This article discusses the cinema business as profitable, the cost of capital needed to start a cinema, and finally, the comprehensive guide on creating a cinema business in Cameroon.
Gone are the days when stage plays were in trend, where actors had to perform live to make money from their talents, and theater owners in Cameroon had to make money through plays, drama, and concerts. Today, all films are recorded on tapes, CDs and streamed online.
Today, as a cinema owner, you can show films to viewers (movie lovers) and make money from it. The cinema business in Cameroon is a service business. You are rendering service to viewers by displaying different international or local movies.
Is Opening a Cinema Profitable?
Cinema Center is a profitable business in Cameroon because Cameroonns love to watch movies. The average person loves to watch movies to relax. The film the Cameroonns love to watch varies on many factors, especially their lifestyles.
While some Cameroonians love a good action film, some love comedy because it makes them laugh. While some Cameroonians love local films, others love American or Indian movies, so it depends. If you invest in the cinema business today, there are guarantees that you will make good profits as the years go by.
Capital Needed to Start Cinema Business in Cameroon
The cost of starting a cinema business in Cameroon doesn't come cheap. This is why the cinema business in Cameroon is another capital-intensive business under the service business. To create a cinema center in Cameroon, you will need a capital of 15,000000 FCFA to 30,000000 FCFA.
This capital will be used to buy theatre equipment, rent a hall and get a license to operate in Cameroon. A lot goes into the cinema, but it is worth it because it comes massively when the profits start.
Equipment Needed to Start Cinema Business
The equipment needed to start a cinema business in Cameroon are:
- Projector
- Cinema Seats
- High-fidelity Speakers
- Audio-Video Receiver
- Backup solar system or Generator
- Air Conditioner
There is also the staff you need to employ for your cinema business in Cameroon. As we move on in the article, I mention the kind of people you need to use.
How to Start a Cinema Business in Cameroon?
Do the following to start a successful cinema business in Cameroon:
1. Write a Business plan
This is the first step to starting a cinema business in Cameroon. A cinema business plan is essential for those serious about the cinema business in Cameroon and who want to run the industry for 5 – 15 years.
The business plan will help you know everything you need about the cinema business in Cameroon. How to run the industry for years and make profits for it easily. You can write your cinema business plan or get a professional writer like us to write it.
2. Get Sufficient Capital
The capital needed to start a cinema business in Cameroon is high. Suppose you cannot enter the industry because of the increased money involved. In that case, you can partner with another Cameroonian entrepreneur willing to go into the cinema business too.
There are advantages and disadvantages to forming a partnership business, especially in a country like Cameroon. Hence, you must watch before entering it to avoid burning your fingers halfway.
If you cannot fully fund this business before going into it, you can seek the support of family and friends to help you out instead of going into a partnership. Read our guide on how to get funding for your startup in Cameroon for other options you have.
3. Get Registered and Licensed
To operate in Cameroon as a cinema business, you must get licensed by the Ministry of Commerce. You need to go to their office and apply in person. Get an application form for a film and video distributor's license. After applying and your application is granted, you can now show customers movies in your cinema.
4. Buy and Install Cinema Equipment
The equipment needed for your cinema business must be considered. As mentioned above, you must buy and install all this equipment before starting. For example, you must install a big screen, chairs, air conditioner, and more.
To install your big screen, you will need the services of an electrician. You will also need the services of other technical personnel. As for the type of equipment or the quality, you should buy new equipment instead of tokunbo or fairly used products.
5. Employ Cinema Workers or Staff
A cinema center will need a manager, supervisor, ticketer, and cleaner. You can hire just these four staff at the beginning of the business and then hire more as the business grows. Your manager has to be a graduate who is also experienced in the cinema business.
But the other staff do not need qualifications to be hired as long as they can do the job. How much you pay your team depends on their qualifications, experience, and hard work. It is only possible to run a cinema business in Cameroon with staff.
6. Start your Cinema Business
After fulfilling all these steps, you can start your cinema business – showing films or movies to customers and getting paid. You must run adverts to attract movie lovers to your new cinema center. These advertisements can be online or offline – sharing of handbills.
Another way you can increase patronage is to show trending local or international films that Cameroonians want to watch. How much you charge per movie ticket is also regulated among the cinemas in Cameroon. However, you can add to yours immediately if your customers increase as time passes.
A digital film and content delivery service for new and existing viewing centers and cinemas across Cameroon and Africa.
Conclusion
The cinema business in Cameroon is lucrative. You just need to get your location right, as the location of your cinema will go a long way in determining the profits you make from your cinema business. For example, cinemas in malls make more money than cinemas in other areas.
This is because malls are always crowded, and people that visit the mall are likely to visit cinemas too to watch movies before heading home.
Suggested: Most Profitable Investment Opportunities in Cameroon.