Cineworld
In 2008, we were chosen by Cineworld to re-develop their entire online sales and marketing channel.
The website is a flagship for the Cineworld brand (being the primary advance booking sales channel). It also delivers real-time performance information that is synchronised across all 77 of Cineworld’s cinemas in real-time.
We designed and built a Java solution that integrates with both internal legacy systems, external third party systems, and suppliers. The solution included the provision of a bespoke Content Management and Administration system to allow Cineworld’s internal teams to leverage marketing and commercial opportunities faster and with greater ease.
Third Party Integration
We were able to add the following systems to our ever-growing list of integration points:
- Clarity Commerce
- Arcot
- BT Buynet
- BBC Customer Publishing
- QuickAddress
Hosting Environment
Our Technical Consultancy team facilitated and managed a six-way ISP tender process to help Cineworld significantly reduce their ongoing hosting costs and select a supplier who could meet increasingly demanding online traffic levels. Subsequently, we worked with Cineworld’s IT team and Carrenza (Cineworld’s chosen ISP) to design a virtualised Unified Computing System solution that could support high-volume traffic surges without service-interruption.
The final supporting application and architecture sustains the high level of scalability demanded by Cineworld’s business objectives, and has been load tested to serve over 500,000 visitors per day.
Going Live
The first phase of the project took eleven months to complete from initial design specification to launch in November 2008. As well as providing day-to-day application support services, we continue to work with Cineworld’s Marketing, IT and Online teams to expand upon the existing functionality to ensure that Cineworld’s online applications are a market leader, both now and in the future.
Mobile Site
In September 2009, we completed and launched Cineworld’s mobile site.
The site is compatible with the majority of the leading smart phones, namely Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Google Android, Windows mobile, and Nokia’s Symbian OS
Just like the standard site, the mobile platform allow customers to browse film times and cinema details, read film synopses, and book tickets securely.
The site is simple, functional and integrates seamlessly into Cineworld’s existing website and back-office systems.
Developer API
In March 2010 we launched an api portal to allow other developers access to Cineworld’s cinema, film and performance information to use in their own prototypes, blogs and mash-ups.
The information is supplied in JSON format and the widget is provided in HTML and Javascript formats. Developers can personalise the CSS used by the widget to make it fit the design of their site.
Facebook Application
The most recent addition to Cineworld’s online presence is the Facebook Application.
First launched in April 2010, the application allows users to view film information, book tickets and arrange cinema trips with friends.
User Consultation
The most exciting aspect of working with Cineworld is their focus on their clients.
When the booking process was redesigned, Wilson Fletcher performed user testing to inform their choices on design elements and style.
Our developers were able to attend the user interviews and it was interesting to connect the product that we produce with the people who actually use it.
Cineworld iPhone App
On the 14th July 2010, Cineworld became the only UK cinema chain to offer its customers film information from a dedicated iPhone application.
Designed and developed by Can Factory, and described as ‘the complete cinema package for your pocket’, the Cineworld application provides cinema-goers with quick and easy access to film content, alongside the ability to purchase tickets directly for Cineworld’s cinemas in the UK and Ireland.
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