Ian Sutherland joins AHL Entertainment in Digital Content
Ian Sutherland will join AHL Entertainment, in the newly created position of General Manager, Digital Content. Sutherland’s role will be to develop avenues for content distribution beyond cinematic releases.
“We want to drive a new business model of alternative entertainment that’s non-theatrical,” Seargeant told Encore. “We’re looking at what the customers like. It’s a trial phase but obviously you have to look at what the audiences want.”
AHL Group Managing Director, David Seargeant said in a statement, “With a deep knowledge of theatrical distribution and production, Ian will in addition bring a high level of innovation and marketing and promotional flair to this exciting new role as we seek to open up and develop exciting new content that the digitalisation of our circuit has enabled.”
“We do some huge business in Germany with our circuit. In Europe it is so much bigger an event because it is live and the time zone is so close. We covered a few State of Origin games in 3D which was a primary driver. Everyone was in team colours it was a terrific atmosphere.” Says Seargeant.
“With Ian’s background he’s the ideal person given his incredible network across distribution and he’s a real go-getter so for him to hit up a new business stream for us, it’s a great fit,” said Seargeant.
“David Seargeant has a vision of where he sees AHL taking the alternative content area,” Sutherland told Encore. “I think it’s an exciting area due to the digital conversion across the cinemas, opening up a plethora of digital content. It’s a destination point for entertainment in general.”
Adding to that, Sutherland said in a statement, “Whilst first-release theatrical films are the backbone of the cinema business, the scope to develop new categories of entertainment content, using the digital platform, offers exciting growth opportunities.”
Prior to his appointment, Sutherland was developing film projects with director Robert Luketic (21, Legally Blonde, The Ugly Truth) as well as consulting on film releases and the annual Australian International Movie Convention (21 – 25 August). He was also Executive Vice President of the International Theatrical Distribution and Marketing for MGM. He remains a board member of the LA-based organisation, Australians in Film.
AHL Entertainment is the umbrella company for brands; Event Cinemas, Birch Caroll & Coyle, Greater Union, The State Theatre as well as Event Cinemas New Zealand and Cinestar Germany.
