Month: September 2024

LOS ANGELES (September 24, 2024) — On Monday night, director and Village Theater co-owner Jason Reitman was named the newest member of NATO/National Association of Theatre Owners during the opening night festivities of the trade organization’s Fall Summit.  The members-only event brought together more than 325 cinema leaders from around the world, representing hundreds of exhibitors from the largest theater chains to independent theaters, arthouses and drive-ins.

At the Sony Studios opening night presentation on the lot, cinema owners were treated to an exclusive screening of Reitman’s upcoming Sony Pictures release, “Saturday Night”, introduced by Sony Pictures Releasing President Adrian Smith, NATO President & CEO Michael O’Leary and NATO Chair Bob Bagby. Before the screening, Reitman was named the latest member of NATO and NATO’s ITOC/Independent Theater Owners Coalition.

“One of the great things about the theatrical industry is that this is a passionate industry full of passionate people,” said O’Leary in presenting Reitman with his membership. “In a lot of places, the theater is the heartbeat of communities across the United States, in Canada and around the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in independent cinema. As the owner of a one-screen theater, you are newest member of our Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) and you will be a great addition to both NATO and to ITOC.”

“It’s a genuine honor to be part of this organization,” said Reitman. “My father [director Ivan Reitman] loved movie theaters, and cinema was our church. When I was a kid, my father came home one day with a trophy that said NATO on it. Many decades later we would make a GHOSTBUSTERS movie together, and we watched that movie together for the first time with an audience at [NATO’s convention] CinemaCon. And we went up to Vegas, sat down with so many people and the movie killed. You gave my father and I an extraordinary moment together that evening. I’m sure he’s watching this moment right now, and he’s really proud.”

“I applaud the money you are re-investing into your movie theaters,” continued Reitman. “It’s fantastic. As you think about what you are doing with your theaters,  think not only about the picture, think not only about the sound. Think also about the cultural hub that you are. That’s what we’re doing with the Village. It’s not just a place to go see a movie. We want to build a community hub. I’m so proud to be a member of this organization and thank you for having me.”

Jason Reitman is the latest member of the creative community to become a theater owner.  Actor Patrick Wilson co-owns The Playhouse in New Canaan, CT and director Richard Linklater is the longtime co-founder of the Austin Film Society Cinema, and both are NATO members. Other directors who own hometown movie theatres include Kevin Smith (SModCastle Cinemas, Atlantic Highlands, NJ), and Quentin Tarantino (New Beverly, Vista Theatre, Los Angeles).

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 34,000 additional screens in 89 countries worldwide.

As the box office surges, the exhibition industry confidently invests in the future

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 19, 2024 – Theatre owners across the United States and Canada today reaffirmed their commitment to providing moviegoers with the memorable entertainment experiences they expect and deserve. The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), which represents theatre owners around the world, announced that the eight largest theatre chains in the United States and Canada, representing over 21,000 screens and 67% of the box office, will invest more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over the next three years.  Since the inception of exhibition over a century ago, reinvesting in theatres has been a hallmark of the industry. Today’s announcement signals a continuation of that legacy that will benefit moviegoers in communities everywhere.

“There is no question that movie fans of all ages love heading to the local theatre to see great movies on the big screen. But the competition for consumers’ hard-earned dollars is fiercer than ever,” said NATO President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “Going to the theatre is an unparalleled entertainment experience, and exhibitors are dedicated to making every visit to their theatres memorable.  This investment reflects that commitment in a tangible way that every moviegoer will see and enjoy.” 

NATO projects that the funds will be used on an array of projects to modernize and improve theatres of all sizes.  These updates include adding the latest laser projection technology and immersive sound systems, installing more comfortable seating, enhancing food and beverage offerings, creating family entertainment options such as arcades and bowling, and investing in core site elements like state-of-the-art air conditioning, lighting, signage and carpeting.

“Today’s consumers rightly demand the best possible experience when they visit our theatres.  Operating a theatre today is a capital-intensive operation,” said NATO Executive Board Chair and CEO of B&B Theatres, Bob Bagby. “This investment of resources is the next step in our industry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that going to the theatre remains a unique and special experience for generations to come.”

The investment projections above came from a range of NATO members that included national and regional chains. Movie theatres are cornerstones in their local communities, providing first jobs, hosting first dates, offering affordable and accessible entertainment, and attracting consumers to retail and entertainment centers. The eight companies that reported to NATO represent over 1,600 site locations and cover all 50 states and Canada: AMC Entertainment Inc., Regal Cinemas, Cinemark USA, Inc., Cineplex, Marcus Theatres Corp., B&B Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Santikos Entertainment.