Ad Spending Up in Movie Theaters: CAC
Advertising in movie theaters is proving a bright spot at a time when spending on advertising has been pummeled in many other media.
Total cinema advertising industry revenues of Cinema Advertising Council members–which account for more than 82% of U.S. movie screens – grew by 5.8% to $571.42 million in 2008, compared to $540 million in 2007, according to the council.
Last year was the sixth consecutive year that cinema ad spending has increased. The increases have averaged 21.5% each year since the spending was first measured in 2002.
So who’s spending?
The top categories last year included, associations and causes, automotive, broadcast and cable television, consumer electronics, consumer packaged goods/health and beauty, credit cards, fashion, military, movie studios, retail, telecommunications and wireless.
“Marketers’ desire for engagement, impact and ROI is stronger than ever, and they are turning to cinema in increasing numbers,” said Dave Kupiec, president and chairman of the CAC. “Cinema is now a regular part of national, regional and local media buys—no longer just used primarily for campaign launches or special events—and in addition to spending increases, we are seeing a substantial rise in the number of national buyers as compared with previous years. Additionally, with the box office and admissions up in 2009, the strength of the medium has never been more evident.”
On-screen revenues accounted for more than 90% of total cinema advertising revenues. The rest is generated from off-screen promotions including, audio programming, sampling, special events and concession-based and lobby-based promotions.
Some 77% of total revenue is from national or regional advertisers, versus 23% from local sales.