Homepage Latest Updates Archives

October 29, 2025

Cinema United Attends Regional Cinema Leaders’ Meetings in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts

[Left to right: Lou DiGioia, Penn Ketchum, Michael O’Leary, and Gina Taffet]

Cinema United’s President & CEO Michael O’Leary and COO Lou DiGioia recently attended two regional gatherings where cinema owners and operators were able to come together to discuss the future of exhibition.

Cinema United of Pennsylvania, which has been led by President Gina Taffet since 2005, hosted their annual meeting at Penn Ketchum‘s Penn Cinema in Lititz, Pennsylvania on October 22. The day was filled with reports on legislative issues, technology, and a presentation by O’Leary focused on the current state of exhibition as we head into what will be a massive holiday season at the box office. Cinema operators from around the state also gave presentations on how to creatively market theatres. Thank you to the Pennsylvania Cinema United Board: Dave Castilli of Circle Drive-in, Shelbi Gutowski and David Phillips of RC Cinemas, Frank Moses of Golden Star Theatres, Bruce Taffet of Taffet & Associates, LLC, Melissa Rohrbach of Cinemark, Jason Buckland of Marcus Theatres, Drew Sheaffer of Penn Cinemas, and Ed Troll of Richland Cinemas for putting on a great event.

[Left to right: John Vincent, Michael O’Leary, Doug Murdoch, and Lou DiGioia]

Theatre Owners of New England United and the Connecticut Association of Theatre Owners met on October 28 & 29 at Regal’s Bellingham, Massachusetts location. The two days featured studio presentations from Sony and Disney, a speech by O’Leary, and a presentation on concessions by the Entertainment Food & Beverage Association’s Dan Herrle. A special thank you to Executive Director John Vincent and President Harold Blank from Theatre Owners of New England United and Doug Murdoch from the Connecticut Association of Theatre Owners for organizing the event.

October 23, 2025

Cinema United Hires Theo George As Director of Marketing

WASHINGTON, D.C. AND LOS ANGELES – October 23, 2025 – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, announced today that it has tapped Theo George as Director of Marketing. This is a new position that will serve multiple marketing and communications functions for the organization, including social media, brand marketing, campaign and project management and creative leadership. Based in Los Angeles, George will be an integral member of the broader Cinema United team as it expands its impact among consumers and industry partners, advocating on behalf of theatrical exhibition as cultural and financial hubs for communities of all sizes across the country and around the world. George will report to Andrew Stewart, Cinema United’s Chief Communications Officer.

“From our first meeting with Theo, we were instantly impressed with his overall marketing experience in both exhibition and advocacy. His creative acumen and strategic insight, not to mention his passion and love of the movies, were obvious and we are thrilled to see him apply those skills to advance this amazing industry forward,” Stewart said.

George commented, saying: “I’ve spent a good portion of my career getting audiences excited about going to the movies because I believe deeply in the power of the shared theatrical experience. Cinema United’s mission to unite and promote the industry couldn’t be more urgent or inspiring. I’m thrilled to champion the theatre owners who create those magical moments for millions of moviegoers and ensure that the irreplaceable experience of going to the movies remains a cultural cornerstone.”

In this new role, George will be in charge of developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy for Cinema United, as well as CinemaCon, the world’s premier annual showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by Cinema United. He will also oversee the strategic growth of general consumer interactions for Cinema United and CinemaCon through creative year-round marketing activations and targeted brand and media partnerships.

Prior to joining Cinema United, George most recently served as Cinema Marketing Manager for BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), where he drove audience engagement and exceeded revenue targets through innovative, data-driven campaigns. He previously served as Marketing Director for the Maryland Film Festival and worked as a Digital Strategist for the National Center for Transgender Equality, where he led groundbreaking advocacy campaigns. Theo holds a Master’s in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s in Africana Studies from UMBC.

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 80 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 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 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

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.

August 27, 2025

Cinema United Attends CinéShow 2025

[Left to Right: Cinema United’s Michael O’Leary, Steve Schoaps (Strothers Cinema), Jeff Benson (Cinergy), Randy Hester (Hometown Cinemas), Morris Schulman (Schulman Theatres), Brian Shander (Marcus Theatres), Joel Davis (Premier Cinemas)]

Cinema United’s President & CEO Michael O’Leary, Chief Operating Officer Lou DiGioia, and Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement Todd Halstead attended CinéShow 2025 at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center from August 25-27.

O’Leary spoke at the event and focused on successes at the Summer box office, the promising relate slate for the rest of 2025, benefits for exhibition in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, and two upcoming Cinema United events: The Fall Summit and CinemaCon.

Joel Davis (Premiere Cinemas, TOMA Board President) was named Statesman of the Year, while the Frank Liberto Award went to Larry Etter (Malco) and the Distinguished Service Award recipient was Tim Patton (Cinema Service).

Cinema United thanks Diane Feffer, Executive Director of CinéShow, and her team of dedicated volunteers who make the show happen.

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.

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.