National Cinemedia - FAQ

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®. 

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.

For an overview of NCM Content Guidelines, click HERE.

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.

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

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.

Please note: Although AI technology is leveraged in this option, you will still be required to work with an NCM producer, who will help to create your spot.

AI-generated ads pull info, images, logos, etc., from your website and social pages which are then pulled into an ad template.

The timing, transitions, logo and text box placement cannot be adjusted on the template - however NCM can replace/adjust images, logos, text messages and voiceover talent.

Currently, AI-generated templates/ads do not permit more than two (2) logos used in one ad at the same time. Because of this restriction, some revision requests may not be able to be accommodated. If you would prefer your ad to be more custom, please ask about our Custom Internally Produced ads (restrictions could still apply).

Your payment will remain in Pending status until your campaign details and creative have been approved and processed.

Your payment will be released from Pending status, and you will not be charged.

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.

The typical turnaround time for an ad to begin airing on-screen is three (3) business days from when we receive the ad. This allows us the necessary time to approve and process the 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.