Category: Press

Theatre Owners To Invest More Than $2.2 Billion In The Cinematic Experience

As the box office surges, the exhibition industry confidently invests in the future

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 19, 2024 – Theatre owners across the United States and Canada today reaffirmed their commitment to providing moviegoers with the memorable entertainment experiences they expect and deserve. The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United), which represents theatre owners around the world, announced that the eight largest theatre chains in the United States and Canada, representing over 21,000 screens and 67% of the box office, will invest more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over the next three years.  Since the inception of exhibition over a century ago, reinvesting in theatres has been a hallmark of the industry. Today’s announcement signals a continuation of that legacy that will benefit moviegoers in communities everywhere.

“There is no question that movie fans of all ages love heading to the local theatre to see great movies on the big screen. But the competition for consumers’ hard-earned dollars is fiercer than ever,” said Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “Going to the theatre is an unparalleled entertainment experience, and exhibitors are dedicated to making every visit to their theatres memorable.  This investment reflects that commitment in a tangible way that every moviegoer will see and enjoy.” 

Cinema United projects that the funds will be used on an array of projects to modernize and improve theatres of all sizes.  These updates include adding the latest laser projection technology and immersive sound systems, installing more comfortable seating, enhancing food and beverage offerings, creating family entertainment options such as arcades and bowling, and investing in core site elements like state-of-the-art air conditioning, lighting, signage and carpeting.

“Today’s consumers rightly demand the best possible experience when they visit our theatres.  Operating a theatre today is a capital-intensive operation,” said Cinema United Executive Board Chair and CEO of B&B Theatres, Bob Bagby. “This investment of resources is the next step in our industry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that going to the theatre remains a unique and special experience for generations to come.”

The investment projections above came from a range of Cinema United members that included national and regional chains. Movie theatres are cornerstones in their local communities, providing first jobs, hosting first dates, offering affordable and accessible entertainment, and attracting consumers to retail and entertainment centers. The eight companies that reported to Cinema United represent over 1,600 site locations and cover all 50 states and Canada: AMC Entertainment Inc., Regal Cinemas, Cinemark USA, Inc., Cineplex, Marcus Theatres Corp., B&B Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Santikos Entertainment.

Cinema United’s Official Statement on Deadpool & Wolverine’s Record Debut

“We are thrilled to see Deadpool & Wolverine bringing people to theaters for the biggest opening weekend ever for an R-rated movie,” said Michael O’Leary, Cinema United’s President & CEO. “This is the kind of movie you want to experience on the big screen and the historic level of enthusiasm this weekend reminds us yet again that audiences know there is no experience like theatrical. We also know that when people go to the movies, they want to come back — so we are excited to capitalize on this weekend’s energy with a robust theatrical slate in months to come.”

Harkins Theatres President & CEO Mike Bowers Appointed New Chair of The Cinema Foundation

The National Association of Theatre Owners/Cinema United has announced that Mike Bowers, President & CEO of Harkins Theatres, has been appointed as the new chair of its non-profit organization, The Cinema Foundation. Bowers takes over from Tim Handren, who recently retired as CEO of Santikos Theatres. Tori A. Baker, the CEO and President of the Salt Lake Film Society, will continue to lead as the Vice Chair of The Cinema Foundation.

With nearly 40 years in the theatre industry, Bowers has introduced groundbreaking innovations to the moviegoing experience and has led Harkins Theatres through significant growth and expansion from a local operator with six locations to the 5th highest grossing exhibitor in the United States and the highest performing company per location. In addition to his new role as the chair of The Cinema Foundation, Bowers is the Vice Chair of the Cinema United Executive Board, a member of The Greater Phoenix Leadership Council, on the committee for CEO’s Against Cancer for the American Cancer Society, a frequent consultant for the theatrical entertainment industry and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

“I’m thrilled to join the team behind The Cinema Foundation led by Bryan Braunlich with the goal of strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country,” says Bowers. “It’s a true honor to serve as the chair of this foundation for a great industry.”

“Mike is one of our most strategic, dedicated and passionate ambassadors for the cinema industry and for the importance of movie theatres as cornerstones serving our communities” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “We’re fortunate to have him as our chair.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has collaborated with Cinema United members, studios, vendors, partners and creatives to organize industry promotional events like National Cinema Day, National Popcorn Day and other programs bringing millions of film fans to theaters in overwhelming numbers.

Cinema United Congratulates Erin Von Hoetzendorff For Being Named to Celluloid Junkie’s Top Women In Global Cinema – 2024

Celluloid Junkie has released their annual Top Women in Global Cinema list, and Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff made the list this year.

From Celluloid Junkie: Erin Von Hoetzendorff currently serves as the Director of Membership and Global Affairs at the National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United). Over her six plus years at Cinema United, she has excelled in establishing and nurturing relationships with members of varying sizes, spearheading key initiatives such as Cinema United’s Ambassador Program, and managing member interactions. She oversees multiple committees and communities within Cinema United, including Young Members, Membership, International, and Technology. She also works as a staff liaison to the Global Cinema Federation. Von Hoetzendorff is active in the industry, currently serving as Secretary of Film Row, and formerly serving as administrator of Inter-Society, underscoring her commitment to advancing the global cinema sector.

See the full list here.

Cinema United Celebrates “Inside Out 2” Grossing $1 Billion

“On behalf of movie theatre owners across the country and around the world, we want to congratulate Disney’s Inside Out 2 for grossing $1 billion faster than any animated movie in history,” said Michael O’Leary, Cinema United’s President & CEO. “The film’s stunning global success illustrates, once again, that audiences the world over will respond to compelling, entertaining movies, and they want to enjoy them on the big screen. Thanks to its robust theatrical run, Inside Out 2 is bringing together moviegoers of all ages for a shared cinematic experience that they will always remember.”

National Association of Theatre Owners Celebrates Dedicated Community Leaders with “Behind the Screens” Series, Legacy Program

CINEMACON/LAS VEGAS – April 9, 2024 – The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) launched its first-ever digital video series, Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition, today at CinemaCon, the world’s largest exhibition convention held at Caesars Palace attracting nearly 6,000 attendees. The series tells the stories of dedicated movie theatre leaders across the country, representing major chains with thousands of screens to independents with only one screen.  

“We are excited to premiere Behind the Screens at CinemaCon to showcase the talented and passionate people that make exhibition special.” said Michael O’Leary, Cinema United’s President & CEO. 

“The theatrical experience would not be what it is without their dedication and creativity. We look forward to sharing more member stories in the years ahead.”

The enterprising exhibition leaders featured in the videos are: 

Mayte Alquicira, Loyalty Manager, Cinépolis USA, based in Dallas: devoted to creating great experiences for a wide variety of moviegoers with unique loyalty offerings. 

David Haywood, SVP Food & Beverage, Cinemark, headquartered in Plano, Texas: pairing concessions with film to create new moviegoing memories.  

J.D. Loeks, CEO, Studio C/Celebration Cinema, Grand Rapids, Michigan: building a multipex and piazza as the anchor of a revitalized downtown entertainment hub. 

Lauren McChesney & Matt McClanahan, Co-owners, Shankweiler’s Drive-In, Lehigh, PA: pioneering couple reviving America’s oldest continually operating community drive-in theater. 

Francisco Schlotterbeck, CEO, Maya Cinemas: a California/Nevada chain bringing a premium movie experience to family-oriented underserved communities.  

Emelyn Stuart, Stuart Cinema and Café, Brooklyn: founder of an innovative neighborhood cornerstone serving under-represented communities and the first Black Latina to own a movie theatre in New York City.  

Cinema United is also launching a special program celebrating the longevity of its membership at CinemaCon this year. Through its Legacy Program, Cinema United is honoring movie theatre companies that have been in business for 50, 75, and 100 years. The numbers are impressive: 69 companies have been in business for 50 years, 89 companies for 75 years, and 56 companies for over a century.  

“The future of the exhibition industry is bright,” added O’Leary. “A huge reason why: it’s the people in this industry who never stop innovating and creating the experiences that movie fans around the world love. We are excited to share the stories of just a few of these amazing individuals at CinemaCon this year.”

The video series can be found here at theatreowners.org.

ABOUT Cinema United 

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 34,000 additional screens in 89 countries worldwide. For more info, visit theatreowners.org.

George Miller to receive CinemaCon® International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award

WARNER BROS. PICTURES TO RELEASE FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA ON MAY 24, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. (April 2, 2024) – Academy Award® winner George Miller will receive this year’s CinemaCon® International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Miller will be presented with this special honor at the International Day Lunch and Awards ceremony taking place on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, at Caesars Palace.

“George Miller, an archetypal storyteller, has transformed the imaginations of moviegoers worldwide, forever altering the cinematic landscape,” noted Neuhauser. “His filmmaking serves as a testament to his enduring impact and inspiration. We are thrilled to present him with this year’s ‘CinemaCon International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award.’”

Releasing in theaters nationwide on May 24, 2024, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga sees Miller’s much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash Mad Max: Fury Road. As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of the great Biker Horde led by the Warlord of Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel, presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must withstand many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. The film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke, and is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Doug Mitchell, under their Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

A native of Australia, George Miller began his professional life as a doctor and detoured into filmmaking as a writer, director and producer. Miller made his feature film directorial debut with the international success Mad Max, which he also co-wrote. The film spawned three successful sequels: Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Mad Max: Fury Road, which brought his iconic post-apocalyptic title character back to the big screen and introduced the world to Furiosa. The film grossed more than $380 million worldwide and garnered six Academy Awards®.

Miller also won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film, among numerous other accolades, for the smash hit Happy Feet. A five-time Oscar® nominee, Miller garnered nominations for Best Picture and Best Directing for Mad Max: Fury Road; Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay for his work as a producer and writer on the breakout hit Babe; and received his first nomination for Best Original Screenplay for the moving drama Lorenzo’s Oil. Additional film credits include Happy Feet 2, Babe: Pig in the City, The Witches of Eastwick and most recently, Three Thousand Years of Longing, starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, among many others.

Miller serves as a Patron of the Sydney Film Festival and the Australian Film Institute. He served as President of the 69th Cannes Film Festival in 2016. In 1996 he was awarded the Order of Australia for distinguished service to Australian cinema and, in 2009, he was honored with the French Order of Arts and Letters.

On the small screen, Miller directed and executive produced the television miniseries The Dismissal, which broke all rating records in Australia, and he also produced the television projects Bodyline, The Cowra Breakout, Vietnam, The Dirtwater Dynasty, and Bangkok Hilton.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also thrilled to have The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies – as its official presenting sponsor.

About Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.

Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Dennis Quaid to Receive Cinema Icon Award

SHOWBIZ DIRECT TO RELEASE REAGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 28, 2024) – Multi-hyphenate globally beloved actor, musician and philanthropist, Dennis Quaid, will receive this year’s Cinema Icon Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Quaid will be presented with this special honor at the Big Screen Achievement Awards ceremony taking place on the evening of Thursday, April 11, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and hosted by official presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company.

“From compelling dramas to exhilarating thrillers, Dennis Quaid’s remarkable career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor,” noted Neuhauser. “His ability to embody diverse characters has captivated audiences for decades with his dedication to crafting authentic portrayals. He is truly a Hollywood icon, and we are thrilled to present him with this year’s Cinema Icon Award.”

Quaid can be seen later this year starring as Ronald Reagan in ShowBiz Direct’s Reagan, releasing in theaters nationwide on August 30, 2024. Reagan follows the path of a young boy from the dusty roads of Dixon, IL to the glitz of Hollywood, and ultimately to the Presidency of the United States and the world stage. Narrated through the voice of former KGB agent, Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight), who was assigned to follow Reagan when he first came to the attention of the Soviets while an actor in Hollywood. Reagan also stars Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan and Kevin Dillon as Warner Bros. Studios founder Jack Warner. The film is produced by Mark Joseph and directed by Sean McNamara.

Dennis Quaid is an Emmy® Award and two-time Golden Globe® Award nominee best known for his roles in such films as The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow, Traffic, Vantage Point, Frequency, The Parent Trap, Soul Surfer, The Right Stuff, Breaking Away, Midway and many more. Most recently he has starred in the Paramount+ series Bass Reeves, the Max miniseries Full Circle, Netflix’s Blue Miracle, Sony’s The Intruder, Universal’s A Dog’s Journey and A Dog’s Purpose, Roadside Attractions’ I Can Only Imagine and Disney’s animated film Strange World.

On April 12, 2024, Quaid’s production company, Bonniedale, is set to release The Long Game. The film is based on the true story of a group of Mexican-American teen caddies in the 1950s who go on to out-golf the all-white country clubs that rejected them. The Long Game stars Quaid, Jay Hernandez, Cheech Marin, Julian Works, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Brett Cullen, Oscar Nuñez and Paulina Chávez.

Alongside his acting career, Quaid has also established himself as a respected singer-songwriter. His musical journey began when his grandfather bought him his first guitar, and now has hundreds of thousands of miles under his belt as a touring and recording musician. His most recent album, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners, spent multiple weeks atop Billboard’s Christian/Gospel Albums chart.

Approved press image can be downloaded here.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also thrilled to have The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies – as its official presenting sponsor.

About Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.

Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Dan Stevens to Receive CinemaCon® Award of Excellence in Acting

STEVENS STARS IN NEON’S CUCKOO RELEASING ON AUGUST 9, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 27, 2024) – Dan Stevens will receive this year’s CinemaCon® Award of Excellence in Acting, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Stevens will be presented with this special honor at the Big Screen Achievement Awards ceremony taking place on the evening of Thursday, April 11, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and hosted by official presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company.

“Over the course of the next seven weeks, Dan Stevens has three incredibly diverse films set for release with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Abigail, and then Cuckoo. Each will showcase Dan’s talents to a broad range of moviegoers, further enhancing his status as one of our most talented actors working today,” noted Neuhauser. “His dedication to his artistry and his ability to bring complex characters to life with such depth and nuance make him a standout performer. We are honored to recognize his achievements with the ‘CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting.’”

Stevens can be seen next month starring in NEON’s Cuckoo, releasing in theaters nationwide on August 9, 2024. Cuckoo stars Hunter Schafer as Gretchen, a reluctant 17-year-old who leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König (Stevens), her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise as Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family. Directed by German director Tilman Singer, following his festival sensation, Luz, the film is shot on 35mm.

In addition to Cuckoo, Stevens can be seen in Adam Wingard’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, starring alongside Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry. Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film is set to release in theaters nationwide on March 29, 2024. He will follow that up with the April 19, 2024 release of Universal Pictures’ Abigail from directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

Most recently, Stevens lent his voice to the star-studded English dub of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated Golden Globe award-winning and Academy Award nominated film The Boy and the Heron. Additional credits include Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, The Rental, The Call of the Wild, Beauty and the Beast, Marshall, The Man Who Invented Christmas, The Guest, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, I’m Your Man and A Walk Among the Tombstones.

Stevens first drew international attention for his role on the ITV acclaimed series Downton Abbey. His additional credits include the highly acclaimed Marvel series Legion, HBO’s High Maintenance, Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Starz’s Gaslit, Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales, and Hulu’s animated series Solar Opposites.

In 2004, Stevens began his professional acting career in the touring production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. He went on to perform on the West End in the acclaimed revival of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia and in Hay Fever by Noël Coward alongside Peter Bowles and Dame Judi Dench. He made his Broadway debut in 2012 starring opposite Jessica Chastain and David Strathairn in The Heiress.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also thrilled to have The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies – as its official presenting sponsor.

About Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.

Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Patrick Stickney Wins CinemaCon® 2024 Art Contest for his work “Grand Exterior”

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 18, 2024) – CinemaCon is proud to recognize Patrick Stickney as the winner of the CinemaCon 2024 Art Contest for his work titled “Grand Exterior,” Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“Stickney’s ‘Grand Exterior’ captures the essence, anticipation, and excitement of not just CinemaCon 2024, but that of moviegoing as a whole,” noted Neuhauser. “Patrick Stickney, via this initiative, represents the dedication and commitment of the global theater workforce in making the experience of going to the movies extra special. Our heartfelt congratulations to Patrick for his exceptional contribution to CinemaCon.”

Patrick Stickney, a General Manager at Classic Cinemas Elk Grove XQ in Elk Grove Village, IL, will receive a free trip to this year’s CinemaCon. His winning artwork will be prominently featured throughout the convention and showcased on t-shirts provided to all attendees. In describing his work, Stickney stated, “The Grand Marquee is what we, as guests, notice first; the warm inviting exterior will welcome anyone to your establishment.”
Sponsored by Mobile Moviegoing, the CinemaCon 2024 Art Contest was open to all creative, artistic and talented motion picture theater employees of companies represented on Cinema United’s advisory board. Stickney’s entry stood out for its creativity, originality, and thematic alignment with the contest’s goals.

Approved press image of “Grand Exterior” can be downloaded here.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also thrilled to have The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies – as its official presenting sponsor.

About Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.

Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Cinema United
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