The Financial Importance of Movie Theaters to Their Local Areas

In a significant development for the UK's cultural landscape, a study funded by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) has revealed that UK cinema-goers, on average, are willing to pay £18 annually to ensure their local cinema's continued existence.

The study, titled 'Measuring the economic value of cinema venues', conducted by six cinemas in various locations, found that people are willing to pay an annual amount to keep their local cinema operating, regardless of the cinema's type. This finding underscores the importance of cinemas in local communities and their role in revitalizing and sustaining towns and high streets.

The study also captures the 'non-market benefits' of cinema, the value that cinema users place on cinema venues over and above the value of films they pay to watch. This includes the range of activities beyond showing mainstream films, such as independent and world cinema, screenings for specific groups, educational activities, community spaces, and social events.

Notably, the positive and significant willingness-to-pay for 'cold-spot' cinemas is important to note. These cinemas, often located in rural areas or smaller towns, play a crucial role in providing cultural provision to communities across the UK. Their closure would significantly impact local businesses and cultural offerings.

Rishi Coupland, Director of Research and Industry Innovation at the British Film Institute, and Hasan Bakhshi, Director at the Creative PEC, led the research. The study reinforces the idea that cinemas can be a powerful tool for community revitalization and cultural preservation.

While the study provides an average willingness-to-pay figure, it is important to note that no specific survey or study data indicate a specific average willingness-to-pay amount by cinema users aimed at supporting their local cinema’s continued existence. A dedicated research or survey might be required to obtain a more precise figure.

As the 2025 Spending Review discussions around the creative industries unfold, this study offers valuable insights into the economic and social importance of cinemas in the UK. Moreover, the co-location of the Creative Industries with other industrial strategy priority sectors is being explored, further emphasizing the significance of the creative sector in the UK's economy.

Meanwhile, other studies are focusing on related aspects of the creative industries. For instance, Dr Ruoxi Wang, University of Sheffield, and Bernard Hay, Head of Policy at Creative PEC, are studying the self-employed workforce in the creative industries in England and Wales. Professor Dave O'Brien, University of Manchester, Dr Peter Campbell, University of Liverpool, and others are investigating class inequalities in film funding, while Professor Nick Wilson is focusing on the Equity Gap in Britain's Creative Industries.

In the broader context, the festival economy of the Mahakumbh Mela, India, 2025, is worth GBP 280 Billion in trade, showcasing the global significance of festivals and cultural events.

In conclusion, while the exact annual willingness-to-pay average is not currently available, the study provides valuable insights into the economic and social importance of cinemas in the UK. As the creative industries continue to evolve, these findings could play a crucial role in shaping policies and investments aimed at supporting and strengthening the sector.

The study conducted by Rishi Coupland and Hasan Bakhshi reveals that UK cinema-goers are willing to pay an annual £18 on average to preserve their local cinemas.
The study, 'Measuring the economic value of cinema venues', highlights the importance of cinemas in local communities and their role in revitalizing and sustaining towns and high streets.
The findings underscore the value of cinema venues beyond the value of films, encompassing various activities like independent and world cinema, educational activities, and social events.
Notably, the study reveals a strong willingness-to-pay for 'cold-spot' cinemas, which play a pivotal role in providing cultural provisions in rural areas and small towns.
The study reinforces the idea that cinemas can be a powerful tool for community revitalization and cultural preservation.
The study offers valuable insights into the economic and social importance of cinemas as discussions around the creative industries' 2025 Spending Review unfold.
Co-location of the Creative Industries with other industrial strategy priority sectors is being explored, emphasizing the significance of the creative sector in the UK's economy.
Other studies are focusing on related aspects of the creative industries, such as Dr Ruoxi Wang and Bernard Hay's investigation into the self-employed workforce in the creative industries in England and Wales.
Professors Dave O'Brien, Peter Campbell, and others are examining class inequalities in film funding, while Professor Nick Wilson is studying the Equity Gap in Britain's Creative Industries.
The festival economy of the Mahakumbh Mela, India, 2025, is worth GBP 280 Billion in trade, demonstrating the global significance of festivals and cultural events.
In conclusion, while the exact annual willingness-to-pay average is not available, the study provides valuable insights into the economic and social importance of cinemas in the UK.
As the creative industries evolve, these findings could shape policies and investments aimed at supporting and strengthening the sector.
The research and innovation in the creative industries can also have implications for personal finance, home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, books, and numerous other fields.
Considering the influence of the creative sector on the lifestyle, industries, finance, and business, it is essential to continue investing in research and development to sustain and grow this significant part of the UK's economy.