UsherU: A Cinephiles’ dream app

With people having access to streaming services that allow to customize the movie viewing experience to their personal taste, movie theaters are having a hard time selling empty seats. Here’s where UsherU saw and opportunity and launched a platform that helps bring people back to the theater by keeping movie fans informed about what’s showing in their hometown.

From offers and bookings, to listings and even every film festival around, UsherU is originated in Ireland to satisfy film geeks everywhere. Since it was created by tech experts and cinema professionals, this app is catered to customize the best film experience for its users. For example, if you are an art house film buff, the app will be that expert friend that will recommend you the indie movie showing nearby that you’ll probably like.

Pati Matsushita, part of the design team at UsherU, was so cool to explain more about how the app works and why they are in Puerto Rico as part of Parallel18. “Our founders noticed that theater owners don’t know their customers changing tastes and we want to provide that data to the distributors. UsherU’s main purpose is to fill empty seats with local moviegoers based on their preferences. Users create a profiles and tell us their favorite theaters, genres and more to offer them the information they need,” explained Matsushita. After you create your profile, the app can send you notifications based on your preferences. Now, you’ll never miss the latest Almodóvar film or short film festival.

“Our founders learned about P18 through a website of accelerators, and saw it as an opportunity to expand.” Being in Puerto Rico “makes it easier to establish a business, with tax exemptions and the close relationship (of the island) with the U.S.” Matsushita also commented about the mentor program at P18, ¨There are all this mentors and are so accessible, is quicker (to find help). I love the culture. This is the most creative space I have worked in,” said the designer. About the grant they received from Parallel18, UsherU will use it for product development, payroll of local hires and social marketing.

There’s a new generation of participants coming to P18. What advice does Pati gives to them? “ Learn from the other companies. Everyone is helping each other, make the most of it and don’t forget to enjoy it!”