Cinemac: Independent cinema Manager reacts to Cineworld bankruptcy
Macclesfield's independent cinema has responded to the news that international chain Cineworld are facing certain bankruptcy.
Cinemac, located inside The Heritage Centre, was first used as a cinema in 2005.
In that time, the film industry has seen drastic changes.
DVDs have come and gone, and now services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are threatening the cinema industry.
So much so, that on Monday it was announced that worldwide cinema company Cineworld are considering bankruptcy with over $5bn worth of debt.
Macclesfield Nub News popped into Macclesfield's indie cinema Cinemac for their reaction to the news.
General Manager Tom Blackwell - one of 13 either employees or volunteering at Cinemac - has helped out at Cinemac since 2019.
"I'm surprised and not surprised about the Cineworld news", he said.
"It is a surprise that something so big has got into five billion dollars of debt, because that's a huge amount. But also not as we are all suffering.
"Everyone has taken a hit, obviously cinemas and theatres all across the country have struggled. It has been one of the most affected industries since the start of the pandemic.
"People got so used to streaming sites and sitting on their own sofas to watch new releases.
"For example, Disney have released straight-to-streaming films such as Mulan. Disney's previous live action remakes like The Lion King and Aladdin were released in cinemas first, but Pinocchio is coming up next month and that isn't even going to come to cinemas.
"So many releases are now going to streaming services that people aren't going out as much. They're has been such a backlog of films that studios either advertised three years ago and forgot about them, or they're still delaying them until box offices are busier. But things are only going to get busier if films are brought out.
"So nothing has done as well as I think the cinema industry expected it to do in terms of box office [numbers]. Our [Cinemac's] numbers are getting back again, but not close to what it was before the pandemic. Which is a shame, as we've added new seats and now have three types of seats for you to choose from."
But even before the first lockdown, Cinemac was already offering extras that made their movie-going experience stand out from the big chain cinema brands like Cineworld, Odeon and The Light.
"People love to have a cup of coffee with a real [Cinemac-branded] mug, which is a massive thing," added Tom.
"People constantly comment on the fact that you can have a hot drink, glass of wine or gin and tonic on the sofas and that it feels like watching a film in more comfort than you would have at home.
"We have six types of teas, plenty of soft drinks for children, and lots of local alcoholic offerings. And we try to support local businesses, we have beers from Macclesfield's RedWillow and Wincle Brewery.
"We try to get as much as we can from local independent companies. And we have a charity pot for East Cheshire Hospice as well.
"We have lots of Arighi Bianchi luxury seats, at affordable rates. An adult ticket is £7, an Arighi Bianchi luxury seat is now only £8, and a sofa is £10 per person. So you can have a massive upgrade from your normal seat for just £3, which is not that much.
"And you will pay a lot more for the sweets and popcorn if you will go to a bigger chain. We also have the option of membership, which makes adult ticket prices the same as a non-membership child's price [£5]."
Other initiatives that make Cinemac stand out from the crowd include a slew of pop music tribute night concerts, and premieres for locally-produced TV shows or films.
The buildings 208-year heritage is also a major draw to the cinema.
"A boy came in to see the new Minions film this morning, and his jaw dropped," Tom also said.
"And he went 'wow', because you don't expect to walk into a cinema and see this kind of nice building, it is gorgeous.
"My favourite part about the job is the fact that it is a theatre. My career was in performing arts, and I used to tour the country doing operas. So for me, I can be in a building as beautiful as this that is 200 years old, in my hometown of Macclesfield, I love it. It is perfect. The best place to be.
"We all love Macclesfield here and are from here too. I've known Jordan [Wilson] Director of Cinemac for about ten years. And my mum works here too.
"Please keep supporting us, and thank you Macclesfield for your support. We care so much about it, and to make it the best we possibly can do."
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See Also: Macclesfield: Elvis Presley tribute announced for Cinemac following movie success
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