Auckland’s Academy Cinema sold!

Auckland’s Academy Cinema sold!

Film distributor John Davies of Arkles Entertainment today announced his purchase of Auckland’s Academy Cinema.

Mark Croft who had successfully owned and managed the business for five years after his purchase from film industry icon John Hart has sold the cinema to focus full time on the distribution of American major studio 20th Century Fox.

Davies has bought the cinema in partnership with Berletta Investments Ltd and Gina Dellabarca of Star Publicity, all of whom have worked together over many years in the entertainment industry.

Davies will take over as Managing Director of the Academy Cinema on the 1st of December, 2005 with Dellabarca as Operations Director.

Davies says, “We will be working hard to maintain the Academy’s existing clientele by continuing to provide them with the best art house films, great service and a comfortable classy environment. We’ll also have some new developments including the introduction of some additional screening times to give space for more alternate and special programming. As part of this you’ll see exciting new developments with the delivery of kiwi digital films in the cinema environment. Watch this space!”

Croft says, “The Academy, being Auckland’s only true art-house destination, requires special handling and so it was logical that John take over the Management of the business. John will bring a fresh approach and new ideas but will keep the cinema true to its position in the market by continuing to offering that unique cinema experience that audiences have grown to expect from the Academy”

Assisting in the first goal of giving the Academy’s customers the best of environments, the purchase coincides with an Auckland City Council plan to upgrade the City Library entrance. Part of the redevelopment will include a re-vamped entrance way to the Academy Cinema with enhanced and modern light box style signage.

The Academy Cinema has a 210-seat main auditorium with a 16-seat digital auditorium known as the Encore where popular main screen films live on, sometimes for years. The box-office success “Gloomy Sunday” is now in its fifth year in the Encore.

The Academy has been extensively refurbished recently with comfortable seats and furnishings. Patrons can relax and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine during the latest art house films.

The Academy Cinema is and will continue to be Auckland’s home of quality art house cinema.

http://www.academy-cinema.co.nz – http://www.arklesentertainment.com

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