Tessa Esplin
Member Profile
How has Cinema United membership been impactful to you and/or your business?Cinema United has been an incredible resource for me and the team at FatCats. Being part of a network of passionate industry professionals has helped us stay informed, adapt to trends, and grow our cinema operations. Since FatCats started as a bowling and arcade center before adding theaters, this community has been invaluable in helping us learn and evolve. It’s inspiring to connect with others who love movies just as much, and it’s exciting to be part of shaping the future of exhibition together.
I actually got my start in the theater industry when I was just 16, working concessions. It was my first job, and I absolutely loved the energy of the movie theater—there was always something exciting happening. Over time, I worked my way up through operations management while pursuing my degree in Marketing Management. I eventually landed an internship in the marketing department at LHM, which opened my eyes to the creative and strategic side of the business. That experience led me to my current role as a Marketing Manager at FatCats, where I’ve been helping shape the cinema experience since we expanded from just bowling and arcade to include theaters.
I love that my job is all about creating memorable experiences. There’s something really special about seeing families, friends, and movie lovers come together for a night out at the movies. Whether it’s a big blockbuster premiere, a themed event, or just someone’s first time in a theater, I get to be a small part of making those moments feel magical. Seeing people laugh, cry, and just escape into a film reminds me why I love what I do.
One of the coolest experiences I’ve had was attending CinemaCon. Being in a room with actors, directors, and creators who are so passionate about their work was amazing. Seeing them talk about their films and show us exclusive clips made me realize just how much heart and effort goes into making movies. It was surreal to witness these behind-the-scenes moments and then get to take that excitement back to my team as we plan for the upcoming year. It really reinforced how important theaters are in bringing these stories to life for audiences.
Member Gallery
Hands down, the Barbie movie event we hosted at FatCats. It was pure magic. So many women showed up dressed in pink, including me, my sister, and my mom, and there was just this incredible sense of joy and community. Everyone was excited, taking photos, and celebrating together—it felt like more than just a movie, it was a full experience. Seeing how cinema can create those kinds of moments, where people connect over a film in such a fun way, was really special.
I think the future of exhibition is all about making moviegoing feel like an event. With so many entertainment options at home, theaters are stepping up to offer something unique—premium formats, interactive experiences, themed events, and just an overall elevated way to enjoy films. I love that because it keeps the magic of the big screen alive. Movies aren’t just about watching something – they’re about feeling something, and theaters have the ability to create unforgettable, immersive experiences that you just can’t get anywhere else.
Jump in wherever you can and be open to learning everything! I started at the concessions stand and never imagined I’d one day be in marketing and meeting studio executives, but every role I had along the way taught me something valuable. The best thing you can do is stay curious, build connections, and always look for ways to grow. And most importantly, stay passionate—this industry is built on the love of movies and the experiences they create. If you have that passion, it’ll take you far.
