Cinema surpasses DVD sales in US - To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the death of cinema have been greatly exagerrated, a fact underlined in a report from the Wall Street Journal. Quoting Adams Media Research, the WSJ reports that US cinemas sales have overtaken DVD for the first time since 2002.

In shrugging off the global economic downturn and now fighting back the inroads from home entertainment, the exhibition business has proved once again that audiences want to experience films first at the cinema. For independent cinemas, focussing on customer service, presentation and connecting with their local communities, this is a trend that has seen 2010 open with a bang as audiences vote with their feet and head to see Summer holiday films at their local ICAA cinema.

Fair Work, Modern Award Sytem now in place - If you're a cinema operator in Australia you are now operating under the new Fair Work system. For members looking for more detail on the the implications of the Modern Award and the impact on cinemas, log in to see information and comments on our 'industrial relations' board.

ICAA Conference 2010 - Save the dates - Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th of March in Melbourne. Save the date in your diaries. Draft program and travel and accomodation packages will be posted in the New Year

Record audience attendences but keep an eye out for film theft. - Neil Gane from AFACT has congratulated ICAA members for their support in combating film theft and has suggested a number of ways that member cinemas can be more pro-active in ensuring that your location can heighten security against film theft. For more information log in and see the "AFACT" section of the site.

IPAF completes 'cinemas' education unit - Working at the suggestion of indpendent cinema operators, the Intellectual Property Awareness Foundation have complete a specialist cinemas unit that will begin rolling out over the next few months. Click on the "combat film piracy" link for more information.