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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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Cinema United Attends CineEurope As Global Exhibition Industry Surges

[Left to Right: Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, CinemaCon’s Matt Pollock, and Cinema United’s Andrew Stewart]

Exhibitors and vendors from across the world gathered in Barcelona for the annual CineEurope convention from June 16-19 to celebrate a surging box office and discuss the bright future of the exhibition industry.

According to Gower Street, the global box office cume at the end of May hit $13.4 billion, which is 13% ahead of 2024 and on par with 2023. The data firm recently bumped their projection for 2025’s total global haul to $34.1 billion, up $1.1 billion from their initial projection in early 2025.

The International Union of Cinemas’ President Phil Clapp and CEO Laura Houlgatte touted the strong state of European cinema in their keynote address at the event.

“In 2024, cinemas across Europe recorded over 934 million admissions and box office revenues close 7.1 billion euros. No small spart in that success was played by the continued investment by operators of all sizes, who continue to provide audiences with an incredibly diverse and appealing offer of both film content and big screen experience. Striving to innovate, driving local economies while a remaining a cherished community and cultural resource.”

While at CineEurope, Cinema United’s Chief Communication Officer Andrew Stewart, Cinema United’s Director of Membership and Global Affairs Erin Von Hoetzendorff, and CinemaCon’s Associate Managing Director Matt Pollock met with exhibitors from around the world—Svenska Bio, Cineworld, Pathe, Omniplex, Kinepolis, Nordisk Film, Cinemark, Cineplexx, Cinépolis, and Odeon—to discuss the current state of the industry and topics that unite all exhibitors such as continued innovation both in programming and cinema renovations.

Cinema United’s Amanda Martin and Erin Von Hoetzendorff Named To Celluloid Junkie’s 2025 Top Women in Global Cinema List

Amanda Martin, Cinema United’s Chief of Staff, and Erin Von Hoetzendorff, Cinema United’s Director of Membership and Global Affairs, were named to Celluloid Junkie’s 2025 Top Women in Global Cinema List. CJ wrote the following:

Amanda Martin

As Chief of Staff at Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners), Amanda Martin plays a central role in guiding the strategic and operational direction of the global trade body for the movie theatre industry. A trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, Martin leads both federal government affairs and state-level advocacy efforts across the Western United States.

In 2024, Martin expanded her portfolio to include creative and storytelling initiatives. She serves as executive producer of Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition, a nationally recognized series that debuted at CinemaCon and has since profiled more than a dozen cinema owners and operators. The project brings to life the voices of frontline exhibition professionals, spotlighting their innovation, perseverance, and impact on local communities.

Before joining Cinema United, Martin was a state government affairs specialist at the Entertainment Software Association, where she advocated on behalf of the video game industry. She began her public policy career in the California district office of Congressman Eric Swalwell, assisting constituents and advancing community engagement.

Erin Von Hoetzendorff

Erin Von Hoetzendorff is Director of Membership and Global Affairs at Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners). Since joining the organization in 2018, she has led efforts to foster inclusive engagement across the industry – spearheading initiatives like the Ambassador Program and overseeing several key member communities, including Young Members, Membership, International, and Technology.

She also serves as staff liaison to the Global Cinema Federation, helping coordinate international policy and advocacy efforts across borders. Outside her core role, she contributes meaningfully to broader industry collaboration as Secretary of Film Row and formerly as administrator of Inter-Society. Based in Los Angeles, Von Hoetzendorff is widely respected as a passionate connector and coalition-builder who has been instrumental in expanding Cinema United’s reach and relevance.

Read the full list here.

Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary Moderates Panel at ShowCanada

ShowCanada 2025 took place in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia from May 27-29. The annual conference brings together all sectors of the film industry from Canada and the U.S.A.

Cinema United’s President & CEO Michael O’Leary moderated the annual State of the Industry panel featuring three industry heavyweights: Chris Aronson, President of Domestic Distribution for Paramount Pictures; Ellis Jacob, CEO of Cineplex; and Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures. The interesting and entertaining discussion focused on opportunities and challenges as the cinema industry looks to the future.

Congratulations to Carrie Wolfe, Event Producer of ShowCanada, and Nuria Bronfman, Executive Director, Movie Theatre Association of Canada, on another excellent show!

ShowCanada 2026 heads to Banff in 2026.

Cinema United Visits Penn Cinema in Lititz, PA

[Left to Right: Cinema United’s Phil Contrino and Penn Cinema’s Penn Ketchum]

Penn Cinema in Lititz, Pennsylvania recently undertook a massive $2 million re-design of its lobby–which now includes a full-service bar, beer wall, and a lounge with room for 50 people–just in time for 2025’s record-breaking Memorial Day weekend and a busy summer at the box office.

Penn Ketchum, Managing Partner of Penn Cinema, operates 34 screens at three locations: two in Pennsylvania and one in Delaware. Before the new lobby opened, he worked with Kinectiv, a local advertising/marketing firm, to roll out new branding that is easily adaptable both to promotions inside the theatre and on social media.

“The feedback from guests has been over-the-top positive,” says Ketchum of the addition to the theatre. “In the long run, we expect this will help overall attendance at our cinema.”

The new bar has added two full-time employees and six part-time employees to the Penn Cinema team. It boasts creative cocktails such as the Barbenheimer or I’ll Never Let You Go (a nod to Titanic). A new kitchen that will boast a range of options from pizzas to gourmet hot dogs to compliment the expanded beverage choices is slated to open in June.

Cinema United
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