Companies nationwide are using “the Force” to build loyalty, and an Englewood-based company is cashing in.
Advertising firm National CineMedia has booked 500 private, corporate screenings of “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” through its CineMeetings division.
For the past five weeks, companies such as Microsoft and Monster.com have called to book private screenings, said CineMedia president and chief executive Kurt Hall. He said 40 percent of the screenings will include some type of corporate meeting in conjunction with the movie.
“A lot of corporations are using the movie to entertain clients, customers and employees,” Hall said. “As soon as the movie was booked into individual theaters, we started (offering private screening reservations).”
National CineMedia is owned by Regal Entertainment Group. The company was formed in March through the merger of Regal CineMedia and the National Cinema Network, the media advertising arm of AMC Entertainment Inc.
The combined company now provides cinema advertising and corporate services for more than 11,000 screens across the country.
CineMedia’s corporate screenings begin at midnight today and will continue into June.
Intrado Inc., a Longmont- based company that provides services for 911 systems, will host a screening Saturday morning for its 600 employees and their families. Stephanie Ravensdale, director of corporate programs and events, said she has booked private screenings through CineMedia for the “Harry Potter” films in recent years, but employees asked if she could schedule an event around the “Star Wars” prequel.
Intrado purchased a total of 900 tickets and has rented two screens at the Twin Peaks Theater in Longmont. Total cost for the event is $6,350 – $500 for the theaters and $6.50 for each ticket.
“This is a very easy and inexpensive thing to do for the payback you get from employees,” Ravensdale said. “Employees are just so happy about it and feel good about working here.”
Staff writer Kimberly S. Johnson can be reached at 303-820-1088 or kjohnson@denverpost.com.
Corporate movie draws
“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” with Jedi master Yoda, above, is a popular choice for corporate gatherings. Other popular choices:
“Harry Potter” series
“Lord of the Rings”
“Matrix” series
“Spider-Man” series
“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”
Source: Regal Entertainment
