Sinepia

About the app

Going to the cinema is a one-off decision today: buy a ticket, queue up, plan ahead. Sinepia flips that around and aims to turn cinema into a habit. You have a monthly membership; morning, noon or evening, you sit down in front of the screen whenever you feel like it.

The membership works in two ways. On the unlimited plan a new entry credit unlocks roughly every four hours — so instead of counting a fixed quota across the month, your entitlement renews over time. Anyone who prefers flexibility can spend from a credit pack instead. Every format is covered, including IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX and Gold Class, and a membership can be shared by up to three people under a single plan.

Technically, the real design problem here is entitlement management. A credit that renews over time, a credit that gets consumed, and a shared plan all run at once; whichever of them covers an entry is the one that gets deducted. When a credit unlocks depends on server time, not the device clock — moving your phone's date forward does not earn you new credits. A second entry to the same screening, refunding an unused credit and abuse on a shared plan are all handled in this layer as well.

At the box office it works with a single-use QR code: you open the entry code in the app and have it scanned at the counter. Paperless, fast, contactless. On top of that there is a discount of up to 15% at the concession stand based on membership tier, used for popcorn and drinks before the screening.

Sinepia is currently preparing for launch; the cinema network will open together with founding partners. After cinema, the roadmap also includes theatre tickets.