Cineplex and Autism Speaks to offer Sensory Friendly Screenings
Program begins on February 14 in select theaters
TORONTO, ON – February 9, 2015 – Cineplex Entertainment today announced plans to offer a schedule of Sensory Friendly Screenings – 2D projection, increased auditorium lighting, lower volume and smaller crowds – at select theatres across Canada.
The program, developed in concert with Autism Speaks Canada, provides an opportunity for individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to enjoy new releases in a relaxed environment.
“Our goal is to make movie-going accessible to as many Canadians as possible,” said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. “This partnership with Autism Speaks Canada provides an opportunity to see the latest family movies in a comfortable environment, at a reduced price.”
In addition to showing films in 2D, with increased house lighting and lower speaker volumes, theatres will provide a nearby calm zone for families who want a break from the screening. These screenings will take place during off-peak times, before theatres open to the general public. Families will also be able to bring outside food into auditoriums to accommodate dietary restrictions.
The first Sensory Friendly Screening takes place on Saturday, February 14, 2015, with The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Sensory Friendly Screenings will run on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Titles and booking information will be announced on Cineplex.com up to two weeks in advance of each screening.
“We are proud to partner with Cineplex on the Sensory Friendly Screening program,” said Jill Farber, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada. “We congratulate Cineplex for its awareness of the unique needs of the ASD community and for providing families an opportunity to enjoy a movie together in an especially welcoming environment.”
Ticket prices for guests of all ages attending Sensory Friendly Screenings will be the current child ticket price at the participating theatre.
Participating theatres include:
- Cineplex Cinemas Langley (Langley, BC)
- Cineplex Odeon Sunridge Spectrum Cinemas (Calgary, AB)
- Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas (Edmonton, AB)
- Cineplex Odeon Centre Cinemas (Saskatoon, SK)
- SilverCity St. Vital Cinemas and XSCAPE Entertainment Centre (Winnipeg, MB)
- SilverCity London Cinemas (London, ON)
- Galaxy Cinemas Waterloo (Waterloo, ON)
- Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)
- Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan (Vaughan, ON)
- Cineplex Odeon Morningside Cinemas (Scarborough, ON)
- Cineplex Odeon South Keys Cinemas (Ottawa, ON)
- Scotiabank Theatre Halifax (Halifax, NS)
For more information on Sensory Friendly Screenings, visit Cineplex.com/SensoryFriendly.
About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a general term used to describe a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioural challenges, as well as repetitive behaviours. Autism affects individuals across the spectrum and along the lifespan. An estimated one in 68 children is on the autism spectrum which is a 30 per cent increase since 2012.
About Cineplex
Cineplex Inc. (“Cineplex”) is one of Canada’s leading entertainment companies and operates one of the most modern and fully digitized motion picture theatre circuits in the world. A top-tier Canadian brand, Cineplex operates numerous businesses including theatrical exhibition, food services, gaming, alternative programming (Front Row Centre Events), Cineplex Media, Cineplex Digital Solutions, Cineplex Digital Networks, and the online sale of home entertainment content through CineplexStore.com and on apps embedded in various electronic devices. Cineplex is also a joint venture partner in SCENE – Canada’s largest entertainment loyalty program.
Cineplex is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and operates 160 theatres with 1,638 screens from coast to coast, serving approximately 77 million guests annually through the following theatre brands: Cineplex Odeon, SilverCity, Galaxy Cinemas, Scotiabank Theatres, Cineplex Cinemas and Cineplex VIP Cinemas. Cineplex also owns and operates the UltraAVX, Poptopia, and Outtakes brands. Cineplex trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CGX. More information is available at Cineplex.com.
Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception, Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada have invested over $200,000,000 into scientific research and services of which over $6,000,000 is committed towards leading Canadian autism research; building the capacity for services across the country; raising public awareness; collaborating with other organizations to advocate alongside the autism community. Autism Speaks Canada is committed to raising the funds necessary to improve lives today and transform lives tomorrow across the autism spectrum and lifespan. Through our 4 pillars of engagement we are involved from coast to coast with the autism community: Scientific Research, Family Services, Advocacy and Awareness. Our Walk Now for Autism Speaks events, family services grants and Light It Up Blue campaign are examples of Autism Speaks Canada’s annual programs. To learn more about Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.autismspeaks.ca or call the toll free number at 1-888-362-6227.
For information and interviews please contact:
Touchwood PR
P: 416-593-0777
E: press@touchwoodpr.com
Mike Langdon
Director, Communications Cineplex Entertainment
P: 416-323-6738
E: mike.langdon@cineplex.com
Carrie Habert
Director of Marketing Autism Speaks Canada
P: 416 362-6227
E: carriehabert@autismspeakscan.ca