order to set up regular film nights, pubs need to choose between two types of licence — it costs £81 plus VAT for an annual Public Video Screening Licence (PVSL), which allows films to be shown in the background, and for licensees to use their own DVDs. But films cannot be promoted outside the premises, nor can licensees charge an admission fee. The second option for licensees is to purchase a single title screening licence, which provides a film copy, the appropriate licence, the opportunity to widely advertise the screening and charge entry. This licence costs around £81 per film, but prospective customers must fill in a form about the expected audience size, how many times it will be shown, and whether or not it will be on an indoor or outdoor screen.
Pubs that have successfully managed to incorporate film nights into their weekly schedules have generally found that the initial outlay and setting-up costs have been worth it.
Roxy Bar
The Roxy Bar & Screen at London Bridge is one pub that is renowned for its appeal to film lovers, and joint director Philip Wood believes that the right pub environment can have a natural affinity with showing a movie.
"The benefit of showing films is two-fold: first off it's not hard to get people in on a quiet night, and get them to eat, but secondly the cinema area has great hire potential; customers can hire it out to watch their favourite film on their birthday, for example — people love that sort of thing!" he says.
Although the Roxy pitches itself as a serious cinema combined with a bar, Wood says "it's not hard to get a pub cinema going". He adds: "It's feasible and do-able for any licensee — it helps if you have a small bit of film knowledge, though."
He has some tips for starter pubs — licensees can use special cinema-reflective paint, and paint a wall if they don't want to invest in a screen, and he admits that "although there's a lot of talk about digital projectors, DVD screening will be fine." He adds: "It's much more important to consider sound. Cinema is an immersive experience — viewers always notice sound, so it's worth investing in a surround-sound system."
He also says: "A PVSL allows you to screen films in the background — it would be good for smaller pubs starting a film club for their regulars. But you can't advertise or charge for it."
The Roxy has a 4m screen, a "pretty good" digital projector and surround sound. Wood says: "We aim to provide a high quality screening experience."
The bar and screen charges admission, usually £3, and aims to average at least 30 people for each film, which will cover the £81 single title screening licence. The venue curtains off the rear of the pub, and allows regular trade to continue at the front.
