Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, the CEO of homegrown cinema chain Novo Cinemas, has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Council of CTC, the global cinema technology network.

The Middle East's largest movie chain, Novo Cinemas, has played a major role in creating the current environment for high-end cinema experiences.

It was the first to introduce Imax technology to the UAE at its Ibn Battuta Mall location besides launching a dedicated smartphone app and also had led the way with a pre-ordering service for its à la carte menu.

Welcoming Debbie to the council, Richard Mitchell of Harkness Screens, the president of CTC, said: "The newly created advisory council brings an additional wealth of knowledge and experience from some of the most respected global thought-leaders in our industry to our already highly skilled team of governors."

"Adding this additional level of expertise will help our team to create deliverables that will shape a better future for cinema and drive better outcomes from technology investments that affect the entire moviegoing experience, not just inside the auditorium," noted Mitchell.

On the new role, Debbie said: "I am honoured to be a part of the advisory council. It’s important to continue to innovate and introduce exciting ideas and new ways to have cinematic experiences."

"It’s all about being up-to-date with technology in order to provide viewers new ways to view movies and cinema," she added.

Since 2014, Novo Cinemas said it has been a pioneering entertainment choice offering visitors an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Bringing more than movies to the big screen, the homegrown cinema chain is committed to providing every community a mix of bespoke entertainment options across a variety of viewing platforms including its indulgent 7-Star VIP theatres, action packed MX4D screens and the largest Imax with Laser in the UAE and Mena region, said the company statement.

There are currently 158 screens across the GCC, ongoing expansion will see our numbers grow to over to 220 screens in more than 20 cinemas in four markets by 2019, it added.-TradeArabia News Service