Press Release Archives | Cinema United

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.

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.

July 29, 2025

Date Night @ the Movies Offers Two-for-One Treats and Special Discounts On Movies Concessions At Cinemas Across the Country Friday, August 22

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 29, 2025 – Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation are introducing Date Night @ the Movies, a new national moviegoing event on Friday, August 22. The evening is a celebration of America’s favorite entertainment pastime featuring two-for-one treats – with discounts ranging from popcorn, drinks and other concessions to surprise movie theatre promotions – at thousands of participating locations across the country.

It’s the latest event in the year-long @ the Movies campaign. Previous events included National Popcorn Day (January 19) and Sneak Peek Showcase (April 22). Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, returns to the @ the Movies program as the presenting sponsor.

“Movies are better experienced together,” says Mike Bowers, Chair of The Cinema Foundation. “Date Night @ the Movies is a celebration of the long-lasting memories we create and share at the cinema. This one-night only event is all about enjoying the big screen with someone special, whether it’s your partner, best friend, new friend, family member or movie-loving plus one.”

“We are excited to join Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation in launching Date Night @ the Movies in theatres nationwide on August 22,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “Fandango is all about creating a memorable moviegoing experience. We hope we can help fans enjoy movie magic on the big screen while ordering their favorite theatre treats at discounted prices for a great night out at the movies.”

To find theatres and their individual offerings at your local movie theatre, visit AtTheMovies.co (website/app) or Fandango, and check out #TogetherAtTheMovies on social platforms.

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience. For additional info, please visit thecinemafoundation.org.

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.

ABOUT FANDANGO

Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.

May 8, 2025

Cinema United Releases Statement on Proposal to Support Hollywood and Exhibition

“We are encouraged by recent efforts to bolster the American filmed entertainment industry, including proposals to assist the people who operate theatres in towns of all sizes across the country to create the great movie houses of the next generation,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “It is important to recognize that theatrical exhibition is not a Hollywood industry, but a Main Street industry, and proposals that support and promote the hard work being done by theatre owners will have a positive and meaningful impact in communities across this nation. We are committed to working with the administration, Congress and all interested parties who recognize and share the goal of ensuring that our local theatres retain both their economic and cultural significance, and we thank them for their leadership.”

April 22, 2025

“Sinners” Director Ryan Coogler Touts Importance of Cinema In Letter To Fans

Following on the massive opening weekend for Sinners, director Ryan Coogler penned an open letter to fans thanking them for helping make the movie a success.

“I had the gift of the opportunity of making a film inspired by my family and my ancestry but it was always a film that we wanted to make for audiences, in theaters,” Coogler writes. “We always had our minds on you, the audience, and felt a deep responsibility to entertain you, and move you in the way only cinema can. I believe in cinema. I believe in the theatrical experience. I believe it is a necessary pillar of society. It’s why me and so many of my colleagues have dedicated our lives to the craft. We don’t get to do what we do if you don’t show up.”

For the First Time Ever, The Cinema Foundation presents Sneak Peek Showcase

The Program Will Feature Previews from Major Studios for their Upcoming 2025 Slate, Along with Never-Before-Seen Clips and Behind-the-Scenes Pieces from Highly Anticipated Films

Launches Exclusively in Theatres Across North America on April 22 & 24

All Proceeds from Tickets, Priced at $3, Will Benefit Variety–The Children’s Charity, Will Rogers Foundation, Canadian Picture Pioneers and The Cinema Foundation

LOS ANGELES – April 16, 2025 – Next week The Cinema Foundation, the non-profit arm of Cinema United, will host for the first time ever a nearly 70-minute program entitled Sneak Peek Showcase at thousands of screens across North America. The evening program will offer movie lovers an exciting preview of big-screen studio movies, including some favorites from the industry-insider event, CinemaCon 2025, held earlier this month by Cinema United.

On Tuesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 24, Hollywood’s biggest studios will highlight their upcoming summer and fall 2025 slates, with a fun look at this year’s trailers, some never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes clips, as part of a curated experience designed exclusively for moviegoing audiences. The showcase will feature a wide variety of films that are rated PG, PG-13 and R.

Proceeds from Sneak Peek Showcase will go to charities, including Variety – The Children’s Charity, Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation and The Cinema Foundation. Participating cinemas across Canada will also be exhibiting the Sneak Peek Showcase, and a portion of those proceeds will go to the Canadian Picture Pioneers, a charitable organization that provides various financial assistance and educational programs for those in need within the Canadian film industry.

The nearly 70-minute program will debut on April 22 with an encore performance on April 24, with both performances taking place at 6 p.m. local time. Tickets are on sale now for $3.00 at participating theatres’ website or app, as well as atthemovies.co and on Fandango.

Sneak Peek Showcase is part of The Cinema Foundation’s year-round @The Movies campaign and is presented by Fandango with additional support from The Coca-Cola Company. As part of the programming, the Sneak Peek Showcase will also include the big screen debut of the Grand Prize-winning spot from the 2025 Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program. The Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program is an opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers from partnered schools to create content for the big screen.

“Sneak Peek Showcase helps bring a little taste of the famed industry-insider event CinemaCon to movie lovers with a fun look at the upcoming theatrical slate,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “For the first time, cinemagoers will get a glimpse of the most anticipated movies coming soon to their neighborhood theatres all in one program. We are proud to have proceeds benefit industry charitable organizations, and we are grateful for the support of our sponsors, Fandango and The Coca-Cola Company.”

The Cinema Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2022 by Cinema United (formerly National Association of Theatre Owners), dedicated to promoting and expanding the movie theatre industry and to advancing the moviegoing experience. Sneak Peek Showcase is part of the Foundation’s quarterly “@The Movies” events that began with National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19, where thousands of theatres nationwide offered discounts like unlimited popcorn refills. Other upcoming events include Date Night @ The Movies on Aug. 15, 2025, and Family Day @ The Movies on Nov. 9, 2025.

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

April 4, 2025

Sneak Peek Showcase To Deliver A Unique Big-Screen Experience for Film Fans With Exclusive Content, Trailers and Special Features

Tickets $3 with all proceeds benefiting Variety–The Children’s Charity, Will Rogers Foundation and The Cinema Foundation

LAS VEGAS – Friday, April 4, 2025 – On the heels of CinemaCon, hosted by Cinema United, thousands of screens across the country will debut a new 70-minute program entitled Sneak Peek Showcase on April 22 and 24, bringing an exciting preview of big-screen studio content to movie lovers, with a fun look at trailers, never-seen-before footage, and behind-the-scenes content from this year’s most anticipated movies exclusively in cinemas nationwide. Hollywood’s biggest studios will highlight their upcoming summer and fall 2025 slates, with some unveiling special surprises – ranging from exclusive scenes to brand-new trailers – created just for moviegoing audiences.

Participating studios will include:

Sony Pictures Entertainment Lionsgate Warner Bros. PicturesUniversal Pictures/Focus FeaturesAmazon MGM StudiosParamount Pictures The Walt Disney Studios

Thousands of screens will participate in the event, with the proceeds going to charities, including Variety – The Children’s Charity, Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation and The Cinema Foundation. The 70-minute program will debut on April 22 with an encore performance on April 24. Both performances take place at 6 pm local time. Tickets are on sale now for $3.00 at your favorite theatre’s website or app, as well as atthemovies.co and on Fandango.

“Sneak Peek Showcase is an exciting new way to bring moviegoers an exclusive preview of this year’s amazing films coming soon to a theatre near you,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “For the first time, we’re curating a theatrical experience for film fans featuring exclusive content usually reserved for industry insiders. It’s a fresh approach to movie marketing – dynamic, engaging and only in theatres – and we’re proud that proceeds will benefit industry charitable organizations. We are especially grateful to our presenting sponsor Fandango and our supporting partner Coca-Cola for helping make this innovative program a reality.”

The Cinema Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2022 by Cinema United, dedicated to promoting and expanding the movie theatre industry and to advancing the moviegoing experience. Sneak Peek Showcase is part of the Foundation’s quarterly “@The Movies” events that began with National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19, where thousands of theatres nationwide offered discounts like unlimited popcorn refills. Other upcoming events include Date Night @ The Movies on Aug. 15, 2025, and Family Day @ The Movies on Nov. 9, 2025.

April 1, 2025

Movie Snacks Unite: CinemaCon 2025 Official Poster Art Contest Announces Winners During Opening Night Presentation

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 1, 2025) – CinemaCon and Cinema United are proud to recognize three winners for 2025’s Official Poster Art Contest, which were announced onstage Monday night in the Colosseum by Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon.

Anthony Battaglia, Senior Manager of Cypress Cinemark 12 & XD in Cypress, Texas, won first place for his poster titled, Concession Pals. Battaglia describes the piece as “a showcase for the fun and awe of experiencing the cinema.” The poster utilizes iconic theatre snacks as a group of friends who are engaged and entertained while at the movies. As the winning artist, Battaglia received a complimentary trip to this year’s CinemaCon, and his winning artwork will be prominently featured throughout the convention and showcased on t-shirts provided to all attendees.

Jo-Ellen Ellis, Sr. Graphic Designer from Cineplex in London, Ontario, Canada, came in second place with her poster titled, Concession Crew. The poster showcases the iconic crew of concession stand snacks—popcorn, candy, soda, and hot dogs—as a group of friends creating the perfect movie meal. Ellis received complimentary registration to CinemaCon, and her work will be included in a gallery display at the convention.

Johanna Greif, a graphic designer from the North Bend Theatre in North Bend, Washington, won third place for her poster titled, The Gilded Screen of Caesars. The design blends the iconic architecture of Caesars Palace with the nostalgic glow of a classic movie theatre marquee. Greif also received a complimentary registration to the show, as well having her work be displayed within the full art gallery display at the convention.

Sponsored by Mobile Moviegoing, the CinemaCon 2025 Art Contest was open to all theatre employees of Cinema United member companies. Artists were tasked with designing a poster from one of the following three prompts: Friends’ Night Out, Architectural Wonders, and Theatre Snacks. Each winner’s artwork was judged based on their marketability, creativity, design attractiveness, adherence to the artist’s selected theme, and overall impact.

All artists will receive a printed poster of their work that will be sent to them directly courtesy of CinemaCon and Cinema United.

Approved press images of all three winning posters can be downloaded here.