HMV Curzon
We learnt some time ago that HMV and Curzon Artificial Eye, operator of the Curzon Cinemas chain and an arthouse film distributor, were collaborating to bring quality cinema to the heart of local communities via selected HMV stores. Now their project is reality: the first hmvcurzon cinema - complete with a bar! – opened to the public on October 23rd in Wimbledon.
Tellingly, the opening schedule includes The Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus but also Palme d’Or winner The White Ribbon by infamous Austrian helmer Michael Haneke.
The men behind this groundbreaking partnership are Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon Artificial Eye since 2006, and Simon Fox, CEO of HMV Group. They share a passion for cinema and entertainment and the sheer desire to offer something new to their loyal audience. Let’s find out more.
It is curious that such an ambitious project comes to reality in times of recession. Is this a way to react to the credit crunch?
SF: Actually the crunch has little to do with it. This is a new consumer proposition we wanted to offer. We want to bring good cinema back to the high street, give the audience a high quality film experience.
PK: The crunch did not touch us, since cinema is almost recession-proof. At times of difficulty people seek to escape, or to share emotional experiences. Film offers this kind of escapism. At the same time, going to the movies is cheaper than a football match ticket or than eating out.
Is your ideal audience made of up film buffs or everyday people with a discerning taste in film?
PK: We’re not just offering arthouse films but also Hollywood blockbusters. The reason for this is that many people love both kinds of film, and there is nothing wrong with it. So far there wasn’t an offer that covers both though. That’s where we come in. Moreover, technology now disseminates information more quickly, so we can reach a broader audience and give them more.
The hmvcurzon will also screen operas and musical films. Have you thought of including live music in the schedule?
SF: We’ll use digital technology to bring the world of opera to our screens. But our group also owns live music venues such as the Hammersmith Apollo, so we are thinking of having live gigs together with film screenings. Yes, we look forward to it.
What do you think you can bring to the entertainment industry, and what has it brought to you on a personal level?
PK: I left the film industry 20 years ago to work in finance, but then I came back to it five years ago. When film is in your heart first, it will never go out, it will lead you again towards it. Film industry is so fulfilling.
SF: all of us at HMV are passionate about music, film, games - and there is no better way to explain this passion than attending live music events and going to the cinema. That’s what moves us.
Good luck to the Wimbledon hmvcurzon, hoping that this experiment will spawn more cinemas across the UK. More information at www.hmvcurzon.com.
