Sixth Communiqué from the Accessible Cinema Advisory Group (ACAG)

The Cinema Access Implementation Plan

The Cinema Access Implementation Plan is an agreement by the four major cinema chains (Hoyts, Village Cinemas, Event Cinemas and Reading Cinemas) to provide 242 accessible screens in 132 cinema complexes across Australia by the end of 2014.
The roll-out of accessible technology, as outlined in the Plan and agreed to by the cinema chains, involves the installation of closed captioning and audio description equipment.

Cinemas are making excellent progress against the original targets in the Plan, with Hoyts and Village Cinemas having completed their roll-out and Event anticipating completion of its roll-out by the end of 2013.
A total of 197 accessible screens are planned by the end June 2013, ahead of the target of 194 accessible screens by the end of 2013.
Details of accessible cinema screens and roll-out dates are provided in the updated Plan.

There is rapid change in the accessible technology environment.
Media Access Australia have provided a summary of the findings of their recent questionnaire which was designed to identify technical issues with closed captioning and audio description devices. This information will be provided to post production houses.
New developments in the enabling technology space continue to emerge, including the MovieReading technology available for closed captioning, and information that Sony Australia are now considering releasing their closed caption glasses into the Australian market. Read more about information on MovieReading.
The Motion Pictures Distributors Association of Australia is investigating options to encourage captioning of movie trailers.
ACAG is exploring reports that files provided to support closed captions can be used to provide a similar effect to open captions.

Training for cinema staff remains a priority.
ACAG have considered a number of ways to improve disability awareness and staff knowledge of accessible equipment in the cinemas. This includes providing checklists and a variety of training packages.

ACAG is working with cinemas to improve their website accessibility, including improving availability of information about accessible movie sessions and ensuring that cinema websites are screen reader accessible.
AGAC is committed to resolving equipment failures identified through feedback provided to the Group.

Feedback about your cinema experience can be provided to accessible.cinema@dss.gov.au. Your feedback will help inform cinemas about ways to improve your future accessible cinema experience.

Last updated: 7 November 2014 - 9:02am