Lions Festivals have announced that America’s largest cinema advertising network, National CineMedia (NCM), has been appointed as the official representatives in the USA.
Philip Thomas, CEO, Lions Festivals, said, “We have a network of representatives in 90 countries and as a global Festival the role that these representatives play within their own markets is essential to the whole creative community. We’re delighted to be able to welcome NCM to that team. Their knowledge and expertise, along with a passion for and understanding of what we do is second to none.”
As America’s Movie Network, NCM helps brands get in front of the movies that shape the national conversation. More than 700 million moviegoers annually enjoy NCM’s FirstLook pre-show, which showcases premium video content and advertising creative on 20,050 movie screens in 1,600 theaters in 187 Designated Market Areas® in the U.S. NCM Digital goes beyond the big screen, extending in-theater advertising campaigns into online and mobile marketing programs to reach entertainment audiences.
Cliff Marks, president of sales and marketing with NCM, said, “Some of the best creativity, innovation and storytelling in the world can be found on the big screen, and NCM as a company has always been dedicated to featuring the best of advertising alongside the best of Hollywood. As a leader in today’s evolving video media landscape, we are thrilled to have this chance to work with America’s creative community to help bring their work to the global stage of the Lions Festivals.”
NCM takes over from USA TODAY who have represented Lions Festivals for more than 10 years. Thomas said that he was incredibly grateful to USA TODAY for their loyalty and commitment, adding that they had been “instrumental in increasing awareness and participation from the USA as well as supporting and developing young creative talent in the region.”
NCM will take responsibility for the Young Lions Competitions, holding regional competitions to find the winning teams that will compete at Cannes Lions, as well as managing the jury nominations from the USA. Susan Lilley, who had served as Cannes Festival Manager for USA TODAY previously, will be joining NCM as Director, Cannes Partnership, based in its New York office.
Cannes Lions is the world’s leading celebration of creativity in communications and representatives act on behalf of the Festival in their respective countries, championing creativity by supporting creative agencies and clients to participate and succeed at the Festival. Further information can be found at www.canneslions.com.
