Month: February 2025

Headlines Newsletter, February 27, 2025

CinemaCon
Variety: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ to World Premiere at CinemaCon

“How to Train Your Dragon” will screen for audiences for the first time at CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.

The world premiere will take place on April 2 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, more than two months ahead of the film’s theatrical release on June 13.

CinemaCon will undoubtedly be a receptive audience (the trade show isn’t exactly Cannes, where provocative films run the risk of inspiring moviegoers to boo or walk out), but unveiling “How to Train Your Dragon” in this capacity signals Universal’s confidence in the movie’s commercial prospects. In previous years, CinemaCon attendees were first to see Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick” and Warner Bros. and DC’s “The Flash.”

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Universal Pictures Announces The Epic Live-Action Reimagining Of “How To Train Your Dragon” Will Make Its Worldwide Debut At CinemaCon 2025

GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY WILL BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THREE-TIME OSCAR® NOMINEE DEAN DeBLOIS’ STUNNING TRANSFORMATION OF HIS BELOVED ANIMATED CLASSIC INTO A BREATHTAKING LIVE-ACTION SPECTACLE MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF ITS THEATRICAL RELEASE

THE SPECIAL SCREENING WILL TAKE PLACE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, AT THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE DURING NATO’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF MOVIEGOING

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS’ LIVE-ACTION HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONOPENS IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON JUNE 13, 2025

LOS ANGELES – March 3, 2025 – Universal Pictures, in collaboration with the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), announced today that CinemaCon 2025 will host the worldwide debut of How to Train Your Dragon, the epic live-action reimagining of the beloved DreamWorks Animation film, written and directed by three-time Oscar® nominee and franchise creator Dean DeBlois. The global exhibition community will be the first to experience this new, action-packed summer event film on Wednesday, April 2, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, more than two months before it opens in theaters on June 13.

“How to Train Your Dragon delivers the perfect blend of blockbuster action, breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling that defines the ultimate theatrical experience,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures. “Dean DeBlois has created a stunning live-action reimagining of his film, which honors his beloved animated classic while soaring to spectacular new heights. We’re thrilled to share this film with our exhibition partners first, as they will be instrumental in bringing this extraordinary adventure to audiences worldwide this summer.”

“We are thrilled that Universal Pictures has chosen to showcase this summer blockbuster for the global exhibition community,” said CinemaCon Managing Director, Mitch Neuhauser. “This movie promises to be a hit with movie fans of all ages all around the world. Seeing it in your local theatre will be an amazing experience, and the global exhibition community is excited to help promote it in the days ahead.”

Hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), CinemaCon is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition and will take place March 31–April 3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Universal Pictures’ Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon:

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by four-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns).

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

About NATO

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 34,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and a worldwide total of over 46,000 screens across 82 countries. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.

Headlines Newsletter, February 26, 2025

Distribution
Deadline: Paramount Sees Skydance Merger Closing In First Half As Streaming & ‘Sonic’ Bright Spots In Mixed Q4

Paramount Global confirmed today that despite all the noise it still expects the merger with Skydance to close in the first of the year as the company reported mixed quarterly numbers with misses on the top and bottom lines.

Stock-based and other executive compensation was a one-time hit on earnings, Deadline hears. And revenue was softer that Wall Street forecasts. Numbers beat on key cash flow and other metrics.

Par swung to a net loss of $224 million for the fourth quarter – from a $514 million profit the year before — on revenue up 5% to $7.98 billion for the quarter.
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Yahoo!: Four couples share how they have revitalized their neighborhood silver screens and given locals a place to connect

While many couples across the country will be hitting movie theaters for date night on Valentine’s Day, other couples, like Colleen and Bill Barstow in Elkhorn, Neb., [pictured above] or Andrew and Juanita Thomas in Houston, will be making sure the projectors are running smoothly and the popcorn is fresh — just as they do every night.

They’re not the only ones. Yahoo Entertainment talked to several couples across the country who have become theater owners in their respective communities, revitalizing silver screens and giving locals a place to connect.

For many of them, getting into the movie business was a decision they never planned.

“Some people come into this industry where they love the gears of a projector or they have the love affair with movies. And while [Colleen and I] certainly had that,” Bill told Yahoo Entertainment, “nothing in our background would prepare us for this.”

That said, none of the couples could imagine it any other way, and they have relished the vital roles they’ve played in their communities.

Meet the four couples who shifted their careers to become local theater owners.

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VUE CEO Tim Richards To Receive 2025 CinemaCon Award for Global Achievement in Exhibition

LAS VEGAS – (February 12, 2025) – CinemaCon announced today it will honor Tim Richards CBE, Founder and CEO of Vue, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema chain, with the Global Achievement in Exhibition Award during this year’s CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United). Richards will be presented with this honor at the International Day Breakfast taking place on Monday, March 31, 2025. CinemaCon will be held March 31-April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“Tim Richards and Vue are synonymous with excellence in the motion picture exhibition industry,” notes Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director, CinemaCon. “When it comes to passion, dedication or commitment in moving our industry forward, Tim really has no equal, actively championing both Vue and the industry.  As pioneers in ultra luxury seating and theater technology, Vue is continually innovating and investing in the ultimate big screen experience. We are honored to present our 2025 Award for Global Achievement in Exhibition to Tim Richards and Vue.”

Under Richards’ leadership, Vue, the number one cinema operator in the UK, as measured by box office and attendance, has also become one of the world’s leading cinema operators and the largest privately held cinema operator in Europe. The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, including the 2003 purchase of Warner Village Theatres in the UK.

With over 35 years of experience in cinema exhibition and extensive international development and operational experience in markets across Europe, South America, and Asia Pacific, Richards has been a respected industry commentator advocating for British and independent film throughout his career. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Richards worked as a lawyer on Wall Street. He then joined Paramount and Universal’s joint ventures, UCI and CIC, before becoming Senior Vice President of Business Development at Warner Bros. In 1999 he founded Vue, with support from Boston Ventures, opening the company’s first cinema in Livingston, Scotland, in 2000.

In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tim was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in December 2024. Tim was previously appointed Chair of the British Film Institute (“BFI”) by the British Prime Minister in 2021, following seven years as governor on the BFI board. His leadership extends to multiple board positions across UK and European industry organizations, including BAFTA, the BFI, and the UK Cinema Association.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.

About Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

Cinema United Attends the Dine-In + FEC Cinema Summit

Cinema United’s Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement Todd Halstead visits the Dine-In Cinema + FEC Summit in Austin, Texas, with its founders and organizers, Venue Valet’s Amy Mader and Matt Mader (proudly wearing UT checkerboard overalls on College GameDay in this photo).

This year’s sold-out and expanded Dine-In convention, now in its seventh year, attracted nearly 270 attendees, with the frank conversations, education and evening networking events spanning four days instead of the usual three.  Attendees learned about innovations in building community, upgrading sight and sound, food & beverage, new developments in POS and cashless technology, and finding new ways to event-ize the moviegoing experience. This year’s early February event took place at several Cinema United member dine-in theatre destinations, including Flix Brewhouse in Round Rock, Cinépolis’ Moviehouse & Eatery and Schulman Theatres’ Film Alley in Georgetown, Texas. The Dine-In Cinema + FEC Summit also expanded their discussions devoted to family entertainment centers with various presentations and discussions related to FEC’s taking place throughout this year’s conference.