May 1st, 2020
Harkness Screens Launches Technology Group
- A new focussed Group to assist Cinema Re-open
- Experienced team members
- Working alongside Harkness R&D and industry partners
- Providing distancing screens and technology to facilitate cinema re-openings
- Reducing total cost of ownership immediately
Harkness Screens is pleased to announce the formation of the Technology Group. As part of the Technology Group’s creation, Matt Jahans has been promoted to Senior Vice President and will be heading up the group of three pre-existing Harkness staff members.
Formed in order to pool key resources to aid both Harkness staff and customers with the utilisation of key cinema screen technologies, Matt Jahans is joined by Associate Director for Cinema Technology, Nicolas Chiovini, and Curolux Product Manager, Cody Polla.
Both have a breadth of knowledge in the cinema technology sector, with Polla having worked as a contractor for Barco and working for GDC having installed well over 400 digital cinema screens in the last four years across North and South America. Chiovini too has a wealth of experience, having installed roughly 100 digital systems, as well as working for companies such as Doremi and HTS.
Matt Jahans’ journey in cinema technology began in 1998 when he specialised in 35mm cinema automation, light measurement and light sources. Having joined Harkness Screens in 2012, Jahans has proven leadership qualities and developed key commercial relationships.
“There is not a shadow of doubt in my mind that Matt is the correct man for this job,” Mark Ashcroft, CEO Harkness Screens, said, “Since I first met him, he has done nothing but excel in his role at Harkness Screens.
“The Technology Group is bringing together Harkness’ most knowledgeable individuals, when it comes to cinema technology, and I believe that with in excess of 40 years industry experience between them, they will offer a great package to customers and our staff worldwide.”
Jahans too is excited about his new role with Harkness Screens;
“My hopes are that the Technology Group will provide the global cinema market with key expertise as we all confront the aftermath of Coronavirus. Technology at Harkness is more easily accessible through our website, our apps and our sales teams. However, with changing priorities financially the Technology Group stand ready to provide detailed advice on reducing the total cost of screens and how running costs can be optimised,” Jahans said.
“The Technology Group will interact more closely with our excellent sales, customer service, R&D and manufacturing teams across the group to make ourselves more available during this challenging time.”
“Separately, the team have been working 24/7 to fast prototype PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to be deployed in the healthcare sector. Witnessing first-hand the speed we’ve all worked is inspiring but points to how we can use our screen technology skills and products to provide cinemas with restart equipment”
Nico Chiovini said, when on the topic of PPE:
“Here in Italy the last two months have been crazy, but working virtually with my colleagues has led to the invention and production of face visors for the Indian Government and a barrier screen for taxis; www.driversbubble.com “
“Externally the Technology Group will be able to engage with our customers and strategic partners in new ways, grow our touch points and our technology understanding. Getting this all right will build on our position as screen and presentation thought leaders.”
Curolux expert, Cody Polla, commented that:
“Here is already an increased interest in remote monitoring of screens to guarantee Premium presentation without the need to travel and with no need to place demands on engineers to operate against current regulations on distancing. Some believe it’s a financial decision, some a guarantee of quality”
Harkness Screens remains the industry leader in cinema screen technology with two in three cinema screens globally produced by them. With an in depth understanding of digital screen technologies, as well as pioneering some themselves, the Technology Group is just another example of Harkness Screens being an pioneering industry leader within the cinema industry and beyond.
Harkness Screens
Harkness Screens™ is the world’s leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.
With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools, digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.
Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.
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