Member News Archives | Cinema United

October 14, 2025

Cinema United Extends Contract of CEO and President

Multi-year agreement keeps Michael O’Leary at Cinema United through 2030

WASHINGTON, D.C. AND LOS ANGELES – October 14, 2025 – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, announced today that it has extended the contract of CEO and President Michael O’Leary for an additional five years. O’Leary, who joined the organization in 2023, will continue to lead Cinema United under an agreement that was approved unanimously by the Cinema United Executive Board at their meeting in Los Angeles last week.

“Michael has proven to be a tireless and passionate advocate for the exhibition industry,” said Mike Bowers, Cinema United Board Chair and CEO of Harkins Theatres. “Leveraging his broad experience in the motion picture industry as well as on Capitol Hill, Michael’s focus on unity, strategy and continuous improvement has earned the confidence and respect of members of all sizes, as well as our studio partners. The next five years present unique and exciting opportunities for our industry. We are thrilled to have the long-term stability and steady hand of Michael and the talented Cinema United team representing us during this time.”

Since joining the organization in May 2023, O’Leary has focused on promoting and amplifying the positive economic and cultural impact of movie theatres in cities and towns around the world. Cinema United recently released its report highlighting that the domestic industry alone spent over $1.5 billion on theatre re-investment in just the past twelve months. Exhibition’s commitment to creating the Next Great Era of Cinema will be on display next spring at their annual global convention CinemaCon where “Innovation and Experiences” will be the primary theme. Also this year, O’Leary, who believes that the strength of theatrical exhibition is its people, oversaw the successful adoption of the Cinema United brand in support of his effort to unify and strengthen an industry that spans the globe and comprises businesses from single-screen theatres to the world’s largest international theatre circuits.

“Representing the great people who own and operate theatres across the United States and around the world has been one of the great honors of my professional career, and I am energized by the opportunities that lie ahead for this iconic industry,” said O’Leary. “I want to thank Chairman Mike Bowers, outgoing Chair Bob Bagby and the entire Cinema United Executive Board for this opportunity. I also want to thank my dedicated colleagues at Cinema United. Our success is a direct result of their hard work and creativity, and I am excited to continue our work supporting and advocating on behalf of this industry.”

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. 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.

October 8, 2025

Harkins Theatres President and CEO Mike Bowers Elected Chair of Cinema United Executive Board

Cinemark’s Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Colleen Barstow of Main Street Theatres, and Georgia Theatre Company’s Bo Chambliss Round Out Leadership Team

Recent Changes to Cinema United By-Laws Result in Most Votes Ever Cast in Executive Board Election

BEVERLY HILLS – October 8, 2025 – The Cinema United Executive Board of Directors has elected Harkins Theatres President & CEO Mike Bowers as the new Chair of its Executive Board. Bowers assumes the position from the previous Board Chair, Bob Bagby, CEO of B&B Theatres, who finishes his two-year term this week. Bagby will remain on the Executive Board representing B&B Theatres. Bowers has been in the exhibition industry for nearly 40 years and has been President and CEO of the Arizona-based Harkins Theatres since 2006.

Joining Bowers among the Executive Board leadership will be Cinemark’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Content Officer, Wanda Gierhart Fearing, who will serve as Vice-Chair. Additionally, Colleen Barstow of Nebraska-based Main Street Theatres will become Treasurer, and Bo Chambliss of Georgia Theatre Company will continue as Board Secretary.

[Left to Right: Mike Bowers, Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Colleen Barstow, Bo Chambliss]

“I am extremely excited to work with Mike and the leadership team to continue to support and promote this great industry. Mike brings years of experience building a successful circuit, and he will work tirelessly to support all of exhibition. The entire leadership team will bring energy and insight as we continue to drive toward the next great era in cinema,” says Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “I also want to acknowledge and thank Bob for successfully leading Cinema United these past two years. He will remain on the Board and continue to be a leader for years to come.”

“Delivering an amazing cinematic experience has been my life’s work,” says incoming Chair Mike Bowers. “It’s a true honor to serve the passionate people who bring the magic of moviegoing to communities across America and around the globe.”

Also elected to the Board were representatives from circuits of all sizes from across the United States. Those elected to join or re-join the Cinema United Executive Board of Directors are: (independent seats) Becky Dupuis of Montana’s Polson Theatres, Inc., Paul Gunsky of CineLux Theatres in California (incumbent), Lauren McChesney of Pennsylvania’s Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre; (mid-sized circuit seats) Bo Chambliss of Georgia Theatre Company (incumbent), Paul Glantz of Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment, Inc. (incumbent); and (regional leaders seat) Todd Vradenburg of NATO of California/Nevada.

“Congratulations to the new members elected to the Board and those leaders who were re-elected,” O’Leary added. “We have much to do, and I look forward to working with the entire Board in the months ahead. Also, special recognition and appreciation goes out to departing Board members Chris Johnson, Joe Masher and Randy Hester, all of whom played vital roles during their time on the Executive Board and will continue to be essential voices in our community.”

The 2025 election marked the first time that all dues-paying members of Cinema United were eligible to vote for its Executive Board of Directors. As a result, more votes were cast in this election that at any time during the organization’s 77-year history. The Executive Board of Directors is the governing body of Cinema United, comprised of 20 leaders in the domestic exhibition industry. The four volunteer officers of the association are elected from and by the members of the Executive Board.

Cinema United’s structure is designed to encourage member participation in the activities, benefits and deliberations of the association. An Advisory Board, comprised of more than 100 representatives of the domestic and international exhibition community, deliberates on exhibition issues, and makes policy recommendations to the Executive Board of Directors.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. 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.

October 6, 2025

Cinema United Members Gather in Los Angeles for Annual Fall Summit

Day 1

Today, over 350 Cinema United members came together at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for the annual Fall Summit.

The day began with Committee meetings, which included the first gathering of the Future Leaders of Cinema Committee (FLIC). Led by Cinema United’s Chief of Staff Amanda Martin, FLIC is a two-year program focused on leadership development, education, and industry engagement.

Independent theatre owners gathered for an Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) seminar developed by ITOC leaders Lauren McChesney, Becky Dupuis, and Cinema United’s Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement Todd Halstead. The seminar included a panel on building experiences and revenue beyond the box office with Brandt Gully of The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, Cal Donnelly from Rokt, and Craig Chapin from Golden Link Inc. as well as one on using events to build audiences year-round with The Belcourt’s Stephanie Silverman, Seattle International Film Festival’s Beth Barrett, and Becky Dupuis from Polson Theatres. Film Frog’s Danielle Hawthorne Jones moderated both panels.

In the evening, attendees enjoyed a screening of Song Sung Blue from Focus Features at AMC’s Century City location with CJ 4D Plex/Screen X graciously sponsoring. CJ 4D Plex’s Duncan MacDonald spoke about the exciting growth at his company as they establish more relationships with the creative community and add more screens across the country. AMC’s CEO Adam Aron spoke about how important Focus’ contributions to the theatrical landscape are. Focus’ President of Distribution Lisa Bunnell introduced the film, which she said was originally slated as a 2026 entry, but was moved to a coveted Christmas release date after great test screenings.

Day 2

The morning began with Cinema United’s General Membership Meeting and Advisory Board meeting, during which the association provided a membership update, honored members who recently passed away, discussed recent accomplishments, and shared future goals. The meetings were followed by a Q&A session with Cinema United President/CEO Michael O’Leary.

In the afternoon, the Young Members Community X Film Row seminar featured an inspiring and candid discussion with Nikkole Denson-Randolph, AMC’s SVP & Chief Content Officer. Nikkole talked about her career journey and provided advice to people who are early in their careers in exhibition.

Attendees were treated to an evening on the Paramount lot for a reception sponsored by Dolby Laboratories and a screening of Edgar Wright’s The Running Man.

Day 3

Wednesday was full of education seminars at the Fall Summit.

Investing in Ourselves: Designing Cinema Experiences That Deliver

Moderated by Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary, the panel provided valuable insights from Harkins Theatres’ Mike Bowers, Real D’s Elizabeth Frank, Dolby Laboratories’ Jed Harmsen, and Chris Armer from GastingerWalker&.

There is a lot of investment happening every day at cinemas both big and small as the exhibition industry continues to invest with confidence in its future.

CU Close-Ups

Celebration Cinema by Studio C’s Cindy Sowerwine and Penn Cinema’s Penn Ketchum delivered two strong presentations to their fellow Cinema United members. Cindy’s focused on how to track the real-world impact of marketing on various channels, and Penn’s presentation walked through the entire experience of adding a bar to his location in Lititz, Pa.

Building A Community, Not Just a Fanbase: A Conversation with Lisa Milner Goldberg, VP, Public Relations, Angel City Football Club

Lisa shared insights on how she has helped Angel City Football Club stand out in the crowded sports market in Los Angeles.

Beyond Popcorn: Building a Branded Experience

The Coca-Cola Company’s Josh Nations moderated a panel with Cineplex’s Sara Moore, Cinergy Entertainment’s Traci Hanlon, and Meta’s Joana Delgado focused on how in an era of limitless content and digital noise, a strong brand is no longer a luxury. The panelists offered clear takeaways to attendees on how to build their own brand.

Activating Fandom: Strategic Tools for Theatrical Engagement

With the help of a diverse panel–ComicCon’s David Glanzer, Marcus Corporations’ Greg Marcus, Fathom’s Shannah Miller, and NRG’s Fergus Navaratnam-Blair–moderator Matthew Liebmann from Vista Group dived into the various ways that all the panelists connect with niche groups to bring them out to theatres. From impactful social posts to developing strong repertory screenings, cinemas are getting better every day at creating enticing programming for specific audiences.

The day closed with a lively focus-group discussion featuring Gen Z moviegoers organized by NRG.

Day 4

With the support of The Walt Disney Company, A24, Directors Guild of America, Vista Group, and Mobile Moviegoing, Thursday gave Fall Summit attendees another chance to see two upcoming films from the diverse fall/holiday slate: Searchlight’s Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere and A24’s Eternity.

Movie theatres succeed when there is something for everyone, and that is definitely the case for the rest of 2025 & beyond.

September 18, 2025

Cinema United Attends Entertainment Food & Beverage Association’s 2025 Concession and Hospitality Expo

[Left to right: Marcus Theatres’ Rob Novak, Cinema United’s Michael O’Leary, Santikos’ Rob Lehman]

Cinema United’s President & CEO Michael O’Leary and CinemaCon’s Director of Operations Matt Shapiro attended the Entertainment Food & Beverage Association’s 2025 Concession and Hospitality Expo from September 16-18 at the Westin San Antonio North in San Antonio, Texas.

O’Leary delivered a speech at the event focused on the importance of food and beverage innovation to the future of cinemas. He touted Cinema United’s recent Cinema Investment Report, which features examples of cinema owners big and small changing the food & beverage experience at the their theatres.

“Your innovative efforts, from redesigned lobbies and curated dine-in offerings to seasonal menus or seasonal cocktails, help transform a night out into a special occasion and continue to make going to the movies one of the most important entertainment value propositions,” said O’Leary.

September 16, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, September 16, 2025

Innovation

Variety: Theaters Have Re-Invested $1.5 Billion in Past Year to Keep Audiences Engaged With Premium Large Formats, Loyalty Rewards and Better Dining Experiences

Speaking with Variety, Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based Cinema United (fomerly NATO), said, “You’re seeing this evolution of theaters becoming these big inclusive places where family and movie fans can go and spend hours on end.”

As theaters continue to expand their offerings to audiences — including attractions like novelty popcorn buckets — O’Leary says he feels good about this year, and with movies like “Lilo and Stitch” and “Minecraft” dominating the box office, he feels he needs to make sure that there are places that are exciting and experiential for people.

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Deadline: Cinema Owners Spent $1.5B On Upgrades Over Past Year

“Exhibition is a Main Street industry,” said, Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary. “Theatre owners aren’t just re-investing in their facilities; they are investing in cities and towns of all sizes across the United States and Canada. The beneficiaries of this commitment will, of course, be movie fans of all ages but also local businesses and the talented contractors and craftspeople who help bring these renovations to life.”

Investments range from costlier new building of entertainment centers that combine multi-screen theaters with activities from axe throwing to bowling to arcades; reopening and revamping closed cinemas; new digital projectors, movie screens, sound systems and seats in auditoriums. New full-service lobby bars are increasingly popular. So is adding kitchens. Some 10% of the North American box office is made up of dine-in sales, the report said.

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September 16, 2025

Cinema Owners In North America Have Invested $1.5 Billion In Their Theatres Throughout The Past Year

New Cinema Investment Report from Cinema United Highlights Exhibition’s Commitment to Reinvesting in the Consumer Experience

Eight Largest Circuits Surpass $900 Million Mark in Twelve Months

WASHINGTON, D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CA – September 16, 2025 – A new report issued today by Cinema United highlights that the North American exhibition industry re-invested more than $1.5 billion in their theatres in the past year, demonstrating a clear financial commitment to creating the premium entertainment experiences that fans of movies on the big screen crave. This industry total includes re-investment of $920 million from the eight largest circuits in the United States and Canada. A year ago, those same eight circuits alone pledged their commitment to invest more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over a three-year period.

From Cinema United, the trade association representing nearly 64,000 screens worldwide, the Cinema Investment Report highlights the overall depth and breadth of these investments across the industry and the impact they have on communities of all sizes. From upgrading projectors, sound equipment and screens (there are nearly 6,000 premium large-format screens worldwide) to adding dynamic food & beverage options (dine-in cinemas represent 10% of the North American box office), cinemas today sit at the forefront of the experiential economy, driving local business and providing positive financial growth for a myriad of industry partners, including construction, architecture, marketing and advertising, retail and dining. More than 100,000 jobs around the world are directly related to the innovation and investments highlighted in this report.

“Exhibition is a Main Street industry,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “Theatre owners aren’t just re-investing in their facilities; they are investing in cities and towns of all sizes across the United States and Canada. The beneficiaries of this commitment will, of course, be movie fans of all ages but also local businesses and the talented contractors and craftspeople who help bring these renovations to life.”

In addition to showcasing the capital investments being made in theatres, the report also highlights the local vendors who led construction and renovation efforts that movies fans everywhere will enjoy.

“Movie theatres provide an unmatched entertainment experience for people around the world, but they are also important cornerstones in their communities. The re-investment and innovation underway at theatres of all sizes will bolster local economies by driving revenue and creating jobs,” says Bob Bagby, CEO of B&B Theatres and Chair of Cinema United. “Every day, movie theatres create jobs, partner with local vendors and attract movie fans who also support surrounding businesses.”

Cinema United members featured in this report include AMC, B&B Theatres, Cinemark, Cineplex, Cinépolis, Golden Ticket Cinemas, Harkins, Marcus, Ojai Playhouse, Penn Cinema, Phoenix Theatres (headquartered in Detroit), Regal and Santikos.

Partners mentioned also include Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce (Clarksville, Tenn.), GastingerWalker (architecture firm in Kansas City, Mo.), Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce (Joplin, Mo.), Kinectiv (advertising/marketing firm in Lancaster, Pa.), KEPH Construction (Dadeville, Ala.), Kupiec Architects (Santa Barbara, Calif.), Prosser Wilbert (construction company in Kansas City, Mo.) and Speedwell Construction (Manheim, Pa.).

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

September 11, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, September 11, 2025

Distribution

Deadline: Paramount Exploring Bid For Warner Bros. Discovery

The just merged Paramount Skydance is exploring a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, heralding potentially more change in an entertainment landscape that’s seeing rapid shifts.

Larry Ellison, chairman and co-founder of Oracle, is one of the richest people in the world and the patriarch of the Ellison family, which led the $8.4 billion deal that landed his son David Ellison’s Skydance Media with control of Paramount Global. That transaction closed August.

There’s been speculation since that the big, new and deep-pocketed player in Hollywood would turn its sights on Warner next, but the focus had been on Warner Bros. Studios, which is in the process of separating from the company’s global cable networks and linear television. The Par deal currently being explored, however, seems to be for the entire company.

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August 29, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, August 29, 2025

Box Office

Variety: Could Gen Alpha Save Movie Theaters? New Survey Shows Why ‘Minecraft’ and ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Had Huge Success With Kids

Kids and preteens may reinvigorate the theatrical movie business, at least according to a new study by entertainment researchers NRG.

The report found that Gen Alpha, which consists of children born from roughly 2013 to 2025, is more interested in seeing movies in the big screen than older consumers. Roughly 59% of members of that generation said they enjoy watching movies in theaters more than at home, compared to 48% of Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012), 45% of Millennials (people born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen X (people born between 1965 and 1980). The study’s authors suggest that the ubiquity of smartphones and streaming services has made younger consumers more interested in a night out at the multiplex.

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August 21, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, August 21, 2025

Release Schedule

The Hollywood Reporter: Bradley Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’ Lands December Release

Bradley Cooper‘s forthcoming feature Is This Thing On? has landed a prime holiday season release date from Searchlight Pictures.

The film hits theaters Dec. 19 following its premiere at the New York Film Festival on Oct. 10. The movie stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Cooper, Andra Day, Sean Hayes, Amy Sedaris and Ciarán Hinds.

Is This Thing On? centers on Alex (Arnett) and Tess (Dern), who attempt to navigate their divorce as Alex changes his career path to pursue a life as a confessional stand-up comedian in New York City. The life of British comedian John Bishop inspired the movie’s story.

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The Hollywood Reporter: Bill Hader’s ‘The Cat in the Hat’ Lands New November 2026 Release Date

Warner Bros.’ animated event pic The Cat in the Hat has landed a new release date in theaters, relocating from Feb, 27, 2026 to Nov. 6 of that year.

The studio says the new date gives the film — the first title from the newly relaunched Warner Bros. Pictures Animation division — a long runway to play throughout the year-end holidays when families and kids are more readily available.

Based on the beloved Dr. Seuss tale, Bill Hader voices The Cat. The A-list voice cast also includes Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Paula Pell, Tiago Martinez, Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera, Bowen Yang and Tituss Burgess.

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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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