Page 6 | Cinema United

December 2, 2025

CinemaCon December 2025 Vendor Spotlight: Gold Medal

Interview with Gold Medal

Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio

Interviewee: Heather Gims, Senior Communication Specialist

How would you describe Gold Medal and its role in theatrical exhibition?

Gold Medal is the global leader for equipment and supplies for concessions, including popcorn (classic and gourmet), cotton candy, Sno-Kones®, nachos, fudge, funnel cakes, and more. Our role is to help movie theaters bring the best in fun foods to their customers.

What’s new at your company this year?

This year, Gold Medal is focusing on helping movie theaters adapt to evolving concession challenges with smarter, more efficient solutions. We’re introducing products that streamline operations, simplify training, and support changing customer behaviors – like pre-ordering and self-serve options. One standout innovation is our Dual Zone Elite Merchandiser, which maximizes serving flexibility by holding pre-loaded popcorn buckets, pizza slices, or hot sandwiches – all in one sleek unit. The convenient pass-thru loading design helps fulfill pre-orders quickly, serving guests faster while optimizing labor and space.

Are you launching or showcasing anything new at CinemaCon 2026?

Yes! Gold Medal will be showcasing the Elite Popper® Series, our high-performance commercial popcorn machines that are redefining efficiency and air quality in concession operations. The built-in Infinity Filtration System captures and filters oil vapors for a cleaner, safer environment, while an integrated touchscreen offers guided training, real-time troubleshooting, and precise machine controls – all from one intuitive interface. Designed to simplify operations and support staff training, the Elite Popper® Series helps theaters deliver consistent, high-quality popcorn while reducing downtime and labor challenges.

What recent innovations or projects are you most excited for?

We’re especially excited for new solutions that address the growing demand for mobile and pre-order concessions through platforms like Grubhub. The Elite Popper® Series, together with our Dual Zone Elite Merchandiser is designed to help theaters serve guests faster while streamlining back-of-house operations.

How does your company engage with local communities – either where you’re headquartered or in partnership with cinema exhibitors across the country?

Gold Medal is proud to support the cinema industry and its local communities through active engagement nationwide. Each year, we participate in more than 20 local, regional, and national theater events, partnering with exhibitors to share new ideas and build meaningful connections. Through sponsorship and scholarship programs, we invest in the next generation of theater professionals – helping to ensure a strong and vibrant future for the cinema industry.

What industry trends are shaping your work right now?

Gold Medal is at the forefront of innovation in the cinema industry, responding directly to today’s key trends of making theaters more efficient, flexible and consumer focused. With solutions like the Ready Series popcorn vending machines, theaters can offer guests quick, self-serve access to their favorite snacks while optimizing your staffing needs. These advancements align seamlessly with pre-order concession models and Q-line efficiency strategies, helping cinemas boost profitability, enhance customer satisfaction, and deliver a modern, effortless moviegoing experience.

What makes your company or team unique?

What makes us unique is our complete, end-to-end approach – we design, manufacture, and support everything you need to make the world’s favorite fun foods, all from one reliable partner. With nearly a century of experience, our team combines innovation, expertise, and unmatched customer service to help concession operators achieve success and profitability.

How long have you participated in CinemaCon and what keeps you coming back?

Gold Medal has proudly participated in CinemaCon since its inception in 2011. As the premier event for the cinema industry, it provides the ideal stage to showcase our latest innovations and connect directly with theater owners and operators. What keeps us coming back year after year is the opportunity to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and celebrate the ongoing evolution of the moviegoing experience together.

Where can members connect with Gold Medal online?

LinkedIn: /gold-medal-products-company
X: @GMPopcornFan
Instagram: @goldmedalproducts
Facebook: /gmcincinnati

December 1, 2025

CinemaCon Vendor Spotlight Launches with Gold Medal

Cinema United is proud to introduce a new series designed to celebrate the partners who help theatrical exhibition thrive: the CinemaCon Vendor Spotlight, presented by Cinema United. This new program shines a light on the companies whose innovation, service, and long-standing commitment power the moviegoing experience on the show floor at CinemaCon and in cinemas around the world.

We’re excited to kick off the series by spotlighting Gold Medal Products Company, a global leader in concession equipment and supplies and a dedicated supporter of the cinema business since 1931.

Read the full spotlight here: https://www.cinemacon.com/en/gold-medal-vendor-spotlight

December 1, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, December 2, 2025

Global Box Office

Variety: ‘Zootopia 2’ Box Office: All the Records Set in Opening Weekend

Global
Highest animated global opening of all time (based on current rates)
Fourth-biggest global opening of all time after “Avengers: Endgame” ($1.2 billion), “Avengers: Infinity War” ($630 million) and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” ($587 million)
Biggest global debut of 2025
Highest global opening for an animated sequel ever
Largest global opening ever for Walt Disney Animation Studios
Highest global opening for any animated film in Disney’s 102-year history
Biggest opening weekend increase from original to sequel for any animated franchise (239%)

Read full article

Release Calendar

The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Live-Action Movie, New ‘Sonic’ Set 2028 Releases From Paramount

Paramount‘s 2028 slate will include four pizza-loving turtles and a hedgehog.

The studio announced Monday that the untitled hybrid live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature from producer Neal H. Moritz will hit theaters Nov. 17, 2028. Additionally, an untitled film in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is set for theatrical release on Dec. 22, 2028.

Read full article

November 21, 2025

Cinema United Attends UNIC Cinema Days

[Left to Right: UNIC’s Laura Houlgatte, Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, UNIC and UK Cinema Association’s Phil Clapp]

Cinema United’s Director of Membership and Global Affairs Erin Von Hoetzendorff attended UNIC Cinema Days 2025 in Brussels on November 20 and 21.

The opening day offered a broad overview of key industry themes, and it include UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme session, which spotlighted professional development, leadership pathways, and the importance of diverse voices shaping the future of exhibition. The day also featured several panels and presentations on the state of cinema in Europe, emerging issues, and strategic opportunities that align closely with Cinema United’s own priorities, including training, accessibility, sustainability.

The second day featured Technology Lab sessions, which explored cinema technology lifecycles, cybersecurity, operational efficiency, PLF innovations, and future-focused technical infrastructure. UNIC produced a truly outstanding event, and Cinema United appreciated the chance to connect with so many of our international members and partners. Events like this strength relationships and created a deeper alignment with the global exhibition community.

November 10, 2025

Headlines Newsletter, November 10, 2025

Credit Card Fees

[SUBSCRIPTION] The Wall Street Journal: Visa and Mastercard Near Deal With Merchants That Would Change Rewards Landscape

Visa and Mastercard are nearing a settlement with merchants that aims to end a 20-year-old legal dispute by lowering fees stores pay and giving them more power to reject certain credit cards, according to people familiar with the matter.

Under terms being discussed, Visa and Mastercard would lower credit-card interchange fees, which are often between 2% and 2.5%, by an average of around 0.1 percentage point over several years, the people said. They would also loosen rules that require merchants that accept one of a network’s credit cards to accept all of them.

A deal could be announced soon, the people said, and would require court approval to take effect.

If an agreement is finalized, consumers could see big changes at the register. Merchants that accept one kind of Visa credit card wouldn’t have to accept all Visa credit cards, for example. Under the current talks, credit-card acceptance would be divided into several categories including rewards credit cards, credit cards with no rewards programs, and commercial cards, the people familiar with the matter said.

Read full article

Deadline: Cinema Owners Spent $1.5B On Upgrades Over Past Year

NBC: ‘Wicked’ director says movie theaters are ‘a space that we have to protect’

“Wicked: For Good” director Jon M. Chu tells Kristen Welker that movie theaters are “one of our last analog spaces” as he reflects on the return of big-screen musicals and the communal power of shared storytelling.

Read full article

October 29, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 23, 2025

Cinema United Hires Theo George As Director of Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

October 14, 2025

Cinema United Extends Contract of CEO and President

Multi-year agreement keeps Michael O’Leary at Cinema United through 2030

WASHINGTON, D.C. AND LOS ANGELES – October 14, 2025 – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, announced today that it has extended the contract of CEO and President Michael O’Leary for an additional five years. O’Leary, who joined the organization in 2023, will continue to lead Cinema United under an agreement that was approved unanimously by the Cinema United Executive Board at their meeting in Los Angeles last week.

“Michael has proven to be a tireless and passionate advocate for the exhibition industry,” said Mike Bowers, Cinema United Board Chair and CEO of Harkins Theatres. “Leveraging his broad experience in the motion picture industry as well as on Capitol Hill, Michael’s focus on unity, strategy and continuous improvement has earned the confidence and respect of members of all sizes, as well as our studio partners. The next five years present unique and exciting opportunities for our industry. We are thrilled to have the long-term stability and steady hand of Michael and the talented Cinema United team representing us during this time.”

Since joining the organization in May 2023, O’Leary has focused on promoting and amplifying the positive economic and cultural impact of movie theatres in cities and towns around the world. Cinema United recently released its report highlighting that the domestic industry alone spent over $1.5 billion on theatre re-investment in just the past twelve months. Exhibition’s commitment to creating the Next Great Era of Cinema will be on display next spring at their annual global convention CinemaCon where “Innovation and Experiences” will be the primary theme. Also this year, O’Leary, who believes that the strength of theatrical exhibition is its people, oversaw the successful adoption of the Cinema United brand in support of his effort to unify and strengthen an industry that spans the globe and comprises businesses from single-screen theatres to the world’s largest international theatre circuits.

“Representing the great people who own and operate theatres across the United States and around the world has been one of the great honors of my professional career, and I am energized by the opportunities that lie ahead for this iconic industry,” said O’Leary. “I want to thank Chairman Mike Bowers, outgoing Chair Bob Bagby and the entire Cinema United Executive Board for this opportunity. I also want to thank my dedicated colleagues at Cinema United. Our success is a direct result of their hard work and creativity, and I am excited to continue our work supporting and advocating on behalf of this industry.”

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

October 8, 2025

Harkins Theatres President and CEO Mike Bowers Elected Chair of Cinema United Executive Board

Cinemark’s Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Colleen Barstow of Main Street Theatres, and Georgia Theatre Company’s Bo Chambliss Round Out Leadership Team

Recent Changes to Cinema United By-Laws Result in Most Votes Ever Cast in Executive Board Election

BEVERLY HILLS – October 8, 2025 – The Cinema United Executive Board of Directors has elected Harkins Theatres President & CEO Mike Bowers as the new Chair of its Executive Board. Bowers assumes the position from the previous Board Chair, Bob Bagby, CEO of B&B Theatres, who finishes his two-year term this week. Bagby will remain on the Executive Board representing B&B Theatres. Bowers has been in the exhibition industry for nearly 40 years and has been President and CEO of the Arizona-based Harkins Theatres since 2006.

Joining Bowers among the Executive Board leadership will be Cinemark’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Content Officer, Wanda Gierhart Fearing, who will serve as Vice-Chair. Additionally, Colleen Barstow of Nebraska-based Main Street Theatres will become Treasurer, and Bo Chambliss of Georgia Theatre Company will continue as Board Secretary.

[Left to Right: Mike Bowers, Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Colleen Barstow, Bo Chambliss]

“I am extremely excited to work with Mike and the leadership team to continue to support and promote this great industry. Mike brings years of experience building a successful circuit, and he will work tirelessly to support all of exhibition. The entire leadership team will bring energy and insight as we continue to drive toward the next great era in cinema,” says Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “I also want to acknowledge and thank Bob for successfully leading Cinema United these past two years. He will remain on the Board and continue to be a leader for years to come.”

“Delivering an amazing cinematic experience has been my life’s work,” says incoming Chair Mike Bowers. “It’s a true honor to serve the passionate people who bring the magic of moviegoing to communities across America and around the globe.”

Also elected to the Board were representatives from circuits of all sizes from across the United States. Those elected to join or re-join the Cinema United Executive Board of Directors are: (independent seats) Becky Dupuis of Montana’s Polson Theatres, Inc., Paul Gunsky of CineLux Theatres in California (incumbent), Lauren McChesney of Pennsylvania’s Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre; (mid-sized circuit seats) Bo Chambliss of Georgia Theatre Company (incumbent), Paul Glantz of Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment, Inc. (incumbent); and (regional leaders seat) Todd Vradenburg of NATO of California/Nevada.

“Congratulations to the new members elected to the Board and those leaders who were re-elected,” O’Leary added. “We have much to do, and I look forward to working with the entire Board in the months ahead. Also, special recognition and appreciation goes out to departing Board members Chris Johnson, Joe Masher and Randy Hester, all of whom played vital roles during their time on the Executive Board and will continue to be essential voices in our community.”

The 2025 election marked the first time that all dues-paying members of Cinema United were eligible to vote for its Executive Board of Directors. As a result, more votes were cast in this election that at any time during the organization’s 77-year history. The Executive Board of Directors is the governing body of Cinema United, comprised of 20 leaders in the domestic exhibition industry. The four volunteer officers of the association are elected from and by the members of the Executive Board.

Cinema United’s structure is designed to encourage member participation in the activities, benefits and deliberations of the association. An Advisory Board, comprised of more than 100 representatives of the domestic and international exhibition community, deliberates on exhibition issues, and makes policy recommendations to the Executive Board of Directors.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

October 6, 2025

Cinema United Members Gather in Los Angeles for Annual Fall Summit

Day 1

Today, over 350 Cinema United members came together at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for the annual Fall Summit.

The day began with Committee meetings, which included the first gathering of the Future Leaders of Cinema Committee (FLIC). Led by Cinema United’s Chief of Staff Amanda Martin, FLIC is a two-year program focused on leadership development, education, and industry engagement.

Independent theatre owners gathered for an Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) seminar developed by ITOC leaders Lauren McChesney, Becky Dupuis, and Cinema United’s Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement Todd Halstead. The seminar included a panel on building experiences and revenue beyond the box office with Brandt Gully of The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, Cal Donnelly from Rokt, and Craig Chapin from Golden Link Inc. as well as one on using events to build audiences year-round with The Belcourt’s Stephanie Silverman, Seattle International Film Festival’s Beth Barrett, and Becky Dupuis from Polson Theatres. Film Frog’s Danielle Hawthorne Jones moderated both panels.

In the evening, attendees enjoyed a screening of Song Sung Blue from Focus Features at AMC’s Century City location with CJ 4D Plex/Screen X graciously sponsoring. CJ 4D Plex’s Duncan MacDonald spoke about the exciting growth at his company as they establish more relationships with the creative community and add more screens across the country. AMC’s CEO Adam Aron spoke about how important Focus’ contributions to the theatrical landscape are. Focus’ President of Distribution Lisa Bunnell introduced the film, which she said was originally slated as a 2026 entry, but was moved to a coveted Christmas release date after great test screenings.

Day 2

The morning began with Cinema United’s General Membership Meeting and Advisory Board meeting, during which the association provided a membership update, honored members who recently passed away, discussed recent accomplishments, and shared future goals. The meetings were followed by a Q&A session with Cinema United President/CEO Michael O’Leary.

In the afternoon, the Young Members Community X Film Row seminar featured an inspiring and candid discussion with Nikkole Denson-Randolph, AMC’s SVP & Chief Content Officer. Nikkole talked about her career journey and provided advice to people who are early in their careers in exhibition.

Attendees were treated to an evening on the Paramount lot for a reception sponsored by Dolby Laboratories and a screening of Edgar Wright’s The Running Man.

Day 3

Wednesday was full of education seminars at the Fall Summit.

Investing in Ourselves: Designing Cinema Experiences That Deliver

Moderated by Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary, the panel provided valuable insights from Harkins Theatres’ Mike Bowers, Real D’s Elizabeth Frank, Dolby Laboratories’ Jed Harmsen, and Chris Armer from GastingerWalker&.

There is a lot of investment happening every day at cinemas both big and small as the exhibition industry continues to invest with confidence in its future.

CU Close-Ups

Celebration Cinema by Studio C’s Cindy Sowerwine and Penn Cinema’s Penn Ketchum delivered two strong presentations to their fellow Cinema United members. Cindy’s focused on how to track the real-world impact of marketing on various channels, and Penn’s presentation walked through the entire experience of adding a bar to his location in Lititz, Pa.

Building A Community, Not Just a Fanbase: A Conversation with Lisa Milner Goldberg, VP, Public Relations, Angel City Football Club

Lisa shared insights on how she has helped Angel City Football Club stand out in the crowded sports market in Los Angeles.

Beyond Popcorn: Building a Branded Experience

The Coca-Cola Company’s Josh Nations moderated a panel with Cineplex’s Sara Moore, Cinergy Entertainment’s Traci Hanlon, and Meta’s Joana Delgado focused on how in an era of limitless content and digital noise, a strong brand is no longer a luxury. The panelists offered clear takeaways to attendees on how to build their own brand.

Activating Fandom: Strategic Tools for Theatrical Engagement

With the help of a diverse panel–ComicCon’s David Glanzer, Marcus Corporations’ Greg Marcus, Fathom’s Shannah Miller, and NRG’s Fergus Navaratnam-Blair–moderator Matthew Liebmann from Vista Group dived into the various ways that all the panelists connect with niche groups to bring them out to theatres. From impactful social posts to developing strong repertory screenings, cinemas are getting better every day at creating enticing programming for specific audiences.

The day closed with a lively focus-group discussion featuring Gen Z moviegoers organized by NRG.

Day 4

With the support of The Walt Disney Company, A24, Directors Guild of America, Vista Group, and Mobile Moviegoing, Thursday gave Fall Summit attendees another chance to see two upcoming films from the diverse fall/holiday slate: Searchlight’s Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere and A24’s Eternity.

Movie theatres succeed when there is something for everyone, and that is definitely the case for the rest of 2025 & beyond.