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. 

Code Updates Impacting Cinema Operations

Cinema United partners with Code Consultants, Inc. (CCI), a leading engineering and consulting firm that provides expert guidance to ensure that cinema designs and operations comply with evolving building codes and safety standards. Click here for a report that includes the latest updates from CCI on key code changes in areas such as fire/life safety, structural requirements, and accessibility to provide an overview of current and upcoming regulatory developments that might affect the cinema industry.

Headlines Newsletter, June 27, 2025

Distribution
The Hollywood Reporter: Sony to Release Select Amazon MGM Movies Overseas, Beginning With Luca Guadagnino’s ‘After the Hunt’Amazon MGM Studios has tapped Sony to release a handful of its upcoming high-profile movies at the international box office as it goes about building its own foreign operation.Under the pact, Sony will handle overseas duties for After the Hunt, Mercy, Crime 101 and Project Hail Mary, according to a statement released by the two studios.Following those releases, Amazon MGM will directly distribute theatrical titles in territories overseas where it launches its own offices, with Sony supporting the studio in other international markets. This doesn’t include the next James Bond movie, which will be handled overseas by Universal.
Read full article
Variety: Artists Equity Inks Overall Theatrical Film Agreement With Sony PicturesArtists Equity, the independent studio founded by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Gerry Cardinale, has signed an overall theatrical feature film agreement with Sony Pictures. Under the three-year agreement, Sony will distribute the theatrical films globally, which will be developed and produced by Artists Equity. Sony will finance the films and handle all ancillaries, with Artists Equity having the option to co-finance individual projects.“Artists Equity, in the short span of its existence, has proven remarkably adept at developing and producing high quality commercial films,” said Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman. “This is not a surprise to me as I have known the two creative ‘Pros from Dover’ for many years and always admired their smarts, talent and moxie. Now that Ben and Matt and their team have set their sights firmly on the high bar of the theatrical market, Sony is lucky as hell to be partnering with them. We look forward to making a bunch of hit films together.”Artists Equity CEO Affleck added, “It’s an enormously meaningful landmark for Artists Equity to be making films for theatrical release with Sony Pictures and in particular with Tom Rothman, with whom Matt and I go back more than twenty years. Tom has both a deep and abiding love for movies and an understanding of and appreciation for how they are made. I can’t think of a better partner than Sony, which is fully in on the theatrical experience, as Artists Equity seeks to make films expressly meant to be seen in the cinema, with an audience. It’s an honor to make films for the magical dark room where we come together with strangers to project our innermost secrets onto a screen, surrendering to a story together, agreeing to share the same flickering dream. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring movies to a global audience, with the entire expert Sony team.”
Read full article
Creative Community
The New York Times:  The Century’s Best Movies Though the advent of streaming services has affected the way movies are made and watched over the last quarter-century, only one film from a streamer made the list: Netflix’s “Roma,” at No. 46. I think that’s a testament to just how profound the big-screen experience still feels. Our greatest cinematic memories, like the time my jaw dropped while watching “Fury Road,” are forged in the dark with a packed audience along for the ride.
Read full article

Headlines Newsletter, June 25, 2025

Distribution
The Hollywood Reporter: Sony to Release Select Amazon MGM Movies Overseas, Beginning With Luca Guadagnino’s ‘After the Hunt’Amazon MGM Studios has tapped Sony to release a handful of its upcoming high-profile movies at the international box office as it goes about building its own foreign operation.Under the pact, Sony will handle overseas duties for After the Hunt, Mercy, Crime 101 and Project Hail Mary, according to a statement released by the two studios.Following those releases, Amazon MGM will directly distribute theatrical titles in territories overseas where it launches its own offices, with Sony supporting the studio in other international markets. This doesn’t include the next James Bond movie, which will be handled overseas by Universal.
Read full article
Variety: Artists Equity Inks Overall Theatrical Film Agreement With Sony PicturesArtists Equity, the independent studio founded by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Gerry Cardinale, has signed an overall theatrical feature film agreement with Sony Pictures. Under the three-year agreement, Sony will distribute the theatrical films globally, which will be developed and produced by Artists Equity. Sony will finance the films and handle all ancillaries, with Artists Equity having the option to co-finance individual projects.“Artists Equity, in the short span of its existence, has proven remarkably adept at developing and producing high quality commercial films,” said Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman. “This is not a surprise to me as I have known the two creative ‘Pros from Dover’ for many years and always admired their smarts, talent and moxie. Now that Ben and Matt and their team have set their sights firmly on the high bar of the theatrical market, Sony is lucky as hell to be partnering with them. We look forward to making a bunch of hit films together.”Artists Equity CEO Affleck added, “It’s an enormously meaningful landmark for Artists Equity to be making films for theatrical release with Sony Pictures and in particular with Tom Rothman, with whom Matt and I go back more than twenty years. Tom has both a deep and abiding love for movies and an understanding of and appreciation for how they are made. I can’t think of a better partner than Sony, which is fully in on the theatrical experience, as Artists Equity seeks to make films expressly meant to be seen in the cinema, with an audience. It’s an honor to make films for the magical dark room where we come together with strangers to project our innermost secrets onto a screen, surrendering to a story together, agreeing to share the same flickering dream. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring movies to a global audience, with the entire expert Sony team.”
Read full article
Creative Community
The New York Times:  The Century’s Best Movies Though the advent of streaming services has affected the way movies are made and watched over the last quarter-century, only one film from a streamer made the list: Netflix’s “Roma,” at No. 46. I think that’s a testament to just how profound the big-screen experience still feels. Our greatest cinematic memories, like the time my jaw dropped while watching “Fury Road,” are forged in the dark with a packed audience along for the ride.
Read full article

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 Summer Messaging

Overarching themes:

  • Theatrical exhibition is a “Main Street” industry, with theatres located in cities and towns of all sizes across this great country. Going to the local theatre remains the premium entertainment option for movie fans of all ages.
  • Local theatres sit at the forefront of the “experiential economy,” which helps drive the American economic engine and ensures that we remain the world’s leader in filmed entertainment.
  • Although critical to the American motion picture industry, exhibition is not a “Hollywood” industry, and it boasts companies that are headquartered across the United States in small towns, rural communities, and major cities – not simply in California or New York. 

Key industry stats:

  • Moviegoing is deeply ingrained in American life: 76% of 12 to 74-year-old Americans attended at least one movie in a theatre this past year, which translates to approximately 200 million United States citizens heading to local theatres.
  • The local theatre bolsters local economies across America: For every dollar spent at an American movie theatre, an additional $1.50 is spent in that area’s local economy.
  • Local employment boost: On average, three people are employed per screen in the U.S.
  • A new generation of moviegoers: According to a 2025 report by the National Research Group, 37% of Gen Z moviegoers go to the movies more than six times per year, which is up from 29% in February 2023.
  • Family-friendly movies are essential to the strength of exhibition: So far this year, nine PG-rated movies were released at 2,000+ movie theatre locations – up from just sixduring the same periodlast year. The success of these films helps create a culture of moviegoing with younger generations.
  • Loyalty programs are key drivers for our success: At movie theatres in the United States and Canada, loyalty programs have a combined total of over 120 million members–and growing. Loyalty programs boost all aspects of theatrical exhibition–from ticket sales and concessions to merchandising and word-of-mouth promotions.
  • The release slate is rebounding in a major way in 2025: Year-to-date, 44 movies have been released at 2,000+ locations, up from 40 this time last year.

Optimism for 2025 & Beyond:

  • The surge of moviegoing in Q2 (+84% year/year), led by box office giants, Lilo & Stitch, A Minecraft Movie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Sinners, speaks directly to the importance of having a diverse slate of content, made up of both original films and those based on existing IP.
  • The aforementioned measurements of success, however, are not possible without the important investments and upgrades made by theatre owners to modernize, improve upon and enhance the future of moviegoing:
  • We are bullish on theatrical prospects for the rest of 2025 & beyond. The industry is on pace for at least 15 more wide releases at 2,000+ locations compared to 2024, with such major releases as Avatar: Fire and Ash, Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, among others. When combining exhibitor innovation with a robust release slate, our industry thrives.

Headlines Newsletter, May 27, 2025

Box Office
CNN: ‘Stitchpossible’ kicks off summer with record box office for Memorial Day weekendMichael O’Leary, the president and CEO of Cinema United, said he’s less concerned about the catchy title created when two major movies open on the same day and more excited about how moviegoers respond.“They know that there’s something special going on in the movie theater, and they want to be a part of it,” O’Leary said.He added that watching a film in theaters is “a shared experience that you can’t replicate anywhere else.”
Read full article
Variety: Tom Cruise Rejoices Over ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Box Office Record Amid Speculation the Franchise Is Over: Thank You Paramount for ‘Years of Unwavering Support’Tom Cruise is basking in the glow of a record-breaking franchise start for “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at the box office, and he reacted to the film’s opening haul in a heartfelt letter posted on his social media pages. The combined openings of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” ($341 million) and Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible” ($200 million) powered the box office to a four-day Memorial Day weekend record.“This weekend was one for the history books!” Cruise wrote in his note. “Congratulations and thank you to every filmmaker, every artist, every crew member and every single person who works at the studios.To every theater and every employee who helps bring these stories to audiences, thank you.”
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Variety: 5 Reasons Why ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Shattered Memorial Day Box Office RecordsPower of PG moviesHollywood loves the adage that moviegoing begets moviegoing — and that seems to be especially true when there’s a smattering of options for youngsters. So far, studios have released nine PG-rated movies nationwide since January — up from the six that debuted during the same period in 2024. When families (an especially important, popcorn-purchasing demographic) have gone to see “A Minecraft Movie” or “Dog Man,” they’ve been treated to trailers for “Lilo & Stitch” and other upcoming kid-friendly films. It’s the best form of advertising for anyone who owns and operates a movie theater.
Read full article
Cinema United
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