HARKNESS SCREENS LAUNCHES INDUSTRY-FIRST ENGINEERED 2D/3D SCREEN FOR LASER PROJECTION.

SALERNO ROOM (PROMENADE LEVEL) AND BOOTH #104J, CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, USA – 8TH APRIL 2024 — Harkness Screens, one of the world’s premium cinema technology companies, has unveiled it’s brand new fifth generation 2D/3D screen technology, Hugo SR at CinemaCon 2024.

Whilst the adoption of all forms of laser projection in the cinema industry has been steadily increasing for a number of years, screen technology has been a step behind with existing 4th generation screens often retrofitted in to laser deployments to help create suitable solutions. That changes with Hugo SR.

The result of more than five years of research and development alongside projector manufacturers, educational institutes, global exhibition and the Hollywood community, Hugo SR has been designed to support and leverage the benefits of all types of laser projection including RGB. 

“Over the past few years we have seen the laser projection install base grow significantly across the globe.  Whilst laser projection has so many tangible benefits, our customers, wider exhibitors and partners have turned to us to provide a dedicated screen solution that can enable them to leverage the benefits of this new technology to its fullest including, higher contrast, HDR (high dynamic range) and WCG (wide colour gamut).  Hugo SR, is the first engineered screen designed specifically with laser projectors in mind.  With in-built characteristics that reduce visible speckle and improve contrast, Hugo SR provides exhibitors with a means to fully utilise laser projection technology creating even more compelling and captivating movie presentations,” explains Laurent Espitalier, CTO at Harkness Screens.

Embedded speckle reduction technology
Laser speckle, most visible with RGB projectors (but also present, although less visible with other projection technologies) has been a concern for exhibitors looking to leverage laser projection.  Hugo SR has been engineered to significantly reduce visible speckle by up to 30% compared to traditional high gain silver and white screen surfaces. 

The unique properties of Hugo SR allow exhibitors to deploy higher gain surfaces alongside RGB projectors without the requirement for expensive transducers whilst creating a level of assurance that laser speckle will not interfere with the viewing experience for the majority of movie-goers in the auditorium.

Superior Optical Engineering
The unique surface coating properties of Hugo SR help to improve contrast by up to 15% compared to traditional silver and white screens creating more vivid colours with blacker blacks and whiter whites.  Although a polarised 3D screen, the underlying technologies create a truly whiter surface which looks more similar to  Harkness’ industry leading white gain (Perlux HiWhite) screens on axis.  This optically whiter surface helps to diffuse visible hot-spotting and create the appearance of a more uniform finish from centre to edge.

“We’re excited to begin the roll-out of Hugo SR technology around the world,” explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO at Harkness Screens.  “Hugo SR creates a new technology platform for Harkness and a new industry standard for laser screens.  At Harkness, we continue to invest in research and development teams and are already working with our suppliers and partners developing further 2D and 3D screen technologies that already show signs of being able to virtually eliminate visible speckle whilst retaining the gain profiles exhibitors require in order to financially manage their shift from xenon-based projectors to laser.  We feel we’re on the cusp of something transformational for the entire industry” he concludes.

Harkness Screens will be showcasing Hugo SR throughout CinemaCon 2024 with live 2D and 3D demonstrations in the Salerno room (Promenade Level) with Harkness’ team available for meetings at the suite and also at booth #104J (Julius Ballroom).

Clarus XC continues to create superior movie-going experiences at CinemaCon 2024

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, USA, MARCH 21ST 2024 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cinemacon 2024, for the tenth successive year.

The show’s auditorium in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will feature a 21.64m x 9.44m (71’ x 31’) Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase both 2D and 3D content from major studio partners.

Designed to work with all polarised 3D systems and ideal for showcasing 2D content, Clarus XC screens create visibly superior deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture.

“We’re delighted to continue our long association with Cinemacon providing our Clarus XC technology for the tenth consecutive time to the Colosseum,” explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO at Harkness Screens. “Each year the Colosseum transforms into one of the most iconic movie theaters in the world and we’re extremely honoured that work alongside the CinemaCon team, our technology partners and studios to create this amazing space. After more than a decade as the screen of choice for movie conventions and premieres around the world, we’re delighted that our premium 4th generation 3D/2D screen technology (Clarus XC) continues to be recognised as the best in the industry for creating superior movie-going experiences.”

At its core, Clarus XC technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology which has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens. This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly wide viewing angles, improved color and contrast and better light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens. The screen also features Harkness’ NanolastTM coating technology which provides additional improvements in visual performance as well as added durability and Harkness’ proprietary 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to improve sound transmission in the spoken range, reduce moiré effect often seen in 4K projection and increase light reflectivity.

In addition to the showcase Clarus XC screen, Harkness will be unveiling a brand new fifth generation screen technology during CinemaCon 2024. A first of its kind engineered screen for laser projection, this new technology promises to wow visitors to the show and movie-goers around the world.

“Over the past five years, we’ve been working alongside projector manufacturers, exhibitors and the Hollywood community to develop a brand new 2D and 3D screen technology specifically engineered to meet the needs and challenges of laser projection. Following successful technology and customer trials and incredible feedback, we’ll be launching this new technology at the show,” says Mark Ashcroft.

This brand new laser screen technology has been designed to improve optical whiteness and contrast allowing exhibitors to take advantage of technical improvements in laser projectors such as HDR and WCG whilst reducing visible speckle by up to 30% (compared to traditional high gain screens).

Throughout the show there will be regular presentations and demonstrations of this new laser screen technology in the Salerno Room (Promenade Level).

About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC, Precision White, Nova and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools (Qalif), digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

Harkness Screens announces participation at Big Cine Expo 2023

Chennai, India - July 14, 2023 - Harkness Screens, the global leader in cinema screen technology, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Big Cine Expo, one of the most important trade events in the cinema industry. Taking place on August 8th and 9th in Chennai, this event will provide an opportunity for Harkness to highlight its cutting-edge screens and demonstrate its commitment to the Indian market.

Last year, Harkness proudly sponsored the Big Cine Expo, and this year the company is returning with an impressive team comprising members from its Indian office, the U.K. Innovation Centre, and Dublin Head Office. The team has been diligently preparing for this event and is eager to engage with industry professionals, cinema owners, and stakeholders.

With significant investments in the past year in Bangalore, India, Harkness has been focused on enhancing its operations in the region. Rinosh Raj, Head of Operations in India, stated, "We have made substantial investments in Bangalore, including comprehensive international and local training for all our colleagues and the addition of highly qualified business managers."

During the event, Harkness will showcase its state-of-the-art factory in Bangalore, which is responsible for manufacturing the screens. By utilizing Harkness' proprietary raw materials and technology, these screens are produced in India, ensuring cost competitiveness, faster delivery, and superior reliability compared to other options in the market.

Mark Ashcroft, CEO of Harkness, emphasized the significance of this exhibition and its alignment with Harkness' mission. "By offering new screens alongside the latest movie releases, we guarantee an exceptional movie-watching experience and a tangible monetary reward for cinema owners," said Ashcroft. Harkness' commitment to quality and innovation has made it the go-to choice for cinema screens worldwide, and the company aims to provide the same level of excellence to the Indian market.

Andrew Emmott, International Sales VP at Harkness, expressed his admiration for the trailblazers who have contributed to the company's success in India. "It's an honour to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Robinson, Sriram Sistla, and Preetham Daniel, who have paved the way for our presence in India, bringing the world's best quality cinema screens to the country," said Emmott. "I am determined to support the industry's incredible trajectory, and our team is here to listen and offer unwavering support."

We invite all industry professionals to visit Harkness at Booth #112 during the Big Cine Expo. Discover the future of cinema screens and experience the unrivaled quality that Harkness is renowned for. 

Harkness Screens Named Official Screen Provider To Cine Europe 2023

AMILLY, FRANCE –1ST JUNE 2023 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that it has once again partnered with the Film Expo Group to provide its leading Clarus XC technology for the convention.

A permanent fixture at Cine Europe since 2014, Clarus XC technology will be utilised to showcase all 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cine Europe 2023.

“We’re delighted to once again partner with our colleagues at Harkness Screens to bring the best-in-class screen technology to our attendees.  We know that the screens they provide help to deliver immersive experiences that leave our audiences wowed whilst also providing assurance to our studio partners that their content will be shown in the best possible way,” explains Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group.

The show’s auditorium inside the CCIB will feature a 26.35m x 7.5m Clarus XC 170 mini-perforated screen. Designed to work with all polarised 3D systems, Clarus XC 170 is regarded by exhibitors throughout Europe and across the world as the screen of choice for laser projection due to its speckle reduction properties that help to deliver perfect images.  Its unique coating technology creates ultra-wide viewing angles and a visibly whiter finish under projected light than traditional 3D screens creating richer colours, maintaining contrast and delivering a sharper picture.  Harkness’ unique mini-perforation pattern is designed to support the use of 4K projection and will assist in the CCIB projection delivering images clear of moiré. 

Custom made for Cine Europe at Harkness’ leading screen manufacturing facility in Amilly, France, the screens supplied to the show showcase a number of built-in technologies that enable Harkness’ screen to deliver improvements to the environmental impact of screens.  Since 2017, 100% of Harkness coated cinema screen technologies have been produced using water-based coatings, a move that has enabled Harkness to remove a significant proportion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from production and in turn pollutants from the atmosphere whilst ensuring Harkness’ surfaces including Clarus XC technology are the industry gold standard for fire safety when tested against BS EN 13501-1 and NFPA 701.

“We’re delighted to continue our long association with the biggest and best movie convention in Europe providing our Clarus XC technology to such an incredible venue,” explains Eric Martin, General Manager at Harkness Screens’ French Manufacturing facility (Demospec).   “Our team value the partnership with the Film Expo Group and it is an honour to be able to support our colleagues in distribution to showcase what promises to be an amazing slate that will undoubtedly help the industry continue its strong recovery.  We are also delighted to be able to utilise our proximity to the European market through our global manufacturing network to provide our screens to CineEurope with the lowest possible carbon footprint saving as much as 75% of CO2e emissions associated with transportation and logistics versus screens sourced outside of Europe,” he concludes.

For further information on Clarus XC screens, visit www.harkness-screens.com/clarus-xc

About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC, Precision White, Nova and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools (Qalif), digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema. 

 Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets.  For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

Walt Disney Company select Harkness Precision White Technology for Asia Pacific Showcase

SINGAPORE, 11TH JANUARY 2023 - A PWT (Precision White Technology) 140 screen from Harkness was the cinema screen of choice for entertainment giants The Walt Disney Company, at their recent APAC showcase event in Singapore.

Harkness’ 14.95m x 6.24m screen quite literally took centre stage at the star-studded Disney Content Showcase APAC 2022 event at the world-famous Marina Bay Sands, where The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific unveiled their slate of upcoming movies, series and new APAC titles for their Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar streaming services.

During the event, over 500 guests from across APAC were treated to a first look at numerous upcoming projects from Marvel, Disney, Walt Disney Animated Studios, Pixar, 20th Century Studios, Lucasfilm, Disney+, and Disney+ Hotstar.

Over 50 titles were announced at the event, including previews for the newly announced “Dragons of Wonderhatch”, as well as “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”, and “Star Wars: Visions Volume Two”.

The event concluded with a 30-minute screening of footage from “Avatar: The Way of Water”, “shown in the best possible format and screen”.

Harkness CEO Mark Ashcroft said: “We were delighted and honoured that Disney selected one of our screens for this prestigious event in a region which continues to be equally as significant for us.”

Harkness at CineAsia 2022

The Harkness team are attending CineAsia 2022 in Bangkok. The team are showcasing Harkness’ myHarkness platform at the Millenium Hilton and partnering with leading partner Goldenduck on the trade show floor (booth #115).

Harkness supplies screens to Roxy Dubai Mall

DUBAI, UAE, 5TH OCTOBER 2022. Harkness Screens is delighted to congratulate Roxy Cinemas on the opening of their the new cinema Roxy Dubai Hills Multiplex, a 15-screen complex, with screens supplied by Harkness.

 The complex includes a Roxy Xtreme 3D screen, a Spectral 240, at 28.59m x 15.54m one of the largest screens in the region. Spectral™ polarised 3D screens are a special ultra-high brightness screens that gives excellent performance with “passive” 3D applications using polarised light such as RealD. 

The large Spectral screen was supplied and installed by Scrabble, the integrators for the multiplex, who also installed the two Sharp/NEC NC3541L 4K 35,000 Lumen RB projectors needed to light the screen.

As well as installing the Sharp NEC projectors for all 15 screens, to ensure presentation quality is maintained in the Xtreme 3D screen, Scrabble also installed a Harkness Qalif Dual in to the auditorium to ensure the two images stay perfectly aligned.

About Roxy Cinemas

Launched in January 2017, Roxy Cinemas is a premium cinema concept located at City Walk, The Beach, Box Park, La Mer, Al Khawaneej Walk, and Dubai Hills Mall. Roxy Cinemas is part of the Dubai Holding Entertainment portfolio, one of the largest diversified entertainment groups in the region. With three key movie viewing experiences - Platinum, Gold and Silver - Roxy Cinemas offers a wide range of the latest blockbusters, art-house movies, documentaries, sporting events, special events and features in a luxe setting. Central locations, gourmet food and a chic ambience, make Roxy Cinemas the perfect cultural centrepiece of Dubai’s bustling communities. For more information visit  www.theroxycinemas.com

About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes and large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every yea, helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC, Precision White, Nova and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools (Qalif), digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema. 

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China, and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

About Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH

Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH is the leading global provider of professional and commercial visual technology and digital signage solutions. Owned jointly by Sharp Corporation and NEC Corporation, Sharp NEC Display Solutions offers one of the broadest visual solutions portfolios in the industry, innovating in LCD displays, lamp and laser projectors, dvLED, 8K and 5G technology, collaboration solutions, calibration tools, IoT and AI driven analytics.

Sharp NEC Display Solutions is a trusted name and a total solutions provider with strong ties to industry partners, and has a reputation for quality, reliability and industry-leading customer support, with a range of professional service offerings. Serving a wide variety of markets, the organisation’s expertise spans retail, enterprise, education, entertainment, transportation, energy and utility, and more.

As a manufacturer to the cinema industry, Sharp NEC offer cinema solutions including DCi certified projectors, digital signage for concessions and box office, as well as outdoor advertising solutions using LED and LFD technology. The range of Sharp NEC DCi certified projectors covers all screen sizes from small to over 30m in width. Sharp NEC offer NSH lamp projectors, laser phosphor and RB laser technology, ensuring a perfect image without image degradation on all screen surfaces. For more information visit www.sharpnecdisplays.eu

About Scrabble

Scrabble is a well-respected cinema integrator in the cinema industry globally,

with a strong presence in the Middle East. Offering a complete service to exhibitors from design through to installation and maintenance, Scrabble has built solid relations with exhibitors for more than a decade. Scrabble provides a high-quality technical team with extensive knowledge of the cinema industry, and excellent customer service. For more information visit. www.scrabbleentertainment.com

Harkness Screens Unveils New Collaborative Design and Specification Software Platform - myHarkness

CINE EUROPE, BARCELONA, SPAIN, 22ND JUNE 2022 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders has launched its brand new software platform for screen specification and design, myHarkness.

Designed with customer experience in mind, the myHarkness platform provides a cloud-based collaborative environment enabling users to seamlessly work alone or together as a team using a number of tools to create positive outcomes from cinema screen design and specification.

“myHarkness is the result of more than a decade of investment by Harkness into developing leading technology tools to support our global customers in driving better outcomes from their screen technology investments,” explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO, Harkness Screens. “myHarkness builds on those tools creating a cloud-based collaborative platform that will revolutionise the Harkness customer experience bringing them closer to our products and our expertise,” he adds.

Available on Windows, Android and iOS, the myHarkness cloud-based platform integrates Harkness’ leading software tools, myHarkness Calculator, Modeller and Planner into a unique workflow in enabling users to manage new build and refurbishment projects where screens are an important consideration.  

myHarkness Calculator
Quick and easy to use, the myHarkness Calculator calculates the capabilities of equipment choices and provides recommendations on projector, light source and screen choices based upon chosen screen size and maximum brightness levels for 2D and 3D.  It also calculates theoretical operating costs and shows how screen choice might reduce these dramatically.

myHarkness Modeller
The Modeller allows users to visualise and optimise digital cinema scenarios in a virtual 3D environment reviewing presentation quality from every seat in the auditorium. With in-depth analysis tools, the myHarkness Modeller helps users make more informed decisions about room geometry, seating, screen, projection and 3D technology choices before they’re even installed.

myHarkness Planner
The myHarkness Planner helps those specifying screens to reduce risk by carrying out complex calculations ahead of procuring screens.  From physical screen curvature and tilt through to specifying the physical sheet size, the myHarkness Planner is an ideal tool for ensuring that these key construction design elements and the actual screen specified are correct prior to the project, helping to prevent potentially costly on-site delays or mistakes from occurring.

The three utilities form a seamless workflow and through the myHarkness cloud-based data tools, project data created in one utility can be passed in to the next allowing for data to flow seamlessly through the project. 

Using leading cloud-based technologies, myHarkness allows for users to collaborate on projects together for the first time with Harkness’ leading tools allowing teams to work closely to define and optimise presentation and screen technology.  myHarkness also uses cloud technologies to allow users to access their data seamlessly on any device, anywhere with a uniform experience whether in a web browser or on an iPhone or Tablet.

“Over the past ten years, our first-generation apps have become the de facto industry tools for screen design and specification.  The myHarkness project has allowed us to re-build these tools from the ground up using the late technologies whilst encompassing all the feedback and ideas from our user community such as localisation, so these truly are the tools that the cinema industry needs and wants.  The myHarkness infrastructure provides us with a platform to develop a range of modules focused around education, commercial support and fulfilment that will provide our users and customers with a truly unique experience,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP myHarkness.

For further information visit www.harkness-screens.com/myHarkness

CinemaCon 2022 - Harkness Highlights

Clarus XC 170 - Screen of Choice for the Colosseum for the ninth successive year!

Once again taking centre stage in the Caesars Palace Colosseum is an 18.2m x 7.85m (71’ x 30.25’) Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase both 2D and 3D content projected on the latest RGB laser projectors. The big screen of choice for CinemaCon and studios around the world once again, Clarus XC 170.

Find out why by watching this exclusive video shot during CinemaCon 2022.

New Compact+ Packaging

The secret behind Compact+ is our innovative Smart Flex technology. An engineered hybrid nano/micro multi-flake structure combined with an advanced polymer matrix combines superb optical performance and fantastic flexibility for the very first time, allowing higher quality screens to be compactly packaged without creasing.

Currently available in high performance Compact White, and soon to be available - the superb Compact Silver – designed for the next generation of 3D movies. The Compact+ range is the first to offer ultra-wide viewing angles, best-in-class uniformity and superior colour and contrast with economical logistics, easier handling and environmental savings.

QALIF SPECTRO

Re-engineered from the ground up in a more ergonomic form factor the Qalif Spectro v3 is not only designed for use with all cinema projectors including Laser RGB, Laser Phosphor, Xenon, UHP Lamps but thanks to the new calibration capabilities and accessories attachment it allows measurement of Direct-View video walls, LED, computer monitors and lab experiments.

3D Solutions Portfolio

With enormous opportunities on the horizon to reboot 3D including the imminent release of Avatar 2, Harkness will be showcasing its entire range of 3D-ready screen technologies including Clarus XC, Spectral, Precision White and the recently launched high-gain Nova family.

Harkness Screens Welcomes Sriram Sistla back to its growing team in India.

Bangalore, India, 28th March 2022 - It is with great delight that Harkness welcomes back Sriram Sistla to its team in India as Sales Director. Sriram is well known and highly respected in the cinema industry and brings his experience and expertise back to Harkness’s customers.

Sriram joins an expanding India commercial team, with Rajesh Paktar (Director), Andrew Emmott (Associate Director Business Development) Subramaniam Muthu (Sales Support Manager), Gaganshree Muralidhara (Fulfilment Manager), Dhanraj Patil (Sales Executive) and Hawama Noor (Sales Support Executive). Harkness is currently recruiting additional staff to enhance its team and to continue its reputation for excellent customer support and partnership.

Harkness remains committed to its partners and customers in India and to continued innovation and excellence in terms of our product portfolio and customer service.

Our use of the highest quality European sourced raw materials, coupled with unique and innovative Harkness screen technologies, produced in India to the highest quality under Rinosh Raj (Head of Production India) ensures Harkness Screens remain leaders in the cinema industry.

Harkness Screens Supports BAFTA with Redevelopment

World-leading cinema screen manufacturer Harkness Screens has stepped up to help the world-renowned independent arts charity BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) redevelop its headquarters.

BAFTA’s headquarters have been redeveloped to double the building’s capacity and install state-of-the-art technology throughout. The project will also create an entire floor devoted to BAFTA’s learning and new talent programmes, enabling the charity to support more than 80,000 people to develop careers in the creative industries each year.

Harkness, which has a regional office in Stevenage, corporate headquarters in Dublin, and manufacturing plants in France, India, China and the USA, has donated two screens to BAFTA for two of its theatres at 195 Piccadilly, London.

The Harkness screens, both Mini Perforated, were a Matt Plus at 10.4m x 4.70m in the Princess Anne Theatre (pictured left), which has also been upgraded to a Dolby Theatre, and a High Contrast Grey Preview at 4.70m x 2.02m, in the Run Run Shaw Theatre (pictured right).

BAFTA’s head of property, Pauline Campbell, said: “Harkness have very kindly gifted two cinema screens to the redevelopment of our headquarters which will create some fabulous spaces to enable us to take to the next level our programme of support for newcomers to the creative industries.”

195 Piccadilly will be a creative centre for film, games and television and the central hub for BAFTA’s UK-wide, and global, learning and talent development programme. BAFTA works throughout the year to find and promote the next generation of talent and to break down the barriers that can make it hard to build careers in the creative industries. Visit www.bafta.org. 

About BAFTA

BAFTA is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726). 

Harkness Screens Issues New Simplified Pricing For Cinema Customers.

DUBLIN, IRELAND, 17TH JANUARY 2022 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in presentation quality has launched a new simplified pricing structure for its global cinema customers.

“Over the past two years we have seen our raw material prices and packaging costs increase significantly due to the pandemic and global supply chain issues explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO, Harkness Screens Group.  “We have supported the cinema industry throughout the pandemic by completely shielding our customers from these pricing pressures however, as we emerge from the pandemic, we do inevitably need to pass on some of these increases to our customers.”

Harkness’ new simplified global pricing structure introduces product family pricing for all screen products whilst standardising the cost of perforation choices. 

“Our new pricing structure reflects feedback from our customers around the world.  At our last major pricing structure review, our product portfolio consisted of just five screen surfaces.  Since then, our business has changed dramatically and as the needs of our customers have changed, so has our portfolio.  Today we have fifteen surfaces in our portfolio with more new products in our development pipeline for 2022,” Ashcroft explains.  “With the backdrop of increased raw material costs along with future plans, we felt it was the right time to carry out a review of our pricing structure removing many of the previous pricing complexities (including foreign exchange fluctuations) and perceived product barriers (such as differential pricing based on gain) to provide our customers with a simpler more accessible pricing structure going forward,” he adds.

Harkness’ new 2021 pricing structure will be communicated to customers over the coming days with prices effective from 17th January 2022.

“We remain committed to supporting our customers by providing them with the best value for the world’s leading cinema screen technologies.  We continue to seek methods for reducing the impact of raw material cost increases and where we are able to identify future cost savings, we aim to pass these on to our customers as quickly as possible.  To that end, we have committed to carrying out quarterly reviews of our pricing structure going forward,” Ashcroft concludes.


About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC, Precision White, Nova and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools (Qalif), digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema. 

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets.  For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

Clarus XC Entrusted To Deliver The Big Screen Experience At Cine Europe 2021.

CINE EUROPE, BARCELONA, 28TH SEPTEMBER 2021 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cine Europe 2021.

The show’s auditorium inside the CCIB will feature a 26.35m x 7.5m Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase both 2D and 3D content from distributors.

Designed to work with all polarised 3D systems and regarded as a screen of choice for polarised laser 3D presentation due to its speckle mitigation properties, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture.

“We’re delighted to continue our long association with the biggest and best movie convention in Europe providing our Clarus XC technology to such an incredible venue,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens. “Each year the Film Expos Group along with the team at Kelonik transform the auditorium within the CCIB into a state-of-the-art cinema for presentations, slate reels and special screenings showcasing the best cinematic content to our industry. At such a pivotal moment in the recovery for cinema, we’re honoured to see our technology once again performing such an important part in this first-class venue and we’re delighted to support colleagues in distribution to showcase what promises to be an amazing array of content throughout the remainder of 2021, 2022 and beyond,” he adds.

At its core, Clarus XC technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology which has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens. This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly wide viewing angles, improved colour and contrast and better light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens.

For further information on Clarus XC screens, visit www.harkness-screens.com/clarus-xc

Harkness Screens Announces Launch of New Compact+ Screens Packaging

CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, BOOTH #2201A, AUGUST 23RD 2021 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company has announced the launch of its new Compact+ screen packaging.

The new Compact+ range of screens features Harkness’ latest innovation, Smart Flex technology, which meshes the coating with the PVC surface with far greater flexibility the result being a screen unlike any other foldable screen available today with reduced creasing and trusted optical performance.

“This has been a time of great upheaval for us all. But at Harkness, we’re committed to helping the cinema industry build back better and, in the process, reduce its carbon footprint. That’s why we developed the new Compact+ range of superior packaged screens, to provide a highly cost-effective option that reduces the cost of transportation and packaging waste,” explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO Harkness Screens.

Unlike other foldable screens currently available, Compact+ is not a compromise on quality or performance. And as the screen can be more compactly packaged and delivered by standard courier, it reduces shipping costs, with easier handling and greater efficiency, for cinema owners worldwide – with overall savings of up to 85%.

The innovative design of Compact+ screens also enables easier transportation of screens inside cinemas. Often screen installation in pre-existing cinemas with small lobbies or narrow theater entry points can prove problematic, particularly for large rolled screens. Compact+ screens in most cases removes the need to unpack a screen outside of the theater or punch holes through walls or even ceilings to move a screen to its desired location. Compact+ screens are designed to fit almost anywhere.

The Compact+ range is available incorporating Perlux HiWhite technology, the world’s premium projection surface for 2D and active 3D movies. With ultra-wide viewing angles, best-in-class uniformity and superior colour and contrast, it remains the industry’s leading white gain screen for lamp-based and laser projection. In early 2022, Compact+ will also incorporate a brand new polarized screen technology for 3D and 2D presentation.

About Harkness Screens
Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools, digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

Harkness Screens launches new ultra-high gain Nova 3D/2D screens.

CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, BOOTH #2201A, AUGUST 23RD 2021 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company has announced the launch of its new ultra-high gain Nova screen.

A completely new surface coating, Nova technology creates an unrivalled viewing experience both in 3D and 2D. The in-built technology adds optical clarity and sharpness to images to help showcase movies as the Director intended. And like all of Harkness’ latest technologies, Nova integrates Nanolast technology providing durability to the screen designed to keep screens performing at their peak for as long as possible.

“Post COVID, audiences are returning to theaters and with an incredible slate of movies hitting the big screen, giving movie-goers an unforgettable experience is essential as our industry recovers. So, we’ve developed new Nova technology, our ultra-high gain 3D/2D screen to enable exhibitors to improve their presentation quality whilst in some cases reducing the operational, power and consumable costs often with lamp-based projectors,” explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO Harkness Screens.

Building on Harkness’ ground-breaking d-smooth technology, Nova technology goes a step further improving total reflected light on a smooth finish. This combination allows cinema operators to upgrade or replace their existing first generation 3D screens with a higher gain 3D/2D screen increasing peak brightness at the centre of the screen to be increased by as much as 28% against traditional first-generation polarized screens whilst not adversely impacting existing hot-spotting or uniformity.

Designed to work with all passive 3D systems and approved by 3D manufacturers, Nova screens guarantee a high extinction ratio thus helping to reduce the possibility of polarised 3D crosstalk, often referred to as ghosting from occurring in the light path.

About Harkness Screens
Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools, digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

Clarus XC Technology Continues To Be Screen Of Choice For Cinemacon 2021

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, USA, AUGUST 13TH 2021 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cinemacon 2021, for the seventh successive year.

The show’s auditorium in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will feature an 18.2m x 7.85m (71’ x 30.25’) Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase both 2D and 3D content from major distributors. 

Designed to work with all polarized 3D systems and regarded as the screen of choice for polarized laser 3D presentation due to its speckle reduction properties, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience.  A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture. 

“We’re delighted to continue the long association with Cinemacon providing our Clarus XC technology for the fifth time to the Colosseum,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.   Each year Mitch (Neuhauser) and his incredible team along with Boston Light and Sound transform the Colosseum into one of the best cinema auditoria in the world creating a truly magnificent environment for major Hollywood studios and manufacturers to showcase the best of cinema.  We’re very honoured to see our products performing such an important part in this”.

At its core, Clarus XC technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology which has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens.  This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly wide viewing angles, improved color and contrast and better light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens. 

In addition to the showcase Clarus XC screen, Harkness will also provide a number of Harkness’ industry-leading 2D white gain Perlux HiWhite screens which will be on display in the Octavius ballroom.

Cinemacon 2021 attendees will be able to find out further information on Harkness’ new products and services by visiting the Harkness Screens booth #2201A (Augustus Ballroom) during the show.

Harkness Screens - Exibidor Tech Week

Catch up on a recent presentation from Tony Dilley and Richard Mitchell covering return to operations, screen cleaning, series 1 and series 2 projection uplifts, screens for laser projection and the future of screen technology.

Harkness Update: Christmas 2020

Dear customer,

In our last communication to you on 17th September we updated you on a number of steps we had undertaken in order to support the cinema industry and indeed other sectors of the global economy and health sectors.  With the encouraging news regarding vaccines and the encouraging signs from China in terms of box office recovery, we believe that our industry is finally beginning to emerge albeit slowly from the pandemic.

Ahead of the festive season, we wanted to update you on our current operational status, a range of products and initiatives we’ve put in place and how we continue to support your businesses in the way in which you’ve come to expect us to.

Manufacturing Capability

Our global manufacturing facilities remain open providing screens for cinema, drive-in movies and live events however our team will take a well-earned break over the Christmas period. As well as creating screens, our five locations (China, India, France, UK and USA) have continued to produce essential PPE products such as face shields, aprons and distancing screens enabling front line care workers, businesses, educational facilities and government institutions to re-open in a Covid secure way and for care homes to allow families to be together again in time for Christmas.

Whilst we continue to support the global fight to contain the spread of Coronavirus through the provision of PPE products, our facilities are indeed open and ready to receive orders for cinema and event screens.

 Cinema Screen Technology News
Laser Speckle Trials with Christie and Barco

Over the past year, the Harkness Cinema Technology team has worked alongside colleagues at Christie and Barco to carry out thorough evaluations of the visibility and impact of laser speckle on the viewing experience when combining RGB laser projectors with Harkness’ leading screen technologies for 2D and 3D.

 Laser speckle is a key consideration when installing RGB projectors.  Our team have significant expertise enabling us to best guide you on making informed decisions about future technology choices.

You can download the two reports here:-

Christie Laser Speckle Trial - http://www.harkness-screens.com/s/Christie-Speckle-Test.pdf

Barco Laser Speckle Trial - http://www.harkness-screens.com/s/Barco-Speckle-Test.pdf

Powering Real-Estate Renovations and Transactions in a Covid-world

Being able to make informed decisions on modifying or procuring real-estate now presents new challenges never experienced before, particularly for businesses seeking to expand regionally and internationally either through growth or business acquisition due to restrictions such as social distancing, travel exclusions and quarantine regulations.

This new white paper, focusing on the cinema sector, aims to showcase the importance of accurate real-estate information and the value that digital documentation and data can have, not just in driving operational efficiency and utilisation rates of a building but also in determining the as-is state of buildings and the potential for these spaces as part of a transaction.

http://www.harkness-screens.com/s/Powering-Real-Estate-Renovations-and-Transactions.pdf

Alfresco Screens for Outdoor and Drive-In Movies

Our recently launched, Alfresco premium outdoor screen surface intended for drive-in and other outdoor cinema installs continues to prove popular with screens being shipped around the world.  With black backing, Alfresco has been specifically designed for outdoor projection deployments, reducing image and ambient light bleed through, while providing an incredible cinematic experience for patrons in all viewing positions. Alfresco boasts breath-taking image quality for both 2D and non-polarised 3D projection, the best in brightness uniformity with zero hot spotting and complete laser speckle mitigation.

http://www.harkness-screens.com/alfresco-movie-screens-for-outdoor-screenings-and-drive-ins

Screen Design and Specification Consultancy
Our Cinema Technology Group continue to assist cinemas around the world with guidance to ensure that their the screen choices enable them to realise the best return on investment from their projection technology.  We continue to make our team available to customers to help take optimise planned investments.  Our passion remains to support your business in enriching every cinema experience.

http://www.harkness-screens.com/professional-services

Keeping Your Staff and Customers Safe
Harkness Protect

For our US customers, the entire range of Harkness PPE products is available to purchase online through our new Harkness Protect website, this includes PVC curtains, aprons, face shields, free-standing protective barrier screens and counter top screens.  For customers outside the USA, you can enquire about our product lines through your local Harkness representatives.  We remain committed to helping you keep your staff and customers safe at all times.

https://harknessprotect.com/

 
Further Harkness Updates

The most effective way to keep up to date with any new information as it becomes available will be via our websites harkness-screens.com and harkness.co. 

How Can We Help You?

As well as the measures above, we remain committed to supporting the global cinema industry.  We’re keen to hear from you how we can help.   To that end we encourage you to reach out to your primary contact with requests or suggestions.

Please look after yourselves and your families and stay safe. Our team remain hugely passionate about this business and are increasingly optimistic that by working together, our industry will return bigger and better than before.

Best regards for the festive season and wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2021.

Mark Ashcroft
Chief Executive

Harkness Screens launch Harkness TV

(DUBLIN, 09/07/2020) – Harkness Screens is thrilled to announce the launch of new YouTube channel, Harkness TV. 

Harkness TV will showcase the work that Harkness Screens do and will be a forum for employees of the company to debate some of the biggest topics in the industry.

“What became apparent to us was that, although we are a visual company, a lot of the content we have been producing about ourselves has been written,” Mark Ashcroft, CEO Harkness Screens, said.

“Whilst that content has been great and our employees have loved being interviewed and showcased, we want to display the innovation that has made us a global brand.”

Two months ago Harkness Screens produced a round table discussion with employees in the United Kingdom, Italy and the United States.

In that round table, the way in which Harkness Screens could aid cinemas and other consumer driven businesses could be aided by the personal protective equipment that the company has developed since the onset of Covid-19.

More recently Harkness Screens have done a round table after CineEurope 2020 took place in an online format. Mark Ashcroft, CEO of Harkness Screens, Tony Dilley, SVP New Business, Preetham Daniel, SVP Asia, Anthony Kelly, SVP Americas and moderator Joe Harvey all talk about the digital event and the impending return of cinema.

“I find that by doing more video content it brings an entirely new aspect to display what we do and is in-keeping with the standards that we have set ourselves over the last 90 years,” Ashcroft said.

“I am very much looking forward to the content we will be pushing on the channel and hope that it is educational for people learning about the cinema industry, as well as who we are as a company.”

Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world’s leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools, digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.  

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets.  For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

You can follow Harkness Screens on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Harkness Screens CEO on Corporate & Social Responsibility

In his latest article for Harkness Screens the company’s CEO, Mark Ashcroft, discusses corporate and social responsibility.

Having worked around the world, gaining a wealth of experience working alongside the world’s brightest business minds, Ashcroft explains why corporate and social responsibility is an important topic to him.

I first came across corporate and social responsibility some 30 years ago now. I was working in Melbourne, Australia, for a company called Applied Chemicals. The company was owned by Ian Hicks, a man who has invested heavily in his local community over the years and has had a major influence on my career.

Ian is a great philanthropist and in efforts to raise money for various multiple sclerosis charities, Ian hosted international cricket games. Of course, this would tie into Australia playing host to some of the world’s biggest cricketing nations, the likes of the West Indies, India and England coming to town. This charity game brought the biggest companies around Australia to Melbourne; they would co-sponsor the event and have hospitality tents around the ground.

Real legends of cricket would be lining up for the sides and although the sport was an important part of the event, more important still was the hope of raising money for charity. It was a finely tuned machine and churned out a tonne of money for those in need of that support and it is Ian’s efforts that have stuck with me throughout my career and encourages me to contribute to society as best I can.

Following my time in Australia I then worked for a company called Sola. We were launching a thin film optical coating that we licensed as the Teflon brand. I was working with Anthony Kelly, who is now with Harkness, a guy called Mike Pitello. Huan Toh and Karen Roberts. We had a new perspective on anti reflective coatings from a product design standpoint.

What was different to other examples in this article is that three years prior to Teflon, we did an ad campaign aimed at opticians with Des Lynam with the slogan; effortless, rather like me. This was in reference to the way that Des makes presenting on TV look so simple and I think he rather liked it too.

That was a massively successful campaign and part of the return we got off that went to charitable organisations. When launching Teflon, we were again looking for a medium to advertise the brand effectively on television and not have to pay out huge amounts. As a big cricket fan, I had heard about the Twenty20 competition being launched by the English Cricket Board.

So, we sponsored the umpires for the very first season and as the lead on Teflon, I was fortunate to present some awards at the final. The association with a global brand like the ECB allows you to give back to society and we helped aid a whole raft of grassroots community cricket programmes and sponsor various pieces of equipment.

Whilst working for Party City and Amscan in the United States, I had further lessons in corporate and social responsibility. Working alongside Jim Harrison and Gerry Rittenburg, it was an education in both sides of business. Jim is one of those businesspeople you marvel at when he is speaking and strategizing the next steps, whilst Gerry has this ability to understand every aspect of society in detail.

I will never forget Gerry taking me to one side, a man that has taken a $20m business to a $2bn business, and saying to me; make sure that you have voice recordings of your parents voices, because you will miss their voices more than anything once they are gone. That was the power of his character.

I feel very privileged in that a lot of employees at the company would not have had that exposure, seeing that side of them and it is important to take everything that they instilled in me and live up to their standards.

Working as International President for Gerry and Jim, I was given a huge insight into corporate responsibility. We were launching a range in Europe called Fan Zone, the idea being that fans of universities and colleges could access their team colours and create visual statements. That market had dropped dead in Europe, we were hoping to take the product global and it became apparent that the best way to do this was through sport.

Sports marketing is a huge market, with drinks groups like Heineken and Guinness having a huge share in the market, at the time sponsoring major rugby competitions. Our first adventure into this market was to enter a corporate cricket competition. We scraped through the first round and eventually went on to win the competition, largely aided by some new ‘employees’.

This was to be the foundations of a brand called Pride Passion Party. We went onto work with the Heineken Kinsale 7s rugby competition in Ireland and to support a number of charities. We even sponsored young athletes Josh Beaumont (Sale Sharks) and cricketer Simon Kerrigan (Lancashire and England). We had a talent ID programme and signed them up when they were about 19, gave then the obligatory care packages and took that Fan Zone concept to a much wider audience.

It was brilliant too that we managed to get legendary England goalkeeper Gordon Banks to come down and spend the day with the Amscan employees in Milton Keynes. An absolute gentleman.

Of course, he was a key figure in the 1966 World Cup win and his save of the century against Pele were big reasons that he was a boyhood idol of mine. To be able to be in his company was just inspiring.

That is a perk of the job, but it’s an example of how a guy can use his experiences to inspire other people. It’s great to see that.

As you can probably tell, cricket is my first sport. My second is rugby union. My son is a proficient player in the sport, and I have been able to be surrounded by many of the game’s biggest names. Whilst with Harkness Screens, in 2017 a wholly unique opportunity presented itself. As some may know World Rugby, the Six Nations and the British and Irish Lions are all housed in Dublin, a couple of those offices a five minute stroll from our base in Dublin 2.

It came to my attention that female players that had represented Ireland in the past had not actually received caps for their services. It was shocking in many respects as this country was going to be hosting the World Cup that autumn, the Black Ferns taking home the trophy in the end. Ireland’s rugby union was canvassed by a number of former players, including Rosie Foley, to retrospectively be given caps and in celebration would be playing a legends game against the English.

The players were in search of sponsorship and we took the opportunity to sponsor the shirts. It was an extremely enriching event to have been a part of and it was brilliant to see these pioneers of women’s rugby to have been recognised in such a way. Women’s rugby still has a huge amount of growth to come and I am sure it will reach its potential, with England already having an array of fully professional players.

The sponsoring of shirts is not a new thing to me. Recently, an employee at our Stevenage facility asked me if Harkness would sponsor a girl’s rugby team in London. The current crisis has slowed the process down, but we will find a way of doing that. Supporting your employees and their wider communities is an important part of what we want to do.

Whilst at Sola, we sponsored an array of sporting events and teams thanks to a brand called Optics by Sola. I was working with a guy called Gaetano Sciuto who has subsequently forged a massive career with Fendi and now Giorgio Armani. This branding was thought up by Gaetano and was hugely successful. We’d go on to sponsoring employees’ tennis tournaments, football teams, a baseball team, ice hockey teams. You name it.

Gaetano said to me once that the only way you know that your brand is successful when you see it on a shirt. Better yet, you would be walking through, driving through a street market in the furthest reaches of Asia and see a t-shirt that says, ‘Optics by Sola’ and it be a counterfeit. That’s when you know how successful a brand is. I have spent 25 years keeping an eye out for that t-shirt. Haven’t found it. Yet.

As I mentioned earlier, I have worked with Anthony Kelly before. He came to Harkness with a wealth of knowledge in the North American market, making him the perfect man to be SVP Americas. More recently, Anthony and his wife, Nancy, have been asked to sit on the organising committee on the east coast for Variety, raising money for their children’s charity. I asked Anthony to tell me about the work that he has been doing;

It’s a tremendous privilege to represent Harkness and to serve on the Board of Variety the Children’s Charity of the National Capital Region which raises much-needed funds for children with severe disabilities. Collaborating on running fund-raising events, often with other companies in the movie world, funds are raised that deliver vital equipment and services for mobility that are truly life-changing for children.

Last year we at Harkness were excited to sponsor a Variety Movie-Screening Event near our Headquarters and look forward to supporting similar Variety fund-raisers in Virginia as soon as possible. Meanwhile though, during this Covid-19 crisis, many parents of children with disabilities have been furloughed or laid-off, exacerbating the challenges they face.

To help, our Variety organization has set up a Covid-19 Emergency Grant Fund, to assist these parents and their children through these troubled times. So far, this emergency fund has aided 25 families and I hope more in the future.

We recognize these are extraordinarily difficult times for many people and businesses, but if you anyone or any business can give to this great cause, please do. And as soon as we are all back at the movies, look out for and come and support a Variety Children’s Charity movie fund raiser event, we at Harkness certainly will.

Over a number of years, Harkness’ Tony Dilley and Richard Mitchell have got us involved with a brilliant charity in the UK called MediCinema, a charity that builds, maintains and shows the latest films in medical facilities. Founded in 1996 by Christine Hill MBE, we have been able to provide screens free of charge and this has not just been done in the UK, we have donated a number of screens over the year for worthy causes.

We feel that MediCinema really fits in with what Harkness stands for as an organisation and the values that our employees have. The past three months or so of life have been pretty torrid with Covid-19, but we have to remember that there are always going to be people worse off than ourselves and we want to offer support and we want to help.

Lockdown measures obviously are in place for good reason, but it has created pressures on mental health, people being unable to receive potentially lifesaving treatment and we hope that in some way the power of the movies, the magic that it brings, can help.

Everything that we have done over this pretty grim period of time, has been to help. We have seen plenty of articles on Preetham Daniel, SVP Asia, and it was really him that kickstarted all of the protective equipment that we now offer. He got a call from one of our IT providers who was aware of someone looking for protective equipment that would be used by official Indian authorities.

It is the faceshields that have really stolen the hearts of many. The product has received verification from independent laboratories in the United States, is being sold on the streets of Bangalore, used in airports, hospitals and the military. That is really taking our social responsibility to a new level.

Our corporate responsibility in this scenario is that we want to help bring cinema back. Without fear or favour, with no ulterior motive; we just want cinemas open again. I understand that cinemas won’t want to be paying out for a screen at the moment, but we can still help provide barrier screens, aprons, faceshields. All these products offer maximum protection for the movie going public and cinema patrons and their employees.