Takeaways, Giveaways, Optimism,

hurt but we have to be even more thankful and humble that we made it through and particularly to the parts of the sector who weren’t able to streamline their income and expenditure in the way that perhaps some studios were able to, none more than the product manufacturers.

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas: 24

April – 27

April 2023

If you had been at CinemaCon five years ago you may have not noticed many differences this year. But for sure Everything is Everywhere different All at once since the past few years.

Optimism

Last year there was a cautious approach. Against the backdrop of recovery from the pandemic it seemed only exhibition had faith in the sector. But my first take away this year was renewed optimism across the entire industry. Whilst last year a lot of studios were dancing around theatrical window discussion, this year there was broad consensus about the importance of windows with studios once again recognising that “...cinema exhibition is more important and vibrant than ever - we need you to continue. Thank you so much”. I wouldn’t have expected Vin Diesel to spread the most touching words of all. “Let’s skip the prompter…. I’m humbled. No one else other than you, my dear exhibitors believed for decades in my movies.”

It was quite refreshing to feel the positive vibes, to see lots of stars, much bigger film slates from all the studios and a much wider range of entertainment. And talking of studios, those that the industry once saw as a threat - the streamers, in the guise of Apple and Amazon Studios are transitioning their movies to big screen theatrical releases (Napoleon, Killers of the Flower Moon as great examples). Why? Because, exhibition has once again proven that no other means can make more dramatic impact (financially and socially) on the success of a movie. As one executive noted, “no one else generates so many stars.” And this expanded slate will help the sector to recover back to pre-pandemic levels quicker. Will every movie appeal to audiences in different territories? Perhaps not, but every studio appears to have more R-rated content to get the right audience more frequently to the cinema. There is still a need for more family movies to get those audiences back but the enormous and continued success of Super Mario Bros. did showcase the importance of this market. But overall it felt like each studio did their job, more than ever to help put the industry back to where it should be.

Giveaways & Takeaways

Besides all positive waves, the biggest takeaway was that we’ve made it through the hardest times together. During the pandemic we all lost, and it

On giveaways, the goodie bags were filled with enough sweets to require dental treatment. The giveaways were a sign of what to expect in the trade show halls. From a technology perspective, there were less manufacturers than pre-Covid but perhaps a few more than last year. Of course consolidation has played its part but it clearly shows how dire things had become for the equipment suppliers through the pandemic. There were of course dozens of booths with diverse concession offerings for every moviegoers palate - perhaps a sign of the importance exhibitors are placing on the “experience” part.

Don’t Lose Focus

Whilst concessions are important because they increase turnover, CinemaCon showcased the need for cinemas, particularly in North America, to have stability in terms of their operations. The big highs and lows in box office need to be smoothed out to ensure that the supply chain for equipment and concessions also stabilises. That of course comes down to the supply of movies, now it’s about making sure it continues for years and not just for a few months.

While many people were overwhelmed to see the industry booming again, there was a feeling that it was no time to rest but to get on with securing the future. There is a big amount of “homework” (out of home) which still must be done to secure audiences. Thousands of seats, projectors and auditoriums have to be refurbished or replaced, a legacy from work that would have happened before the pandemic. For sure, we also have a skills shortage that needs addressing with the sector having lost so many experienced staff. That was a big conversation piece and so many people asked how CTC could help the industry on that front - there are plan!