Member News Archives | Page 8 of 8

January 31, 2025

Cinema United Attends the 2025 United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association Convention

From left to right: UDITOA Board Members, Jude Deleonardis (Delsea Drive-In), Donna Saunders (Saunders Theater Properties, LLC), John Vincent Jr. (Wellfleet Cinemas), Susan Kochevar (88 Drive-In Theatre), Ben Harroun (Harvest Moon Drive-In), and Cinema United Director of Membership and Global Affairs, Erin Von Hoetzendorff.

The National Association of Theatre Owners participated in the 2025 Annual UDITOA Convention held from January 27 to 30 in Kissimmee, Florida. The event gathered over 100 drive-in theater owners and operators, providing a platform for industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in the drive-in cinema sector.

Throughout the convention, attendees engaged in a variety of sessions and activities designed to enhance their operations and foster community. The schedule included discussions on topics such as family entertainment centers, alternative income streams, and the newly created DriveInsNearMe.com website. Technical workshops covered areas like DCP-O-Matic and playlist building, while marketing sessions focused on promoting independent and retro films.

The convention also featured networking opportunities, including a vendor trade show. Cinema United appreciates the opportunity to attend the UDITOA convention every year and reinforce the collaborative relationship between Cinema United and UDITOA, highlighting the importance of unity and shared knowledge in advancing the cinema exhibition industry.

January 11, 2025

Will Rogers offering emergency grants to those impacted by Los Angeles fires

We have all watched with great sadness the devastating impact of the ongoing wildfires on communities across Los Angeles. The global exhibition industry is intrinsically linked with the city of Los Angeles and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy. If you are an industry member that has been impacted by the wildfires, the Will Rogers Pioneer Assistance Fund is providing emergency grants to assist those who have been displaced or have lost their homes. Click here to learn more.

Additional resources for the Los Angeles fires can be found on the Will Rogers website, here.

To help support those impacted, Cinema United and the Cinema Foundation have made contributions to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. If you would like to make similar contributions, please click here.

Michael O’Leary
President & CEO, National Association of Theatre Owners

September 19, 2024

Theatre Owners To Invest More Than $2.2 Billion In The Cinematic Experience

As the box office surges, the exhibition industry confidently invests in the future

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 19, 2024 – Theatre owners across the United States and Canada today reaffirmed their commitment to providing moviegoers with the memorable entertainment experiences they expect and deserve. The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United), which represents theatre owners around the world, announced that the eight largest theatre chains in the United States and Canada, representing over 21,000 screens and 67% of the box office, will invest more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over the next three years. Since the inception of exhibition over a century ago, reinvesting in theatres has been a hallmark of the industry. Today’s announcement signals a continuation of that legacy that will benefit moviegoers in communities everywhere.

“There is no question that movie fans of all ages love heading to the local theatre to see great movies on the big screen. But the competition for consumers’ hard-earned dollars is fiercer than ever,” said Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “Going to the theatre is an unparalleled entertainment experience, and exhibitors are dedicated to making every visit to their theatres memorable. This investment reflects that commitment in a tangible way that every moviegoer will see and enjoy.”

Cinema United projects that the funds will be used on an array of projects to modernize and improve theatres of all sizes. These updates include adding the latest laser projection technology and immersive sound systems, installing more comfortable seating, enhancing food and beverage offerings, creating family entertainment options such as arcades and bowling, and investing in core site elements like state-of-the-art air conditioning, lighting, signage and carpeting.

“Today’s consumers rightly demand the best possible experience when they visit our theatres. Operating a theatre today is a capital-intensive operation,” said Cinema United Executive Board Chair and CEO of B&B Theatres, Bob Bagby. “This investment of resources is the next step in our industry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that going to the theatre remains a unique and special experience for generations to come.”

The investment projections above came from a range of Cinema United members that included national and regional chains. Movie theatres are cornerstones in their local communities, providing first jobs, hosting first dates, offering affordable and accessible entertainment, and attracting consumers to retail and entertainment centers. The eight companies that reported to Cinema United represent over 1,600 site locations and cover all 50 states and Canada: AMC Entertainment Inc., Regal Cinemas, Cinemark USA, Inc., Cineplex, Marcus Theatres Corp., B&B Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Santikos Entertainment.