The Team at Blackpool Makes it Work sat down with John Sullivan, the man behind the revolutionary new plans for The Backlot Cinema, the unique Multimedia Cinema, Conferencing and Entertainment centre at Houndshill Shopping Centre in the heart of Blackpool’s retail district, and to hear about how Blackpool was exactly the right sort of place to explore the future of cinema.
What is your background in cinema?
“I’ve had a lot of experience in developing cinemas in all corners of the globe over the past 30 years – such as Warner Village (now Vue) in the UK, CGV in South Korea (now the 5th biggest cinema chain in the world), TGV in Malaysia, muvi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and PVR in India.
“More recently, I’ve founded The Light Cinemas with my partner Keith Pullinger. The Light currently has 10 premium multiplex cinemas across the UK with more locations in the pipeline.”
Tell me about your involvement in the new deal between Blackpool Council and Backlot cinemas.
“The formation of Tower Cinemas, trading as MMC cinemas, came about very much as a result of my own personal initiative to explore what is possible for the future of cinemas alongside the collaborative and creative team at Blackpool Council.”
Why is this more than just a cinema?
“To understand the future of cinema, you have to look at what is at their core. The current cinema landscape is very challenging for a number of reasons, some of which predate the pandemic, but which have definitely been worsened by it. These include the rise of streaming services, content bottlenecks and delays, and the breakdown of studio / exhibitor relationships. In the post-pandemic world, it is unclear how much ongoing restrictions, nervous audiences and cash flow issues will impact the cinema industry across the world.
“The need to reinvent and adapt in the world of cinematic storytelling is clear and has been happening since the early 1900s – throughout eras such as the picture-house period, the golden age of Hollywood and the modern multiplexes of today – all of which have survived huge obstacles that affect their audiences and infrastructure, world wars, financial crises & pandemics.
“Now, the cinema market is becoming more than just a limited number of blockbuster films that are shown over 4-5 month long periods. We’re entering an era where the time taken between a film being produced and when we can see it on a personal platform of choice (e.g. TV, SmartPhone etc.) is becoming shorter and shorter. Customers are becoming hungrier for immersive experiences and the big question is what is the future of cinema? What is the next change that new technology will enable?
“That is what I am exploring with Backlot Cinemas. We’re making sure we’re not left behind in the changes that are coming but are responding and exploring the future in a way that makes cinema very relevant for its communities. And this will all be possible from Blackpool, with its long history as a global symbol of entertainment coupled with its open-minded embrace of progress.”
What exactly is planned for the development?
“This development is very much not just a cinema complex, in the way most people would think of it.
“The multi-media complex will have one very large, central, IMAX PLF (Premium Large Screen Format), set to be the largest in the North West. A staging area will enable a range of immersive live productions such as music or comedy.
“In addition, there will be a further 8 state-of-the-art digital screens, again with flexible seating to allow screens to double as conference venue spaces or more. The range of what can be shown will be hugely varied, including on-demand showings, back catalogues of older films, international releases, arts performances, sports matches and more. In terms of business use, the complex will have extensive virtual and in-person conference capabilities with 850 super luxury reclining seats, an 800-car capacity car-park and the addition of the Backlot Diner, a family friendly restaurant serving the community and the holidays makers alike.
“The Backlot Cinema can serve such a wide range of purposes other than just screenings – I’m intending for it to be used as everything from an incubator for film productions, live performances, esports tournaments, digital start-ups, and everything in between.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to harness booming sectors such as live-streamed gaming, which I’ve been involved with in South Korea, and that already has a strong following in the region. The Backlot is also an opportunity for all types of creativity in production, which can serve and inspire all those in the North West who are putting together films, apps and games in their garages, to develop their digital creativity into something bigger.
“As far as I know, there is nothing like the Backlot currently in the UK. This will be the UK’s first dedicated Backlot and will have the best visual and sound tech out there.”
Where does the name Backlot Cinema come from?
“The backlot of a film studio is at the heart of the film making process – it’s where the action really happens and where creativity is allowed to flourish. It seemed an entirely appropriate name for this thrilling entertainment hub which we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing to this vibrant town.”
Why Blackpool?
“Blackpool provided me with the opportunity to partner with a forward-thinking council in order to explore the demand for a more interactive future of cinema. The future-facing nature of Blackpool council was fundamental for this joint enterprise.
“The location is perfect – the Backlot forms a direct link between Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, straight through to the Houndshill development, and on to the Tower and illuminations. The centre’s unique conferencing broadcasting capabilities can act as a bridge to the Winter Gardens, which has recently undergone their own £28m redevelopment into a state-of-the- art facility, and will be the location of some the UK’s largest conferences, kick started by the Conservative Spring conference back in February earlier this year.
“Blackpool is a powerhouse that is waking up. It has beautiful beaches and architecture and is part of a new digital industry that the NW is becoming very strong in. Blackpool’s excellent digital infrastructure is vital and will be something that links in with what we’re doing.
“Blackpool is exactly the sort of economy I want to be part of with this investment and I believe that the digital add-ons and digital crowd opportunities from Backlot cinemas will make it very productive.”
What are the next steps?
“We’re very open to exploring further partnerships during this time with community groups, education, digital start-ups, esports teams, local football clubs, media businesses and more.
“The possibilities to stream in sports content, hold tournaments, multimedia training and business incubation are endless.”
