VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, launched a new multiplex at Town Square, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 29th November 2020.
The 12-screen cinema with a total of 1367 seats, boasts numerous firsts including the Kingdom’s first MX4D, the newest evolution in 4D cinema, and ICE (Immersive Cinema Experience), which provides a truly sensorial experience. It also features IMAX with Laser, VIP and KIDS screens. Guests can also indulge in their favourite cinema snacks from the Nutella and Candy Bar.
The inauguration was attended by His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khalid F. Al Saud; Nasser Bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, UAE Consul-General to Jeddah, the admired Saudi singer Abdulrab Idrees and Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head of Majid Al Futtaim Ventures Saudi Arabia.
The opening of the new multiplex marks VOX’s 11th cinema in Saudi Arabia and consolidates its ambitious expansion plans across the Kingdom as part of its commitment to Vision 2030.
With a total of 124 screens, across 11 cinemas, in 4 cities, VOX Cinemas is the largest exhibitor by screen count and the largest independent distributor in Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head at Majid Al Futtaim Ventures KSA, said, “We are proud to partner with Unified Real Estate Development to open VOX Cinemas Town Square, Jeddah which marks our third launch post lock-down and will create job opportunities for 200 people. At VOX Cinemas, we remain fundamentally confident about the future of the cinema industry and will continue with our ambitious growth strategy in support of the Quality of Life program. In the coming months, we will expand our footprint with openings in new cities including Hail and Jubail as part of our commitment to make our innovative and unrivalled leisure and entertainment experiences accessible to everyone, even in remote cities. Saudi Arabia can now proudly say that their cinemas are without question, the best in the world!”
He added, “In the context of emerging markets, no one is embracing cinema as keenly as audiences across the Kingdom and we believe that it will become a top 10 global market for cinema and generate $1 billion in box office revenue in the next three to five years. We believe Saudi Arabia is the only market in the world to have expanded in 2020, which is quite extraordinary given the current climate and highlights how critical it is to the industry’s future. We look forward to leveraging the growth opportunities that Saudi’s burgeoning entertainment sector presents by introducing more world-class integrated entertainment experiences and supporting the Kingdom’s evolution towards its 2030 Vision.”
We at Motivate Val Morgan congratulate VOX Cinemas on the opening of the new multiplex at Town Square in Jeddah, and warmly welcome this location to our cinema circuit in KSA.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities at Town Square, Jeddah, KSA.
Sources: VOX Cinemas, Eat’N Stays and albilad
AMC Cinemas opened its sixth cinema location at Azizia Plaza in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday 3rd December 2020.
Azizia Plaza features 3 screens with a total of 314 seats, and includes a Prime at AMC screen – presenting best-in-class projection, sound, seating, and exceptional food and beverages and five-star service.
Speaking at the opening CEO and Managing Director John Iozzi said: “AMC Azizia Plaza 3 is part of our continued expansion across Saudi Arabia and we are excited to bring our brand of first-class cinema experience to a new audience.”
AMC Azizia Plaza 3, he stated, was another impressive step in the rapid evolution of the cinema experience in Saudi Arabia.
“Every auditorium is fully equipped with a massive screen, 4K Barco Laser Projectors, immersive surround sound and Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating throughout. Every seat also includes a table and USB charging port for ultimate comfort,” he explained.
“We are committed to supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to improve the choice and quality of entertainment under the Quality of Life Program,” added John Iozzi.
With the opening of Azizia Plaza, AMC Cinemas presently operates 40 screens across 6 locations in 2 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Azizia Plaza, and warmly welcomes this location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across AMC locations.
Sources: AMC Cinemas and Gulf Projects
Emarat – one of the UAE’s leading petroleum companies, recently booked an integrated cinema campaign with Motivate Val Morgan across multiple cinema location in UAE.
The on-screen component of the campaign included a 60 sec. commercial booked for a period of 8 weeks (1st December 2020 to 25th January 2021) at the following cinemas:
VOX Cinemas – City Centre Mirdif, Mall of The Emirates, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman and Al Hamra Mall
Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall, The Springs Souk and The Pointe
The commercial maps the brand’s journey over almost 40 years, serving communities when and where needed – keeping people and businesses moving. Even though times have changed, one thing that has stayed the same for Emarat is their commitment to quality, service and excellence. Communities can truly expect…the expected with Emarat.
Emarat also booked a range of off-screen executions at multiple cinema locations for a 2 month period (starting 1st December 2020) as per below:
Entrance Panel Wrap: Reel Cinemas The Dubai Mall
Digital Screen: Reel Cinemas The Springs Souk and VOV Cinemas City Centre Ajman
Entrance LED: VOX Cinemas City Centre Mirdif
Hero Screen (screen above Candy Bar): VOX Cinemas Mall of the Emirates
Light Box: VOX Cinemas City Centre Sharjah and Al Hamra Mall
Integrated cinema campaigns provide greater brand visibility and enable brands to target cinemagoers across multiple touchpoints.
Don’t miss out on reaching your target audience, especially alongside the release of Wonder Woman 1984 (December 17).
Contact us for more information on integrated cinema campaigns across our cinema circuit.
Get ready to experience Wonder! Patty Jenkin’s Wonder Woman 1984 – featuring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal, releases in cinema across the Middle East on 17 December 2020.
Wonder Woman’s battle has got BIGGER and more complicated – facing not one but two new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah!
Will she emerge VICTORIOUS? Witness the outcome, ONLY on the BIG SCREEN in the Middle East!
Advertisers…. here’s a BIG Screen Event not miss out on! Share the screen with WONDER WOMAN …. in the lead up to Christmas!
Here are 3 reasons why you should not miss out on advertising alongside this MEGA Blockbuster:
First Reactions – Critics and Fabs
#WW1984 tells us that our world deserves the kindness and empathy of a superhero like Wonder Woman, and in 2020, that feels like the most radical and necessary message of all.
Wonder Woman is the superhero we need AND the one we deserve. Pass it on.
— Kayti Burt (@kaytiburt) December 5, 2020
Gadot perfectly captures the essence of Wonder Woman once again! @PedroPascal1 and #KristenWiig are brilliantly cast. And yes, #ChrisPine ‘s unusual and inspired return is a huge bonus, both with humor and heart! pic.twitter.com/3ydqIW78No
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) December 5, 2020
I had the chance watch #WonderWoman1984 early!
I loved the first film and I can confidently say the sequel take everything to another level! Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig absolutely kill it as Maxwell Lord and Cheetah.
Let Patty Jenkins take charge of the entire DCEU! pic.twitter.com/UpPbCNOsxH
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) December 5, 2020
I’ve seen #WonderWoman1984!@PattyJenks literally made an 80s movie in every way, making it so unique for today. It feels both bigger than the first WW while simultaneously more contained.
Lots of Diana Prince and some epic Wonder Woman moments as @GalGadot literally soars! pic.twitter.com/QluelKwYly
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 5, 2020
I’m so happy to report that #WW84 is an absolute blast from start to finish. An exceptional compliment to the first film, it’s stuffed w/ heart, hope, love, action, romance & humor. @PattyJenks, @GalGadot & team delivered one of DC’s best sequels. I was in tears when it ended. pic.twitter.com/ivPkBFmehd
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 5, 2020
Huge news: Wonder Woman 1984 is fantastic! The story is excellent & has a great, timely message; it packs in a ton of surprises; and amazing work is done with both Cheetah & Max Lord (Wiig & Pascal are both stellar). Get hyped, because it’s the real deal. #WonderWoman1984 #WW1984 pic.twitter.com/9UQLyxn3gx
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) December 5, 2020
I got to watch Wonder Woman 1984 yesterday and… honestly it’s just what I needed. What we all need. It’s uplifting, hopeful, and so utterly Wonder Woman. Just a beautiful film with themes that hit you right in the heart. #WW84
— Amy Ratcliffe (@amy_geek) December 5, 2020
Messages from Gal Gadot
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Promo Videos
Go behind the frame of #WW84 with IMAX, and director, Patty Jenkins.
Let’s share in the Wonder … this December.
It’s not too late to share the screen with WONDER WOMAN and be seen by her large fan base …. in the lead up to Christmas!
Contact a member of our sales team for more information on advertising alongside this MEGA Blockbuster.
Sources: Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
Here’s a round-up of the ‘must-watch 2020 Christmas commercials’
2020 has been quite a year! The year of the global pandemic has changed us, turning our worlds upside-down in so many ways. But thankfully, a few things have remained a constant in life, one of which is the battle between brands to be crowned the ‘most popular Christmas commercials of the year’.
Christmas is a time for good cheer and festivity, time with loved ones, lots of delicious food and of course, show-stopping festive advertisements. As we creep closer to the first week of Advent, most big brands have already delivered their 2020 Christmas campaigns. This year however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll notice a distinct change in tone. While festive ads were once full of glitz and glamour with budgets on the higher side and offerings getting more elaborate as the years went by, this year’s Christmas commercials are distinctly more pared-back, in keeping with the public mood after a year of much hardship.
From John Lewis and Amazon, to Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Tesco, here’s a round-up of the ‘must-see Christmas commercials’ that have been revealed so far:
Amazon – The Show Must Go On
Disney UK – From Our Family To Yours
Tesco – No Naughty List
McDonald’s – Inner Child
Argos – An Evening with AbracaDaisy & The Incredible Lucy
Aldi UK – Kevin the Carrot
Coca-Cola
Asda – That’s an Asda Price Christmas
LEGO
Waitrose & John Lewis – Give A Little Love
Boots UK
Sainsbury’s – Gravy Song
Burberry
Dobbies – Festive Thrills
Lidl GB – Big on a Christmas you can Believe in
Marks & Spencer
Walkers Crisps – A Sausage CaRoll
TK Maxx – The Lil’ Goat
Chester BID – Give the Gift this Christmas
Deliveroo – Christmas in On
Matalan – It’s a Matalan Christmas!
O2 – Unwrap the Magic of Christmas
Woodies
Three – Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas
Papa Johns Pizza GB – Giving More This Christmas
Notonthehighstreet – The Magic of Small Things
JD Sports – #JDWonderland
Advertisers…. Don’t miss out on the chance to display your festive ads on the BIG Screen this holiday season, especially alongside the MEGA Blockbuster release – Wonder Woman 1984 on 17th December 2020.
Contact us for more information on festive cinema advertising
Sources: Good Housekeeping, Creative Boom, The Drum and YouTube
Mubadala launches a cinema campaign to celebrate UAE National Day
United Arab Emirates will celebrate 49 glorious years as a nation on 2nd December 2020. UAE National Day is one of the most celebrated days in the country as it marks the anniversary of the federal unification of the seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Fujairah).
In celebration and honour of the nation’s leadership, history, values and progress, Mubadala booked a 60 sec. on-screen ad campaign through Motivate Val Morgan to screen across multiple locations in the UAE from 24th November – 14th December 2020.
Dubai:
VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates
Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall
Abu Dhabi:
VOX Cinemas – The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Marina Mall and Yas Mall
Sharjah:
VOX Cinemas – City Centre Sharjah
Cinemacity – Zero 6 Mall
Ras Al Khaimah:
VOX Cinemas – Al Hamra Mall
Interested in launching a campaign to celebrate a special day? With Christmas fast approaching, and the confirmed release of Wonder Woman 1984 set for 17 December 2020, contact a member of our sales team for more information on displaying your brand commercial on the BIG Screen.
While box office returns in 2020 will suffer an estimated 80% global drop due to COVID-19, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is bucking this downward trend, having grown since 2019 to become the Middle East’s top grossing territory this year to date.
Fresh figures released during the recent META Cinema Forum exhibitors’ conference in October reveals that the Kingdom has overtaken the United Arab Emirates this year, and is currently the region’s top-grossing territory, with more than $73 million in theatrical movie ticket sales over the past 40 weeks – a roughly $2 million increase in box office returns compared with the same period in 2019.
The UAE during the same 2020 period has generated roughly $51 million, roughly a quarter of its 2019 box office draw.
Commenting on the growth of the theatrical market in KSA, Cameron Mitchell, CEO of VOX Cinemas says: “We believe that Saudi Arabia is the only cinema market globally to have expanded in 2020.”
Mitchell sees the Saudi market as having increased by roughly 4% year to date – despite the fact that, due to the pandemic, cinemas where closed between March and the middle of June – and is forecasting an 8% growth by year’s end.
The theatrical market in the Middle East in 2019 was worth $600 million, of which Saudi accounted for a $110 million share and the UAE roughly $250 million – which excludes releases of Indian and Arabic films and some indie content. “This year our numbers are telling us that the UAE is going to be worth about $60 million, and Saudi is going to be worth $120 million,” says Mitchell.
In terms of the bigger picture, Mitchell believes that Hollywood will value the Middle East at about $220 million in 2020 out of which KSA will contribute to 50% of the same this year.
David Hancock, an analyst at London-based Omdia says, “The fact that Saudi has now overtaken the UAE, albeit in a weird year, is suddenly a milestone for the Saudi Arabian cinema market.” Hancock expects the country will be a billion-dollar market “in 3 to 5 years,” depending on recovery from COVID-19 which he estimates this year will cause an 80% global box office drop, with losses totaling up to $30 billion. He also mentioned that KSA is on track to become the dominant market in the region “and one of the top 10 or 15 markets in the world.”
An interesting aspect of Saudi Arabia’s current box office upswing is that grosses in the country are currently generated from a mere 260 screens – less than half the 614 screens operating in the UAE. Average occupancy levels in cinemas across the Middle East have not gone beyond 20%, and Saudi is no exception. However, in terms of generating box office, KSA has the cushy advantage boasting of an average ticket priced at $17.60, which is the highest in the region followed by UAE figure which is $12.80, and Kuwait, the region’s third market, priced at $11.90.
Since cinemas re-opened in June, the biggest releases across the Middle East was Tenet, earning $1.1 and $1.5 Million in its opening weekend in UAE and KSA (figures from Box Office Mojo), followed by Mulan – which earned over $1.3 Million in its opening weekend in UAE. Unhinged starring Russel Crowe also performed handsomely in the region, though figures were not made readily available.
Meanwhile, screen growth in Saudi Arabia is going forward undeterred, with VOX presently operating 124 screens across 11 locations. Aside from VOX Cinemas, other cinema exhibitors operating in the Kingdom include Muvi Cinemas and AMC Cinemas who have 10 and 6 operational cinemas respectively, and are in the midst of massive expansion plans over the year ahead.
It’s also interesting to note that a number of new cinema locations opened across KSA, post the COVID-19 lockdown. VOX Cinemas opened three new locations – Sahara Mall, Tabuk Park and Al Jamea (Town Square), Muvi Cinemas massively expanded with the opening of six new locations – Jubail Mall, Al Ahsa Mall, Haifa Mall, Aziz Mall, Nakheel Mall (Riyadh) and Mall of Dhahran, and AMC Cinemas opened four new locations – Hafr Al Batin, Riyadh Gallery, Al Khair and Azizia Plaza.
VOX projects there will be a total of 340 screens in operation in the country by year’s end, and close to 700 by the end of 2021.
Having a market like Saudi Arabia can help Hollywood studios offset some of their losses, says Mitchell, who is worried that due to COVID-19, the supply chain is drying up. To overcome the challenge posed by the lack of new content, VOX is stepping up its offer of alternative content such as live soccer matches, opera and concerts, and also classic re-releases. VOX has also teamed up with local players Image Nation and MBC Group to produce a slate of Arabic films, at least three of which they plan to release in 2021 as part of a plan to release up to 10 Arabic self-produced titles annually.
Mitchell is confident the country will become a top ten global market for cinema, with ResearchAndMarkets.com forecasting the industry in the Kingdom will be worth more than $1.2 billion by the end of 2030.
Sources: Variety, Arabian Business, Arab News
Introducing the Cannes Lions Awards LIVE Briefings!
The Awards that benchmark global creative excellence are now open for entries, earlier than usual this year to give you more time to prepare your work. In June 2021, Cannes Lions juries will judge and award work from both 2020 and 2021.
By entering Cannes Lions, you will have access to one of their Awards Experts, a personal adviser to guide you through the entire entry process and answer any (really: any) of your questions. The talented team has also put together a mini-series of Live Briefings.
Tune in for expert advice and insider tips on how to give your work the best possible chance of success.
The remaining Cannes Lions Awards Live Briefings are as follows:
What’s New for 2020/2021?
An introduction to the changes to this year’s Awards, including a guide to the eligibility dates for ‘2020 work’ and ‘2021 work’. We’ll also take a closer look at the debut of the Creative Business Transformation Lions, the evolved Creative Effectiveness Lions and the refreshed PR and Film Craft Lions.
TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER
8:30AM GMT/4:30PM SGT AND 5PM GMT/12PM EST
How to Craft your Entry
Expert advice on how to make sure that the magic of your idea is as clear as possible for the Jury. Including advice on what to consider before producing your case film and how to approach the written submission, with guidance from past Jurors and winners.
THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER
8:30AM GMT/4:30PM SGT AND 5PM GMT/12PM EST
Click here for more information on the Cannes Lions Live Briefings and to sign up for a place.
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE.
Source: Cannes Lions
Mobily – Saudi Arabian telecommunications company, recently booked an integrated cinema campaign with Motivate Val Morgan for its 5G connection services in Saudi Arabia.
The on-screen component of the campaign included two 15 sec. commercials booked for a period of 3 weeks: Mobily 5G Family – which screened from 22nd October to 2nd November 2020 and Mobily 5G Prepaid – which screened from 3rd to 11th November 2020.
The commercial was booked at the following Motivate Val Morgan serviced locations in KSA:
VOX Cinemas: Red Sea Mall, West Avenue Mall, Atyaf Mall, Sahara Mall and Riyadh Front
Muvi Cinemas: Nakheel Mall (Riyadh), Nakheel Mall (Dammam), Haifa Mall and Mall of Arabia
AMC Cinemas: KAFD, Panorama Mall and Al Khair
The off-screen component included the distribution of leaflets containing information on Mobily Air Fiber 5G at VOX Cinemas – Sahara Mall over the weekend of 5th – 7th November 2020.
Promoters were hired by the brand to oversee and assist with handing out leaflets to cinemagoers walking out of the auditoriums.
Click here to access the Mobily flyer distributed at VOX Cinemas – Sahara Mall.
An integrated campaign is an effective strategy to implement when promoting or launching a new service offering, for it engages cinema audiences – both within the auditorium and outside in the foyer area of the cinema, and provides higher ad recall.
Contact a member of our sales team to know more on how integrated campaigns can help move your brand closer to its target audience.
Muvi Cinemas celebrated the opening of its tenth and largest cinema location yet – Mall of Dhahran, on Thursday 15th October 2020.
The cinema is the first destination for movie lovers in the major administrative center for the Saudi oil industry – located in the Eastern province of KSA, and features 18 screens with a total of 2368 seats, including four unique cinema experiences: ScreenX, Dolby Cinema, Samsung Onyx and muvi SUITES.
The new cinema was inaugurated by Dhahran Municipality Chief Eng. Mohammed Al Jassim and Sultan Alhokair, CEO of Muvi Cinemas, in the presence of representatives from the Quality of Life Program, Arabian Centers Company, General Commission for Audiovisual Media, social media celebrities, and media representatives. The opening also included a special screening of the 2020 American horror movie Antebellum to VIPs and invitees.
Commenting on the opening of the cinema at Mall of Dhahran, Mahmoud Mirza, Marketing Director of Muvi Cinemas, said: “It is extremely gratifying to introduce another advanced and luxurious cinema concept for our customers in Saudi Arabia. Entertainment has been an important part of the Saudi entertainment business, and it is our responsibility to continue to offer enhanced experiences to our customers.”
He further added, “The new cinema complex which is considered as the largest in Saudi Arabia with its splendid aesthetics stands tall as one of the most advanced Muvi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and we are excited for our customers to witness the captivating and immersive experience. We are certain that the newest Muvi Cinema in Dhahran Mall will be the next entertainment hub of the Eastern province.”
More on Mall of Dhahran
Mall of Dhahran by Arabian Centres which opened in 2005, is one of the best malls in Saudi Arabia and a key destination in the triplet cities of Dhahran, Dammam, and Al Khobar. Spread across one floor spanning 160,647 SQM, the mall provides more than 400 stores, 70 eateries and a variety of entertaining activities, dedicated to creating a vibrant and unique environment for all its guests.
From small boutiques and high-end brand stores, to new retailers and international brands, the mall is home to popular brands such as: Adidas, DKNY, The Body Shop, Zara, New Yorker, Swatch and many more. In terms of restaurants and cafés, the variety of food offerings range from stylish and contemporary international brands, popular fast-food chains and coffee and cake shops.
To complement its shopping and dining facilities, the mall boasts not only the first home-grown cinema chain – Muvi Cinemas, but also the world’s largest indoor playground – Billy Beez, and kids gaming and play center – Sparky’s.
The mall is Arabian Centres’ No. 1 mall in Saudi Arabia, with an occupancy rate of 94.6%, and its 2019 footfall was over 12.5 million.
As the official cinema advertising partner of Muvi Cinemas, Motivate Val Morgan congratulates the cinema exhibitor on the launch of Mall of Dhahran and warmly welcomes this new location to our cinema circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities at this new location.
Sources: Muvi Cinemas, Zawya, Mall of Dhahran and argaam
