„The essence of the movie universe is that anyone who wants to do business in it has to be the biggest film fan of all.“
Tomáš Volt
Marketing Director
Cinestar
A CineStar is born — the birth of a movie galaxy
A journey into space begins with bold dreams. So when we got the offer to build an entire digital environment and a new look for CineStar, we didn’t hesitate and started preparing for this grand expedition right away. This is the story of how a multiplex cinema chain became a cosmic experience – from branding foundations, the website and a new app, all the way to the booking system, sales kiosks and, of course, the thing that matters most to fans; tickets and popcorn boxes.
A preview screening back in 2018
It began with a preview for a small audience in meeting rooms. In 2018, CineStar decided it was time to evolve the brand to match its passion for film and its ambition to remain the market leader. They invited us to pitch, and through a series of intense brainstorming sessions we uncovered what truly defines the CineStar universe. On this mission, we laid solid foundations for the rebrand, strategy and digital transformation.
One advantage was that CineStar wasn’t tied to foreign management, so we reached weightlessness quickly and safely. The clapperboard snapped… CineStar and Symbio, take one!
In space – and in the movie experience – we’re not alone
That’s why we set off on our space mission with the latest technology, warm popcorn and cold cola — in short, with everything that lets viewers not just watch a film, but experience it. From the start, we loved that CineStar doesn’t keep its love of film to itself but wants to share it with every viewer. Just as we at Symbio share our know-how with others.
„The communication principles we set at Symbio position CineStar as a good friend who knows what makes a film worth watching and what to see right now. It doesn’t lecture; it is in the same boat as its audience.“
Nina Vidras
Client Service Director
Kosmík and Helenka, on set please
Every universe needs a guide. At Symbio, we created a character viewers meet on the big screen before the film itself. He’s not exactly a typical hero, but he is a typical film fan who came to enjoy the comfort of his favourite multiplex. Kosmík is a bit of a geek, very laid-back, but always ready to share the movie experience with the audience.
Someone has to keep an eye on Kosmík out in space, though. Sometimes he has his hands full. That’s what his computer and AI assistant Helenka 2000 are for. They’re one heart and one soul — Helenka brings dynamics and emotion where Kosmík would just put his feet up on the desk.
You can’t see our astronaut’s face. Viewers can hear his charismatic voice and see through his visor what’s happening in front of him. Every flash on his helmet equals one unique movie experience. Maybe even yours.
Check out their stories from the cosmic screen
The story of Kosmík and Helenka is regularly expanded in animated spots produced by Nice! in themed campaigns.
A brand as endless as the universe
Every detail is made to measure – from the astronaut’s stitches and patches to his spacesuit. The detailed sketches are complemented by a design of the space environment they move through. And finally we set it all in motion with motion graphics that underlined his authenticity even more. Ever since, Kosmík floats weightlessly on the website too, and with him the entire product offering.
We then imprinted all of this onto further media and materials:
Visual identity
- Logos
- Newsletters
- Menu boards
- Tickets
- Popcorn boxes
Motion design
- Pre-film intro
- Screensavers
- Digital posters
Marketing materials
- Billboards
- CLV
- Event visuals
- Print ads
A website and custom app launched into space
We built the whole website modularly using a design system in Figma. Thanks to that, the client could work directly in it with us from the start without worry, and we still have it ready for further development. We built the app entirely ourselves; UX, UI, copy and its development. We set some of its parts in motion, too. Both the website and the app are intuitive, visually attractive and optimised for film enthusiasts.
We also designed the UX and UI for the sales kiosks. It’s another touchpoint that cannot be overlooked — and one of the first a CineStar customer literally touches when buying tickets. You can even see one of the kiosks in outdoor advertising in Prague.
„We wanted the app to be fun and, going forward, even more interactive. It’s meant above all for film fans, who collect club points in it and have plenty of perks waiting for them.“
Matyáš Ostříž
Client Manager
Outdoor-branded citylight
And our impressions?
„On a project this big and long-term, it’s crucial to have the coordination of every step and partner finely tuned. Sometimes it’s a challenge, but in the end it’s always a joy. Above all the teamwork with our partners Perfect System, Digital Solutions and NICE!.“
Pavel Milata
Head of Delivery
„Thanks to Symbio, we elevated the brand into a unique movie experience that our audiences love. It is the story of a successful collaboration that is far from over.“
Tomáš Volt
Marketing Manager, CineStar
„When you have a project this big with a client who has high expectations, you can’t rush anything. You always have to think in a way that balances creativity and 100% functionality. I believe we pulled it off.“
Matyáš Ostříž
Client Manager
Selected Work
SX Symbio Experience
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