Are you tired of your marketing budget disappearing into the depths of Meta and Google Advertising? Do audiences scroll past your message in a competitive attention marketplace?
The NICE Ad Network brings back the magic of a big-screen promotion—and supports Canadian small businesses at the same time! Email Sonya at sonya@nicecinema.ca to learn more.
Proven results: NFB’s success story
This April, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) reached 141,894 engaged viewers across 3,530 showtimes in independent cinemas nationwide through the NICE Ad Network.
“The process was seamless, the team was fantastic, and the results spoke for themselves,” says Melissa Wheeler, Director of Marketing at NFB. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see audiences discover and connect with these stories on the big screen.”
Two campaigns ran in 24 cinemas from coast to coast to coast: One campaign promoted the NFB’s legendary animation offerings, and the other supported their library of stories featuring strong women—just in time for International Women’s Day.
“Sharing powerful Canadian and Indigenous stories is at the heart of what we do,” adds Wheeler. “As Friends of the NICE Network since 2022, placing ads in member cinemas has allowed us to reach audiences who are passionate about these films—while also supporting the theatres that bring them to life.”
NFB titles are proudly Canadian and a perfect fit for curious movie-lovers. NICE members were proud to support and share this free resource for audiences who want to explore the NFB’s extensive catalogue.
Why the NICE Ad Network works
Do you have a message you’d like to bring to the captive audiences of Canadian independent cinemas? Reach engaged viewers in communities large and small with the NICE Ad Network.
Zero ad avoidance: Once the lights dim, your audience settles in and watches. No skipping, no scrolling, no distractions—just your message on the big screen with surround sound impact.
Community trust: Independent cinemas are local institutions, hosting celebrations and fundraisers. Their audiences trust them, and that trust extends to the content they choose to show.
Quality attention: Unlike commercial multiplexes, independent cinemas curate thoughtful and short pre-shows that reflect their community. Audiences appreciate this curation—and don’t arrive 20 minutes after the stated showtime to avoid an expected ad reel!
Recession-proof reach: Movies remain one of Canada’s most accessible cultural experiences, attracting diverse audiences even in tough economic times. In fact, “over the last eight recessions, box office has increased six times and admissions have gone up five times” (Variety).
Interested in learning more? Email Sonya at sonya@nicecinema.ca.
Feature image from Torill Kove’s Maybe Elephants (Mikrofilm/NFB, 2024).
