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About

The J.A. DeSève Cinema is a 160-seat cinema with an adjacent foyer that is used primarily for Film Studies classes during the school year (September to April), but is available to clients on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as throughout the summer. Film festivals, panel discussions and presentations are hosted in this cinema.

DeSève offers digital cinema projection via Barco DP4K-17BLP 4K projector, digital sound via a Dolby CP750 processor (7.1 LPCM, 7.1 Analog, S/PDIF), Dolby CP650 processor (SRD, SR, A, Mono) reel-to-reel 35 mm reel-to-reel 35 mm, 16 mm and most standard video playback options in addition to a fully integrated digital retransmission network.

Location

J.W. McConnell Building (Library building)
1400 De Maisonneuve Ouest
LB-125 (See map)

Booking rates by client type

Academic Projection Services

Events hosted by professors or students in direct support of for-credit courses/ no registration or admission fees

Service offering Amount Type of Rate Cost Itemized total
Room Fee 1 Flat rate $100.00 $100.00
Projection Services
(labour and equipment)
1 Flat rate $200.00 $200.00
      Total $300.00

Flat room rates:

2-4 hours: $100
5-8 hours: $150
8-10 hours: $250 per day

Flat rate projection services:

4 hour block: $50 per hour for additional hours

Microphone availability and rentals:

  • Two handheld mics are included with the room.
  • Additional microphone rentals are $16.00 each.

Other information:

  • Students booking events related directly to their coursework fall into this category
  • For a student's thesis defence: The student's supervisor must provide budget code and be in attendance for the screening.

Internal Projection Services

Includes departments, student groups, University partners & registered non-profit orgs. No registration or admission fees required.

Service offering Amount Type of Rate Cost Itemized total
Room Fee 1 Flat rate $100.00 $150.00
Projection Services
(labour and equipment)
1 Flat rate $200.00 $300.00
      Total $450.00

Flat room rates:

2-4 hours: $150
5-8 hours: $250
8-10 hours: $350 per day

Flat rate projection services:

4 hour block: $75 per hour for additional hours

Microphone availability and rentals:

  • Two handheld mics are included with the room.
  • Additional microphone rentals are $16.00 each.

Other information:

Student groups recognized by the Dean of students receive a 50% discount on services at the University plus full tax.

External/Preferred Projection Services

Service offering Amount Type of Rate Cost Itemized total
Room Fee 1 Flat rate $375.00 $375.00
Projection Services
(labour and equipment)
1 Flat rate $320.00 $480.00
      Subtotal $855.00
      Admin fee (5%) $42.75
      GST (5%) $44.89
      PST (9.975%) $89.55
      Total $1,032.19

Flat room rates:

2-4 hours: $375
5-8 hours: $475
8-10 hours: $675 per day

Flat rate projection services:

4 hour block: $120 per hour for additional hours

Microphone availability and rentals:

  • Two handheld mics are included with the room.
  • Additional microphone rentals are $32.00 each.

Other information:

  • DeSève cinema foyer for reception, registration or catering: $100 per event
  • Any group charging admission or registration falls into the external client category, unless they are an official university partner.
  • Technicians are mandatory for the entirety of an event.

  • Additional technician and equipment time (for chargeable equipment) beyond the minimums will be charged at the same rate.
  • The projectionist or technician will arrive one hour before the event start time as noted in the booking to set up and check the system. The client is requested to meet the projectionist at that time. The media should have been sent in advance for testing purposes. 
  • Booking categories are applied at the discretion of IITS. We reserve the right to change the client's booking category if the client/event status changes.
  • No taxes are charged when fees are paid via Unity cost object except in the case of student groups who receive a 50% discount plus full tax.
  • Reduced rates can be discussed for external clients when booking multiple dates and for non-profit groups with official tax exempt status.
  • If other equipment is needed (i.e. laptop, microphones, etc.), further rental fees apply.
  • If furniture is requested, fees may apply for the delivery and/or set-up of this furniture.
  • Custodial charges may apply depending on whether food is served, and whether the event falls on a weekend or is followed by another booking. Please discuss this with the Booking Coordinator.

Booking policies

  • All requests and/or changes to a booking must be made via email in order to officially confirm the order of all requests, and to document the progress of each booking.
  • After discussion of available dates and times in the cinema, the IITS Cinemas Booking Coordinator will direct the client to the DeSève Cinema Availability Calendar. The client follows the instructions to find availability and access the online reservation form. The reservation form, when submitted, is automatically sent to the Booking Coordinator.
  • Upon receipt, the reservation form will be processed and the Booking Coordinator will confirm that the room has been reserved. Technical and logistical details will be finalized before an estimate is sent.
  • If the reservation is for an internal department/group, official confirmation of the event would be pending receipt of a budget code.
  • If the reservation is external, the client will be asked to sign a lease agreement, and also pay the total estimated amount in advance, before receiving official confirmation. In instances where the total estimated amount of the bill is greater than $2500, a down payment of 50% of the total, or the total estimated labour charges (whichever is greater) will be necessary to confirm the booking. The balance of the amount owed will be due no later than 30 days after receipt of the invoice. After the event has taken place, the client will be notified of any discrepancy between the estimated amount and the actual usage (i.e the event went longer or shorter than estimated, the client asked for extra equipment, etc.), and billed accordingly.

Our shared reservation system is live and submitting an online booking request form is the only way to secure space.

An external client who books DeSève Cinema for more than 2 days (e.g. a film festival or conference) will be asked to make a non-refundable deposit for the event. The amount will be 50% of the estimated room rental fee (not projectionist or equipment), plus taxes.  

Requests must be made a minimum of 10 business days before the event.

A booking may be cancelled without penalty up to 10 business days before the event, except for cases requiring a non-refundable deposit.

A booking made at the minimum time allowed (10 business days or one calendar week) or less before the event CANNOT be cancelled. The required prepayment is not refundable.

All advertising and promotional material for any event booked in DeSève Cinema cannot state or imply that Concordia University is connected with or endorses the event, unless prior permission has been given by the University. This includes naming Concordia University as part of the location address for the event. Contact the Booking Coordinator for assistance on this topic.

All signs, posters, or banners advertising an event booked in DeSève Cinema must not be placed on the exterior of any public building or on any lamppost, tree, or other objects not specifically designated for public advertisements. The University reserves the right to disclose to municipal authorities the identity of the client of the event if the University is contacted about illegal signage/poster display.

Concordia University currently requires external clients who book venues on campus to have (or to procure) a public liability insurance policy in the amount of $2,000,000. Concordia University must be named as “additionally co-insured”. We can also accept “one-way” insurance (covering only Concordia University) this coverage is offered through the University at an affordable rate.

The University, represented by the IITS Booking Coordinator, will require a copy of this insurance policy to finalize any external lease agreement for the rental of the venue. Consult the University’s Policy Governing the Temporary Use of Space for further details.

Contact your Booking Coordinator if you have any questions regarding liability insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Yes, the cinema is equipped to screen film, high-definition video, and digital cinema formats (DCI 2K, DCI 4K). It can also support PowerPoint presentations and panel discussions.

This room has two teaching podia, one located at the front-left of the cinema (as seen by the audience) and one in the centre of the room on the far left side. Microphone, standard AV connections, and reading lights are located at both podia. The front podium also has a 20" touchscreen computer monitor, providing the ability to annotate on-screen.

There is a small stage (approximately 9 by 33 feet) in front of the screen, which is suitable for tables for a panel discussion, Awards ceremonies, professional lectures to audience members but its not suitable for performance.

The cinema is not suitable for theatre and dance productions. When using the stage, it is important that the cinema screen is not touched, as the oils on a person's hands cannot be washed off the surface.

The Public Address (P.A.) system in the cinema should not be used to amplify musical instruments.

The DeSève Cinema is used primarily for Film Studies classes during the school year (September to April), but is available to clients on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as throughout the summer. A few blocks of time may also be open during the week depending on the academic schedule.

Visit our Availability Calendar to see when the cinema may be reserved.

All bookings at DeSève Cinema require a projectionist or technician, since all technical aspects are controlled from inside the projection booth, which is off-limits to non-authorized personnel. The projectionist or technician will also function as your liaison for any inquiries that may arise while using the venue.

Extra furniture can be requested when booking the cinema. Certain fees may apply for the delivery and set-up of this furniture. Some set-ups may have to be done by Custodial Services, who require a minimum of 48-hours' notice for furniture delivery.  

You may book any of the following:

  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Easels
  • Poster (bulletin) boards
  • Stage podium
  • Tablecloths (rented for $8 each)

DeSève is already equipped with a teaching podium at audience level, which is appropriate for PowerPoint presentations and lectures.

The DeSève foyer which includes washrooms, comes equipped with a screen, data projector and audio capabilities for small receptions or presentations, and the associated charges are $100/day. The foyer cannot be rented separately from the cinema during class time or during bookings that are not using the space. Standing capacity is approximately 50 persons. Speak with the Booking Coordinator regarding your plans for the use of the foyer.

The Atrium is booked through Hospitality Concordia.

Email: booking@concordia.ca
Phone: 848-2424 ext. 5030

Yes, there are double duplex outlets located under every second seat inside the theatre and several along the outer walls. There are two single outlets onstage, spaced 15 feet apart. Power is also available at both teaching podia.

There are two 15A circuits at the back of the room, which are suitable for spotlights (each duplex is located at a height of approximately 50 inches). Two Leko theatre lights may be provided upon request. There is also a vertical lighting bracket located next to each outlet. If additional theatre lights are required, clients must provide and operate them. At this time, the cinema is not equipped with dimmers or a theatrical lighting control board.

Film formats, aspect ratios; film sound formats:

  • 35 mm, 1.33, 1.37, 1.66, 1.78, 1.85, 2.39; Dolby SRD, SR, A and Mono;
  • 16 mm 1.33; mono;

Video formats (NTSC unless specified otherwise):

  • DCP (Digital Cinema Packages 4K or 2K)
  • Apple ProRes422HQ (5.1 LPCM Audio, 2K resolution)
  • Blu-Ray (All zones)
  • DVD (PAL, NTSC; all regions)
  • VHS (multi-standard: PAL, NTSC, SECAM)
  • S-VHS (multi-standard: PAL, NTSC, SECAM)
  • Laserdisc (CAV, CLV)

Note: Often filmmakers bring their own films on DVD-R or DVD-RW (or DVD+R) format; in these cases we request that the media is brought to the cinema in advance of the booking for a test. It is recommended that you bring a back-up of your film on a different format.

It is recommended you test your media in advance of your screening. The booking coordinator will be happy to arrange a time with you.

Miscellaneous Equipment/Support:

Microphones:

  • 6 Shure ULXD2/SM58 Wireless Handheld Microphones
  • 2 Shure ULXD1 Wireless Lavalier/Headset Microphones
  • 2 Shure CVG18 Gooseneck Podium Microphones​

Mixers:

  • Extron DMP128 12X8 Digital Matrix Processor
  • Mackie ProFX16v2 16 Channel Audio Mixer (Rack mounted)

3D System

  • 2K/4K 3D capable (XPAND Active glasses system) DCP or Frame Packed Blu-ray discs 
  • only 800 glasses available

Fully integrated Digital retransmission network (HDBaseT)

A/V Send & Receive from the stage, back of the auditorium and foyer

Additional audiovisual equipment is available for rent from Concordia's Service Centres. The booking coordinator can arrange this rental, fees may apply.

Here are some examples of extra equipment that can be booked:

  • Microphones (wireless, lapel, headset, etc.)
  • Laptop (Windows only)
  • Video camera
  • Audio recording equipment (i.e. Marantz cassette recorder & microphone)

If a piece of equipment you need does not appear above, it does not mean it is unavailable – just ask!

Yes, there is space at the back of the cinema reserved for a maximum of four audience members using wheelchairs. At this time, the cinema is not equipped with automatic doors and there is no access to the stage due to the stairs on either side.

To find information for on-campus parking, visit Concordia’s Parking Services page. There is also street parking available from the City of Montreal, and various paid parking lots nearby.

All confirmations of public events taking place on campus are forwarded to University Communications Services who post the events on the Concordia website. Ensure that you have given a thorough description of your event when making your booking, or visit concordia.ca/events to add your event to the calendar yourself.

Contact the IITS Cinemas Booking Coordinator to make arrangements. You may bring in your own video/audio recording equipment and we will accommodate you as much as possible. Be sure to discuss your recording needs with the Booking Coordinator well in advance of your event. Absolutely no recording of copyrighted material will be permitted. For more information, refer to the university's Policy Governing Filming on University Premises.

You can reach the IITS Cinemas office at 514-848-2424, ext. 3440 or via email at deseve@concordia.ca. An appointment can be scheduled to view the cinema before booking.

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