From Where I Sit...

I have worked in the business of motion picture exhibition for the past 48 years. I have worked in distribution, have booked for theaters and even at one time owned a small circuit. Having committed a lifetime to this business, I am disheartened to see it where it stands today.

 The bottom line is this industry must change and change now. Hollywood has a more that severe case of ADHD and has lost perspective of who their customers are and what they want. The less said about leadership in this business the better. We need to engage more; we need to attract the Millennials and The Gen Z’s. The lack of foot traffic has for a long time been counter with higher admission prices, which has been disastrous on many fronts. As long as I can remember, there has been a rub between distribution and exhibition – distribution accusing exhibition of using their product to sell popcorn and drinks. But, it’s okay to use their product to attract retailers and subscribers. Is there a per capita on that?

 The major circuits must realize that their customers are the people who wager two hours of their time and buy popcorn. It is not Wall Street, the next time a busload of suit clad sociopaths waltz into your theatre let me know. The economic model must be re-worked. Millions of dollars of brick-and-mortar investment cannot sustain itself with a 57-65% movie rental. The reliance of the $300 million tentpole has backed the studios into a creative and economic corner, that they are having a problem getting out of.

 I had the deep privilege for working for the legendary Roger Corman at New World. One of mentors told me that all movies have an audience, you just have to go out and find them.

 Hollywood is not cutting it for the younger generations, and we must bring in alternative content and alternative technologies. Video gaming, augmented reality and virtual reality must be put in place and put in place now. The larger-than-life big screen engages you. Movies, concerts, fights, gaming are all awesome on the big screen. 

 If we can embrace change and embrace innovation, we will be fine

 I am now going to really date myself, Can you imagine watching William Castle’s “The Tingler” with the benefit of augmented reality?…..pretty cool if you ask me.

 It is time for theatres to brace VR, Gaming, Fights and more diverse movies. The near future could be a new golden era for independent producers and distributors. It is time for audience to re-embrace the idea of a moviegoer.

 Together. We need to build a future for this wonderful 120 year old industry