About Us

What is the Cinema Exhibitors' Association?

The CEA represents the interests of around 90 per cent of UK cinema operators by number and market share. The CEA membership includes single screen/owner managed sites as well as the largest circuit and multiplex operators. This link takes you to the list of current CEA members.

What does the CEA do?

The CEA advocates on behalf of the UK cinema sector at international, national, regional and local level.

This includes lobbying and working with Government at all levels, with other sectors of the film industry, particularly distribution, as well as working with others to promote the value of cinema to the wider public. In addition we provide advice and support to individual members on interpreting and adhering to legislation and regulation, and in dealing with day to day operational issues as appropriate.  

To find out more about what we do, you can use this link to download the CEA Annual Report 2012.

As well as its national office, the CEA also has a number of regional branches. Here is a link to a list of the current regional branch contacts.

What are the benefits of joining the CEA?

By joining the CEA, you will ensure that your voice is heard in tackling some of the key challenges facing cinema exhibition today. You will add to the collective strength of the exhibition sector in pressing its case with Government on issues such as regulation.

You will be helped and supported in understanding and dealing with the wide range of legislation and regulation which impacts on your day to day operations, drawing not just on the expertise and advice of the CEA office, but also the wider CEA membership.

You will be able to benefit from generous discounts with key collecting societies such as Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and Video Performance Limited (VPL).

You will also be able to participate in marketing initiatives such as the current Orange 'national advertising spot' deal. All CEA members receive a share of the income from this.

How do I join?

If you would like to join, here is a link where you can download further information and an application form. Or, if you would like to discuss membership further, here is information on how you can contact us.

CEA centenary 2012

2012 sees the centenary of the Cinema Exhibitors' Association

Established as the Cinematographic Exhibitors' Association in 1912, for the last 100 years, the CEA has sought to represent the interests of the broad range of cinema operators in its relationship with Government, the wider industry and the public.

To commemorate this occasion, on 9 May 2012, the Association held a centenary lunch at the Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, London. Attended by over 250 members, colleagues and friends, the lunch was an opportunity to look back and celebrate the long history of the CEA.

More information, and pictures from the day, can be found here.