• Indie Cinema Mixer co-presented with US industry association Art House Convergence and supported by sponsors Christie Digital, Cinematronix, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Filmbot, Foodbuy Canada and Front Row Insurance
  
• NICE Ad Network: Advertise to captive audiences across Canada in independent cinemas, with advanced segmentation opportunities
  
• Indie Cinema Showreel: CONTINUE debuts new video with Tom Jackson English language voiceover, celebrating the magic of independent cinemas
  
• Indie Cinema Passport: New perk for NICE cinema staff, encouraging big-screen camaraderie across the country
  
• Discounts for NICE Members: Xenon lamps, building insurance and concessions
  
• NICE Animated Ident: Exhibitors across the country are identifying themselves as a “Proud member of NICE” with a pre-show animation by Johny B
  
• Industry Advocacy: NICE remains committed to advocating for its members, objecting to the practices of ‘zones’ and ‘clean runs,’ and supporting priorities related to alcohol sales, ratings and more

TORONTO, ON – Now in its third year, the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) is delighted to continue hosting its celebrated Indie Cinema Mixer at TIFF on Monday, September 9. This year, the Canadian industry body is partnering with US network Art House Convergence (AHC) to extend the celebration to exhibitors, distributors and partners across North America. 

“Independent cinemas defy isolation and monoculture; they beautify our main streets, forge new artistic directions and bring communities together,” says director of NICE, Sonya William. “Now in its third year, the Indie Cinema Mixer at TIFF is an unmissable industry event for resolutely independent people and partners who show movies on the big screen. This year, we’re excited to present the event with US network Art House Convergence and expand our reach across North America.”

The Indie Cinema Mixer is supported by partners across the industry: Global audio visual company Christie Digital with cinema technology provider Cinematronix, modern cinema website and ticketing platform Filmbot, insurance broker specializing in arts and entertainment Front Row Insurance with specialist commercial insurance company Ecclesiastical Insurance, and full service procurement partner Foodbuy Canada.

NICE Ad Network

With the launch of the NICE Ad Network, advertisers can easily and affordably bring their message to independent film exhibitors across the country. Learn more.

NICE members have unique programming and community remits that are tuned in to their audience. Many NICE members are the only arts and culture option in their community, and are destinations for their greater region. Ad campaigns can target markets based on geography, community size, programming approach and more.

Advertisers can reach an historically recession-proof audience with the NICE Ad Network: Over the last eight recessions, box office has increased six times and admissions have gone up five times. Moviegoing is one of the most affordable forms of art and culture. 

An in-seat captive cinema audience has very low ad avoidance. Before the film starts, advertisements can be shared in an exclusive pre-show window. The big screen and surround sound of the cinema experience make any pre-show video ad unmissable. 

Indie Cinema Showreel 

Toronto-based creative agency CONTINUE has produced a new video in both official languages, celebrating the magic of independent cinemas and using only footage supplied by NICE members.

The English language version of the showreel is voiced by iconic Canadian actor Tom Jackson (North of 60, Sullivan’s Crossing) and the French language version is voiced by Aude Renaud-Lorrain of Cinéma Public, also a NICE Board Member. The video features music by Castle If, the moniker of Toronto-based composer Jess Forrest. 

The showreel is produced by Brendan Ross and edited by Nathan Boone, both of whom are deeply embedded in their local indie cinema community.

“We’re proud supporters of independent cinema in Canada, so being able to shine a light on all of these incredible exhibitors and celebrate the power of cinema is a true honour for our team,” said Will Perkins, Creative Director at CONTINUE. “We’re so grateful to everyone who came together to help produce this video!”

NICE Indie Cinema Passport 

Sharing the independent cinema experience across Canada, the just-launched NICE Indie Cinema Passport is a fun staff perk encouraging audience crossover.

“This is a wonderful perk that NICE members can share with the movie-lovers on their team who will want to discover other cool cinemas across Canada,” says director of NICE, Sonya William. “The NICE Indie Cinema Passport will be especially fun to use when traveling; who doesn’t love a little indie cinema tourism? This is a great way to incentivize NICE members to meaningfully engage and share their love of film with each other.”

The NICE Indie Cinema Passport is inspired by the successful International Confederation of Art Cinemas (CICAE) card, which operates across over 2,400 cinemas.

Each participating venue receives one NICE Indie Cinema Passport in the mail. This card includes the name of the venue and the venue’s membership renewal date as expiry. Venues are encouraged to share the card amongst staff. Cardholders receive 1x free ticket to “regular screenings” at participating NICE venues. 

Using the power of a group to access discounts

NICE has been busy connecting with the vendors who serve independent cinemas in order to negotiate better pricing and preferred treatment as a group. 

This year, NICE has launched two group purchase programs: Insurance through Front Row Insurance and Ecclesiastical Insurance, and xenon lamps through Lighting Technologies International (LTI). 

In the coming months, NICE expects to launch a concessions group purchase program with Foodbuy Canada. 

Front Row Insurance has designed insurance solutions for NICE. Their commitment is to provide professional brokerage services which alleviate the challenges often experienced by cinema operators. Read more.

“Working with Front Row Insurance has been a dream, and it is clear that they have both a deep passion and understanding of the film world,” says director of NICE, Sonya William. 

With LTI, NICE members can access discounted lamps with free delivery including pre-paid duties at customs, extended warranty hours and one free filter kit ($125 value) on every first order. Read more.

“Behind every big-screen picture is a source of light,” says director of NICE, Sonya William. “We’re delighted to work with LTI to help independent cinemas access a better deal on this key component of film exhibition.”

Proud Member of NICE: Pre-show bumper

Earlier this year, NICE worked with Toronto-based animator Johny B. to create a short animated bumper for NICE members to include in their cinema pre-show. See the bumper.

Ongoing Advocacy

NICE is delighted to continue receiving interest in our March 2024 report: The State of Independent Film Exhibition in Canada. NICE remains resolute in its commitment to objecting to the restrictive policies of ‘zones’ and ‘clean runs’ which enormously impact our industry’s long-term viability. Read more.

More recently, NICE has published its open letter in support of allowing BC cinemas to sell alcohol. Read more. NICE also supports the team at the Revue Cinema who have masterfully created a vibrant and exciting venue. Read more.

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About the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE)

The Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) is an alliance of Canadian independent exhibitors offering curated film programming to public audiences. NICE acts as an industry body on behalf of and in the interest of Canadian independent film exhibitors, and facilitates a network for information and resource sharing. nicecinema.ca 

For more information, beautiful NICE venue photography and interview opportunities, contact Sonya William sonya@nicecinema.ca.