Todd Halstead, Cinema United’s Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement, received CinéShow’s inaugural Byron Berkley Leadership Award at CinéShow 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Halstead is a true leader in the exhibition industry, and he played a vital role in launching CinéShow and building Cinema United of Mid-America into a strong regional group. Halstead’s work spearheading Cinema United’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) has helped independent owners and operators around the world succeed.
Receiving an award named after Berkley, a true industry legend, clearly means a great deal to Halstead. When Berkley was honored with CinéShow’s Vision Award in 2023, Halstead wrote in Boxoffice magazine, “He’s been my very close colleague, valued industry leader, respected adviser, valued mentor, and most especially my very dear friend. ln my lifetime I’ve known very few people who are universally admired and respected and without exception held in the highest regard.”
On behalf of the entire Cinema United staff and its members around the world, we congratulate Todd on this tremendous honor.
[Left to right: Matt Shapiro, Lou DiGioia, Todd Halstead, Byron Berkley, Matt Pollock and Mitch Neuhauser]
Cinema United’s Todd Halstead traveled to Fayetteville, Georgia to meet with the exhibition community at this year’s ShowSouth convention. The event was held at Trilith Studios for the first time, and the move, combined with great programming, resulted in enthusiastic attendees and an important gathering for the industry:
We are writing to you in our capacity as the leadership of Cinema United, the world’s largest trade organization representing the global theatrical exhibition business. We write to encourage you both to meet in the immediate future and discuss all possible avenues for resolving the state of California’s pending challenge to Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Theatrical exhibition is a Main Street industry. A night at the cinema not only benefits the movie studios and theatre owners, but it also benefits nearby restaurants, coffee shops, bars and shopping frequented by moviegoers. From family-owned independent theatres to vibrant mid-size circuits to the world’s largest theatre chains, Cinema United members are cultural and economic drivers in communities across this great nation. Our members have been partnering with Paramount and Warner Bros. for over a century to provide movie fans of all ages with the unparalleled experience of a movie on the big screen. We look forward to strengthening and growing that proud tradition for generations to come. Movie theatres are also undeniably a part of the fabric of this nation. In just the twelve states represented in the litigation we have 196 members doing business. The majority of those are independent or family-owned theatres: 130 operate fewer than ten screens; 90, with less than five screens; and 30 of those members operate single-screen theatres.
Our industry is familiar with the impact of legacy studio consolidation on moviegoers and exhibition, and those facts are well documented. As a result, all relevant parties understand the enduring value of the theatrical experience not only to our culture, but to the overall economy and the financial success of films themselves. At the same time, we have remained open to tangible and enforceable guardrails that can offer our industry some measure of certainty in the face of an evolving and otherwise challenging future. That is why we have engaged, in good faith, with both the coalition of State Attorneys General and Paramount.
As you both know, we believe any resolution of the current situation must ensure four core elements, which are essential to the long-term strength of the entertainment industry:
A long-term commitment to maintain or expand wide-release theatrical movie production that is supported by a meaningful period of theatrical exclusivity, fully marketed, and promoted in theatres of all sizes.
Provisions ensuring that the merger will not cause an increase in rental terms, so that theatre owners, and in turn, moviegoers, do not bear the brunt of the cost of this transaction, particularly independent theatres across the United States.
Enforceable safeguards to ensure broad access to films for moviegoers and theatres of all sizes that is not conditioned on requirements that impede theatre owners from making business decisions that are responsive to their communities’ preferences and the broader marketplace realities that many theatre owners face today.
And finally, continued access, under reasonable conditions and precedents, to the valuable and vast film catalogues of both Paramount and Warner Bros.
Today, our industry has the wind at its back. Studio partners are creating and distributing extraordinary films. Audiences across generations are responding with enthusiasm. Theatre owners are continuing to reinvest in their cinemas and build remarkable experiences for moviegoers. Movies are once again at the center of our shared culture. But none of that can be taken for granted. Global exhibition believes in a bold future for this industry, but reaching our full potential requires working together.
For many in our industry, the current environment is marked by disruption and uncertainty. That is why we believe that it is incumbent upon both of you to meet in good faith to discuss a resolution that would provide robust protections and serve the entire industry. In fact, it is the next logical step. Our goal remains a resolution that puts this industry on a positive path to continued success, not just in the near-term, but for generations to come. As has been the case since the outset, we stand ready to assist in any way we can. However, we urge you both to take the steps necessary to explore a meaningful resolution of the current situation as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Michael O’Leary President & CEO, Cinema United Washington, DC
Mike Bowers (Chair of the Board) President & CEO, Harkins Theatres Scottsdale, AZ
Wanda Gierhart (Vice Chair) EVP & Chief Marketing and Content Officer, Cinemark USA, Inc. Plano, TX
Rob Lehman (Treasurer) President & COO, Santikos Entertainment San Antonio, TX
Bo Chambliss (Secretary) President, Georgia Theatre Company Saint Simons Island, GA
Eduardo Acuna CEO, Regal Entertainment Group Knoxville, TN
Robert Bagby President & CEO, B&B Theatres Liberty, MO
Becky Dupuis CEO/Owner, Polson Theatres, Inc. Polson, MT
Eddy Duquenne CEO, Kinepolis Group Ghent, Belgium
Sean Gamble President & CEO, Cinemark USA, Inc. Plano, TX
Paul Gunsky President & CEO, CineLux Theatres San Jose, CA
John Henrich General Counsel, Regal Entertainment Group Knoxville, TN
Ellis Jacob President & CEO, Cineplex Entertainment LP Toronto, ON, Canada
Greg Marcus Chairman, President & CEO, Marcus Theatres Milwaukee, WI
Lauren McChesney Co-Owner, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Orefield, PA
Todd Vradenburg President & CEO, Cinema Association of CA/NV Los Angeles, CA
Phil Zacheretti Founder, President & CEO, Phoenix Theatres Entertainment Knoxville, TN
Official statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:
“Moviegoers across generations made this weekend one for the record books. Our industry is at its best when there is something for everyone to see on the big screen, and this year we are seeing what happens when the innovation and creativity on display in amazing movie theatres across the country and around the world is combined with a great slate of films.”
From Variety: A powerful one-two punch from “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” has fueled the biggest collective weekend in box office history, with roughly $430 million across all movies in the marketplace.
Prior to this, the top three weekends were led by “Avengers: Endgame” ($402 million collectively), 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War” ($314 million collectively) and 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($313 million collectively). It’s a particularly exciting benchmark for the recently married Tom Holland and Zendaya, who star in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”
Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) alongside Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and David Kustoff (TN-08) today introduced the Supporting Cinema Renewal, Enhancement, and Enriching Neighborhoods (SCREEN) Act, legislation to encourage private investment in movie theaters and help revitalize the Main Streets and commercial districts they support.
The SCREEN Act would establish a 30% federal tax credit for qualified movie theater revitalization projects. Eligible improvements include new seating, projection and sound systems, HVAC upgrades, and accessibility improvements. The credit would apply to traditional theaters that have been in operation for at least five years, with a lifetime per theater cap of $250,000 for theaters with three screens or fewer, $375,000 for theaters with four to nine screens, and $500,000 for theaters with ten or more screens. The credit would be available for qualifying investments made through December 31, 2030.
“Strong Main Streets depend on strong local businesses, and movie theaters help bring people into our downtowns where they support restaurants, shops, and other small businesses,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “As theaters work to modernize and compete, they deserve the opportunity to invest in their future. The SCREEN Act encourages private investment, strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and helps preserve these important community gathering places for future generations.”
“Movie theaters are more than just places to see a film. They support local jobs, bring people into our downtowns, and give families a place to spend time together,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “The SCREEN Act will help theaters invest in needed upgrades so they can continue serving their communities, supporting small businesses, and contributing to local economies for years to come.”
This legislation is supported by Cinema United, Marquee Cinemas, Saunders Theatre Properties, and Malco Theatres:
“This timely and important legislation will spur re-investment in one of America’s great Main Street enterprises – the local cinema. Jobs will be created, including local contractors and vendors that do the work, surrounding businesses in the community will benefit, and the result will be a better experience for fans that love seeing their favorite movie on the big screen. We applaud the sponsors of this bill. Because of their leadership, towns of all sizes, in all 50 states, will see a tangible and positive cultural and economic impact in their local communities.” – Michael O’Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United
“On behalf of our team at Orchard 14 in New Hartford, NY, and all 13 of our locations, I want to thank Representative Tenney for introducing the SCREEN Act. Our New Hartford theatre employs 44 full and part-time team members and has been proud to serve this community since 2005. Like many in our industry, we’re continuing to invest in the guest experience even as costs have risen across the board. The SCREEN Act would help us get there faster, bringing the best possible picture quality to our guests and reinforcing the long-term vitality of movie theatres in communities like New Hartford. We’re grateful to Representative Tenney for her leadership on this issue and for supporting exhibition.” – James Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Marquee Cinemas
“Small-town movie theaters are often one of the few places where families, friends, and neighbors can gather and share experiences together. As the owner of four independently owned Ohio theaters, I know how challenging it has become to keep these venues updated while facing rising costs. I have invested millions of dollars into preserving and improving our theaters because I believe small communities deserve exceptional movie-going experiences. The SCREEN Act will help independent theaters continue investing in the places and people we proudly serve, and I thank Representative Carey and the bill’s sponsors for championing this important effort.” – Donna Saunders, Owner and Operator of Saunders Theatre Properties
Official statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:
The Cinerama Dome has been a treasured and important landmark for movie fans and the entire film community for over six decades. On behalf of all of exhibition, we are excited to see that under the leadership of two of exhibition’s strongest champions, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Alamo Drafthouse, this iconic destination will once again be filled with audiences of all ages. The timing could not be better with moviegoers making clear this year that they love the unique experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. Congratulations to Sony and Alamo and to the people who love movies.
Renovations on the dome will start next month and continue until early 2028. Sony said the renovations will honor “its historic legacy and singular moviegoing experience,” leaving the iconic red and blue exterior lettering intact. The restoration will also preserve its immersive large-format curved-screen presentation.
Sony also has plans to reopen the adjacent 14-screen theater complex that was formerly the ArcLight Cinemas. The theater will offer dine-in services as well as curated programming. The theaters will be equipped to show premium formats such as 35mm, 70mm and 4K laser projection.
Statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:
“Movie fans across the country and around the world have been showing up to see The Odyssey in every conceivable format, demonstrating the great demand of seeing grand-scale entertainment like this on the big screen. We congratulate Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, and the entire Universal team on this incredible success and thank them for their tireless commitment to the theatrical experience.”
[Left to Right: Movie Theatre Association of Canada’s Nuria Bronfman, Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, and ShowCanada’s Carrie Wolfe]
Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, Director of Membership and Global Affairs, attended 2026’s ShowCanada.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, ShowCanada brought the theatrical exhibition industry together in Banff for screenings, networking and education focused on the future of moviegoing. Hosted by the Movie Theatre Association of Canada, the convention welcomed exhibitors, distributors, and industry partners from across Canada and beyond to discuss collaboration, innovation, audience engagement, and the evolving theatrical experience.
The event was anchored by educational sessions, with topics ranging from independent cinema and community engagement to marketing strategies and premium theatrical experiences. The State of the Industry lunch featured Cinema United members Dave Cohen (Landmark Cinemas of Canada) and Kevin Watts (Cineplex) as panelists, and was moderated by Brooks LeBoeuf (Regal).
Throughout the week, attendees participated in screenings and presentations from studios including Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, VVS Films, Cineplex Pictures, Mubi, Game Theory, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Studios.
ShowCanada also honored Canadian exhibition industry legend, Cinema United board member and former Chair, Ellis Jacob, as he prepares for his well-deserved retirement. Separately, ShowCanada hosted their annual Showmanship awards, honoring dedicated Canadian exhibition and distribution industry members and partners who work hard every day to ensure that their communities have the best moviegoing experiences.
Against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, ShowCanada 2026 once again demonstrated the strength, creativity, and forward-thinking spirit of the theatrical exhibition industry.
{Left to Right: Angela Smetana of Marcus Theatres, Melissa Boudreau of Emagine Entertainment, Todd Halstead of Cinema United, Brian Anderson of Dells Theatre, Kelli Brown of Dakota Cinema]
Cinema United’s Andrew Stewart, Chief Communications Officer, and Todd Halstead, Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement, joined North Central Cinema United for its annual convention during the second week of May.
It was a great few days of studio presentations, movie screenings, vendor conversations, and time with theatre owners and managers from across the region. Andrew and Todd especially enjoyed connecting with members and sharing updates on Cinema United’s industry work, CinemaCon, and the issues most important to independent cinemas.
The convention featured valuable networking and education opportunities, including an independent owners roundtable hosted by Lee and Diane Akin of Silver Screen Magic. The discussion gave operators a chance to compare notes, talk about what they are seeing in their markets, and share practical ideas with peers who understand the day-to-day realities of running cinemas.
One of the many highlights was the Social Media Marketing seminar, moderated by Melissa Boudreau of Emagine Entertainment and featuring Brian Anderson of Dells Theatre, Kelli Brown of Dakota Cinema, and Angela Smetana of Marcus Theatres.
The conversation showed how smart, creative marketing is happening at every level of exhibition, from Main Street cinemas to the industry’s leading circuits. The takeaway was simple: with a phone and some creativity, any theatre can use social media to reach moviegoers in the communities they serve and beyond.
The convention also raised more than $4,500 for the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, a wonderful show of support for an amazing organization that has long helped people across the exhibition community when they need it most.
Cinema United also thanks Alamo Drafthouse and Marcus Theatres for hosting events and screenings featuring Ketchup Entertainment’s Coyote vs. Acme, Walt Disney Studios’ The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Angel Studios’ Brink of War. Their teams delivered the kind of hospitality, service, and theatre experience that reflects the best of exhibition.
And finally, a special thank you to Dave Quincer, Dale Haider, Russell Vannorsdel, Lee Akin, Diane Akin, and the entire North Central Cinema United leadership team for welcoming Cinema United and bringing the region’s exhibition community together.
[Left to right: Cinema United’s Harry Medved, Cinema Association of California/Nevada’s Todd Vradenburg, and CineLux’s Paul Gunsky]
On Thursday, April 30, Cinema United’s Harry Medved joined the Cinema Association of California/Nevada at their Spring Managers Meeting & Studio Products Seminar at Cinemark’s beautiful Century 20 Oakridge in San Jose, CA.
Cinema Association of CA/NV hosts the Spring Managers Meeting as a way to bring local theatre managers together to see many of the films previously previewed at CinemaCon and to hear presentations from the top studio and industry partners. Managers had the opportunity to meet and greet representatives from the major studios, along with The Will Rogers Foundation, Deluxe, Onni Creative, Paper Airplane, P3 Global Services, and many more partners.
Attendees heard presentations from reps from the studio, including Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount, Sony, and Universal. Universal’s Luke D’Agnese talked about the importance of in-theatre collabs including movie-themed food & beverage presentations, saying “from custom cocktails or local brand collaborations to premium concessions, you have that power to create next level combinations that can ignite superfans and casual guests alike.”
As part of the meeting, Cinema Association of CA/NV presented new research, prepared in partnership with Morning Consult, to understand what drives local moviegoers. According to a survey of 1,025 Californian adults, moviegoers are looking for a wider experience at the cinema, places where they can spend special time with friends and family. More than 73% said they saw at least one movie on the big screen over the last twelve months, while 27% saw more than five movies during that time.
Managers also had the chance to see the “Behind the Screens: Faces of Exhibition” spotlights on Texas Theatre’s Barak Epstein and Belcourt Theatre’s Stephanie Silverman.
A special thank you to Todd Vradenburg and Maura Ortega and the Board of Cinema Association of CA/NV for always including Cinema United in these great events and for continuing to do all they do to move forward the exhibition industry.
