It takes a veritable village of vendors to make a movie theater as appealing as possible, and if ever cinemas need to sparkle — from floors to seats to bathrooms to you name it — it’s now, as the summer box office gets underway. The one-two punch of the pandemic and Hollywood’s labor wars created a perilous slowdown in content that, which means 2024 will have a very tough time matching the $9 billion grossed last year. Without a big Marvel to kick off the season over the May 5-7 weekend, revenue is lagging badly over last year. But there’s still plenty of opportunity for improvement.
Foot traffic is everything for theater owners. While their profit margin on a movie ticket will be 33 percent, that number shoots up to 56 percent on a concession, according to one industry executive with access to data. Popcorn remains king and represents 30 percent of all concession sales,...
Foot traffic is everything for theater owners. While their profit margin on a movie ticket will be 33 percent, that number shoots up to 56 percent on a concession, according to one industry executive with access to data. Popcorn remains king and represents 30 percent of all concession sales,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Opening soon in a theater near you are “Run Lola Run,” “Interstellar,” “Hereditary,” “Split,” and “Spirited Away.” They join fellow comeback kids “Oldboy,” “Stop Making Sense,” “Coraline,” “Amelié,” and Pixar’s pandemic-era films making their theatrical returns.
Last year’s strikes can take credit for some of this nostalgia: With distributors forced to delay films, theaters are desperate for product. However, desperation is not the only mother of this invention. A24, Neon, and other specialty distributors are treating re-releases as a way to reach younger audiences.
Last year, Neon re-released Park Chan-wook’s 2003 film “Oldboy” to $2.1 million worldwide. At a CinemaCon panel April 8, Neon distribution president Elissa Federoff credited its success to a young audience eager to see it on a big screen for the first time. “What is old is new for these younger audiences,” she said.
A24 is reaching into its own library to bolster its brand, rereleasing...
Last year’s strikes can take credit for some of this nostalgia: With distributors forced to delay films, theaters are desperate for product. However, desperation is not the only mother of this invention. A24, Neon, and other specialty distributors are treating re-releases as a way to reach younger audiences.
Last year, Neon re-released Park Chan-wook’s 2003 film “Oldboy” to $2.1 million worldwide. At a CinemaCon panel April 8, Neon distribution president Elissa Federoff credited its success to a young audience eager to see it on a big screen for the first time. “What is old is new for these younger audiences,” she said.
A24 is reaching into its own library to bolster its brand, rereleasing...
- 4/25/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Screen looks at the key take-aways from the annual exhibitors convention in Las Vegas which ran April 8-11.
Exhibitors in decent shape; AMC boss fends off bankruptcy talk
Cineworld has come through a restructure. Cinemark continues to run a tight ship. And AMC will not file for bankruptcy – or so CEO Adam Aron asserted whenever a reporter was within earshot, despite a heavy debt load and incessant speculation about the financial health of the world’s largest circuit after Covid and the Hollywood strikes.
However Drafthouse is exploring a sale, and Hollywood sources told Screen the likelihood is there will be consolidation down the line,...
Exhibitors in decent shape; AMC boss fends off bankruptcy talk
Cineworld has come through a restructure. Cinemark continues to run a tight ship. And AMC will not file for bankruptcy – or so CEO Adam Aron asserted whenever a reporter was within earshot, despite a heavy debt load and incessant speculation about the financial health of the world’s largest circuit after Covid and the Hollywood strikes.
However Drafthouse is exploring a sale, and Hollywood sources told Screen the likelihood is there will be consolidation down the line,...
- 4/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
We’re leaving Las Vegas.
CinemaCon 2024 is over — time for studios to go out and prove their pitches at the box office. Based on what we saw, or really what we didn’t see, that will be an uphill battle.
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the folks and films that showed up. Arguably, the biggest star to attend CinemaCon was Kevin Costner. The cynical point of view? He was pitching not one but two “Horizon” films to theater owners — and simultaneously pitching third and fourth installments to Warner Bros. Plus, Costner received a trophy (the CinemaCon Visionary Award), for which WB execs shooed him offstage just to call him back up. Kinda silly. Speaking of WB execs and no-shows, if David Zaslav was in town, he didn’t come on stage.
Jeff Goldblum did, as did his fellow “Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Michelle Yeoh.
CinemaCon 2024 is over — time for studios to go out and prove their pitches at the box office. Based on what we saw, or really what we didn’t see, that will be an uphill battle.
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the folks and films that showed up. Arguably, the biggest star to attend CinemaCon was Kevin Costner. The cynical point of view? He was pitching not one but two “Horizon” films to theater owners — and simultaneously pitching third and fourth installments to Warner Bros. Plus, Costner received a trophy (the CinemaCon Visionary Award), for which WB execs shooed him offstage just to call him back up. Kinda silly. Speaking of WB execs and no-shows, if David Zaslav was in town, he didn’t come on stage.
Jeff Goldblum did, as did his fellow “Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Michelle Yeoh.
- 4/12/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Michael O’Leary, the new president and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners, is encouraging Hollywood to think smaller.
Don’t get him wrong — he loves Marvel, “Mission: Impossible” and “Fast & Furious” as much as the next exhibitor. But O’Leary is urging the major studios to prioritize more than just the tentpole properties that prop up the box office. Those mega-budgeted films are great, of course, but he believes that a “variety of movies that appeal to moviegoers is critical” to the survival of the box office.
“It is not enough to rely solely on blockbusters — we must have a strong and vibrant market for movies with smaller or medium-sized budgets,” he said on Tuesday morning at CinemaCon, the exhibition trade show held annually in Las Vegas. He pointed to last year’s offerings of Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning literary satire “American Fiction,” romantic drama “Past Lives...
Don’t get him wrong — he loves Marvel, “Mission: Impossible” and “Fast & Furious” as much as the next exhibitor. But O’Leary is urging the major studios to prioritize more than just the tentpole properties that prop up the box office. Those mega-budgeted films are great, of course, but he believes that a “variety of movies that appeal to moviegoers is critical” to the survival of the box office.
“It is not enough to rely solely on blockbusters — we must have a strong and vibrant market for movies with smaller or medium-sized budgets,” he said on Tuesday morning at CinemaCon, the exhibition trade show held annually in Las Vegas. He pointed to last year’s offerings of Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning literary satire “American Fiction,” romantic drama “Past Lives...
- 4/9/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
In his CinemaCon debut, NATO Chairman Michael O’Leary called the future of the motion picture industry “limitless” in what was a positive keynote speech this morning.
While praising the studios for their commitment to theatrical, O’Leary called for something that exhibition needs right now after weathering Covid and two strikes with a lack of big studio product: Money.
“Keeping pace with the increasing demands of the movie-going public is not new, but it does require capital. And to our friends in the financial industry, investing in the talented people that run the innovative theatres across this country and the world is a smart investment. Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone—creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” said O’Leary.
There was a buzz heading into CinemaCon that AMC might finally give into bankruptcy (currently not true) with Alamo Drafthouse on the sales...
While praising the studios for their commitment to theatrical, O’Leary called for something that exhibition needs right now after weathering Covid and two strikes with a lack of big studio product: Money.
“Keeping pace with the increasing demands of the movie-going public is not new, but it does require capital. And to our friends in the financial industry, investing in the talented people that run the innovative theatres across this country and the world is a smart investment. Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone—creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” said O’Leary.
There was a buzz heading into CinemaCon that AMC might finally give into bankruptcy (currently not true) with Alamo Drafthouse on the sales...
- 4/9/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael O’Leary took the stage at CinemaCon for the first time as president-ceo of the National Association of Theater Owners and his message was clear: strained theater circuits need assistance, as they are still dealing with the lingering impact of the Covid-19 crisis and the dramatic slowdown in movies due to last year’s labor strikes.
“Keeping pace with the increasing demands of the movie-going public is not new, but it does require capital. And to our friends in the financial industry, investing in the talented people that run the innovative theaters across this country and the world is a smart investment. Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone — creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” said O’Leary, who took over as NATO chief a year ago.
His CinemaCon address to thousands of theater owners attending the annual convention comes as Regal Cinemas emerges from bankruptcy under new ownership,...
“Keeping pace with the increasing demands of the movie-going public is not new, but it does require capital. And to our friends in the financial industry, investing in the talented people that run the innovative theaters across this country and the world is a smart investment. Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone — creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” said O’Leary, who took over as NATO chief a year ago.
His CinemaCon address to thousands of theater owners attending the annual convention comes as Regal Cinemas emerges from bankruptcy under new ownership,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CinemaCon: NATO’s Michael O’Leary urges investment in theatres, MPA’s Charles Rivkin fiery on piracy
CinemaCon’s annual state of the industry address on Tuesday featured the twin attack of NATO head Michael O’Leary’s maiden address and an impassioned talk on piracy from MPA head Charles Rivkin.
O’Leary urged investors to support exhibition and touched on what is already shaping up to be a signature theme of his tenure – support for the independent sector and lower budget cinema.
“Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone – creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” O’Leary told attendees at The Colosseum.
“Movies on the big screen benefit everyone. More compelling...
O’Leary urged investors to support exhibition and touched on what is already shaping up to be a signature theme of his tenure – support for the independent sector and lower budget cinema.
“Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone – creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” O’Leary told attendees at The Colosseum.
“Movies on the big screen benefit everyone. More compelling...
- 4/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
CinemaCon’s annual state of the industry address on Tuesday featured the twin attack of NATO head Michael O’Leary’s maiden address and an impassioned talk on piracy from MPA head Charles Rivkin.
O’Leary urged investors to support exhibition and touched on what is already shaping up to be a signature theme of his tenure – support for the independent sector and lower budget cinema.
“Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone – creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” O’Leary told attendees at The Colosseum.
“Movies on the big screen benefit everyone. More compelling...
O’Leary urged investors to support exhibition and touched on what is already shaping up to be a signature theme of his tenure – support for the independent sector and lower budget cinema.
“Getting more capital into the system will benefit everyone – creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans,” O’Leary told attendees at The Colosseum.
“Movies on the big screen benefit everyone. More compelling...
- 4/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
A common theme at CinemaCon over the years has been the need for distributors and exhibitors to collaborate more closely and the notion rose to the fore in a CinemaCon session dedicated to mid-budget films on Monday.
Focus Features president of distribution Lisa Bunnell and her counterpart at Neon, Elissa Federoff, argued that films like The Holdovers, Anatomy Of A Fall, and Immaculate need room to breathe and open on a smaller footprint and build word of mouth before expanding wider when a broader audience is ready to watch them.
“We need to be patient with these movies and understand...
Focus Features president of distribution Lisa Bunnell and her counterpart at Neon, Elissa Federoff, argued that films like The Holdovers, Anatomy Of A Fall, and Immaculate need room to breathe and open on a smaller footprint and build word of mouth before expanding wider when a broader audience is ready to watch them.
“We need to be patient with these movies and understand...
- 4/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Will pink and black loom large this week in Las Vegas?
After all, this Monday kicks off CinemaCon, the annual exhibition industry trade show and weeklong opportunity for studios and theater operators to wax poetic about the magic of going to the movies. And in 2023, there was no greater manifestation of the claim that the movie business is back than the cultural craze of “Barbenheimer.” The inextricably linked “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” complete with double features of the cotton-candy-coated and ultra-dark blockbusters, dominated the zeitgeist for months on end.
But just as the past can serve as a reminder of the collective joy of moviegoing, last year’s events may also plague the industry. Another inevitable topic at CinemaCon will be the two labor strikes that shut down production for months and forced studios to delay several tentpoles to 2025. The box office was just starting to recapture its pre-pandemic stride, so...
After all, this Monday kicks off CinemaCon, the annual exhibition industry trade show and weeklong opportunity for studios and theater operators to wax poetic about the magic of going to the movies. And in 2023, there was no greater manifestation of the claim that the movie business is back than the cultural craze of “Barbenheimer.” The inextricably linked “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” complete with double features of the cotton-candy-coated and ultra-dark blockbusters, dominated the zeitgeist for months on end.
But just as the past can serve as a reminder of the collective joy of moviegoing, last year’s events may also plague the industry. Another inevitable topic at CinemaCon will be the two labor strikes that shut down production for months and forced studios to delay several tentpoles to 2025. The box office was just starting to recapture its pre-pandemic stride, so...
- 4/8/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Cinema owners, studios and indie distributors gathering in Las Vegas this week for exhibition’s biggest confab seek visibility into a theatrical landscape gut-punched by Hollywood strikes last year just as a post-Covid recovery was revving up. Production halted for months led to fewer releases on the schedule.
But there’s reason for optimism, from Dune 2 and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to a tentpole-laden slate with clips and peeks eagerly awaited by the CinemaCon crowd. Amazon and Apple and studio parents recognize the value of an exclusive theatrical release — a realization that wasn’t at all a given post-pandemic.
National Association of Theatre Owners president and CEO Michael O’Leary and Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, talked with Deadline on the state of the industry as CinemaCon kicks off and ahead of their keynotes Tuesday.
The interviews were edited and condensed for clarity.
But there’s reason for optimism, from Dune 2 and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to a tentpole-laden slate with clips and peeks eagerly awaited by the CinemaCon crowd. Amazon and Apple and studio parents recognize the value of an exclusive theatrical release — a realization that wasn’t at all a given post-pandemic.
National Association of Theatre Owners president and CEO Michael O’Leary and Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, talked with Deadline on the state of the industry as CinemaCon kicks off and ahead of their keynotes Tuesday.
The interviews were edited and condensed for clarity.
- 4/8/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been going on for a while, and it’s been even worse post-pandemic, but the Oscar halo effect for Best Picture nominees has diminished greatly.
Even though most of this year’s Best Picture contenders are available in the home, there are three in an exclusive theatrical release which look to make gains by Oscar night, March 10: Amazon MGM’s American Fiction, Searchlight’s Poor Things and A24’s Zone of Interest. For some studios, playing off the heat of Oscar nominations is still a business.
Poor Things is currently playing in 1,400 theaters, the widest it has been following its Dec. 8 release, which notched the third best first weekend theater average ($73K) of 2023. The Emma Stone-starring and produced bawdy female erotic romp busts wide this weekend at 2,200 theaters. This Friday,...
Even though most of this year’s Best Picture contenders are available in the home, there are three in an exclusive theatrical release which look to make gains by Oscar night, March 10: Amazon MGM’s American Fiction, Searchlight’s Poor Things and A24’s Zone of Interest. For some studios, playing off the heat of Oscar nominations is still a business.
Poor Things is currently playing in 1,400 theaters, the widest it has been following its Dec. 8 release, which notched the third best first weekend theater average ($73K) of 2023. The Emma Stone-starring and produced bawdy female erotic romp busts wide this weekend at 2,200 theaters. This Friday,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2023, the rules didn’t apply to many of the year’s biggest success stories.
For the past two decades, superheroes and sequels have dominated at the box office. But in the last year, many of the movie business’ Tiffany franchises had all the appeal of an Old Navy clearance bin, with the likes of Indiana Jones and Ethan Hunt swinging back into action for more high-flying adventures only to be greeted with grosses that were decidedly Earthbound. And cinema’s mightiest heroes, from Ant-Man to Aquaman, were told to hang up their tights and tridents as comic book movies suffered a historic collapse at the box office. Marvel, once seen as the movie business’s most indestructible brand, is asking tough questions about its creative direction, while DC Films has brought in new leadership in James Gunn and Peter Safran and tasked them with undertaking a total reboot.
Those...
For the past two decades, superheroes and sequels have dominated at the box office. But in the last year, many of the movie business’ Tiffany franchises had all the appeal of an Old Navy clearance bin, with the likes of Indiana Jones and Ethan Hunt swinging back into action for more high-flying adventures only to be greeted with grosses that were decidedly Earthbound. And cinema’s mightiest heroes, from Ant-Man to Aquaman, were told to hang up their tights and tridents as comic book movies suffered a historic collapse at the box office. Marvel, once seen as the movie business’s most indestructible brand, is asking tough questions about its creative direction, while DC Films has brought in new leadership in James Gunn and Peter Safran and tasked them with undertaking a total reboot.
Those...
- 12/28/2023
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Library of Congress has unveiled its annual list of 25 movies to be added to the National Film Registry. The films selected each year are noted for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage.
Among the titles making the cut this year are Ron Howard’s space drama Apollo 13; family classics Home Alone and Lady and the Tramp; Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet; James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day;’ Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Love & Basketball; Spike Lee’s Bamboozled; and Steve McQueen’s Best Picture Oscar winner 12 Years a Slave. (Scroll down for the full list of films.)
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden made the announcement today saying the selection dates back more than 100 years to a 1921 Kodak educational film titled A Movie Trip Through Filmland about how film stock is produced and the impact of movies globally. In total,...
Among the titles making the cut this year are Ron Howard’s space drama Apollo 13; family classics Home Alone and Lady and the Tramp; Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet; James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day;’ Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Love & Basketball; Spike Lee’s Bamboozled; and Steve McQueen’s Best Picture Oscar winner 12 Years a Slave. (Scroll down for the full list of films.)
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden made the announcement today saying the selection dates back more than 100 years to a 1921 Kodak educational film titled A Movie Trip Through Filmland about how film stock is produced and the impact of movies globally. In total,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
John Fithian, Patrick Corcoran and Jackie Brenneman, who were top executives at the National Association of Theatre Owners, are joining forces to launch a new consulting firm for clients in the cinema space.
Dubbed The Fithian Group, the trio will advise clients on strategy and communications, as well as use their connections in the exhibition industry to find investors and forge partnerships. All three executives will serve as founding partners. In a press release announcing the new business, the partners stressed that they offer “more than 60 years combined experience in the cinema industry.”
And they do have deep ties to independent theater operators, as well as the major cinema chains. Fithian spent three decades at the National Association of Theatre Owners or NATO as it’s known, as its outside counsel and then as its president and CEO. He led the lobbying group through the Covid pandemic, which shut down theaters,...
Dubbed The Fithian Group, the trio will advise clients on strategy and communications, as well as use their connections in the exhibition industry to find investors and forge partnerships. All three executives will serve as founding partners. In a press release announcing the new business, the partners stressed that they offer “more than 60 years combined experience in the cinema industry.”
And they do have deep ties to independent theater operators, as well as the major cinema chains. Fithian spent three decades at the National Association of Theatre Owners or NATO as it’s known, as its outside counsel and then as its president and CEO. He led the lobbying group through the Covid pandemic, which shut down theaters,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Three recently departed NATO executives have teamed up for a new consulting firm specializing in the theatrical industry.
The Fithian Group LLC launched Wednesday with an aim of advising the theatrical industry through the current unpredictable landscape. Be it new companies, an ever-changing definition of what qualifies as a theatrical movie or technological advancements, John Fithian, Patrick Corcoran and Jackie Brenneman plan to bring their combined 60 years of experience in navigating the new normal.
“We have spent the last couple of decades helping to guide the cinema
industry through the biggest challenges it has faced,” said Fithian, the former NATO president and CEO. “Now, having survived those challenges, we want to help our industry clients seize opportunities and grow. Digital cinema, the long fight for theatrical exclusivity, the pandemic and Hollywood going all-in on streaming – we got through all that, and now, the major Hollywood labor agreements are another signal...
The Fithian Group LLC launched Wednesday with an aim of advising the theatrical industry through the current unpredictable landscape. Be it new companies, an ever-changing definition of what qualifies as a theatrical movie or technological advancements, John Fithian, Patrick Corcoran and Jackie Brenneman plan to bring their combined 60 years of experience in navigating the new normal.
“We have spent the last couple of decades helping to guide the cinema
industry through the biggest challenges it has faced,” said Fithian, the former NATO president and CEO. “Now, having survived those challenges, we want to help our industry clients seize opportunities and grow. Digital cinema, the long fight for theatrical exclusivity, the pandemic and Hollywood going all-in on streaming – we got through all that, and now, the major Hollywood labor agreements are another signal...
- 11/15/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Former National Association of Theatre Owners executives John Fithian, Patrick Corcoran and Jackie Brenneman have launched a new consulting firm The Fithian Group to advise global exhibition clients on strategy, partnerships, innovation and strategic communications.
“We have spent the last couple of decades helping to guide the cinema industry through the biggest challenges it has faced,” said Fithian, who retired from NATO in May after more than two decades at the helm. “Now, having survived those challenges, we want to help our industry clients seize opportunities and grow. Digital cinema, the long fight for theatrical exclusivity, the pandemic and Hollywood going all-in on streaming – we got through all that, and now, the major Hollywood labor agreements are another signal that it is the time to build.”
NATO, under Fithian, worked to get exhibition included in the $15 billion congressional Covid-19 Relief (Save Our Stages initiative) for small and mid-sized theaters...
“We have spent the last couple of decades helping to guide the cinema industry through the biggest challenges it has faced,” said Fithian, who retired from NATO in May after more than two decades at the helm. “Now, having survived those challenges, we want to help our industry clients seize opportunities and grow. Digital cinema, the long fight for theatrical exclusivity, the pandemic and Hollywood going all-in on streaming – we got through all that, and now, the major Hollywood labor agreements are another signal that it is the time to build.”
NATO, under Fithian, worked to get exhibition included in the $15 billion congressional Covid-19 Relief (Save Our Stages initiative) for small and mid-sized theaters...
- 11/15/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Just moments after SAG-AFTRA announced it had reached a tentative deal with the AMPTP Wednesday — bringing the historic 118-day strike to an end — the actors guild’s sister unions issued statements of congratulations.
“Congratulations to SAG-AFTRA on successfully reaching a tentative agreement that addresses the unique needs of their members,” a spokesperson for the DGA wrote in a statement to media. “Directors and their teams look forward to our industry getting back to work and collaborating with actors, writers, craftspeople and crews to create film and television that entertains billions around the world.”
The PGA similarly congratulated the guild for their “unwavering dedication” in securing a fair deal, and looked ahead to getting the entertainment industry back on its feet.
“The Producers Guild of America congratulates SAG-AFTRA for their unwavering dedication in reaching an agreement with the studios,” the PGA wrote in a statement. “We eagerly look forward to collaborating with our fellow writers,...
“Congratulations to SAG-AFTRA on successfully reaching a tentative agreement that addresses the unique needs of their members,” a spokesperson for the DGA wrote in a statement to media. “Directors and their teams look forward to our industry getting back to work and collaborating with actors, writers, craftspeople and crews to create film and television that entertains billions around the world.”
The PGA similarly congratulated the guild for their “unwavering dedication” in securing a fair deal, and looked ahead to getting the entertainment industry back on its feet.
“The Producers Guild of America congratulates SAG-AFTRA for their unwavering dedication in reaching an agreement with the studios,” the PGA wrote in a statement. “We eagerly look forward to collaborating with our fellow writers,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
To get this out of the way up top: No one is Taylor Swift.
This was the unanimous refrain among players who make and distribute concert films and music documentaries when asked what Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour means for the space. Nonetheless, insiders note that Swift’s is a rising tide that lifts all boats, with artists and their teams already making calls and taking cues from Swift’s Eras deal, which sees her keep an outsized portion of the film’s $160.4 million global haul after its second weekend in release.
According to a survey of 6,000 moviegoers by NATO’s Cinema Foundation, 72 percent said they want to see more concert films on the big screen. But that content has not been available with consistency.
“Concert films were ruined by poor execution,” says RadicalMedia co-founder Jon Kamen, who has long worked in the space. Kamen’s credits range from Concert for George,...
This was the unanimous refrain among players who make and distribute concert films and music documentaries when asked what Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour means for the space. Nonetheless, insiders note that Swift’s is a rising tide that lifts all boats, with artists and their teams already making calls and taking cues from Swift’s Eras deal, which sees her keep an outsized portion of the film’s $160.4 million global haul after its second weekend in release.
According to a survey of 6,000 moviegoers by NATO’s Cinema Foundation, 72 percent said they want to see more concert films on the big screen. But that content has not been available with consistency.
“Concert films were ruined by poor execution,” says RadicalMedia co-founder Jon Kamen, who has long worked in the space. Kamen’s credits range from Concert for George,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC/Variance’s “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is falling short of pre-release hopes for an October opening weekend record but is still rejuvenating the box office with what AMC is estimating as a Friday-Sunday frame between $95 million and $97 million domestic.
Prior to release, AMC projected a $100 million domestic opening for the concert film, which would have topped the $96.2 million October record set in 2019 by “Joker.” The weekend grosses released on Sunday morning are always educated guesses based on Friday and Saturday earnings, and they are usually pretty on point when the final figures are released on Monday.
Even if the film falls short of the October record, neither AMC nor other theater chains will bemoan these slightly lower-than-expected numbers. They are still pushing overall weekend grosses to the highest levels seen since “Barbie” topped the charts two months ago.
Moreover, in just three days, Taylor Swift’s concert epic...
Prior to release, AMC projected a $100 million domestic opening for the concert film, which would have topped the $96.2 million October record set in 2019 by “Joker.” The weekend grosses released on Sunday morning are always educated guesses based on Friday and Saturday earnings, and they are usually pretty on point when the final figures are released on Monday.
Even if the film falls short of the October record, neither AMC nor other theater chains will bemoan these slightly lower-than-expected numbers. They are still pushing overall weekend grosses to the highest levels seen since “Barbie” topped the charts two months ago.
Moreover, in just three days, Taylor Swift’s concert epic...
- 10/15/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Sunday Am: The AMC distributed Taylor Swift: Eras Tour concert movie, per AMC, is eyeing an opening of $95M-$97M this Am, which means for them, the dust hasn’t settled yet. EntTelligence says 4.8M Swifties or people went to see Eras Tour this weekend, having paid an average of $20.75 for a ticket (across all formats). Anything above Joker‘s $96.2M opening is a record opening for the month of October.
But here’s the thing: rival distributors, which have access to all box office data, only see the pic as the second-best opener of October at around $94.3M. AMC, in their first wide release rodeo here, should be careful not to get over their skis, as team Swift will want to know where every nickel is coming from. Saturday is still estimated at $32.3M, which is a hair below Joker’s Saturday of $32.4M. A Sunday that’s...
But here’s the thing: rival distributors, which have access to all box office data, only see the pic as the second-best opener of October at around $94.3M. AMC, in their first wide release rodeo here, should be careful not to get over their skis, as team Swift will want to know where every nickel is coming from. Saturday is still estimated at $32.3M, which is a hair below Joker’s Saturday of $32.4M. A Sunday that’s...
- 10/15/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kansas-based exec continue to serve as director of government relations and strategy development.
National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) said on Tuesday that Todd Halstead will assume the newly-created role of director of independent exhibitor engagement.
Kansas-based Halstead will collaborate with NATO’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (Itoc) chaired by Colleen Barstow of Omaha-based Acx Cinemas.
He will continue to serve as NATO’s director of government relations and strategy development which he took on in 2021.
“NATO is committed to the independent theatre owners across this country, and Todd is the perfect emissary for that commitment. He knows what is...
National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) said on Tuesday that Todd Halstead will assume the newly-created role of director of independent exhibitor engagement.
Kansas-based Halstead will collaborate with NATO’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (Itoc) chaired by Colleen Barstow of Omaha-based Acx Cinemas.
He will continue to serve as NATO’s director of government relations and strategy development which he took on in 2021.
“NATO is committed to the independent theatre owners across this country, and Todd is the perfect emissary for that commitment. He knows what is...
- 10/10/2023
- ScreenDaily
Todd Halstead will serve in a newly created position for The National Association of Theater Owners. Effective immediately, Halstead will be NATO‘s Director of Independent Theater Owners Engagement. In this expanded role, he will serve the nation’s indie theaters and collaborate with NATO’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (Itoc). While helping indie exhibitors, Halstead will continue to serve as NATO’s director of government relations and strategy development. He took on that role in 2021.
NATO President and CEO Michael O’Leary stated that “NATO is committed to the independent theatre owners across this country, and Todd is the perfect emissary for that commitment. He knows what is most important to independent exhibitors and he is very passionate about their success.” He added, “His breadth of experience, long-term industry and government connections, and his dedication to independent cinemas make him the perfect person for this critical new role, and I...
NATO President and CEO Michael O’Leary stated that “NATO is committed to the independent theatre owners across this country, and Todd is the perfect emissary for that commitment. He knows what is most important to independent exhibitors and he is very passionate about their success.” He added, “His breadth of experience, long-term industry and government connections, and his dedication to independent cinemas make him the perfect person for this critical new role, and I...
- 10/10/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
The National Association of Theatre Owners has expanded the purview of its government relations chief Todd Halstead to include a new position, director of Independent Exhibitor Engagement.
In the role, which is dedicated to indie theater owners, Halstead will collaborate with NATO’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (Itoc) “to help the group thrive.”
The indie theater marketplace was getting tougher before Covid and has been slow to recover after.
Halstead will continue to serve as NATO’s Director of Government Relations and Strategy Development, a role he took on in 2021.
“NATO is committed to the independent theatre owners across this country, and Todd is the perfect emissary for that commitment. He knows what is most important to independent exhibitors and he is very passionate about their success,” said NATO president and CEO Michael O’Leary. “His breadth of experience, long-term industry and government connections, and his dedication to independent cinemas make...
In the role, which is dedicated to indie theater owners, Halstead will collaborate with NATO’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (Itoc) “to help the group thrive.”
The indie theater marketplace was getting tougher before Covid and has been slow to recover after.
Halstead will continue to serve as NATO’s Director of Government Relations and Strategy Development, a role he took on in 2021.
“NATO is committed to the independent theatre owners across this country, and Todd is the perfect emissary for that commitment. He knows what is most important to independent exhibitors and he is very passionate about their success,” said NATO president and CEO Michael O’Leary. “His breadth of experience, long-term industry and government connections, and his dedication to independent cinemas make...
- 10/10/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
NATO Elects B&b Theatres CEO Bob Bagby As New Chairman; Takes Over For Outgoing Rolando B. Rodriguez
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Executive Board of Directors has elected B&b Theatres President & CEO Bob Bagby as the new NATO Executive Board Chair. He’ll be taking over for previous chair, Rolando B. Rodriguez, who is exiting; his retirement as the top executive at Marcus Theatres announced last year.
In addition, Harkins Theaters President & CEO Mike Bowers was elected as the new NATO Vice-Chair.
Santikos Entertainment CEO Tim Handren was elected Chair of The Cinema Foundation, while Salt Lake Film Society’s Tori A. Baker was re-elected Vice Chair.
All of this became official at NATO’s current annual General Membership & Board Meetings at the Beverly Hilton.
The Executive Board of Directors is the governing body of NATO, comprised of 20 leaders in the domestic exhibition industry. The four volunteer officers of the association are elected from and by the members of the Executive Board.
Bagby,...
In addition, Harkins Theaters President & CEO Mike Bowers was elected as the new NATO Vice-Chair.
Santikos Entertainment CEO Tim Handren was elected Chair of The Cinema Foundation, while Salt Lake Film Society’s Tori A. Baker was re-elected Vice Chair.
All of this became official at NATO’s current annual General Membership & Board Meetings at the Beverly Hilton.
The Executive Board of Directors is the governing body of NATO, comprised of 20 leaders in the domestic exhibition industry. The four volunteer officers of the association are elected from and by the members of the Executive Board.
Bagby,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Association of Theatre Owners executive board of directors has elected Bob Bagby as the new NATO chair and Mike Bowers as NATO vice-chair. Additionally, Tim Handren was elected chair of the Cinema Foundation, and Tori A. Baker was re-elected as vice chair.
Bagby is the president and CEO of B&b Theatres, the largest family owned and operated theater chain in the country.
“When I was starting out, our family had only 17 screens, and now we’re the largest family-run cinema chain with more than 500 screens, so I have a unique perspective on all sides of the business,” Bagby said in a statement. “It’s an honor for me to represent the dedicated and hard-working people of cinemas across the globe and I look forward to serving the interests of our industry as we continue to bring the magic of the movies to the world.”
Bowers is the...
Bagby is the president and CEO of B&b Theatres, the largest family owned and operated theater chain in the country.
“When I was starting out, our family had only 17 screens, and now we’re the largest family-run cinema chain with more than 500 screens, so I have a unique perspective on all sides of the business,” Bagby said in a statement. “It’s an honor for me to represent the dedicated and hard-working people of cinemas across the globe and I look forward to serving the interests of our industry as we continue to bring the magic of the movies to the world.”
Bowers is the...
- 10/4/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Lobby group met on Tuesday afternoon.
National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) executive board of directors has elected B&b Theatres president and CEO Bob Bagby as the new NATO chair and Harkins Theaters president and CEO Mike Bowers as vice-chair.
Voting took place during the lobby group’s 2023 general membership and board meetings at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon.
Bagby oversees the largest family-owned-and-operated theatre chain in the US. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, B&b Theatres will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
“I grew up in the movie theater business,” said Bagby. “When I was starting out,...
National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) executive board of directors has elected B&b Theatres president and CEO Bob Bagby as the new NATO chair and Harkins Theaters president and CEO Mike Bowers as vice-chair.
Voting took place during the lobby group’s 2023 general membership and board meetings at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon.
Bagby oversees the largest family-owned-and-operated theatre chain in the US. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, B&b Theatres will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
“I grew up in the movie theater business,” said Bagby. “When I was starting out,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The National Association of Theater Owners’ executive board has elected B&b Theaters President/CEO Bob Bagby as its new chair during its annual board meeting in Beverly Hills, with Harkins Theaters President/CEO Mike Bowers serving as vice chair.
In addition, Santikos Entertainment CEO Tim Handren has been elected as chair of NATO’s nonprofit offshoot The Cinema Foundation, with Salt Lake Film Society’s Tori A. Baker elected as vice chair.
Bob Bagby is the son of B&b Theaters co-founder Sterling Bagby and oversees the largest family owned and operated theater chain in the country. Based in Kansas City, the chain will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. Bagby succeeds outgoing NATO chairman Rolando Rodriguez, who last year retired as president/CEO of Marcus Theatres.
“I grew up in the movie theater business,” says Bagby. “When I was starting out, our family had only 17 screens, and now...
In addition, Santikos Entertainment CEO Tim Handren has been elected as chair of NATO’s nonprofit offshoot The Cinema Foundation, with Salt Lake Film Society’s Tori A. Baker elected as vice chair.
Bob Bagby is the son of B&b Theaters co-founder Sterling Bagby and oversees the largest family owned and operated theater chain in the country. Based in Kansas City, the chain will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. Bagby succeeds outgoing NATO chairman Rolando Rodriguez, who last year retired as president/CEO of Marcus Theatres.
“I grew up in the movie theater business,” says Bagby. “When I was starting out, our family had only 17 screens, and now...
- 10/4/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Theater owners, already concerned that ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes will lead to another Covid-like shakeup of the release schedule, got an unexpected gift in the form of a Taylor Swift concert movie.
The 165-minute filmed version of her $1 billion-earning “Eras” tour will arrive in North American theaters on Oct. 13 (with previews on Oct. 12). Showtimes for the film, produced with an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, are already selling out in AMC’s Imax and Dolby auditoriums nationwide. Presales shattered the AMC Theaters record with $26 million in the first 24 hours, leading to more showtimes added. Universal’s “The Exorcist: Believer” fled to Oct. 6 to avoid an “ExorSwift” showdown.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” whose $20 (for adults) or $13 (for kids and seniors) ticket price for non-premium screens is a lot cheaper than concert tickets, is positioning itself as the event film of the fall season. The concert film gives the theatrical sector...
The 165-minute filmed version of her $1 billion-earning “Eras” tour will arrive in North American theaters on Oct. 13 (with previews on Oct. 12). Showtimes for the film, produced with an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, are already selling out in AMC’s Imax and Dolby auditoriums nationwide. Presales shattered the AMC Theaters record with $26 million in the first 24 hours, leading to more showtimes added. Universal’s “The Exorcist: Believer” fled to Oct. 6 to avoid an “ExorSwift” showdown.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” whose $20 (for adults) or $13 (for kids and seniors) ticket price for non-premium screens is a lot cheaper than concert tickets, is positioning itself as the event film of the fall season. The concert film gives the theatrical sector...
- 9/1/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Update: National Cinema Day did 8.5 million admissions off of a Sunday box office that clocked $34M. Admissions wise Cinema Day 2023 was +5% over last year’s 8.1M admissions (which came from $24M Saturday box office). All tickets for all movies and showtimes were $4 vs. last year’s $3.
Overall admissions for this past weekend per EntTelligence were 14.3M ( Comscore repored weekend B.O. was $92.8M). Hence, Cinema Day Sunday repped 59% of all foot traffic. The overall Friday-Sunday admissions of last year’s Labor Day frame were 10.5M (from 3-day box office of $55.6M), with Cinema Day Saturday repping 77% of that frame’s tickets stubs.
The good news here is that the entire box office wasn’t lost this weekend on National Cinema Day. However, those admissions figures do include Sony’s lengthy preview of Gran Turismo. In the same breath more money was made on National Cinema Day than Friday ($28.1M) and Saturday ($30.7M). Overall,...
Overall admissions for this past weekend per EntTelligence were 14.3M ( Comscore repored weekend B.O. was $92.8M). Hence, Cinema Day Sunday repped 59% of all foot traffic. The overall Friday-Sunday admissions of last year’s Labor Day frame were 10.5M (from 3-day box office of $55.6M), with Cinema Day Saturday repping 77% of that frame’s tickets stubs.
The good news here is that the entire box office wasn’t lost this weekend on National Cinema Day. However, those admissions figures do include Sony’s lengthy preview of Gran Turismo. In the same breath more money was made on National Cinema Day than Friday ($28.1M) and Saturday ($30.7M). Overall,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
An estimated 8.5 million people went to the movies this Sunday on National Cinema Day, a 5% increase in attendance from last year’s inaugural event.
On National Cinema Day, hosted by the Cinema Foundation, all showtimes in every format (including Imax and Dolby) were $4 at participating theaters.
Even with heavily discounted tickets, the box office saw a 16% increase over the previous Sunday, Aug. 20. Moviegoers aged 18-24 and 25-34 each made up 22% of the National Cinema Day audience, according to Comscore, while patrons aged 13-17 accounted for 16% of ticket buyers. Women turned out in slightly higher numbers than men, making up 52% of the audience.
“National Cinema Day was a significant success in bringing together millions of film fans of all ages to enjoy movies on the big screen,” said Bryan Braunlich, executive director of the Cinema Foundation. “Movie theaters and all our partners helped maximize the impact of the day with creative...
On National Cinema Day, hosted by the Cinema Foundation, all showtimes in every format (including Imax and Dolby) were $4 at participating theaters.
Even with heavily discounted tickets, the box office saw a 16% increase over the previous Sunday, Aug. 20. Moviegoers aged 18-24 and 25-34 each made up 22% of the National Cinema Day audience, according to Comscore, while patrons aged 13-17 accounted for 16% of ticket buyers. Women turned out in slightly higher numbers than men, making up 52% of the audience.
“National Cinema Day was a significant success in bringing together millions of film fans of all ages to enjoy movies on the big screen,” said Bryan Braunlich, executive director of the Cinema Foundation. “Movie theaters and all our partners helped maximize the impact of the day with creative...
- 8/28/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The results are in for the second annual National Cinema Day.
On Sunday, more than 3,000 theaters across the U.S. and Canada offered patrons the chance to see any movie in the theater, in any format, for only $4. That’s a huge discount, considering the average movie ticket price is at least $10.53, while the cost can be notably higher in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. And if electing to see a film on a premium large format, including Imax, expect to pay $25 or more in some cinemas.
The Aug. 27 promotion resulted in 8.5 million moviegoers taking a trip to the cinema. That’s an uptick of 5 percent over the 8.1 million people who participated in last year’s National Cinema Day, which fell on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. A major difference: Tickets were $3 last year.
According to Comscore, moviegoers aged 18-24 and 25-...
On Sunday, more than 3,000 theaters across the U.S. and Canada offered patrons the chance to see any movie in the theater, in any format, for only $4. That’s a huge discount, considering the average movie ticket price is at least $10.53, while the cost can be notably higher in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. And if electing to see a film on a premium large format, including Imax, expect to pay $25 or more in some cinemas.
The Aug. 27 promotion resulted in 8.5 million moviegoers taking a trip to the cinema. That’s an uptick of 5 percent over the 8.1 million people who participated in last year’s National Cinema Day, which fell on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. A major difference: Tickets were $3 last year.
According to Comscore, moviegoers aged 18-24 and 25-...
- 8/28/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s an unusual theatrical weekend as the second National Cinema Day rolls out Sunday with $4 tickets for all shows and formats at participating theaters — the bulk of the nation’s circuits big and small. The event was announced Monday with a dedicated clip of new openings, recent returning (The Super Mario Bros. Movie) and re-releases.
Angelika said all its theaters in New York Washington, D.C., California, Virginia and Texas are leaning in, and throwing in $4 sodas of any size. Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas, with nine locations in Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Illinois, will offer small popcorns and sodas for $4. Concession discounts are up each theater owner.
Last year, with the box office still recovering and National Cinema Day held on the generally slow Saturday of Labor Day weekend, the event, which drew crowds, made sense, some indies said this week. (Although they...
Angelika said all its theaters in New York Washington, D.C., California, Virginia and Texas are leaning in, and throwing in $4 sodas of any size. Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas, with nine locations in Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Illinois, will offer small popcorns and sodas for $4. Concession discounts are up each theater owner.
Last year, with the box office still recovering and National Cinema Day held on the generally slow Saturday of Labor Day weekend, the event, which drew crowds, made sense, some indies said this week. (Although they...
- 8/25/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline has confirmed that the National Association of Theatre Owners Tech Advisor, Jerry Pierce, has resigned from the exhibitor trade org following the dismissal of EVP and General Counsel Jackie Brenneman.
Pierce is a former Universal SVP who was key in exhibitors’ transition from film to digital cinema projection.
Pierce is the third staffer from the former NATO CEO John Fithian regime to exit, the first being the org’s head of Corp Comm and VP Patrick Corcoran. Pierce is an 11-year vet of NATO. Fithian resigned from NATO after more than three decades with Michael O’Leary taking over as CEO on May 1.
In a note released to THR who first reported the news on Pierce, O’Leary took umbrage with O’Leary’s leadership, “his lack of interest and disrespect for the knowledge and experience of his staff,” not to mention the removal of Brenneman. Many sources inform Deadline...
Pierce is a former Universal SVP who was key in exhibitors’ transition from film to digital cinema projection.
Pierce is the third staffer from the former NATO CEO John Fithian regime to exit, the first being the org’s head of Corp Comm and VP Patrick Corcoran. Pierce is an 11-year vet of NATO. Fithian resigned from NATO after more than three decades with Michael O’Leary taking over as CEO on May 1.
In a note released to THR who first reported the news on Pierce, O’Leary took umbrage with O’Leary’s leadership, “his lack of interest and disrespect for the knowledge and experience of his staff,” not to mention the removal of Brenneman. Many sources inform Deadline...
- 8/22/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Association of Theatre Owners has lost another team member following Friday’s exit of exec vp and general counsel Jackie Brenneman, who sources say was ousted.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Jerry Pierce, who has served as NATO’s technical advisor since 2012, resigned in protest on Monday.
The continuing shake-up occurs just a few short months after the departure of NATO chief John Fithian, who left his role in late April after more than three decades with the association. His successor, Michael O’Leary, took the reins as the head of NATO on May 1. Then in late June, NATO vice president and chief communications officer Patrick Corcoran left his role after a 24-year run.
THR obtained a copy of Pierce’s resignation letter, in which he states: “The selection and subsequent leadership of NATO by Michael O’Leary is my primary motivation to resign. … I have been...
Now, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Jerry Pierce, who has served as NATO’s technical advisor since 2012, resigned in protest on Monday.
The continuing shake-up occurs just a few short months after the departure of NATO chief John Fithian, who left his role in late April after more than three decades with the association. His successor, Michael O’Leary, took the reins as the head of NATO on May 1. Then in late June, NATO vice president and chief communications officer Patrick Corcoran left his role after a 24-year run.
THR obtained a copy of Pierce’s resignation letter, in which he states: “The selection and subsequent leadership of NATO by Michael O’Leary is my primary motivation to resign. … I have been...
- 8/22/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former lawyer joined NATO in 2014, promoted to EVP and general counsel in December 2021.
Jackie Brenneman, National Association Of Theatre Owners (NATO) EVP and general counsel and president of affiliate The Cinema Foundation, is understood to have departed.
NATO declined to comment and no reason has been given for the development, first reported by Deadline Hollywood and confirmed to Screendaily by a well-placed industry source, who said Brenneman’s final day was August 18.
Brenneman, a former lawyer, joined NATO in 2014 and was promoted in December 2021 to EVP and general counsel, effectively taking on the role of second in command to then NATO head John Fithian.
Jackie Brenneman, National Association Of Theatre Owners (NATO) EVP and general counsel and president of affiliate The Cinema Foundation, is understood to have departed.
NATO declined to comment and no reason has been given for the development, first reported by Deadline Hollywood and confirmed to Screendaily by a well-placed industry source, who said Brenneman’s final day was August 18.
Brenneman, a former lawyer, joined NATO in 2014 and was promoted in December 2021 to EVP and general counsel, effectively taking on the role of second in command to then NATO head John Fithian.
- 8/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The National Association of Theatre Owners’ EVP & General Counsel Jackie Brenneman has departed, several sources inform Deadline. This became effective Friday. Brenneman was also one of the founders, and the President of NATO sister org, The Cinema Foundation.
The news follows in the wake of the new administration at NATO led by new President and CEO Michael O’Leary who took over for outgoing org boss John Fithian back in May. At the end of June, NATO VP & Chief Comms Officer Patrick Corcoran departed after 24 years at the exhib org.
Brenneman was a vital lynchpin in NATO’s legislative push and rescue of shuttered theaters during Covid. She was key in seeing that smaller theaters received funds, loans and paycheck protection, working extensively with Fithian. During Covid, her duties included lobbying, legislative strategy and drafting. She was involved regularly reviewing, interpreting, and communicating regulations, application processes, and best practices to the organization’s exhibition members.
The news follows in the wake of the new administration at NATO led by new President and CEO Michael O’Leary who took over for outgoing org boss John Fithian back in May. At the end of June, NATO VP & Chief Comms Officer Patrick Corcoran departed after 24 years at the exhib org.
Brenneman was a vital lynchpin in NATO’s legislative push and rescue of shuttered theaters during Covid. She was key in seeing that smaller theaters received funds, loans and paycheck protection, working extensively with Fithian. During Covid, her duties included lobbying, legislative strategy and drafting. She was involved regularly reviewing, interpreting, and communicating regulations, application processes, and best practices to the organization’s exhibition members.
- 8/21/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
$4 tickets at participating US cinemas cover Barbie, Oppenheimer, new releases Gran Turismo: Based On A True Story, Golda.
The National Cinema Day initiative that launched a year ago in the US is set to return for its second iteration on August 27.
Tickets will cost up to $4 and include films in active release at what is expected to be more than 3,000 participating cinemas and 30,000 screens.
Titles include Barbie, Oppenheimer, Meg 2: The Trench, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Strays.
The offering covers this weekend’s upcoming arrivals Gran Turismo: Based On A True Story, Golda. The Hill, Retribution, and Bottoms,...
The National Cinema Day initiative that launched a year ago in the US is set to return for its second iteration on August 27.
Tickets will cost up to $4 and include films in active release at what is expected to be more than 3,000 participating cinemas and 30,000 screens.
Titles include Barbie, Oppenheimer, Meg 2: The Trench, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Strays.
The offering covers this weekend’s upcoming arrivals Gran Turismo: Based On A True Story, Golda. The Hill, Retribution, and Bottoms,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Moviegoers across the US will be able to purchase tickets for $4 or less on August 27th, 2023 in celebration of the second annual National Cinema Day.
This coming Sunday, participating movie theaters will charge no more than $4 per ticket to all movies across all formats at any showtime. Now in its second year, 2023’s National Cinema Day will be recognized by over 3,000 theater locations, boasting around 30,000 screens total.
National Cinema Day, organized by the Cinema Foundation, serves as a homage to the unifying potential of films — a way to pack cinemas during the summer season. This comes at a time when the summer box office numbers are up by 16.6% compared to 2022, yet down by 5.4% from 2019, as reported by Comscore (via Variety).
The inaugural National Cinema Day last year attracted approximately 8.1 million moviegoers, making it the most attended day in 2022, according to the National Association of Theater Owners. And better yet for the theaters,...
This coming Sunday, participating movie theaters will charge no more than $4 per ticket to all movies across all formats at any showtime. Now in its second year, 2023’s National Cinema Day will be recognized by over 3,000 theater locations, boasting around 30,000 screens total.
National Cinema Day, organized by the Cinema Foundation, serves as a homage to the unifying potential of films — a way to pack cinemas during the summer season. This comes at a time when the summer box office numbers are up by 16.6% compared to 2022, yet down by 5.4% from 2019, as reported by Comscore (via Variety).
The inaugural National Cinema Day last year attracted approximately 8.1 million moviegoers, making it the most attended day in 2022, according to the National Association of Theater Owners. And better yet for the theaters,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Film News
Movie tickets across the U.S. will be heavily discounted on Aug. 27 in honor of National Cinema Day.
This Sunday, all movies, all formats, all showtimes, all day will cost less than $4 at participating theaters. More than 3,000 locations — with approximately 30,000 available screens — are expected to take part in the one-day event.
The second annual National Cinema Day, hosted by the Cinema Foundation, is designed to “celebrate the power of movies to bring us all together” — or, to populate multiplexes during the dog days of summer. The event comes as the summer box office is 16.6% ahead of 2022 but 5.4% below 2019, according to Comscore. Approximately 8.1 million moviegoers turned out for last year’s inaugural National Cinema Day and resulted in the highest-attended day of 2022, according to the National Association of Theater Owners. All of that foot traffic in theaters usually means there will be more popcorn and concession stand sales.
“Following the rousing...
This Sunday, all movies, all formats, all showtimes, all day will cost less than $4 at participating theaters. More than 3,000 locations — with approximately 30,000 available screens — are expected to take part in the one-day event.
The second annual National Cinema Day, hosted by the Cinema Foundation, is designed to “celebrate the power of movies to bring us all together” — or, to populate multiplexes during the dog days of summer. The event comes as the summer box office is 16.6% ahead of 2022 but 5.4% below 2019, according to Comscore. Approximately 8.1 million moviegoers turned out for last year’s inaugural National Cinema Day and resulted in the highest-attended day of 2022, according to the National Association of Theater Owners. All of that foot traffic in theaters usually means there will be more popcorn and concession stand sales.
“Following the rousing...
- 8/21/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Cinema Foundation announced on Monday that it is bringing back National Cinema Day, with more than 3,000 theaters offering tickets for all screenings at a price of just $4 on this Sunday, Aug. 27.
Introduced last year, National Cinema Day was created by The Cinema Foundation and its parent organization, the National Association of Theater Owners, as a way to celebrate movie theaters and the experience of moviegoing. When the special discount day was hosted on Sept. 3, NATO reported that 8.1 million tickets were sold through the promotion.
“Following the rousing success of the first annual National Cinema Day, we welcome everyone to join us for the communal experience of one of America’s favorite pastimes – moviegoing,” said Jackie Brenneman, president of The Cinema Foundation. “We look forward to gathering at the movies and celebrating an exciting slate of new releases and classics, from beloved family favorites and outrageous comedies to thought-provoking dramas and thrilling adventures.
Introduced last year, National Cinema Day was created by The Cinema Foundation and its parent organization, the National Association of Theater Owners, as a way to celebrate movie theaters and the experience of moviegoing. When the special discount day was hosted on Sept. 3, NATO reported that 8.1 million tickets were sold through the promotion.
“Following the rousing success of the first annual National Cinema Day, we welcome everyone to join us for the communal experience of one of America’s favorite pastimes – moviegoing,” said Jackie Brenneman, president of The Cinema Foundation. “We look forward to gathering at the movies and celebrating an exciting slate of new releases and classics, from beloved family favorites and outrageous comedies to thought-provoking dramas and thrilling adventures.
- 8/21/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
National Cinema Day will return this Sunday, August 27, for a second edition, the nonprofit Cinema Foundation announced today, with discounted admissions for all movies at over 3,000 participating theaters and 30,000 screens. Tickets for all tickets, all shows and all formats will be no more than $4.
Concession discounts are up to each exhibitor.
At last year’s event — which was held Sept. 3, the Saturday of Labor Day weekend — tickets were $3. In the midst of a slow Covid-recovery for exhibition, it brought 8.1 million people to theaters and grossed $24 million – up 8% from the previous Saturday and was the highest-attended day for movies in 2022.
New openings Cinema Day weekend include Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, Golda, The Hill, Retribution and Bottoms. They’ll join current box office hits Barbie, Oppenheimer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Sound of Freedom; recent releases like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Disney’s The Little Mermaid Sing-Along,...
Concession discounts are up to each exhibitor.
At last year’s event — which was held Sept. 3, the Saturday of Labor Day weekend — tickets were $3. In the midst of a slow Covid-recovery for exhibition, it brought 8.1 million people to theaters and grossed $24 million – up 8% from the previous Saturday and was the highest-attended day for movies in 2022.
New openings Cinema Day weekend include Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, Golda, The Hill, Retribution and Bottoms. They’ll join current box office hits Barbie, Oppenheimer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Sound of Freedom; recent releases like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Disney’s The Little Mermaid Sing-Along,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
National Cinema Day is back in time to ring out summer.
On Aug. 27 — a Sunday — thousands of theaters across the U.S. will slash movie ticket prices to $4 or less for any title in any format.
The second annual National Cinema Day hopes to build on the success of a similar offering over Labor Day weekend last year, when tickets were just $3. The overall initiative is the brainchild of the Cinema Foundation, a relatively new nonprofit organization that’s affiliated with the National Association of Theatre Owners.
More than 3,000 movie theaters operating north of 30,000 screens will participate in the one-day event as a means to celebrate the theatrical experience. Consumers can choose from an array of offerings, from new releases Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, Golda and Retribution to summer hits like Barbie, Oppenheimer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Sound of Freedom. The Super Mario Bros.
On Aug. 27 — a Sunday — thousands of theaters across the U.S. will slash movie ticket prices to $4 or less for any title in any format.
The second annual National Cinema Day hopes to build on the success of a similar offering over Labor Day weekend last year, when tickets were just $3. The overall initiative is the brainchild of the Cinema Foundation, a relatively new nonprofit organization that’s affiliated with the National Association of Theatre Owners.
More than 3,000 movie theaters operating north of 30,000 screens will participate in the one-day event as a means to celebrate the theatrical experience. Consumers can choose from an array of offerings, from new releases Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, Golda and Retribution to summer hits like Barbie, Oppenheimer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Sound of Freedom. The Super Mario Bros.
- 8/21/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For the second year in a row in what could become an annual tradition, National Cinema Day is coming back to movie theaters across the country. For a single day, U.S. cinemas will feature cheap tickets for whatever movie you decide to see for no more than $4.
This coming Sunday on August 27, over 3,000 theaters with over 30,000 screens are offering the discounted tickets, and that discount even applies to Premium Large Format (Plf) screens. So that makes it a great time to finally check out “Oppenheimer” or “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” on a super-sized screen.
The $4 price tag though is a buck increase from the inaugural program last year, when tickets cost as low as $3. Last year’s National Cinema Day fell during a quiet Labor Day Weekend, and it meant most people just went to see “Top Gun Maverick” again (the Tom Cruise blockbuster topped the...
This coming Sunday on August 27, over 3,000 theaters with over 30,000 screens are offering the discounted tickets, and that discount even applies to Premium Large Format (Plf) screens. So that makes it a great time to finally check out “Oppenheimer” or “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” on a super-sized screen.
The $4 price tag though is a buck increase from the inaugural program last year, when tickets cost as low as $3. Last year’s National Cinema Day fell during a quiet Labor Day Weekend, and it meant most people just went to see “Top Gun Maverick” again (the Tom Cruise blockbuster topped the...
- 8/21/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Not streaming, nor strikes, nor shell shock from the pandemic kept this July’s domestic box office down with studio tentpoles and a faith-based surprise movie racking up the second-best record for the month with $1.37 billion per Comscore.
Warner Bros’ Barbie and Universal’s Oppenheimer were the No. 1 and 2 movies with $366.4M and $181.4M respectively.
The record July still belongs to 2011 which cashed in $1.39 billion. Get this, Warners also led that month as well with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 which made $318.5M of its $381M gross during July back then.
This July was so great, it was +20% over last July’s $1.14 billion and +6% from pre-pandemic 2019 which minted $1.29 billion.
“July was incredible for people who love going to the movies in cinemas with friends and family,” said NATO’s President and CEO Michael O’Leary in statement.
“This month now ranks as one of the top-performing Julys in the history of motion pictures,...
Warner Bros’ Barbie and Universal’s Oppenheimer were the No. 1 and 2 movies with $366.4M and $181.4M respectively.
The record July still belongs to 2011 which cashed in $1.39 billion. Get this, Warners also led that month as well with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 which made $318.5M of its $381M gross during July back then.
This July was so great, it was +20% over last July’s $1.14 billion and +6% from pre-pandemic 2019 which minted $1.29 billion.
“July was incredible for people who love going to the movies in cinemas with friends and family,” said NATO’s President and CEO Michael O’Leary in statement.
“This month now ranks as one of the top-performing Julys in the history of motion pictures,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The battle of the bomb versus the bombshell has gone global.
Over the weekend, Greta Gerwig’s very pink fantasy-comedy “Barbie” collected a stunning $182 million at the international box office, bringing its worldwide total to $337 million. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s R-rated historical drama “Oppenheimer” held its own, igniting to $93.7 million from 78 markets for a huge global tally of $174 million.
“The weekend is a reminder of the kind of cultural relevance movies can bring,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. Elsewhere, he adds, “many of the summer’s high-profile sequels have stumbled, and the new stories have been subdued.”
The two seemingly different blockbusters, which were jokingly pitted against each other by social media, crushed already-stratospheric expectations thanks to the cultural phenomenon known as “Barbenheimer.” Hundreds of thousands of moviegoers booked a double feature for the ages, attending same-day viewings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.
Over the weekend, Greta Gerwig’s very pink fantasy-comedy “Barbie” collected a stunning $182 million at the international box office, bringing its worldwide total to $337 million. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s R-rated historical drama “Oppenheimer” held its own, igniting to $93.7 million from 78 markets for a huge global tally of $174 million.
“The weekend is a reminder of the kind of cultural relevance movies can bring,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. Elsewhere, he adds, “many of the summer’s high-profile sequels have stumbled, and the new stories have been subdued.”
The two seemingly different blockbusters, which were jokingly pitted against each other by social media, crushed already-stratospheric expectations thanks to the cultural phenomenon known as “Barbenheimer.” Hundreds of thousands of moviegoers booked a double feature for the ages, attending same-day viewings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.
- 7/23/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Records tumble as duo dominates North American charts.
The wait was worth it. After a middling summer the twin attack of ‘Barbenheimer’ has revived North American box office with an estimated $235.5m one-two punch.
Warner Bros’ record-breaking Barbie earned a spectacular $155m to become the top launch of the year to date while Universal’s Oppenheimer grossed $80.5m, a mighty debut for a three-hour drama.
This was the first weekend when one film opened on more than $100m and another opened on more than $80m. It is only the industry’s fourth $300m+ weekend, scoring the largest Friday-Sunday session since...
The wait was worth it. After a middling summer the twin attack of ‘Barbenheimer’ has revived North American box office with an estimated $235.5m one-two punch.
Warner Bros’ record-breaking Barbie earned a spectacular $155m to become the top launch of the year to date while Universal’s Oppenheimer grossed $80.5m, a mighty debut for a three-hour drama.
This was the first weekend when one film opened on more than $100m and another opened on more than $80m. It is only the industry’s fourth $300m+ weekend, scoring the largest Friday-Sunday session since...
- 7/23/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Barbenheimer” is more than just a meme. It’s a full-fledged box office phenomenon.
Over the weekend, moviegoers turned out in force for Greta Gerwig’s neon-coated fantasy comedy “Barbie,” which smashed expectations with $155 million to land the biggest debut of the year. But they also showed up to see Christopher Nolan’s R-rated historical drama “Oppenheimer,” which collected a remarkable $80.5 million in its opening weekend.
Hundreds of thousands of ticket buyers refused to choose between the two seemingly different auter-driven blockbusters with sprawling casts and twin release dates. So they opted to attend same-day viewings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” turning the box office battle into a double feature for the ages.
“This is an unequivocally great weekend for moviegoing,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ are complementing each other at the box office, not taking audience from each other.
Over the weekend, moviegoers turned out in force for Greta Gerwig’s neon-coated fantasy comedy “Barbie,” which smashed expectations with $155 million to land the biggest debut of the year. But they also showed up to see Christopher Nolan’s R-rated historical drama “Oppenheimer,” which collected a remarkable $80.5 million in its opening weekend.
Hundreds of thousands of ticket buyers refused to choose between the two seemingly different auter-driven blockbusters with sprawling casts and twin release dates. So they opted to attend same-day viewings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” turning the box office battle into a double feature for the ages.
“This is an unequivocally great weekend for moviegoing,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ are complementing each other at the box office, not taking audience from each other.
- 7/23/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The National Association of Theatre Owners is projecting that more than 200,000 moviegoers will attend same-day viewings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” at theaters across North America.
This comes a week after AMC declared that 40,000 consumers have purchased same-day tickets to both tentpoles for this weekend’s concurrent debuts. With both films earning majority-positive reviews (97% and 9.1/10 on Rotten Tomatoes for “Oppenheimer” and 89% and 8.2/10 for “Barbie“), Hollywood is looking at a skewed rerun of another box office showdown from July 2008.
Fifteen years ago, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” broke the opening weekend record with $158 million, but Meryl Streep’s “Mamma Mia!” also nabbed what was at the time the largest Friday-Sunday debut ever ($28 million) against a $100 million-plus opener.
History may be repeating itself, with Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” looking to clear triple digits right as Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” hopes to open on par with the over/under $50 million launches of “Interstellar” and “Dunkirk.
This comes a week after AMC declared that 40,000 consumers have purchased same-day tickets to both tentpoles for this weekend’s concurrent debuts. With both films earning majority-positive reviews (97% and 9.1/10 on Rotten Tomatoes for “Oppenheimer” and 89% and 8.2/10 for “Barbie“), Hollywood is looking at a skewed rerun of another box office showdown from July 2008.
Fifteen years ago, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” broke the opening weekend record with $158 million, but Meryl Streep’s “Mamma Mia!” also nabbed what was at the time the largest Friday-Sunday debut ever ($28 million) against a $100 million-plus opener.
History may be repeating itself, with Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” looking to clear triple digits right as Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” hopes to open on par with the over/under $50 million launches of “Interstellar” and “Dunkirk.
- 7/19/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
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