phil@cinemaunited.org, Author at Cinema United

August 8, 2025

Cinema United Attends ShowSouth

[Left to Right: Georgia Theatre Company’s Bo Chambliss, Cinema United’s Lou DiGioia, and ShowSouth’s Robin Miller-Price]

As another strong Summer movie season winds down, Cinema United COO Lou DiGioia attended the ShowSouth convention at Georgia’s beautiful Lake Lanier Islands Lodge.

DiGioa delivered a presentation to attendees focused on a wide range of topics including: rebranding the trade association, tax benefits for theatres in President Trump’s new tax bill, a new Future Leaders in Cinema program, and the next round of the organization’s Strategic Planning process.

Joel Davis from Premiere Cinemas was named Statesman of the Year at the event, Mack Clark from Clark Theatres was Variety’s Big Heart Recipient, Vistar was named Vendor of the Year, and Disney was named Studio of the Year.

“We are all a part of a wonderful industry and our main goal is to always improve the moviegoing experience,” says Robin Miller-Price, the show’s Executive Director.

August 6, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, August 6, 2025

Distribution

Variety: Disney Boss Bob Iger Says ‘Creating New IP’ Is of ‘Great Value’ but There’s No ‘Priority’ Among Sequels, Remakes and Originals: Just ‘Great Movies’

Bob Iger said during Disney‘s earnings call that the studio does not have a priority when it comes to movie sequels, remakes and original content, despite the upcoming slate being overwhelmingly dominated by franchise fare like “Freakier Friday,” “Predator: Badlands,” “Tron: Ares,” “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Disney is only seeking to make great movies, the CEO stressed.

“We continue to be focused on creating new IP,” Iger said. “Obviously, that’s of great value to us long term. But we also know that the popularity of our older IP remains significant, and the opportunities to either produce sequels or convert what was previously animation to live action, like we’re doing with ‘Moana’ in 2026, it’s just a great opportunity for the company and supports our franchise. So I wouldn’t say that we’ve got a priority one way or the other. Our priority is to put out great movies that ultimately resonate with consumers.”

“The more we can find and develop original property, the better,” Iger continued. “Of course, we are developing original property under the 20th Century banner and under the Searchlight banner. And look, you could even argue that Marvel continues to mine its library of characters for original property. Even though, for instance, there have been Fantastic Four movies before, we kind of consider the one we did an original property in many respects, because we’re introducing those characters to people who are not familiar with them at all.”

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THR: Paramount Rounds Out Its Executive Ranks Under David Ellison

The new Paramount Global has rounded out its executive ranks for business operations following the close of its merger with David Ellison’s Skydance, which is expected to be finalized on Thursday.Don Granger will be president of its motion picture group and Matt Thunell will have the same role at Paramount Television Studios. Jane Wiseman will lead streaming originals from the executive vice president level.

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Release Calendar

Variety: ‘Hamilton’ Movie Sets September Theatrical Release

On Tuesday’s episode of “The Tonight Show,” Lin-Manuel Miranda revealed that the movie version of his Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton” will come to theaters on Sept. 5.

“I have an announcement!” Miranda declared during his “Tonight Show” interview. “So, tomorrow is the 10-year anniversary of ‘Hamilton,’ and we’ve been celebrating all year. But we have one more way to celebrate. We filmed most of the original cast performing in ‘Hamilton’ in 2016, and we always wanted to release it theatrically, but then the pandemic hit, and so we decided to release it on streaming so that everyone could see it at home whenever they wanted. But, Sept. 5, you will be able to see ‘Hamilton’ in movie theaters nationwide and in Puerto Rico.”

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Variety: Mel Gibson Splits ‘Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Into Two Movies, Sets 2027 Release Dates

Mel Gibson‘s much-delayed “The Passion of the Christ” sequel will be split into two films, with each part set to release in 2027.“The Resurrection of the Christ Part One” is slated for Good Friday, March 26, while “Part Two” is set for 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6. Lionsgate will release the films in theaters.

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August 5, 2025

Apply Now For the Future Leaders in Cinema Program

We’re excited to announce the launch of Future Leaders in Cinema (FLIC)—a new leadership development program designed to identify and support the next generation of movie theater leaders.

What is FLIC?
FLIC is a two-year program focused on leadership development, education, and industry engagement. Selected participants will gain valuable access to:

Leadership-focused educational programming
Networking opportunities with peers and industry executives
One-on-one mentorship from senior leaders
Exclusive participation at industry events, including the Cinema United Fall Summit

Program Highlights:

Selected scholars will receive a scholarship to attend the Cinema United Fall Summit that covers the cost of registration and hotel, and a stipend of up to $1000 for travel costs.
Participants will attend leadership programming, committee meetings, and networking events to deepen industry knowledge and build connections.

Eligibility:
Applicants must own or work for a movie theater that is a member in good standing in Cinema United, demonstrate leadership potential, and commit to full participation over the program’s two-year term.

How to Apply:
Applications are now open and close on August 25 at 6:00 pm PST. A letter of recommendation from an industry professional will be required.

Learn more and apply here

We look forward to seeing the next generation of leaders shape the future of cinema!

If you have questions, please reach out to Amanda Martin at amanda@cinemaunited.org

August 4, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, August 4, 2025

Distribution

The Hollywood Reporter: David Ellison Sets His Team: These Are the People Who Will Run the New Paramount

As previously announced, former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell will be president of the new Paramount. But joining him will be Andy Gordon, who had been leading RedBird Capital’s Los Angeles office, who will become COO of the company. RedBird, which is providing financial capital to support the Skydance deal, has also most recently employed Shell.As expected, current Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks, who has also been leading the CBS business, will remain with the company as chair of TV media, adding oversight of the company’s cable TV channels.Cindy Holland, the former Netflix content chief, will lead new Paramount’s streaming businesses, including Paramount+ and Pluto. Holland has been a Skydance advisor since last year.

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July 29, 2025

Date Night @ the Movies Offers Two-for-One Treats and Special Discounts On Movies Concessions At Cinemas Across the Country Friday, August 22

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 29, 2025 – Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation are introducing Date Night @ the Movies, a new national moviegoing event on Friday, August 22. The evening is a celebration of America’s favorite entertainment pastime featuring two-for-one treats – with discounts ranging from popcorn, drinks and other concessions to surprise movie theatre promotions – at thousands of participating locations across the country.

It’s the latest event in the year-long @ the Movies campaign. Previous events included National Popcorn Day (January 19) and Sneak Peek Showcase (April 22). Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, returns to the @ the Movies program as the presenting sponsor.

“Movies are better experienced together,” says Mike Bowers, Chair of The Cinema Foundation. “Date Night @ the Movies is a celebration of the long-lasting memories we create and share at the cinema. This one-night only event is all about enjoying the big screen with someone special, whether it’s your partner, best friend, new friend, family member or movie-loving plus one.”

“We are excited to join Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation in launching Date Night @ the Movies in theatres nationwide on August 22,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “Fandango is all about creating a memorable moviegoing experience. We hope we can help fans enjoy movie magic on the big screen while ordering their favorite theatre treats at discounted prices for a great night out at the movies.”

To find theatres and their individual offerings at your local movie theatre, visit AtTheMovies.co (website/app) or Fandango, and check out #TogetherAtTheMovies on social platforms.

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience. For additional info, please visit thecinemafoundation.org.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries worldwide. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

ABOUT FANDANGO

Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.

July 12, 2025

Cinema United Member Shankweiler’s Drive-In Featured on GMA

GMA stopped in Pennsylvania to visit Shankweiler’s Drive-In—the world’s oldest operating drive-in movie theatre—as part of their 50 States in 50 Weeks series.

Each week, a GMA anchor or correspondent will visit a new state, following the order in which they joined the United States.

Along the way, GMA will spotlight the beauty of the people who make up America, inviting viewers to share the people in their neighborhood and state who make it the best place to live.

Shankweiler’s Drive-In was established in 1934. For over 90 years, it has delighted audiences with double features on its large outdoor screen. Located in the Lehigh Valley, Orefield, Pennsylvania, just off Route 309.

July 3, 2025

Cinema United Visits Megaplex’s New Cinema Entertainment Center in South Jordan, Utah

[Cinema United’s Amanda Martin with Britten Maughan, President of Megaplex Theatres]

Megaplex Theatres hosted a film cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their first ever cinema entertainment center in South Jordan, Utah. The company is already planning to build two more cinema entertainment centers over the next two years.

Britten Maughan, President of Megaplex Theaters, kicked off the ceremony with some opening remarks.

“Megaplex is a place where extraordinary moments become cherished memories,” said Maughan. “We are thrilled to open Megaplex’s first cinema entertainment center with cinema, bowling, games, and enhanced dining options, securing Megaplex’s position as a place to live life larger.”

Executives Steve Miller, Steve Starks, and Michelle Smith from the Larry H. Miller Company—Megaplex’s parent company—were also in attendance, and they spoke about the enormous potential the new venue has. Dawn Ramsey, mayor of South Jordan, was on hand to tout the importance of a new out-of-home entertainment choice to the local community.

The South Jordan location boasts eight movie screens, 18 bowling lanes, arcade games, and an event space. Two of the five screens are Mega Screens, Megaplex’s premium large format option.

Megaplex’s latest venture represents an important addition to South Jordan’s Daybreak community, which also includes a minor league stadium for the Utah Bees, an outdoor concert venue, and room for ice skating in the winter.

July 1, 2025

Code Updates Impacting Cinema Operations

Cinema United partners with Code Consultants, Inc. (CCI), a leading engineering and consulting firm that provides expert guidance to ensure that cinema designs and operations comply with evolving building codes and safety standards. Click here for a report that includes the latest updates from CCI on key code changes in areas such as fire/life safety, structural requirements, and accessibility to provide an overview of current and upcoming regulatory developments that might affect the cinema industry.

June 27, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, June 27, 2025

Distribution

The Hollywood Reporter: Sony to Release Select Amazon MGM Movies Overseas, Beginning With Luca Guadagnino’s ‘After the Hunt’Amazon MGM Studios has tapped Sony to release a handful of its upcoming high-profile movies at the international box office as it goes about building its own foreign operation.Under the pact, Sony will handle overseas duties for After the Hunt, Mercy, Crime 101 and Project Hail Mary, according to a statement released by the two studios.Following those releases, Amazon MGM will directly distribute theatrical titles in territories overseas where it launches its own offices, with Sony supporting the studio in other international markets. This doesn’t include the next James Bond movie, which will be handled overseas by Universal.

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Variety: Artists Equity Inks Overall Theatrical Film Agreement With Sony PicturesArtists Equity, the independent studio founded by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Gerry Cardinale, has signed an overall theatrical feature film agreement with Sony Pictures. Under the three-year agreement, Sony will distribute the theatrical films globally, which will be developed and produced by Artists Equity. Sony will finance the films and handle all ancillaries, with Artists Equity having the option to co-finance individual projects.“Artists Equity, in the short span of its existence, has proven remarkably adept at developing and producing high quality commercial films,” said Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman. “This is not a surprise to me as I have known the two creative ‘Pros from Dover’ for many years and always admired their smarts, talent and moxie. Now that Ben and Matt and their team have set their sights firmly on the high bar of the theatrical market, Sony is lucky as hell to be partnering with them. We look forward to making a bunch of hit films together.”Artists Equity CEO Affleck added, “It’s an enormously meaningful landmark for Artists Equity to be making films for theatrical release with Sony Pictures and in particular with Tom Rothman, with whom Matt and I go back more than twenty years. Tom has both a deep and abiding love for movies and an understanding of and appreciation for how they are made. I can’t think of a better partner than Sony, which is fully in on the theatrical experience, as Artists Equity seeks to make films expressly meant to be seen in the cinema, with an audience. It’s an honor to make films for the magical dark room where we come together with strangers to project our innermost secrets onto a screen, surrendering to a story together, agreeing to share the same flickering dream. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring movies to a global audience, with the entire expert Sony team.”

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Creative Community

The New York Times: The Century’s Best Movies Though the advent of streaming services has affected the way movies are made and watched over the last quarter-century, only one film from a streamer made the list: Netflix’s “Roma,” at No. 46. I think that’s a testament to just how profound the big-screen experience still feels. Our greatest cinematic memories, like the time my jaw dropped while watching “Fury Road,” are forged in the dark with a packed audience along for the ride.

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June 25, 2025