There’s no one more famous than Tom Rothman when it comes to getting theater owners fired up at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of theater owners in Las Vegas. The chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group has used profanities more than once when taking aim at the perceived enemies of the theatrical experience who make it far too easy for consumers to watch a movie at home. “Netflix, my ass,” is one of his more notorious quips.
But his comments at this year’s edition of CinemaCon took a surprise turn April 13 when he instead took issue with cinema operators and the consumer experience they provide, or lack thereof.
“What I’m about to say, I say as a lifelong defender of movie theaters. But I urge you all now to make some hard choices for the long term rather than the short term health of your business,” aid Rothman. “Now is your own Olympic moment with three immediate goals.”
First, Rothman called on circuits to enforce windows. While that comment drew loud applause, the clapping soon dimmed when he addressed lengthy preshows, many of which now last 30 minutes as a result of allowing commericals to play between trailers.
“Get off the ad crack,” he instructed. “Infrequent moviegoers come at the showtime and hate being forced to watch endless commercials, which they don’t have to do at home where the movies are free.
He also said rising ticket prices are a real concern. “Affordability is by far the number one economic issue along the majority of Americas. Going to the movies must be more affordable again. I know business has been tough. I’m not heckling; I’m routing for you because many of you have made wonderful investments in upgrading your theaters.”
Rothman said the timing couldn’t be more perfect, since he’s expecting the 2026 box office to be the best in years. “I think all the studios — hopefully us included — have strong slates coming,” he said. “So this year would be a great time to push for some longer-term improvements in the customers’ experience. And as I said, we will work with you on all these, because the Olympics have recently added another word to their motto…’together.’ We must hold up our end, and you yours, but together I firmly believe the theatrical business will prevail.”
It remains to be seen how Rothman’s comments go over with exhibitors, or how Cinema United reacts, since they believe windows are the biggest issue. (Cinema United president and CEO Michael O’Leary gives his annual address Tuesday).
In recent weeks, Universal — the leader in the PVOD space — retreated by saying it would once again wait 45 days before making a film available in the home (specialty division Focus Features is exempted). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal and AMC Theatres signed a landmark deal that essentially collapsed the exclusive theatrical window from 72-90 days to 17-45 days, depending on a movie’s opening. In the time since, many of the biggest films from all the studios — save for Disney — can appear on PVOD after only a month.
Sony brass intends to keep Rothman at the helm for the foreseeable future, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. His boss, Sony Pictures Entertainment chair-CEO Ravi Ajuha, took an immediate liking to Rothman when arriving in the top job more than a year ago.
That should be good news for exhibitors too, despite Rothman doling out some tough love on Monday night. “And as I said, we will work with you on all of this,” Rothman told theater owners in concluding his opening remarks. “I will hop off my soapbox now and begin the show.”
