06 November 2008

Ã¢â¬ËœEarly windowÃ¢â¬â¢ film opportunity for hotels

Hotels are being targeted by a company offering the use of recent release films to help drive supplementary revenue.

Filmbank, a joint venture between Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures, is seeking to supply so-called Ã¢â¬Ëœearly windowÃ¢â¬â¢ releases of films in hotel rooms within 10 to 12 weeks of their cinema release yet before they appear on DVD or satellite television.

The company, which supplies films to schools, pubs, ferries and other outlets outside the cinema and home, has conducted consumer research to back up its bid.

The study conducted by Opinion Matters of almost 3,000 travellers, found that almost three quarters (71%) see in-room entertainment as the most relaxing thing to do in a hotel room.

Nearly a third of business travellers would buy a film during a hotel stay and 70% would like to know more about films being shown in hotels prior to their stay.

The companyÃ¢â¬â¢s general manager Majella Griffin said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœFilmbank is keen to work with hotels to turn movies into a reaal in-room revenue driver as well as a more exciting, much anticipated experience for the guest themselves.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThere is a huge opportunity for hotels to promote their entertainment before the guests arrive.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies