“We are thrilled to see Deadpool & Wolverine bringing people to theaters for the biggest opening weekend ever for an R-rated movie,” said Michael O’Leary, NATO’s President & CEO. “This is the kind of movie you want to experience on the big screen and the historic level of enthusiasm this weekend reminds us yet again that audiences know there is no experience like theatrical. We also know that when people go to the movies, they want to come back — so we are excited to capitalize on this weekend’s energy with a robust theatrical slate in months to come.”
The National Association of Theatre Owners/NATO has announced that Mike Bowers, President & CEO of Harkins Theatres, has been appointed as the new chair of its non-profit organization, The Cinema Foundation. Bowers takes over from Tim Handren, who recently retired as CEO of Santikos Theatres. Tori A. Baker, the CEO and President of the Salt Lake Film Society, will continue to lead as the Vice Chair of The Cinema Foundation.
With nearly 40 years in the theatre industry, Bowers has introduced groundbreaking innovations to the moviegoing experience and has led Harkins Theatres through significant growth and expansion from a local operator with six locations to the 5th highest grossing exhibitor in the United States and the highest performing company per location. In addition to his new role as the chair of The Cinema Foundation, Bowers is the Vice Chair of the NATO Executive Board, a member of The Greater Phoenix Leadership Council, on the committee for CEO’s Against Cancer for the American Cancer Society, a frequent consultant for the theatrical entertainment industry and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
“I’m thrilled to join the team behind The Cinema Foundation led by Bryan Braunlich with the goal of strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country,” says Bowers. “It’s a true honor to serve as the chair of this foundation for a great industry.”
“Mike is one of our most strategic, dedicated and passionate ambassadors for the cinema industry and for the importance of movie theatres as cornerstones serving our communities” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “We’re fortunate to have him as our chair.”
Since its inception, the Foundation has collaborated with NATO members, studios, vendors, partners and creatives to organize industry promotional events like National Cinema Day, National Popcorn Day and other programs bringing millions of film fans to theaters in overwhelming numbers.
Phoenix Theatres opened a brand-new theater destination at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted, Ohio, on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The cinema boasts state-of-the-art features including Cleveland’s largest screens, up to 60 feet wide, equipped with Dolby ATMOS for immersive sound. Each auditorium features heated reclining seats with reserved ticketing options. The new theatre aims to redefine the movie-going experience with advanced technology and classic design elements, including a specially designed vertical sign reminiscent of the classic signage associated with 1920s movie palaces. The grand opening featured premieres of Inside Out 2 and Bad Boys 2, and continues through the summer with a lineup of blockbuster films.
Celluloid Junkie has released their annual Top Women in Global Cinema list, and NATO’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff made the list this year.
From Celluloid Junkie: Erin Von Hoetzendorff currently serves as the Director of Membership and Global Affairs at the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO). Over her six plus years at NATO, she has excelled in establishing and nurturing relationships with members of varying sizes, spearheading key initiatives such as NATO’s Ambassador Program, and managing member interactions. She oversees multiple committees and communities within NATO, including Young Members, Membership, International, and Technology. She also works as a staff liaison to the Global Cinema Federation. Von Hoetzendorff is active in the industry, currently serving as Secretary of Film Row, and formerly serving as administrator of Inter-Society, underscoring her commitment to advancing the global cinema sector.
Statement of the National Association of Theatre Owners Regarding the Proposed Paramount Global and Skydance Media Merger
On behalf of theatre owners across the United States and around the world, NATO will look closely at the details of the proposed merger of Paramount Global and Skydance Media. Our guiding principle in this analysis will be whether this transaction will result in more movies being made for the global theatre-going audience or less. We are encouraged by the commitment that David Ellison and the Skydance Media team have shown to theatrical exhibition in the past.
A transaction that reaffirms Paramount’s historical commitment to theatrical exhibition will benefit consumers by ensuring a wide array of films, across all genres and budgets, that are synonymous with Paramount’s proud legacy. Movies like The Godfather, Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible, Terms of Endearment, Beverly Hills Cop, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Forrest Gump, Raiders of the Lost Ark, among others, all of which are best experienced in a theatre full of movie fans.
Conversely, a merger that results in fewer movies being produced will not only hurt consumers and result in less revenue, but negatively impact people that work in all sectors of this great industry – creative, distribution and exhibition.
A Paramount that recognizes the unique place of theatres in communities across this nation and around the world will be a catalyst for more movie options being available for movie fans today and for generations of new fans in the years ahead.
We look forward to hearing more about this proposal and working with all interested parties in achieving the critical goal of more movies on the big screen.
On June 27, NATO’s President & CEO Michael O’Leary and Chief of Staff Amanda Martin attended the grand opening of Cinema Lab’s latest project, The Playhouse in New Canaan, CT. The team at Cinema Lab rejuvenated the nearly 100-year-old building by completely renovating the two auditoriums, the concession areas, and adding in a brand new pub. The Playhouse also includes the not-to-be-missed member lounge where you can relax with your favorite beverage before and after enjoying a movie on the big screen. The Playhouse is a state-of-the-art glimpse into the future of cinema and is a must see for people that love the cinematic experience.
Congratulations to Brandon Jones, Luke Parker Bowles, and Patrick Wilson and the rest of the Cinema Lab team.
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