Funworld JULY 2007

Special Report

Who Uses Film Anymore?

How facilities can capitalize on the digital revolution by offering new tech-driven ancillary products at retail outlets

Due to the overwhelming switch from film and disposable camera use to digital cameras and camera phones, there is now a demand for items that
complement this digital explosion. These items include batteries, memory cards, cell phone accessories, and Cellboost (power for cell phones, PlayStation Portables, Blackberries, iPods, etc.). Therefore, it is imperative that attractions keep up with the growing digital and electronic trends in order to cash in and make up for lost film and one-time-use camera revenue. Here are a few accessories and other tips that can help ensure you’re offering the products and services your guests demand.

Digital Camera Accessories There are various types and manufacturers of digital cameras all requiring some sort of battery and memory. The most commonly used batteries are AA, AAA, CR123, CR2, and 2CR5 batteries (the latter are referred to as photo lithium batteries). As for memory cards, the two most commonly requested are Compact Flash and Secure Digital (XD and Memory Stick are not as much in demand anymore). The newer digital cameras have a much better compression algorithm, which means users get more photos at a better resolution. Therefore, the higher-capacity memory cards are in greater demand (e.g., 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB).

Looking Ahead
Single-use digital cameras are out there, but they’re not yet a convenient item to offer to our guests. Currently, the only manufacturers who offer inexpensive digital singleuse cameras require the user to bring the cameras back to the original merchant for processing. Many grocery, pharmacy, and mass merchants offer these products and services for video and still pictures, but it’s still not the right solution for the amusement facilities and guests. For now, facilities can offer to burn digital images on a CD from film-based units.

Cell Phones and PDAs
Perhaps the biggest opportunity for attractions is to provide ancillary items for cell phones. This includes recharging power, e.g. Cellboost, which is
available for virtually all cell phone models, Blackberries, iPods, PSPs, GameBoys, camcorders, and many other electronic devices. It provides 60 minutes of power for phones and various amounts for other devices for less than $10. Handsfree headsets, Bluetooth accessories, power supply cords, and cases and holsters are also popular items.

Photo Kiosks
Many photo manufacturers now provide a turnkey photo kiosk for digital processing. Facility operators can incorporate these into their facilities by
renting digital cameras and helping guests print out or burn pictures to a disc when they’ve finished their day at a park or FEC. Additionally, these units can store digital images of the park or FEC and can be sold on demand, therefore eliminating the need to purchase postcards and other preprinted promotional items. Facilities can include fun and popular souvenirs such as logo frames, key chains, T-shirts, mugs, etc., all of which can
incorporate a photo from the camera, if a facility chooses to offer that service.

Pat Trello is the president and CEO of Allstar Wholesale, a division of Lord’s International, a provider of digital cameras, one-time use cameras, film, batteries, and memory cards to attractions throughout the United States. For further information on the photo and electronic industry, visit www.allstar-wholesale.com.