Cinema Advertising : How Much Does It Cost and Is It Worth It?

What Is Cinema Advertising?

Cinema advertising includes any ads displayed inside or outside movie theaters that audiences encounter when attending a film. The most popular format is pre-movie commercials on the big screen, but displays and posters in the lobby are also common options.Screen ads make the most significant impact and are the best for grabbing the audience’s attention. These ads typically run for 15 to 30 seconds and play before the movie previews, while people are settling into their seats.

What Are the Advantages of Advertising in Cinema?

According to the Motion Picture Association of America, three-quarters of Americans over age 2 attend the movies at least once a year, and about 24 million go to theaters weekly to watch films.

• Captive audience: Moviegoers waiting for the film to start are a highly attentive audience with minimal distractions.
• Happy customers: Movie audiences are relaxed and in a positive frame of mind, making them more receptive to advertising messages.
• Desirable demographics: Teenagers and millennials frequent theaters more than older demographics, making this format perfect for reaching these target groups.

What Is the Price of Movie Advertising?

On-screen ads can start as low as $2,500 for a four-week run at a single theater. The cost is competitive with many forms of digital advertising and less expensive than train advertising. However, it is slightly more costly than shopping mall advertising and other smaller out-of-home advertising formats.Movie theater advertising offers an effective way to target specific markets while staying within a reasonable budget.

How to Target Movie Advertising

Cinema ads can be targeted in multiple ways:1. **Demographics:** Focus on theaters in neighborhoods aligned with your target audience, such as areas with high Latino or African American populations.2. **Movie selection:** Target audiences based on the movies they watch. For example, brands aiming to connect with young music fans could advertise during the Billie Eilish documentary. High-demand movies like the latest Marvel releases may cost more, but the increased exposure often makes the investment worthwhile.

Creative for Movie Ads

If you purchase a pre-movie screen ad, you’ll need to create the ad, which may add to your costs. Many brands reuse TV ads, while others create ads specifically for the cinema experience. Options range from humorous and sentimental to community-focused.Want a simpler option? Static ads, with or without sound, can also be effective for screen advertising.

You have up to three days before the campaign starts to submit your creative materials.

How Long Are Cinema Ads?

Pre-movie trailers and ads typically last up to 20 minutes before the feature begins. Cinema ad lengths range from 15 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the campaign.Blockbuster movies often feature more trailers and commercials due to their larger audiences and higher demand.

Where Can You Purchase Cinema Advertising?

Cinema advertising is available in every major U.S. market. While many brands prefer targeting large cities, smaller markets also offer excellent opportunities. Discounts may be available for campaigns across multiple theaters or regions.To learn more about cinema advertising opportunities, contact DASH TWO. We’re here to help you create an impactful campaign.