Tim Richards, CEO of Vue International, shifted from law to cinema, founding a leading exhibition circuit in Europe. Recognised for his industry contributions, he has innovated Vue’s customer experience through AI and new seating designs while launching the independent film distribution brand, Vue Lumière. Despite challenges, Richards is optimistic about the future of cinema.
Tim Richards, founder and CEO of Vue International, transitioned from a successful Wall Street law career to cinema exhibition. He gained invaluable experience with international cinema ventures like UCI and CIC before founding Vue in 2000, which has expanded to operate cinemas across several European countries, becoming the UK’s top circuit by revenue and attendance.
In 2024, Richards was honoured by King Charles III as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and later became chair of the British Film Institute. Boxoffice Pro interviewed Richards before CinemaCon about Vue’s innovations, AI integration, and distribution ventures.
Richards began his journey in the film industry by responding to an ad for a studio position after his law career stagnated due to the 1990 recession. This led to multiple interviews with Paramount and Universal, after which he realised his passion for cinema exhibition as part of UCI’s global operations.
After a prosperous stint at Warner Bros. during the 1990s cinema boom, Richards decided to start his own company amid signs of Warner’s withdrawal from cinema, resulting in the founding of Vue. Leaving a high-profile studio role to open Vue was ambitious but rewarding, despite the industry’s instability.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vue endured significant challenges, including a complete cinema shutdown. Recovery varied by region: Germany rebounded strongly due to government support, while Italy’s slower recovery prompted substantial investment in film production and exhibition.
Richards observed the North American film market’s struggles but noted a resurgence in cinema refurbishments and audience spending, crediting companies like Cinemark for their resilience. Vue’s focus is on improving customer experiences in its cinemas.
Vue has modernised its theatres by integrating a new concession model and upgrading seating to include luxurious options like the Ultra Lux recliners. Additionally, Vue has begun exploring independent film distribution through its new brand, Vue Lumière, starting with the well-received Italian film C’è ancora domani.
Richards has advanced Vue’s use of AI in film programming over the past nine years, resulting in increased movie availability compared to competitors. He believes AI will significantly shape the future of cinema exhibition.
Going forward, Richards emphasises constant innovation and learning from industry players worldwide to enhance the exhibition experience, expressing optimism about the industry’s future and its potential for setting new benchmarks.
Tim Richards’ journey from law to cinema exhibition exemplifies significant transformation in the industry. Vue International’s growth highlights the importance of innovation, AI usage, and adaptability in recovering from market challenges. Despite the pandemic’s impact, Richards remains optimistic about the future of cinema, focusing on crafting premium customer experiences and engaging with independent film markets.
Original Source: www.boxofficepro.com