Sony Music Masterworks invests in the UK's #1 open air cinema The Luna Cinema

22 September 2021 - Press release

 

Sony Music Masterworks announced it has made an investment in The Luna Cinema, the UK's leading producer of open air, pop up and drive-in cinema experiences.

The Luna Cinema produces over 175 screenings each year spanning more than 65 of the most prestigious and sought-after locations in the UK including Royal Palaces, medieval castles, city centres, stunning gardens, and heritage sites. The experience boasts state-of-the-art technology including enormous HD screens and incredible sound systems ensuring the highest quality cinematic experience for attendees.

The Luna Cinema was founded in 2008 by George Wood with a showing of 'Some Like It Hot' at London's Dulwich Park and has grown exponentially to become the UK's largest producer of outdoor cinema, with capacities ranging from intimate premieres for 300 to blockbuster events for 3000.

Having safely and successfully operated through the turbulence of 2020, including launching the UK's largest ever drive-in cinema playing to over 150,000 cars, The Luna Cinema marked a huge milestone in 2021 welcoming its 1,000,000th audience member for an unforgettable night of cinema under the stars.

In addition to events, The Luna Cinema is a proud partner of numerous iconic film & TV properties including 'FriendsFest,' which has toured 20 cities nationwide over the past 5 years and is approaching 750,000 tickets sold to date.

Under the new agreement with Sony Music Masterworks, The Luna Cinema founder and MD George Wood will continue to lead the company and grow the business through an expanded range of events, venues, and experiences, working closely with Masterworks President Mark Cavell and Josh Lerman, Masterworks Senior Vice President of Business Development, who will both serve on the Board of Directors.

Mark Cavell, President of Sony Music Masterworks says: "We pleased to further expand Masterworks' presence in experiential entertainment through our relationship with The Luna Cinema. George and team are leaders in offering movie-goers exciting new settings to enjoy cinema, and we look forward to helping them grow their business both in the UK and internationally with both 'Cinema Under the Stars' and events like 'FriendsFest'." 

The Luna Cinema founder and MD, George Wood adds: "We are delighted to be joining the Sony Music family, and to work with Mark, Josh and the wider team to develop new experiences and events. Having established the Luna brand over many years, ensuring its position at the forefront of the event cinema industry, we're excited to build on our immersive experiences, expand into new markets, and develop new and exciting forms of out-of-home entertainment."

The relationship with The Luna Cinema is the latest in a series of recent partnerships and acquisitions Masterworks has made in the live space, continuing its growth as a multi-faceted worldwide entertainment business.

Recent investments include Seaview, a theatrical production company; Terrapin Station Entertainment, an artist management and production company; RoadCo Entertainment, a booking agency specializing in live events and attractions for viewers of all ages; Backyard Cinema, an experiential cinema event producer; GEA Live, a Holland-based agent and promoter at the forefront of conceptual live entertainment across Europe and beyond; Senbla, the acclaimed UK-based concert promotion and production company; and Raymond Gubbay Ltd. (RGL), the legendary music, dance & Christmas Light Trail promoter.