HitFix [1], online destination for what’s new in entertainment, and NCM Media Networks [2], integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology, have announced a new strategic relationship that will bring exclusive entertainment news to the big screen in NCM’s FirstLook (advertising and sponsored) pre-show program, seen by over 700 million moviegoers every year.
[3]The new HitFix Big Story segment will feature 30 seconds of exclusive entertainment and pop culture news content in FirstLook each week, further enhancing the pre-show experience for patrons of NCM’s theater circuit partners.
In addition to the big screen, HitFix Big Story will also run on NCM’s FirstLook Sync mobile app. FirstLook Sync is the only app that syncs the cinema experience right to your phone, with enhanced content, special offers, games and more. Designed to sync with the cinema experience during the FirstLook pre-show presentation, FirstLook Sync also provides a courtesy message that reminds moviegoers to turn off their cell-phone prior to the start of the movie trailers.
“NCM and HitFix share a vision of creating high-quality, fun and engaging experiences for consumers, and combining the reach of NCM with HitFix’s existing digital and Out Of Home (OOH) distribution network further cements HitFix as ‘The Entertainment Authority, Everywhere’,” says Jen Sargent, HitFix co-founder and CEO.
“NCM is focused on adding interesting entertainment experiences to our network and media offerings, and HitFix is well positioned to help us further develop innovative content,” says Ken Venturi, executive vice-president and chief creative officer, NCM Media Networks. “FirstLook is all about bringing the moviegoer closer to what’s happening in entertainment, so breaking news from HitFix fits perfectly. We look forward to this collaboration and to working with such an innovative company in the online and mobile entertainment news space.”
The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom Events present cinema advertising and events across the nation’s largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. Regal Entertainment Group and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM’s theater advertising network covers 183 Designated Market Areas (49 of the top 50) and includes approximately 19,300 screens (over 18,400 digital). During 2012, approximately 710 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network is comprised of over 740 locations in 172 Designated Market Areas (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 41 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications
Co-founded by Jennifer Sargent and Gregory Ellwood, HitFix is the top destination for 18-34 year old consumers to discover what’s next in entertainment news and events. Reaching more than 100 million viewers per month through their video distribution channels, with upwards of 200 million monthly video streams, HitFix has what is believed to be the largest Out-of-Home distribution network of any entertainment news brand in the U.S..