FAQs

General

Who is NCM?

National CineMedia (NCM) is the largest cinema advertising platform in the US. With unparalleled reach and scale, NCM connects brands to young, diverse audiences through the power of movies and pop culture. A premium video, full-funnel marketing solution for advertisers, NCM enhances marketers' ability to measure and drive results. NCM’s leading preshow, The Noovie® Show is presented exclusively in 42 leading national and regional theater circuits – including the only three national chains: AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group. NCM’s cinema platform consists of 18,200+ screens in more than 1,400 theatres in 190 Designated Market Areas®.

Anticipated Film Releases

Check out our Movie Release Calendar to see the upcoming movie lineup.

About Your Ad

Content Guidelines

While striving to meet the needs of our advertisers, NCM must also be sensitive to the interests of moviegoers, theater circuits, and movie studios. NCM has established guidelines to ensure content that airs in The Noovie Show on the big screen and in our theater lobby and digital platforms promotes an entertaining, relaxing atmosphere to enhance the moviegoing experience.

NCM reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject, ratings-restrict or request modifications to any ad it deems inappropriate for certain viewing audiences. Thus, the tone of the content must be suitably mild, per the MPA Ratings standards, for all ratings. Any stylistic approach that presents material in a dark, threatening, frightening, morbid, aggressive, or sexual nature, or depicts alcohol use, may be deemed inappropriate and subject to ratings restrictions.

NCM may consider a variety of factors when reviewing content including but not limited to: Imagery, message and tone of the content. Any stylistic approach depicting mature, dark, threatening, scary, or morbid themes, sexual content, or promoting the use of alcohol may be restricted. Restrictions aligned with the MPA ratings standards. Content licensing documentation/confirmation from clients.

Best Practices = Vetting content prior to production: Submit storyboards, scripts, or rough cuts for advance review by NCM.

Categories Requiring Pre-Approval:

  • Beverages
  • Cannabis/Marijuana/CBD
  • Political
  • PSA
  • Restaurant
  • Streaming Video

Prohibited Content:

The following types of content are PROHIBITED for all advertising platforms:

  • Adult-oriented subject matter such as nudity, sexual aids or toys, sex clubs and adult-oriented shops or websites
  • Tobacco, tobacco use, smoke shops, cigar bars, hookah lounges, vaping, CBD products, and marijuana in states where these products have not been legalized.
  • Promotion of drug use or any illegal activity
  • Birth control products, pro-life/pro-choice organizations, any mention of abortion, counseling, or services.
  • Anything that reflects negatively on circuits, movies, or movie-going experience (i.e., ticket/concession pricing, movie quality, recruitment, etc.) and would adversely affect attendance.
  • Products or services that violate any circuit agreements or exclusive contractual relationships such as food or beverage products considered competitive with those agreements.
  • Promotion of firearms, weapons, ammunition, shooting ranges, training or C2C licensing

What does the Creative Approval Process look like?

Once NCM receives your ad it is reviewed by our internal approval committee to ensure that it complies with our onscreen content guidelines. Once reviewed, you will receive notification that your ad has either been approved or rejected, with information regarding next steps.

Ad Specs for Internally Created Ads

Please send the largest file possible. For an overview of NCM Ad Specs, click HERE.

What happens if my ad is out of spec?

If your Ad is out of spec, you will receive notification from NCM identifying what aspect is out of spec so that you can correct the issue and resubmit.

How does the AI generated option work?

You are in the driver’s seat.  Our partnership with Waymark allows you to render your own :15 ad from whichever template theme you choose. These AI-generated ads pull info, images, logos, etc., from your website and social pages which are then pulled into an ad template

Currently, the timing, transitions, logo and text box placement cannot be adjusted on the AI-generated templates/ads do not permit more than two (2) logos used in one ad at the same time. If you would prefer your ad to be more custom, please ask about our Custom Internally Produced ads (restrictions could still apply).

To see some examples of AI templated ads that we have had on screen, please click here.

Campaigns

What is a campaign?

A campaign defines the where, when, and what for how you advertise. We need to know the specific movie theaters, dates, and ad you plan to run to build an advertising campaign. In cinema advertising, a campaign consists of scheduling details including dates, locations, ad length, and message to reach your target audience.

How much does a campaign cost?

Pricing is dependent on a number of factors including campaign length, ad duration, and selected theaters. To calculate the full price of your campaign, you will need to complete Step 2: Schedule and Budget on the platform.

How quickly can my campaign start?

The typical turnaround time for an ad to begin airing on-screen is seven (7) business days from when we receive the ad. This allows us the necessary time to approve and process your creative for the big screen. Once we have your completed ad, we can set your start date and adjust the end date for your campaign accordingly.

Can I choose which films my campaign runs in front of?

At this time, we do not allow clients to select which films their ads run in front of. The good news is by your ad showing before every movie, every day for the duration of your campaign, your ad reaches a larger audience.

What happens if the theater I choose does not have inventory available?

If a theater that you chose does not have inventory available, a member of the NCM Campaign Manager team will reach out to discuss alternative options. This could include shifting your campaign dates or moving your campaign to a nearby theater.

When do I need to be at the theater to see my ad on the big screen?

We recommend arriving at the theater your campaign is scheduled at 45 minutes before the listed showtime so you can grab some popcorn and candy! Be in your seat no less than 30 minutes before the movie is scheduled to start.

Where does my ad play?

Your ad would air as part of our Noovie® show, hosted by Maria Menounos, which delivers entertaining content featuring top talent and today’s hottest creators. It’s the best reason for moviegoers to get to the theater early. From travel and trivia to culture and commentary, Noovie® gives fans a deeper connection to pop culture – and through cinema advertising, your brand can be part of the conversation.

How often does my ad play?

Your ad would play prior to every movie, in every auditorium, in your chosen theater for the entire length of your contract.

How do I get started?

Before you can start using the platform, you have to sign up and register. Just fill in the requested information, check that you understand the terms and conditions and you’re on your way.  You will receive a confirmation email with a code for a password-less login.

You will be up and running in a couple of minutes. 

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What if I want a more customized campaign?

NCM is happy to help you develop a more customized campaign. Please fill out our online contact form and one of our Account Executives will be in touch.

After Your Campaign

Who should I contact if I want to renew my campaign?

Please contact NCM's Campaign Manager team at: NCMSelfServe@ncm.com

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Please reach out to the NCM Campaign Manager team at NCMSelfServe@ncm.com. Someone will be in contact within 24-48 hours during normal business hours.