XX Files: Why Gina Facca Oughta Be In Pictures! As COO Of Imagine Cinemas Running The Third Largest Movie Theatre Chain In Ontario, She Certainly Is!

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

Story And Photo By Rebecca Wright

Gina Facca . . .

She’ll See You At The Movies

It’s officially October and the season of ghosts, witches and vampires is upon us. What better time than now to feature a business that embraces the true sense of Hallowe’en?

Get into the spirit of the season with a scary blast-from-the-past, horror movie marathon at Imagine Cinemas this month.

On Saturday, October 22, 2022 catch Trick ‘r Treat (2007), Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and The Exorcist (1973). Then on Friday, October 28, 2022 another trilogy of horror movies continues (check their website for more details).

“Each marathon will take place in our luxury theatres and there will be costume contests, trivia and games at intermission,” explains COO Gina Facca. “Ticket price is $25 for either evening and will include all three movies. These events have sold out in the past, and tickets are available on our website: ImagineCinemas.com.”

According to Facca, Imagine Cinemas is a “cultural community hub.”

“In our community we represent a sense of kinship and entertainment,” she says. “Families have a night out, couples have date nights, schools have field trips and sports teams have private screenings at our cinemas. We have also hosted many types of events, including world premiere movies, wedding party photo shoots for those who are keen movie goers, promposals, wedding proposals, training sessions, commemorative life events, and many private corporate events.”

Imagine Cinemas, located at 164 Commercial Blvd. in Lakeshore, (its flagship movie theatre) is a locally owned and operated family business.

Since opening in 2005, the company expanded and currently has 12 locations — 11 in Ontario and one in British Columbia.

“We are the third largest movie theatre chain in Ontario, but the only independently owned chain,” Facca indicates. “I think that what sets us apart is that we are accessible to our community since we are pretty small, so it is easy to connect with us to book corporate events, private rentals and more. Because we are agile, we can work outside the normal corporate box to offer

Imagine Cinemas COO Gina Facca is extremely proud of her staff, which is predominantly made up of women. Here, she is photographed (fourth from left) with a few members of her team in the entranceway of the theatre. From left: Jenn Eggett, Heidi Innes, Sandi Spencer, Facca, Bailey Gauthier and Kabri-Ann Loosemore.

unique opportunities to customers who want to use movies and our theatres for different things.”

Movies are a staple in Canadian culture, and there is nothing quite like the experience of being in an audience — surrounded by like minds — enjoying a movie together.

“The experience of lining up to get freshly popped popcorn layered with butter and then viewing the latest movie on the big screen in our luxury recliners with others, is an event that cannot be replicated at home,” Facca believes.

Running a business is challenging every day, but it’s all about finding that balance.

“Life balance has always been important to me as my family — especially my two sons — are the most important people in my life,” reflects Facca. “I have learned that kids grow up quickly and you never get that time when they are little, back. So it’s really important to balance your work life with your family life, otherwise burnout and unhappiness could set in.”

It’s also important to remember you’re only as successful as the team you build around you.

“And I have the best there is,” she declares. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to curate my own team over the years as we have continued to grow our business.”

Imagine Cinemas, owned by two families has 10 shareholders, eight are female.

“In addition, seven of nine of our head office staff and half of our theatre General Managers, are also women,” she points out.

Facca’s advice for other women entrepreneurs is to find a female mentor for guidance along the way.

“Find someone that you look up to and one that has the ability to share the secrets to their success,” she states, adding that she found her someone early in her career and she became one of her closest friends. “Once you have it all figured out yourself — become a mentor. There are many young, aspiring women who need someone to help them learn and grow.”