There will be plenty for theater owners to discuss this week during their annual Las Vegas tete-a-tete with Hollywood studios, including the mega Disney-Fox merger and the push by many majors into streaming.
In between, exhibitors attending CinemaCon will be treated to a slew of footage from upcoming movies that could translate into another record year at the box office.
The convention, which runs April 1-4, will also serve as a coming-out party of sorts for the Disney-Fox marriage. Disney Studios chairman-CEO Alan Horn is scheduled to introduce the studio’s presentation Wednesday, and chances are good that 20th Century Fox film vice chairman Emma Watts, who is now part of the Disney fold, will also be part of the two-hour presentation to tout Fox titles such as Dark Phoenix.
Consolidation isn’t the only reason for the dramatic changes facing the film business as theater owners convene on the Strip. Disney, Warner Bros. and Universal will be rolling out their own streaming services in the coming months, creating more even entertainment options for consumers via the small screen.
On the eve of CinemaCon, National Association of Theatre Owners president and CEO John Fithian spoke with THR about this year’s most pressing issues, including why moviegoing and streaming don’t threaten each other.
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Hollywood Reporter