Frequently Asked Questions

Fathom--General Information

Events and Theatres

Ticketing

Customer Service

Fathom Insider Newsletter and Event Alerts

Business Opportunities

Fathom--General Information

New to Fathom?
  • Never been to a Fathom event? Maybe you’ve heard of Fathom – from a friend, seen one of our posters or trailers at the movie theater – but never experienced Fathom and want to know how it all works. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Check out all the information in our FAQ section to answer your questions and if you need more, feel free to contact us.

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What is Fathom?
  • Fathom is groundbreaking cinema entertainment that offers a wide array of unique, exclusive, limited-run live or pre-recorded entertainment events to local movie theatres around the country: Anime, Children's, Comedy Concerts & Music, Opera, Original Programs, Premieres, Sci-Fi & Horror, Sports and Talk Radio Events. Fathom is a compelling and valuable entertainment experience -- high-quality entertainment shown in a convenient, comfortable and cost-effective environment.

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Who is Fathom and how does it work? 
  • Fathom is the entertainment division of National CineMedia, the biggest supplier of alternative programming and advertising services to the USA’s largest movie theatre chains: Regal Cinemas, United Artists, Edwards Theatres, AMC Theatres, Cinemark/Century, Clearview Cinemas, Kerasotes Theatres, Goodrich Quality Theaters, Hoyts Theatres, Marcus Theatres, Malco Theatres, National Amusements Theatres and Georgia Theatre Company. Additionally, Fathom has limited distribution in local performing arts centers and theatres in specific markets. Currently, Fathom has access to nearly 14,500 screens and over 1,200 theatres in 47 states.

  • Fathom's events utilize National CineMedia's proprietary Digital Content Network, which delivers branded entertainment to audiences across the country. Fathom beams its LIVE High Definition and pre-recorded events via satellite to audiences in our partners' movie theatres.

  • Fathom gathers premiere content from top entertainment producers around the country, aids in the production of its events' "unique segments" and seamlessly delivers the content over the Digital Content Network.

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Is Fathom like a regular movie?
  • No. Fathom uses movie theatres as event venues. Each and every event includes unique content that can’t be seen anywhere else but select theatres in select markets. A Fathom event is nothing like going to the movies.

  • Fathom's events are exclusive to certain markets around the country and are shown on a limited one or two-night engagement. Ticketing via our website and at the participating theatres' box offices, Fathom encourages advanced ticket purchase so admission can be guaranteed. Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis--and very limited for these exclusive events!

  • Since Fathom events aren't movies, feel free to act like you are actually at the event--applaud, dance, sing!

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What types of events does Fathom offer?
  • Fathom events span the range of entertainment genres. Fathom offers entertainment choices for all age groups, interests and desires. These choices are ever-evolving and include:

  • Anime Events
    Today anime rides the Asian wave rolling across America like a cross-culture tsunami, and Fathom is bringing anime to aficionados like nobody else. Including never-before-seen, and often never-seen-again features, interviews and more, Fathom thrills audiences across the nation with its special presentations.

  • Children's Events
    The folks at Fathom know that kids enjoy the movie theatre experience more than anybody. After all, there’s not a better environment to see their favorite characters or stories come to life. It’s safe, clean, convenient, affordable and fun — don’t forget the popcorn and concessions!

  • Comedy Events
    If you love live stand-up comedy on stage, then you’ll get a major kick out of Fathom’s Comedy Events lineup. See established stars like the raucous Dane Cook or emerging talent like Josh Blue, winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing 4 — all UNCUT — plus never seen before bonus footage. It’s like being a VIP guest at a top comedy club, but without lines, parking hassles or the high price.

  • Concerts & Music Events
    Music's biggest stars brought to the big screen! That's Fathom! Tired of arena concerts, huge crowds, sub-par sound, nosebleed section seats and $100 tickets? At a Fathom music event, you'll see every angle of your favorite artists and enjoy great digital sound in a comfortable and convenient environment. Did we mention reasonable ticket prices?

  • Opera Events
    Thanks to Fathom, you don’t have to travel to New York to experience the grandeur, culture and sheer artistry of live opera at The Met. You can purchase affordable tickets for the entire series of satellite broadcasts and watch the Met while comfortably seated in your hometown movie theatre.

  • Original Programs
    Fathom has something for everyone in the Original Programs category – past events like Ira Glass’s This American Life - Live! have given way to engagements like the not-to-be-missed financial feature, I.O.U.S.A.: Live with Warren Buffet, Pete Peterson and Dave Walker. Keep an eye out for upcoming Original Program Events featuring self-help and motivational topics. Everything is beamed onto the big screen, larger-than-life. And of course, Fathom-goers enjoy the comfort, service, and amenities of their favorite local movie theatre.

  • Premiere Events
    Whether you’re a true film connoisseur or someone who favors a certain genre, you can’t miss experiencing a one-night-only Fathom Premiere Event. You’ll find the unique films, big screen, eye-popping digital picture and digital sound along with exclusive, never-before-seen footage and much, much more — all adding up to a theatre-going experience of a lifetime.

  • Sci-Fi & Horror Events
    Fans of everything from Star Trek to terror have discovered that Fathom Sci-Fi and Horror Events are the real ticket to a fantastical theatre experience like no other. If you love classic, out-there science fiction or horror films, chances are you’ll love attending these exclusive one-night-only events.

  • Sports Events
    When it comes to presenting some of the world’s most unique sporting experiences, Fathom’s Sports Events has no competition. With giant screens, amazing picture and incredible sound, you’ll be right in the middle of the all action… without the crowds, the cost and the inconvenience.

  • Talk Radio Events
    Imagine experiencing your favorite NPR shows like This American Life on the big screen. Finally “meet” the faces behind personalities you know and love, and enjoy an in-theatre experience that’ll leave you wanting more. There’s no telling what upcoming unique events you’ll find in this category, but you can be sure it’ll be something you’ve never seen anywhere else -- all at a theatre near you.

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What are the benefits of attending a Fathom event?
  • Exclusive and unique entertainment not found anywhere else

  • A great alternative to attending the real event, without the hassles – expensive tickets, no parking, obstructed views and hard seats!

  • Larger than life sound and picture in the country's best movie theatre chains

  • Convenient locations and parking

  • A safe, friendly environment

  • Excellent concessions

  • Easy ticketing options--online via one of Fathom's ticketing partners or at the participating theatres' box offices

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Events and Theatres

How do I find Fathom events near me?
  • Use the Event Search feature found on each web page. Just select the event you want from the drop down list and click GO. You will be taken to the Event/Series Detail page. Then use the Find Theatres or Buy Tickets function--enter in the event date (if applicable) and your zip code and click GO. The Theatre Locations page displays a list of participating theatres closest to the entered zip code.

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Why isn't the event happening near me? There is a movie theatre right down the street!
  • Fathom events are exclusive, occurring in select markets at select movie theatres within those markets. Fathom events are special engagements. It is up to the individual theatres whether or not they choose to participate in our events, because they have commitments to Hollywood studios to show first-run movies. Sure, we would like to have our events in all theatres, but this isn't always possible.

  • Also, many of theatres in our network do not have the technology necessary to show all of our events. Some theatres can only show "pre-recorded" events. Other theatres can show LIVE HD events and pre-recorded events.

  • As our network grows, more theatres in your area will be capable of showing pre-recorded and LIVE HD events.

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How can I get directions to the participating theatre I want to attend?
  • Located on the Theatre Locations page, each participating theatre has a Get Directions link (accessed after entering your zip code from the Event/Series Detail page) that will pop-up Google Maps with the theatre location and directions.

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What's the difference between a "Series" and an "Event?"
  • An Event takes places at a select list of participating theatres, usually for one day or for a group of consecutive days. A Series is a collection of individual events that can span longer than a week or two, often for a large part of the year. For example, the Metropolitan Opera series is playing in individual markets throughout the year at a select list of participating theatres. Each MET performance represents an "event" of the series.

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How do I submit a comment about an Upcoming or Past event?
  • Visit the Event, Series, or Past Events Details page for the event you want to share your ideas about and click Send Your Comments. Follow the directions to submit your comments and pictures: the posting of comments and pictures is subject to approval by Fathom.

  • Fathom asks for your email address on this page to verify any information submitted as a comment. If there's a question about your submission and you cannot be reached, your comments will not be posted.

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How do I send Fathom event information friends?
  • The Send to a Friend feature on the Event, Series, or Past Event Details pages for the event makes it easy to send event info to friends. Your email is used on this page only for the purpose of forwarding event information; it is not collected by Fathom.

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I live in Canada, how come I can't see one of your events?
  • Currently, Fathom only has rights to show our events in the United States. However, as our network of theatres expands, it is likely we will be in your area. Please check back for a theatre update!

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Why don't you offer your events on DVD?
  • Fathom only has the rights to show our events within our closed theatre network. All distribution decisions (including how the content is distributed) are determined by the owners of the content, not Fathom.

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Ticketing

Why are Fathom's events sometimes priced differently than that of a movie?
  • Given the exclusive nature of Fathom events, coupled with signifiant production and transmission costs, Fathom prices its events in order to offer consumers the best value for their entertainment dollar.  Prices may vary from location to location as final event prices are determined by the participating theater.

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Where do I find available tickets for upcoming events?
  • The easiest way is to click on links in the Upcoming Events section of the Fathom home page. You can also visit the Event/Series Detail pages, enter in the date of the event (if applicable), your zip and click GO. The Theatre Locations page displays a list of participating theatres closest to the zip code you entered. Click on the Buy Tickets link to be connected to that theatre's online ticketing provider.

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How do I buy tickets?
  • Tickets are available online at FathomEvents.com via one of our online ticketing partners or at the participating theatres' box offices.

  • Regal/Edwards/United Artists Theatres, Kerasotes Theatres, Century Theatres and some AMC Theatres--www.fandango.com

  • (Most) AMC Theatres, Marcus Theatres and National Amusements--www.movietickets.com

  • Cinemark Theatres--www.cinemark.com

  • Goodrich Quality Theatres, all are online except Springfield 8 (Springfield, MO) where tickets are available at the box office --www.gqti.com

  • Georgia Theatre Company--tickets only available at the participating theatres' box offices.

  • Local Performing Arts Centers and Theatres – various providers and box offices.

  • Please note that there may be a lag between the time ticketing is activated at the box office and when it is available online via Fathom.

  • Fathom does not process any ticketing transactions. FathomEvents.com is a convenient aggregator of participating theatres (by location) and offers ticketing to theatres that are closest to you.

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Why are there tickets available for sale at one theatre and not another for the same event?
  • For different theatre chains, ticketing goes on sale at different times for the same event. Once ticketing is activated at the theatre, Fathom can activate its ticketing function.

  • Please note that there may be a lag between the time ticketing is activated at the box office and when it is available online via Fathom.

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If I buy a ticket online, how do I get my tickets?
  • After you purchase your tickets via one of our online ticketing partners, follow instructions to print out your purchase confirmation. Take this printout with you to the theatre box office to exchange it for your tickets. If you experience problems with this process, please contact the online ticketing partner .

  • Tickets purchased online are non-transferable between participating theatres.

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What if I didn't receive a confirmation for my online ticket purchase?
  • All ticket purchases are handled by our ticketing partners. You must contact them directly for any ticketing issue--information is available on their websites.

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How do I get a refund or exchange my tickets?
  • Refunds and exchanges are only handled via one of our online ticketing partners or at the participating theatre's box office. Please visit the website of the ticketing partner for which you made your purchase for their refund and exchange policies.

  • Fathom does not manage or engage in any ticketing transaction activity. Ticket refunds or exchanges can only be handled by our ticket partners or participating theatres.

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You have upcoming events listed, but I can't figure out how to buy tickets. What's going on?
  • If there is not a Find Tickets button, then the event is not on sale yet. Once tickets go on sale, the website will be updated.

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Do you offer group ticket discounts?
  • Currently Fathom is unable to offer group ticket discounts for Fathom events. In the future, this may be possible for some events, and we will indicate so on the Event Detail page for those events.

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Customer Service

I have a general question about Fathom, one of your events, ticketing, etc. How do I contact you?
  • Click the Contact Us section at the top of the website and use this form to email your inquiry to us. Please select an Inquiry Type so that we can best route your question. Your email will be answered usually within 48 hours.

  • Email is the preferred method of communication and will receive the highest level of attention.

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I am a member of the media and am interested in speaking with someone about a Fathom event or series. Who can I talk to?
  • In the Contact Us section, please select the Media Inquiry selection from the Inquiry Type drop down list and send us your contact information and message. Your inquiry will be directed to our Media Relations department, who will contact you directly.

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Fathom Insider Newsletter and Event Alerts

I want to sign up for your Fathom Insider Newsletter and Event Alerts, why do you need so much information from me?
  • Event Alerts is the only area on our website where we collect your name, email address and associated information. By completing this page and agreeing to our Terms of Use, you grant Fathom the right to email you periodically with information about upcoming events and Fathom news, based on the Email Preferences you chose during the sign up process.

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Why do you ask me for my birthday?
  • It is Fathom's policy to only collect Event Alerts email addresses for individuals who are over the age of thirteen (13.)

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If I agree to sign up for Event Alerts, what will you do with the information I supply you?
  • We collect your name, email address and zip code information as part of our Terms of Use. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for additional information.

  • We collect your Email Preferences so that we can send you event information that corresponds to your areas of interest.

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How do I unsubscribe from Event Alerts?
  • You must unsubscribe from one of the Event Alert emails you received from Fathom. Simply click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email and we will remove you from future Event Alerts. Note you may receive an additional Event Alert before we can completely remove you from the mailing list.

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Business Opportunities

I am interested in working with Fathom, how do I find out more about potential business opportunities?
  • Please visit our Business Opportunities section for this information. You can also reach us via our Contact Us section. Please select the Business Opportunity selection from the Inquiry Type drop down list and send us your contact information and message. Your inquiry will be directed to our Business Development department and they will contact you.

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