Chair Appointment of - Cinema First | Appointment of Chair - Saxton Bampfylde

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

                                                     CANDIDATE INFORMATION BRIEF

Appointment of
Chair
October 2018

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. The role
3. Person specification
4. Terms of appointment
5. How to apply

The core participants in Cinema First are the UK Cinema Association (UKCA), Film Distributors’
Association (FDA) and senior representatives of the member companies of both trade associations.
                                                                  Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

INTRODUCTION
Cinema First, whose purpose is the promotion and development of UK cinema going,
is preparing for the future and seeking a new, independent Chair. The appointee will
have the opportunity, working with the cinema industry, to realign the organisation’s
strategic focus, composition and structure.

Originally established in 1984 as the ‘All Industry Marketing for Cinema’ (AIM)
Committee, Cinema First is the unique generic forum that brings together film
distributors and cinema operators. It meets 8–10 times a year.

The core participants in Cinema First are the UK Cinema Association (UKCA), Film
Distributors’ Association (FDA) and senior representatives of the member companies
of both trade associations.

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

CINEMA FIRST
Cinema First derives its income from the sponsorship fees paid by its strategic brand partner,
currently BGL Group/Compare the Market, whose exclusive, high-profile ‘Meerkat Movies’
promotion offers 2-for-1 cinema going on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Cinema First’s current strategic focus is primarily as follows:

   •   Co-ordination, and related costs of managing and evaluating, the current brand
       partnership with comparethemarket.com;

   •   Investment to inspire the next generation of young cinemagoers (currently via the
       charity, Into Film);

   •   Investment to communicate anti-piracy/pro-copyright messages to film consumers (a
       strand of the industry’s multi-pronged strategy to combat film theft and copyright
       infringement, currently via the Industry Trust for IP Awareness); and

   •   Investment in the activities of its two constituent trade associations.

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

THE ROLE
Cinema First is now seeking outstanding candidates for the role of Independent Chair. The
Chair will undertake the following responsibilities:

   •   Lead and chair Cinema First to enable it to fulfil its purpose and potential;

   •   Take a leading role in determining the strategic focus of Cinema First going forward, and
       the composition and structure of Cinema First itself;

   •   Ensure effective communication with Cinema First’s joint shareholders (UKCA and FDA)
       and, as appropriate, wider stakeholders;

   •   Prepare and run Cinema First meetings effectively and tactfully, ensuring that the
       agenda and accurate information are circulated in a timely manner, that business is
       dealt with efficiently;

   •   Act as a champion and spokesperson for Cinema First as appropriate; and

   •   Contribute to finding a successor before the term of office finishes.

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

   •   A sophisticated understanding of the importance of effective governance;

   •   A strong and relevant network in business, government and/or other relevant sectors,
       and the ability to act as an ambassador and advocate for Cinema First with a diverse
       range of stake-holders;

   •   Substantial knowledge and experience at a very senior level in one or more of the
       following areas: the creative industries, media, film, TV, animation, games and/or
       consumer engagement; and

   •   Have the time and commitment to undertake the role while retaining some other
       involvement in business or public life.

Candidates will demonstrate the following personal qualities:

   •   Supportive of, and invested in, the long-term commercial, social and cultural benefits of
       UK cinema going;

   •   A strong and empathetic leader;

   •   A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;

   •   High-level interpersonal, diplomatic and listening skills;

   •   Personal authority, the gravitas and standing to command respect and build
       constructive relationships with a wide range of individuals;

   •   Unquestionable integrity;

   •   A balanced and measured approach in facilitating decision-making;

   •   Able to influence, persuade and communicate effectively and confidently;

   •   Able to challenge and criticise constructively within a group of senior executives from
       across the sector, willing to collaborate constructively in this forum;

   •   Excellent oral and written communication skills;

   •   Financial literacy; and

   •   Fine analytical skills with the ability to see the key points through a plethora of
       sometimes conflicting information.

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The post is offered at a fee of £25,000 per annum plus expenses.

A workload of approximately two days per month is anticipated.

The post is offered for an initial period of 12 months, starting in January 2019. It may be
extended by mutual consent to a full term of four years. A Chair may serve no more than eight
years in all.

Cinema First has no employees. A full-time consultant is retained as Director of Marketing and
Sponsorship with the principal task of co-ordinating the current strategic brand partnership
with comparethemarket.com.

The Chair will liaise regularly with this consultant as well as the CEOs of the constituent trade
bodies (and joint shareholders in Cinema First), UKCA and FDA.

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

HOW TO APPLY
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Cinema First on this
appointment.

Candidates should apply for this role through our website at Candidates should apply for
this role through our website at www.saxbam.com/appointments using code HACAPA.

Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 26 November 2018.

Cinema First | Appointment of Chair

Saxton Bampfylde
LONDON
9 Savoy Street
London WC2E 7EG

EDINBURGH
46 Melville Street
Edinburgh EH3 7HF

saxbam.com

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