Prytania Theatre: The Aural Experience at One-of-aKind New Orleans Theatre

Bought in 1995 by Rene Brunet and currently owned by his son, Robert Brunet, the Brunet family has operated theatres in the New Orleans area for more than 115 years, a tradition that now spans four generations. The family's deep roots in vintage cinema still reflect in the interior décor and twice-weekly showings of classic films, have prompted the Brunet family for an elated update to offer patrons the very best cinema experience…

In some ways, the Prytania Theatre in New Orleans harkens back to a bygone era. It has been in continuous operation as a neighbourhood movie house since 1914, and it is the last remaining single-screen commercial theatre in the South. But while the interior décor evokes the mid-20th century heyday of Hollywood, a recent technology upgrade has launched the Prytania Theatre into the future with 4K laser digital projection and Dolby Atmos immersive audio powered by Meyer Sound cinema series loudspeakers.

The Prytania Theatre was purchased in 1995 by Rene Brunet and is currently owned by his son,

Robert Brunet. The Brunet family has operated theatres in the New Orleans area for more than 115 years, a tradition that now spans four generations.

Although the family's deep roots in vintage cinema are reflected in the interior décor and twice-weekly showings of classic films, dedication to offering patrons the very best cinema experience prompted the upgrade to a Barco SP4K 15C 4K laser projector and the Dolby CP950A Dolby Atmos audio system comprising 51 Meyer Sound selfpowered loudspeakers. The entire technology renovation was entrusted to Omaha-based Strong Technical Services.

"We had put in a new Dolby CP650 7.1 system after hurricane Katrina in 2007 and it worked fine," reflects Robert Brunet, "but after the pandemic faded, we really wanted to offer our patrons something specialthe best of the best. We knew Dolby Atmos was the way to go, and we also wanted a speaker system with the power and punch to take full advantage of the format. I was familiar with Meyer Sound equipment for live performances, and when I found out they had cinema systems I knew that would be the winning combination. It certainly did not disappoint."

The first showing with the new system was Top Gun: Maverick. The sonic improvement was startling, according to Brunet.

"Our post-Katrina system was quite good but the new Meyer Sound system just blew it away," he recalls. "What I heard with that movie pushed every button. When the jets flew by, the building literally shook, yet you also heard every detail with clarity and pinpoint positioning. It was very impressive."

The clarity and dynamic range also enhanced quieter scenes, says Brunet. "A lot of times a powerful system can be too bright in scenarios with mainly dialogue. But the Meyer Sound system was clear and natural, never fatiguing. When you need it to bang it will do it, but with dialogue, the accuracy and fidelity shine through."

While Top Gun: Maverick showcased special effects, two later showingsElvis and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody - shifted the emphasis to musicality. "These days, when we play a movie like Top Gun or Elvis we get a lot more positive comments," says Brunet. "'The sound is really great,' they'll say. 'What did you do in here?'"

The screen channels for the system employ three Acheron Studio cinema loudspeakers, with four X 800C cinema subwoofers driving the lowfrequency effects (LFE) channel. The Atmos surround channels are carried by 32 HMS 10 and two HMS 12 surround loudspeakers, bolstered by two USW 210P subwoofers for bass management. Fill speakers for the balcony, configured in two zones, are eight MM 4XP miniature self-powered loudspeakers.

Spearheading the project on behalf of Strong Technical Services was Director of Sales Travis Henning, who coordinated design and commissioning efforts in consultation with Meyer Sound Program Manager for Cinema and Residential Jay Wyatt. Before taking over the reins of the family cinemas from his father, Robert Brunet was involved extensively in the promotion of live concerts and electronic dance music (EDM) events, and today he continues as a principal partner in the promotion company, Amps Events.

"I've been a big fan of Meyer Sound concert systems for decades," he says. "I was always impressed with the power and fidelity of the sound at venues with Meyer loudspeakers, but I was not familiar with the company's cinema systems. When I heard about the cinema line, it was an easy decision to go down that road."

Brunet is confident that the new Meyer Sound system will not only showcase the sounds of today's cinema but also add new life to past classics. The Prytania Theatre is in the process of restoring 35mm and 70mm film projectors to offer screenings of vintage film masterpieces in their original format. In addition to first-run and classic films, the Prytania Theatre also hosts special events, including regular presentations of the cult phenomenon, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Classic Movie series, with daytime screenings every Sunday and Wednesday, hosts feature such as Singing in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, Citizen Kane, and The Searchers

Strong Technical Services (STS) has deep roots in cinema technology, extending back to the 1930s when it was created as a service provider of sound reproducers for film projectors. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Fundamental Global Holdings (FGH), STS employs a staff of more than 85 with business across three operating segments: Equipment Sales, Managed Services, and Field Services.

8-9 AUGUST 2023, CHENNAI, INDIA

The Sixth Edition of the Big Cine Expo is being held on 8-9 August 2023 in Chennai, India. This mega event is the only convention and tradeshow for single-screen, multiplex, malls and theatrical distribution industries in Asia and India.

Big Cine Expo 2023 is all set to roll out its carpet in Chennai for the international tradeshow and convention at the Chennai Trade Centre (CTC), India. The event will provide large prospects for different industries to connect and open new business opportunities for its attendees, while also serving as the one-stop-shop for local cinemas.

Once again, Big Cine Expo promises an interactive platform that will add value to single-screen cinemas, multiplexes, B2B stakeholders of cinema and entertainment. Being the only cinema exhibition convention and trade show in Asia and India, the event aids as a learning centre for building best-in class cinemas. The 2-day event facilitates a platform

"Domestic as well as international entities unite together, socialize and share their thoughts. I'm really looking forward to attend the event and witness some great work and some innovative concepts. Such initiatives are really helpful for entrepreneurs in the cinema industry and ancillary businesses"

– Subhash Ghai, Filmmaker

for discovery, collaboration and networking for the cinema exhibition industry in India. The event will facilitate Product Displays, Demos, Product Presentations, Studio Presentations, Seminars, Panel Discussions, Awards Programs, and Special Events, Film Screenings as well as B2B meeting and trade shows.

"Of all the awards that I have received, receiving this award at Big Cine Expo as an appreciation for my contribution means much more because I would rather get a packed house in a theatre than five star reviews. I have witnessed the journey of cinemas from sitting on wooden seats to the quality that is provided today. I have travelled over, and nowhere in the world is the cinematic experience better than India's, our quality and standards are unmatched"

– Farah Khan, Filmmaker, Choreographer and Actor

"It is wonderful to know that Network208 is organising the 5th edition of Big Cine Expo after a gap of two years at Chennai. Big Cine Expo is held in high esteem for all stakeholders in the cinema exhibition industry as a means to network with the who's who in the film business. The last two years have been quite challenging for the film exhibition industry due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But thanks to the movie-going culture and love for films among audiences, we have started witnessing a 'V' shape recovery in the Theatrical and Film business. This year, PVR is celebrating an important milestone in its 25th year of operations and we wish the organisers and TheatreWorld all success for the expo in this landmark year"

– Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director, PVR INOX

"The exhibition business in India is the most ignored aspect of film industry. I have always been a great believer in the strength of India's exhibition sector; I think Big Cine Expo is the only event which brings single-screen, multiplexes, specialised distribution, technology and all kinds of aspects under one roof and celebrates them. I am really excited to be a part of this event. I want to thank everyone for honouring me but more than that I want to be present with the experts and learn how we can collaborate and innovate to take our film industry forward and ensure that we have good cinema exhibition in every single part of India"

– Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Filmmaker

WHY INDIA?

Asian countries are surging ahead. India is one of the world's emerging economies with the entertainment sector occupying a dominant position. In fact, Indian cinema industry is second on to Hollywood in size. The highest number of cinema screens and highest number of movie releases belong to South India and is considered the top market for cinema exhibition in India. The 21st century belongs to Asia, more specifically to China and India, the two fastest growing economies of the world. By 2025, China and India are expected to be the second and third largest economies respectively. The field for technical expertise and equipment is rising in potential in the cinema theatre market in India and other Asian countries, but there is still a gap that needs to be filled in and here lies an opportunity for a viable platform in India to Showcase competencies, safeguard interests and share expertise with Asia and the rest of the world.

Visitor Profile

Cinema Theatre Owners, Theatre Top Management, Cinema Theatre Contractors, Theatre Consultants, Cinema Consultants, Mall Operators, Cinema Interior Designers, Theatre

Managers, Architects, Theatre Technicians, AV Installers, Projectionists, Sound Specialists, Lighting Specialists, Acoustical Consultants, Top Studio Operators, Cinema Distributors

Exhibitor Profile

Screens, 3D System, 3D Glasses, 4D System, Digital Cinema, E-Cinema,

Projectors, Speakers, Theatre Technicians, Amplifiers, Processor, Servers, Seating, Lighting, Signage, TMS, Acoustics, Cinema, Automation, Carpet, Concession, In-Theatre Dining, Box-office, Lamps, Architecture, Amusement, Gaming, Immersive Seating, Ticketing, Kiosks, Mobile Payment, Cables, Popcorn, Merchandise, HVAC, Real Estate, Interior Designers, Franchising

Review

Since 1992, CineEurope has been the largest and longest-running convention dedicated to cinema operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The convention takes place annually during the summer where cinema owners, international film business professionals and key industry suppliers come together in the city of Barcelona to network and discover the latest industry trends.

During CineEurope, the visitors get a chance to experience exclusive screenings and products presentations of upcoming films from Hollywood studios, independent European film companies, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars and a cutting-edge trade show. This year, CineEurope held its 32nd Edition at Barcelona and was packed with a wide range of screenings and presentations by many famous studios and brands.

Highlights

•UNIC Programming – Driving Commercial Success Through People

•Engaging Audiences & The Future of the Theatre Industry

19-22 June 2023

Barcelona, Spain

•Special Studio Spotlight Presentation from Lionsgate Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

•Creative Europe and Unifrance Presentation

•Mubi Product Presentation

•Sony Pictures International Presentation (CCIB Auditorium)

•The Coca-Cola Sustainability Seminar - How Consumers are Embracing Sustainability

•Universal Pictures International Presentation

•CineEurope Focus Sessions on the Trade Show Floor

•Piracy Gets Commercial: Are You Ready for the Competition?

•Sustainable Cinema Design

•STUDIOCANAL Presentation

•Warner Bros. Pictures International Presentation

•Paramount Pictures International Presentation

•Gruvi Presentation: How to Leverage Audience Data Insights to Prospect for New Customers and Increase the Frequency of your Current Cinemagoers

•How Can Cinemas Prepare For the Next Wave of Marketing Innovations: Social, AI and AR

•Walt Disney Motion Pictures International Product Presentation

•The Walt Disney Studios: Special Screening: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

• INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITOR OF THE YEARNordisk Film Cinemas

(Accepted by Asger Flygare Bech-Thomsen)

• INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR - Tonis Kiis, Warner Bros. Pictures International

• COMSCORE EUROPEAN BOX OFFICE

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDUniversal Pictures International (Accepted by Paul Higginson)

• UNIC AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT - HansJoachim Flebbe, ASTOR Film Lounge

• COCA-COLA & CINEEUROPE

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDKinopolis Management

Multiplex GmbH (Germany)

(Accepted by Dr. Gregory Theile and Andreas Hufer)

Since taking its first step in 2011, CinemaCon has evolved and grown to become the largest and most important gathering for the worldwide motion picture theatre industry. CinemaCon is truly a global event attracting attendees from more than 80 countries. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations debuting a slate of upcoming films, to mustsee premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the holiday season (and beyond) at the box office.

The CinemaCon schedule was broad, diverse, educational and exciting. Featuring the largest cinema trade show in the world, which made it appealing and attractive to all facets of the international motion picture theatre industry includingexhibition, distribution, marketing, publicity and advertising, internet, and social media and of course, the theatre equipment and concessions manufacturers and dealers who will showcase the

24 - 27 April 2023

Las Vegas, USA

latest technological advances and innovative concession offerings at the trade show, which is run in association with our partners at ICTA and NAC.

When it comes to CinemaCon 2024, the best is yet to come. And when it comes to Celebrating the Moviegoing Experience, it all starts at Caesars Palace in 2024 at CinemaCon, the Official Convention of NATO.

Highlights

•MOVIE THEATRES AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE by Jeffrey Cole, Director of the Centre for the Digital Future, USC

In this keynote, Cole focuses on how theatres faced disruption and lived to tell the story demonstrating to all their clear and essential part in the opening of motion pictures. Jeffrey Cole has been at the forefront of media and communication technology issues both in the U.S. and internationally for the past three decades. An expert in the field of technology and emerging media, Cole serves as an adviser to governments and leading companies around the world as they craft digital strategies.

•NATIONAL CINEMA DAY: A GLOBAL EVENT

From the public's immediate embrace, the great press and media received and thanks to an unequalled collaborative effort between exhibition and distribution, the first-time initiative was also a huge success. How do we assess and build on this success? And how to we broaden the scope of National Cinema Day to make it a truly recognized global event? Panelled by: Eduardo Acuna, President, Cinépolis-Americas, Chris Aronson, President, Domestic Distribution, Paramount Pictures, Bobbie Bagby Ford, CCO and EVP, B&B Theatres, Tim Richards, Founder & CEO, Vue International

•Sony Pictures Entertainment Kicks Things Off with an Exclusive Presentation

Highlighting its Upcoming Releases

Hosted by: Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment MotionPicture Group, Josh Greenstein, President, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion PictureGroup, Steven O'Dell, President, International Releasing, Adrian Smith, President, Domestic Releasing.

•‘THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY’ AND STUDIO PRESENTATION FROM WARNER BROS. PICTURES

• DLP Cinema Presents: "A Salute to the Top Films of 2022"

•NATO Marquee Award

Presentation by Rolando Rodriguez, Senior Advisor, Marcus Corp. and Influx and Chairman, NATO

•WARNER BROS.

PICTURES: SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF 'THE FLASH' Warner Bros.

Pictures presents 'The Flash', directed by Andy Muschietti (the 'IT' films, 'Mama'). Ezra Miller reprises their role as Barry Allen in the DC Super Hero's first-ever standalone feature film.

•COMMUNITY BUILDING AT YOUR CINEMA THROUGH CREATIVE MARKETING - This panel will offer practical advice on how to increase customer loyalty, generate publicity, make sure that elected officials are aware of the impact your business has, and ultimately drive more attendance.

Panelled by: Luke Parker Bowles, Co-Founder and CEO, Cinema Lab, Eric Carr, SVP, In-Theatre Marketing, Universal Pictures, Gabriella Gomez. Managing Member, Department of Influence, LLC, Michael Kustermann, Chief Experience Officer, Alamo Drafthouse

•WALT DISNEY STUDIOS INVITES YOU TO ITS 2023 PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTING ITS

UPCOMING RELEASE SCHEDULE, FOLLOWED BY A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS' ‘THE BOOGEYMAN’

Hosted By: Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman Disney Entertainment, Tony Chambers, EVP, Head of Theatrical Distribution, The Walt DisneyCompany

•UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND FOCUS FEATURES: SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Hosted by: Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Film Entertainment Group, Peter Levinsohn, Vice Chairman and Chief Distribution Officer, Universal Film Entertainment Group, Jim Orr, President, Domestic Distribution, Universal Pictures Veronika

Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Universal Pictures

Event Calender 2023

8-9 AUGUST BIG CINE EXPO CHENNAI, INDIA www.bigcineexpo.com

26-28 SEPTEMBER KINO EXPO ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA www.kinoexpo.ru

4-6 OCTOBER EXPOCINE SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL www.expocine.com.br

23-26 OCTOBER SHOWEAST FLORIDA, USA www.showeast.com

31 OCT - 2 NOV AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL MOVIE CONVENTION GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA www.movieconvention.com.au

7-8 NOVEMBER META CINEMA FORUM DUBAI, UAE www.menacinema.com

4-7 DECEMBER CINEASIA BANGKOK, THAILAND www.cineasia.com

2024

8-11 APRIL CINEMACON LAS VEGAS, USA www.cinemacon.com

International, Peter Kujawski, Chairman, Focus Features, Lisa Bunnell, President, Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Focus Features

•‘Globally Speaking: A Look at the Global Marketplace’

Moderated by: Julien Marcel, CEO, The Boxoffice Company

Panelled by: Tony Chambers, EVP, Head of Theatrical Distribution, The Walt Disney Company, Jane Hastings, Managing Director and CEO, EVT.

•‘Movie Marketing: Welcome to the Digital Age’

Panelled by: Danielle Bekas, Co-Executive Vice President, International Marketing, WarnerBros. Pictures, Dan Green, Group Director of Digital, Vue International, Stephanie Mills, Director, Sales, Marketing & Content, Hoyts, and Alex Sanger, EVP, Digital Marketing, Universal Pictures

•NAC SEMINAR: CONCESSION, BAR AND KITCHEN (RE)DESIGN IN TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT

This panel will discuss the past, current and future designs of concession areas, bars, and kitchens for theatres and FEC designs. Capital Expenditure projects can be expensive, so if your company is looking to build new or need to redesign current facilities, come listen to today's leading experts for tips big or small.

Sales, Proctor Companies, Matt Kopp, Relationship Manager, Vivian Company

• ICTA SEMINAR: BEYOND THE PLF - THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND EVENT CINEMA AND LIVE EVENT

Moderated by: Loren Nielsen, VP, Content & Strategy, DTS

Panelled by: Jason Brenek, CEO, MetaMedia, Kirk Griffin, Director, Presentation, Technologies, Harkins

Theatres, Nick Mitchell, Chief Technology Officer, DCDC, Kristina Warner, EVP, Marketing and Live Events, Iconic Releasing.

•PARAMOUNT PICTURES INVITES YOU TO AN EXCLUSIVE PRESENTATION

HIGHLIGHTING ITS UPCOMING SLATE

Hosted by: Brian Robbins, President and CEO, Chris Aronson, President, Domestic Distribution.

•LIONSGATE INVITES YOU TO ITS 2023 STUDIO PRESENTATION INCLUDING A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF ‘JOY RIDE’

Hosted by: Adam Fogelson, Vice Chairman, Motion Picture Group, David Spitz, President, Worldwide Theatrical Distribution

17-20 JUNE CINEEUROPE BARCELONA, SPAIN www.cineeurope.net

Panelled by: Keith Black, President, Prime Ticket, Inc. Michael Giacinto, Director of

•Cinemacon 'Big Screen Achievement Awards', Brought to You By The Coca-Cola Company Emceed by by Kevin Frazier, Host, 'Entertainment Tonight'

F U T U R E R E L E S E S A

A glimpse of movies coming soon…

Back on the Strip

Production

Luminosity Director

Chris Spencer

Starring

Kevin Hart, Bill Bellamy

Genre

Comedy

The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Production

Universal Pictures Director

André Øvredal

Starring

David Dastmalchian, Jon Jon Briones

Genre

Horror, Suspense

Asteroid City

Production

Focus Features Director

Wes Anderson

Starring

Adrien Brody, Bryan Cranston

Genre

Comedy Drama

Run Rabbit Run

Production

XYZ Films Director

Daina Reid

Starring

Sarah Snook, Greta Scacchi

Genre

Horror, Thriller

The Equalizer 3

Production

Columbia Pictures Director

Antoine Fuqua

Starring

Denzel Washington

Dakota Fanning

Genre

Action

Bird Box Barcelona

Production

Chris Morgan Prod. Director

David Pastor

Starring

Georgina Campbell, Diego Calva

Genre

Mystery, Sci-Fi

Insidious: The Red Door

Production

Sony Pictures Director

Patrick Wilson

Starring

Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson

Genre

Horror, Suspense

Oppenheimer

Production Syncopy Inc., Director

Christopher Nolan

Starring

Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt

Genre

Biography, Drama

Production Lionsgate Director

Adele Lim

Starring

Ashley Park, Chris Pang

Genre

Comedy

Mission: Impossible – Dead

Reckoning Part One

Production

Skydance Media Director

Christopher McQuarrie

Starring

Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames

Genre

Action, Adventure

Production

Margot Robbie Director

Greta Gerwig

Starring

Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Production

MACRO Media Director

Juel Taylor

Starring

Jamie Foxx, Kiefer Sutherland

Genre

Comedy, Mystery

Haunted Mansion

Production

Walt Disney Director

Justin Simien

Starring

LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Production

Marvel Studios Director

Nia DaCosta

Starring

Brie Larson, Iman Vellani

Genre

Action, Adventure

The Beanie Bubble

Production

Apple Studios

Director

Kristin Gore, Damian Kulash

Starring

Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks

Genre Comedy, Drama

Medusa Deluxe

Production

BBC Film Director

Thomas Hardiman

Starring

Clare Perkins, Kayla Meikle

Genre

Mystery & thriller

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Production

Nickelodeon Movies

Director

Jeff Rowe

Starring

Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr.

Genre Action, Adventure

Gran Turismo

Production

Columbia Pictures

Director

Neill Blomkamp

Starring

Archie Madekwe, David Harbour

Genre Action, Adventure

Heart of Stone

Production

Skydance Media Director

Tom Harper

Starring

Gal Gadot, Jamie

Dornan, Alia Bhatt

Genre

Action, Thriller

Blue Beetle

Production

DC Studios

Director

Angel Manuel Soto

Starring

Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine

Genre Action, Adventure

Strays

Production

Apelles Entert.

Director

Ben Wheatley

Starring

Jason Statham, Jing Wu

Genre Action, Adventure

Production

Universal Pictures

Director

Josh Greenbaum

Starring Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx,

Genre

Adventure, Comedy

Jailer

Production

Sun Pictures Director

Nelson Dilipkumar

Starring

Rajinikanth, Shiva Rajkumar

Genre

Action, Drama

Bhola Shankar

Production

AK Entertainments Director

Meher Ramesh

Starring

Chiranjeevi

Tamannaah

Genre

Action

Animal

Production

Viacom18 Studios Director

Amit Rai

Starring

Akshay Kumar

Pankaj Tripathi

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Rocky Aur Rani Kii

Prem Kahaani

Production

Dharma Productions Director

Karan Johar

Starring

Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt

Genre

Karan Johar

Production

Puri Connects Director

Puri Jagannadh

Starring

Vijay Deverakonda

Pooja Hegde

Genre Action

Production

T-Series Director

Sandeep R Vanga

Starring

Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika

Mandanna

Genre

Action, Thriller

Production

Zee Studios Director

Anil Sharma

Starring

Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel

Genre

Drama

Production

JA Entertainment Director

Arun Gopalan

Starring

John Abraham

Genre Action