The Planning Elements tool in Indy Admin allows you to automate dynamic pricing by linking your scheduling (time slots, screens, and showings) to the correct price cards. This ensures your cinema’s pricing adjusts based on matinee, evening, premium formats, and special offers (like Bargain Tuesday) without needing to manually change prices for each showing.
🧭 Where to Find It
Planning Elements:
Operations → Programming → Planning Elements
⚡ What is Dynamic Pricing?
Dynamic pricing adjusts the price card applied to a showing based on time slots and planning elements rather than manual selection. This saves time when building schedules and ensures consistency across your cinema chain.
🧾 Key Concepts
Time Slots
Define blocks of time for each day (e.g., 10am, 3pm, 7pm, 10pm)
These are configured in developer settings by Indie Support
Default Price Cards
Price cards linked to time slots determine your baseline pricing (e.g., Matinee, Evening)
The only true “dynamic” pricing option in the system
Planning Elements
Allow you to pre-define which price card applies for certain screens, badges, or special offers
Stack in priority order: the top-most element applies first
Stacking Logic
Planning Elements stack from top to bottom
The first applicable element sets the price card for the showing
If the showing is moved within the schedule, the planning element price card remains fixed
🛠️ How to Configure Dynamic Pricing
Step 1: Set Default Price Cards (Baseline Dynamic Pricing)
Link price cards to time slots
If a showing is moved from one time slot to another, its price card will automatically update
Step 2: Build Planning Elements
Go to Planning Elements
Click Add Planning Element
Name the element (e.g., IMAX Matinee, Bargain Tuesday)
Apply any relevant showing badges (optional)
Set applicable screens and time slots
Assign the price card to be used
Repeat for other conditions (Evening, Tuesdays, etc.)
Step 3: Order the Elements
Arrange elements in priority order
Example: IMAX Matinee above IMAX Evening, then Bargain Tuesday at the bottom
🔑 Important Notes
Planning Elements are “static” once applied:
If you move a showing within the schedule, the price card assigned by the planning element will not change
Only Default Price Cards are truly dynamic
Use both methods together:
Default Price Cards handle time-based dynamic pricing
Planning Elements ensure specific screens, badges, or promotions always use the correct price card
Special Offers:
Bargain Tuesday pricing can be applied across all screens using a single planning element
🧠 Best Practice
Use Planning Elements for formats, screens, or special promotions that must always have the same pricing
Use Default Price Cards for true dynamic pricing tied to time slots
Review your Planning Element stacking order regularly to avoid misapplied price cards
Watch the Tutorial