MAM
Sathyam Cinemas to instal two Imax systems in multiplexes
MUMBAI: Canada’s Imax Corporation and Sathyam Cinemas has reached an agreement to install two Imax and MPX theatre systems at Sathyam Cinemas’ multiplexes in India. The deal is the third between Imax and Sathyam and marks the second time the exhibitor has doubled the number of Imax theatres it plans to open in the country.
Sathyam Cinemas now has a total of four Imax theatres scheduled to be installed in its multiplexes, with the first to open next year in Chennai, India and three more at locations to be announced. India remains one of Imax’s fastest growing markets, with eleven Imax theatres now scheduled to be open in the country by 2008, stated an official release.
“India is a vast market that holds a great deal of growth potential for Imax,” said Imax co-chairmen and co-CEOs Richard L Gelfond and Bradley J Wechlser. “We have been delighted with the success of the multiplex-based Imax theatres in this region and very pleased with exhibitor response to the Imax MPX value proposition. We are optimistic that Sathyam Cinemas doubling its commitment will fuel further interest and growth for Imax in India.”
“We want to offer moviegoers a compelling reason to visit Sathyam Cinemas and The Imax Experience has proven to accomplish this, serving as a significant draw for commercial exhibitors in India,” said Sathyam Cinemas MD Kiran Reddy. “Indian moviegoers are paying a premium ticket price for blockbusters in Imax’s format, and we’ve been very impressed with the recent films’ grosses in Hyderabad and Mumbai.”
Sathyam Cinemas’ first Imax theatre is anticipated to open in Chennai, India in March 2006 at one of the most heavily trafficked cinemas in the country, to be followed by another location that will open in Chennai in 2008. The other two Imax theatres will open in 2007 and 2008 at yet to be announced locations.
All of Sathyam Cinemas’ Imax theatres will be capable of playing Hollywood event films converted into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The Imax Experience, as well as original Imax productions in 2D and Imax 3D. The Imax MPX theatre system was specifically designed to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the Imax theatre business, by retrofitting an existing stadium seating auditorium or via an economical new build, the release added.
Brands
Faber-Castell India appoints Sunaina Haldar as director – marketing
With stints at Tata, SleepyCat and ADF Foods under her belt, Haldar is primed to redraw Faber-Castell’s brand story
MUMBAI: Faber-Castell India has poached Sunaina Haldar from ADF Foods, appointing her director – marketing as the German stationery brand looks to muscle up in a category that is rapidly reinventing itself around creativity and self-expression.
Haldar hit the ground running. “My first couple of weeks have been incredibly energising, understanding consumers, visiting markets, engaging with retailers and immersing myself into the world of Faber-Castell Group,” she said.
She arrives with considerable firepower. At ADF Foods, Haldar ran marketing across India and international markets for a portfolio spanning Ashoka, Aeroplane, Camel and ADF Soul. Before that, she was vice-president – marketing at direct-to-consumer mattress brand SleepyCat, where she helmed brand, content and performance marketing. Her résumé also includes a stint leading marketing, new product development and CRM for Tata SmartFoodz at Tata Consumer Products, no small proving ground.
Between corporate roles, Haldar also operated as a fractional CMO for early-stage startups, building marketing strategy and operational structures from scratch, a signal that she knows how to move fast with limited resources.
With 18 years straddling FMCG, D2C and the startup world, Haldar now takes the reins at a brand that has long owned the classroom but is clearly hungry for the living room. In a stationery market where the pencil has become a lifestyle statement, Faber-Castell has picked someone who knows exactly how to sell that story.
