The 69th Australian International Movie Convention will be held at Jupiters Hotel & Casino on Queensland’s Gold Coast from October 12-16.
Executive Director of the AIMC, Michael Hawkins, says this annual event has become a must on the industry calendar for the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific region as it offers those in production, distribution, cinema exhibition and allied trades an unparalleled opportunity to come together as an industry.
“The AIMC always seeks to build a strong and diverse program which caters for all our delegates, whether they be independent or regional cinema operators, major circuits, distributors, producers looking to forge strategic alliances, or suppliers with innovative products and services to optimise the cinema-going experience”, says Hawkins.
“This year I know we will see some very strong product, ahead of what many have forecast as a strong box office year in late 2014/2015. We will be off to a good start as the AIMC Opening Night hosts the Australian Premiere of the Universal-distributed Working Title film ‘The Theory of Everything’”.
“Also, as a special supplementary initiative of the 2014 AIMC, we will present a Distribution Symposium at the end of the week to provide film students with the opportunity to hear about some of the challenges and opportunities relating to our industry, many of which they will need to consider as future industry participants”.
Here is an overview of AIMC 2014:
THE MOVIES
The major Hollywood distribution companies of Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Warner Bros. will present previews and footage from their product slated for late 2014 and 2015 release.
The Australian Independent Distributors Association (AIDA) will have product presentations and movie screenings throughout the four days of the convention, including Dan Gilroy’s crime drama, Nightcrawler, about a young man who stumbles upon the underground world of L.A. freelance crime journalism, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and Love is Strange, a drama starring John Lithgow, Alfred Molina and Marisa Tomei. AIDA member companies include Becker Film Group, Curious Film, Entertainment One Films, Icon Film Distributors, Madman Entertainment, Palace Films, Pinnacle Films, Potential Films, Sharmill Films, Studio Canal, Rialto Distribution and Umbrella Films.
Upcoming Australian movie, ‘Stalkher’, will feature in a special presentation by director, producer & star John Jarratt.
THE SPEAKERS
A wide range of current industry issues addressed by local and international experts are on the agenda for this year’s AIMC convention.
AIMC Executive Director Michael Hawkins says he is delighted to welcome John Fithian, CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) back to the convention this year to join a panel discussion titled ‘Future of Cinema’ which will also feature panellists from Dolby Laboratories, Christie Digital and Village Cinemas Australia.
Hawkins says this year’s program is full and diverse.
“There is something for everybody. Whether it is RealD presenting their recent research findings on 3D Trends in Australia or Christie Digital’s sessions Tomorrow’s Innovation Today and Future-Proofing the Sound Experience in your Theatre; or the IP Awareness Foundation sharing research on the way Australians watch movies, there will be much information to keep delegates abreast of current trends and future directions.”
“I am delighted to announce that the Natalie Miller Fellowship will deliver a presentation on inspiring the future female leaders of the screen industry. Plus Fan-Force.com will introduce a revolutionary platform that guarantees packed sessions – I’m expecting that one to be popular.”
THE BUSINESS
The Trade Show will be at capacity, with several new suppliers exhibiting alongside regular suppliers for delegates interested in expanding, refurbishing, converting or upgrading equipment to view the latest products and trends.
THE AWARDS
Various Industry recognition awards will be given at AIMC 2014, ranging from independent distributors recognising excellence in cinema operation, to highest grossing box office results for movies distributed in the previous 12 months, to peer-assessed awards for Excellence in Film Craft and Lifetime Achievement.
THE NETWORKING
AIMC delegates regularly provide feedback that the opportunity to network with colleagues, stakeholders and industry associates is an invaluable part of the convention experience. The Deluxe Network Bar will operate each evening after the close of the day’s official program. The Gala Convention Wrap function will provide an exciting finale to a busy week, with entertainment, dancing, fun and the presentation of some major industry achievement awards.
THE PARTNERS
AIMC Marketing and Sponsorships Manager, Christine Pitcher, says the support of many partner organisations makes the AIMC possible.
“Every contribution of funds, equipment and personnel contributes greatly to our ability to provide a world-class industry event that we are very proud to present”, says Pitcher.
“The Queensland Government provides support through various funding bodies including our Presenting Partner, Tourism and Events Queensland as well as Screen Queensland and the City of Gold Coast.”
“The conversion of the Jupiters Theatre is made possible through the support of the Hoyts Cinema Technology Group, Christie Digital, Deluxe Australia, RealD, Dolby Laboratories, Doremi, Dreamweavers, Harkness Screens and Jupiters Gold Coast. The quality presentations in the Jupiters Theatre are coordinated and managed by Event Technology Consulting”.
THE VENUE
Jupiters Hotel & Casino on Broadbeach Island, Gold Coast, provides a venue that allows delegates to easily move between the distributor screenings in the Jupiters Theatre, to the seminars and networking functions in the Pavilion Ballroom and the Trade Show and lunches in the Pavilion Marquee.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM
As a special initiative of AIMC 2014, we have teamed up with the Griffith Film School to present a Distribution Symposium on Friday 17 October. This will provide film students with the opportunity to participate in the event; learn first-hand of some of the strengths and weaknesses currently affecting the industry; and network with industry peers and executives.
To find out more, visit: http://www.movieconvention.com.au/