Secret Cinema

Secret Cinema is an entertainment company specializing in immersive cinematic and television events. Founded in 2007 by Fabien Riggall, the company began by hosting mystery film screenings in undisclosed London locations, complete with interactive performances and purpose-built sets. Riggall, who studied at the New York Film Academy and began his career in film production, was inspired by a childhood desire to "live inside the film" and aimed to create an experience more akin to a concert or festival than a traditional cinema visit. The inaugural event, a screening of "A Matter of Life and Death," took place in an abandoned railway tunnel for 400 guests.

The company's business model centers on creating 360-degree, participatory worlds where the lines between audience and performer are blurred. Patrons purchase tickets to an event based on a well-known film or TV series, such as "Star Wars," "Blade Runner," or "Stranger Things." Before the event, attendees receive a character assignment and a dress code, becoming part of the story. The experience unfolds over several hours in large-scale, meticulously designed environments—often repurposed abandoned buildings or custom-built sets—filled with actors, interactive storylines, and special effects, culminating in a screening of the film itself. Revenue is generated primarily through ticket sales, which can range in price, as well as food and beverage sales and sponsorships.

Over its history, Secret Cinema has produced more than 70 shows for over 1.5 million people. Notable productions include a life-sized recreation of Hill Valley for "Back to the Future" and a massive staging of "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" that ran for 100 nights and landed in the top ten at the UK box office for eleven weeks. The company has partnered with major studios like Disney, Marvel, Netflix, and Warner Bros. to bring these elaborate worlds to life. A significant milestone occurred in September 2022 when Secret Cinema was acquired by TodayTix Group for a reported $100 million. This acquisition is set to fuel international expansion, particularly in the United States, and facilitate the creation of permanent locations and open-ended theatrical runs, moving beyond the traditionally short-term show model.

Keywords: immersive events, experiential cinema, live entertainment, film screenings, interactive theatre, pop culture events, brand experiences, themed entertainment, location-based entertainment, participatory events, film-based experiences, TV show events, live cinema, immersive storytelling, large-scale productions, TodayTix Group, Fabien Riggall, theatrical experiences, audience participation, event production