Meet Steve Davis - DCM's new Head of Exhibition

Digital Cinema Media (DCM) is delighted to introduce its new Head of Exhibition, Steve Davis. The role has been created especially to work with exhibitors nationwide to identify and drive the dynamic new commercial opportunities for cinemas following DCM’s digital transformation last year. Steve joins DCM from out-of-home advertising specialist, Clear Channel, and will be bringing that experience to help us all maximise revenues. Over the next few months, Steve will be meeting many of you in person, but, in the meantime, DCM Close Up gets the lowdown from DCM's newest recruit.

What did you do before DCM?

I worked for Clear Channel (one of the UK's leading out-of-home media owners), working in a Business Development and Transformation capacity.

My successes included working closely with Sales, Operations and Finance to reposition Clear Channel Billboards to market leader within 18 months. This role involved dealing with many varying landlords in the public, private and corporate sector.

This was followed by a wider transformation role, working across all areas of the business, to drive new revenue, maximise profitability and improve processes for the organisation and its partners.

I also have a keen interest in Corporate Responsibility and the Environment, having coordinated the strategies for these areas for the UK business, which provided many benefits to the company and its partners.

Prior to Clear Channel I worked for other media organisations including Haymarket Media Group and Incisive Media. I have worked in media for my entire career to date.

What will you be doing at DCM and what will you bring to exhibitors?

I will be working closely with Rebecca Rau and David Prosser, who do a great job, alongside Richard Jones and Gary Harding, to support and grow our Independent Exhibitors.

My first job is to engage with our Exhibitors, in a hands-on approach and really get to know them and understand their business needs. Then working closely with Rob Tomalin, Head of Business Development, I will focus on how we can monetise this increased understanding of our portfolio and drive incremental revenue for our partners and DCM.

I will then be ensuring the Exhibition team devise a clear commercial strategy, working in partnership with our existing Exhibitors.

I also bring bucket loads of enthusiasm and passion, as I am a massive film fan.

What do you love about cinema?

The excitement. It’s the whole experience. It’s not just about the film (which is obviously a big part), but also the anticipation. It’s the getting there early to get a seat with leg room and the seat at the front, the popcorn, the massive screen, the trailers (I love the trailers) and creating memories. For example, for my 12^th birthday, I saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with my mates Mat, Simon and Gaz. My 14^th birthday was going to see Terminator 2 (which came out on my birthday - I was a tall 14 year old). Right the way through to taking my son to see Skyfall and seeing the same excitement in him.

What is your favourite movie?

Inception. The genius of Christopher Nolan. Closely followed by Annie Hall. I would love to see Nolan rework Alvy Singer, as he has done for Batman and Superman.

What is the most exciting thing about cinema at the moment?

The rapid pace the industry is moving is astounding. Although the digital switch over was only on 28 September 2012, the advances in supporting systems have already come a long way.

Most exciting for me is that the trip to your local cinema is dramatically changing. New initiatives such as alternative content and the introduction of bars are helping transform cinema into an experience, a destination and a venue. No longer is cinema just a screen. I’m really excited about how this can help grow the medium even further.

What opportunities do you see for cinema in the new digital age?

Alternative content and maximising the journey the cinemagoer travels on, as mentioned. Also getting bigger brands involved at a local level through the established client and agency relationships DCM already has in place.

How will you bring your experience in out-of-home advertising to the cinema environment?

I spent nine years working in out-of-home advertising, developing long-term partnerships with a wide variety of business types. I worked at every level within the organisation and built strong relationships internally and externally (with landlords, advertising clients and agencies). Understanding what the customer wants is key, be that agency, client or exhibitor.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I’m really excited about joining the industry, and DCM, at such a great time of change.