Member News Archives | Cinema United

July 1, 2026

Cinema United Celebrates Grand Opening of Emagine Parker in Denver Metro

In the lead-up to the Fourth of July holiday, Northwoods Theater Group, an affiliate of Emagine Entertainment, debuted its newest crown jewel, the Emagine Parker, located in the Denver metro area. Cinema United’s Andrew Stewart was there to help celebrate the ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, June 30, along with Jon Goldstein, Owner of Northwoods Theater Group, Parker Mayor Joshua Rivero, and Paul Glantz, former CEO of Emagine Entertainment.

Officially now open to the public, the completely reimagined 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination features luxury heated recliners, premium large-format EMX auditoriums, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, 4K projection, expanded food and beverage offerings, a full-service bar, and the company’s first self-ordering guest experience. Goldstein said he wanted the theatre to be “a beautiful gathering place for the community, and since people in Colorado like to be outside, we tried to bring a little bit of the outside inside.”

The location’s entire design, accented by rich green hues and light hardwood floors throughout, is meant to bring the beauty of the state indoors. Its ties to the local area go beyond just decor; the theatre will help revitalize and grow the community.

“Truly I cannot say (enough) how appreciative we are of your investment into the community,” Rivero said at the event. “Movies are like those films you get from childhood, and you remember where you were when you saw them. I want those memories to be instilled in kids today.”

Rivero congratulated Emagine Parker as the newest spark to the community’s development, saying, “That dirt field will not be a dirt field for much longer with what you guys have done here. All of you working together are going to make West Main Street the gem that it should be.”

A special thank you to Melissa Boudreau, Chief Experience Officer for Northwoods Theater Group, and the entire team for their hospitality. Congratulations again on an incredible opening!

May 22, 2026

Cinema United Heads North For ShowCanada

[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 40^th 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.

May 18, 2026

Cinema United Attends North Central Convention

{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.

May 4, 2026

Cinema United Joins Cinema Association of California/Nevada For Spring Managers Meeting

[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.

April 22, 2026

Watch: CinemaCon 2026’s Industry Think Tank with Michael O’Leary, Emma Thomas and Jerry Bruckheimer

April 17, 2026

Watch: Matt Belloni Interviews Jon Favreau at CinemaCon 2026

April 17, 2026

Watch: Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition Videos from CinemaCon 2026

April 14, 2026

TikTok and Cinema United Release New Report Focused On Platform’s Positive Impact on Moviegoing

Built By Fandom Report Finds that Sustained TikTok Engagement Consistently Predicts Stronger Box Office Holds Across Genres, Release Sizes, and Audience Types

LAS VEGAS (April 14, 2026) – TikTok and Cinema United today released Built By Fandom: How TikTok Audiences Are Powering Modern Theatrical Success, a new report examining how engagement on TikTok correlates with theatrical performance. Developed with box office data from Comscore, the report finds that TikTok activity is not just a measure of cultural buzz; it is a leading indicator of box office staying power.

“This report reinforces what we know to be true: that moviegoing is a cultural experience that resonates deeply with audiences,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “The data shows that when films connect with communities on TikTok, people come to theatres. That is good for our members, good for Main Streets around the world, and good for the movie industry.”

Across four films representing a deliberate cross-section of the modern theatrical landscape—The Housemaid, Sinners, Wicked: For Good, and Zootopia 2—the report identifies a consistent pattern: as TikTok engagement grew week-over-week, so did box office receipts. The findings hold across a thriller based on a best-selling book; a singular genre-bending film that weaves together culture, music, family, and the supernatural; the epic conclusion of a global cinematic cultural sensation; and a record-breaking animated feature sequel, strengthening the case that the dynamic is not genre-specific and the marketplace succeeds when there is something for everyone.

“This report underscores that fandom on TikTok isn’t just a cultural force; it’s a business driver. When audiences discover a film on the platform, they don’t just watch it—they participate, create, share, and show up in person,” says Dennis Papirowski, Global Head of Entertainment and News at TikTok. “Our global FilmTok community has a unique ability to mobilize that passion into real, measurable momentum, and we’re proud to partner with exhibitors and studios to keep translating that energy into audiences in seats.”

The results are striking. Sinners posted the best second-weekend hold of any wide release in 2025, dropping just 5%, following a 459% surge in TikTok posts during its first week and an additional 7% increase the next week. The Housemaid earned more in its second week than its first—a rare outcome—as TikTok activity rose 13%. Wicked: For Good peaked at nearly 60,000 TikTok posts per day, more than any other 2025 film measured. Zootopia 2 saw TikTok posts surge 163% in its second week, adding $58 million domestically as fan conversation continued to build long after opening weekend.

For exhibitors, the report offers something beyond marketing insight with actionable intelligence for programming decisions. By using TikTok momentum as an indicator, theatre operators gain an additional data point for hold decisions, identifying which films are building audiences beyond opening weekend.

The report also highlights TikTok’s role earlier in the funnel. According to surveys conducted by TikTok, nearly 50% of users say they have discovered a new movie on the platform. Of those, 42% looked up showtimes and 36% purchased a ticket, demonstrating TikTok’s ability to convert online engagement into real-world moviegoing.

Download the full report here.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

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. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X/Twitter.

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. The Coca-Cola Company and Barco are the official co-presenting sponsors of CinemaCon® 2026. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

April 14, 2026

Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary Delivers State of the Industry At CinemaCon 2026

Address Focused on Key Themes of Unity, Industry Highlights, Innovation and Investment in Exhibition, Consolidation, and Theatrical Exclusivity

LAS VEGAS (APRIL 14, 2026) – Today, Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary took to the Dolby Colosseum stage to deliver his annual State of the Industry address at CinemaCon 2026. O’Leary touted the current strength of the exhibition industry, including themes of unity and growing audience trends, while not shying away from issues concerning consolidation and theatrical exclusivity.

“Theatre owners work every day to make their cinemas special, from reinvesting in technology and infrastructure to special events,” said O’Leary, citing several examples of Cinema United members connecting with their communities. “And not surprisingly, audiences are responding.”

Highlighting theatrical exhibition as a Main Street industry, O’Leary emphasized the importance of moviegoing and its cultural and economic impact on communities throughout history. He reinforced the need for unity by spotlighting the newly announced Cinema United Filmmaker Leadership Council, saying that “this collaboration could not have come at a more crucial time, and I want to thank these world-class filmmakers and artists for their leadership and commitment to exhibition.”

Addressing consolidation, O’Leary reiterated Cinema United’s strong stance, stating: “Further concentrating marketplace power in the hands of a smaller group of distributors that dictate the terms, windows, scheduling, screen-placement of movies, and access to historic film catalogs will have a real and lasting impact on Main Street and millions of movie fans around the world.”

On theatrical exclusivity, O’Leary touted a change in attitude among distributors: “After six-plus years of theories and experiments devoted to proving that theatrical’s days have passed, there is a growing recognition of something we have always known—theatrical exhibition is the foundation upon which the entire entertainment industry rests, and that will never change.”

O’Leary pointed out that in 2025, the average theatrical window for the top 100 films was 37 days, representing a three-day increase over the previous year. He added that if those releases last year benefited from a minimum 45-day window, the overall average would have been a full two weeks longer at 49 days, emphasizing the critical nature of exclusive windows for theaters.

O’Leary concluded his speech by looking to the future: “If we work together, if we stay disciplined and focused on the future, I know that someone, fifty years from now, will stand on a stage like this, in an auditorium full of theatre operators to celebrate the wonder of our industry and chart a path for yet another century of movies on the big screen.”

About Cinema United

About CinemaCon

April 14, 2026

CinemaCon 2026 Daily Recap – Day One

The first day of CinemaCon kicked off with three Educational Programming Tracks for attendees.

The Audiences and Innovation track featured three panel discussions:

Boxoffice’s Daniel Loria moderated “Reclaiming Cultural Moments, Locally and Globally: Winning in an Era of Attention Warfare” with Fathom Entertainment’s Shannah Miller, Cinemark’s Laura Najlis, Cineplexx’s Christof Papousek, and Disney’s David Sieden. The panel stressed that exhibition holds advantages that no digital platform can touch: the collective electricity of shared in-person reactions, the sense of community that forms when strangers experience a story together, and the ritual of going to the movies that still carries cultural weight.

Paul Dergarabedian and Mike Polydoros moderated “Understanding 2026 Audiences: Gen Z and Emerging Trends” with GKIDS’ Chance Huskey and YouTube Content Creator Jeremy Jahns. The session provided exhibitors with actionable insights into 2026 moviegoing trends and what Gen Z audiences seek in entertainment.

“Optimizing the Cinema Experience: A Showcase of World Class Cinema Designs” was moderated by Cinema Association Australasia’s Cameron Mitchell, who was joined by Omniplex’s Paul John Anderson, Galaxy Cinemas’ Ms. Mai Hoa, and HOYTS’ Damian Keogh. The panel allowed exhibitors to showcase examples of best practice from their foyers, auditoriums, F&B outlets and cinema concepts.

The Food & Beverage track kicked off with “Building the Next Generation of Food & Beverage Leaders” with EF&B Association’s Dan Herrle, which explored new and effective ways to develop management teams and strengthen frontline performance. Next was “Now Showing: The Latest in Food & Beverage Innovation” with Cinemark’s David Haywood, Santikos’ Rob Lehman, and Marcus’ Rob Novak. The F&B track concluded with “Reimagining the Lobby & Concession Experience” featuring J& Snack Foods’ Dan Fachner, Mars Snacking’s Michael Kelly, and The Coca-Cola Company’s Josh Nations.

The Technology track boasted an impressive slate of panels. “Beyond the Screen: Immersive Tech Transforming Theaters” kicked things off with ICTA’s Jan Runge moderating and Dolby’s Michael Archer, Regal’s Matt Basford, Barco’s Carlo Rijsbrack, and GDC’s Annie Wang guiding a discussion about how advancements in imaging and sound technologies are redefining presentation quality and helping theaters stand out in a competitive market. “Practical AI for Streamlined Theater Operations” was led by UNIC’s Laura Houlgatte Abott and featured LOOK Cinemas’ Brian Schultz, The Boxoffice Company’s Marine Suttle, and Vue’s Otto Turton. The technology track ended with “Leveraging Technology to Engage with Audiences” moderated by The Boxoffice Company’s Stan Ruszkowski, Rokt’s Callum Donnelly, B&B’s Paul Farnsworth, Letterboxd’s Matt Kolowski, Google’s Eric Moro, and TikTok’s Dawn Yang.

The CinemaCon Film Showcase brought Angel, Sony Pictures Classics and STUDIOCANAL to the Dolby Colosseum stage. Angel touted a wide range of releases, but spent the most time on Young Washington, their historical epic opening on July 3. Sony Pictures Classics touted new films from Pedro Almodovar and David Wain, among others. STUDIOCANAL brought in Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle to talk about Ink, his new film about Rupert Murdoch.

To kick off the evening, Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob received the Legend of Cinema award following heartfelt introductions from Michael O’Leary and Tom Rothman. O’Leary spoke about how supportive Ellis has been, and how he often to calls to check in without any requests or motives.

Finally, Sony closed out the evening with an excellent presentation that touted such promising upcoming blockbusters as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Resident Evil, and Jumanji: Open World.