Israeli AI Startup Turns Empty Theaters Into Packed Houses

Movie theaters are making a comeback, and artificial intelligence is leading the charge.

Israeli startup Bigger Picture is helping cinemas solve their biggest challenge: getting people off their couches and back into seats. The company offers theaters a smart platform that tracks customer preferences and uses AI to schedule showings that actually sell out.

"The new generations are looking for places to socialize," says Amit Bohensky, founder and chairman of Bigger Picture. After the pandemic and the rise of streaming services, young people lost their main reasons to leave home, he explains.

Now they're searching for activities that let them connect with others in person. Theaters want to create these social environments, but they lack the technology to understand what customers really want.

Bigger Picture's platform starts working before moviegoers even enter the building. Customers get a digital barcode or app that creates seamless experiences from parking through concessions to post-movie bar hangouts.

The system builds digital profiles based on purchase history, letting theaters offer personalized services that boost profit margins. Venues can suggest specific snacks, drinks, or events based on what each customer enjoyed before.

The Ripple Effect

The real game changer is Bigger Picture's AI scheduling model. The system analyzes data from individual shows, customer patterns, and other cinemas to determine the perfect time slot for each film.

"Sometimes we don't understand why the model decides that a movie needs to be in a specific slot," Bohensky admits. Having humans trace those calculations to maximize efficiency just isn't worth it, he says.

The AI learns in real time from its mistakes and provides reasoning behind scheduling decisions. This feature sets Bigger Picture apart from other cinema technology providers.

The platform doesn't require server installation and includes full IT support. Bigger Picture handles everything from app development to fixing software problems on ticket terminals.

By uniting all IT needs in one place, the company creates more touchpoints with customers. Those additional interactions generate better data about what people want from their theater experience.

Cinemas are already located in malls and commercial districts with built-in foot traffic. Now they have the tools to turn casual visitors into loyal customers who return again and again.

The future of movie theaters isn't just about watching films anymore—it's about creating experiences worth leaving the house for.