NATO Chief Michael O’Leary hosted in Los Angeles a special breakfast event on Thursday, Dec. 12, in celebration of CinemaCon 2025 Marquee Award honoree, Cinemark President and CEO Sean Gamble, where the two met with a room of journalists to talk about the strength of the industry, their vision for the future and the importance of maintaining a healthy pro-business, pro-consumer perspective that supports movie-going everywhere.
The event took place just prior to Variety’s 21st Annual Heart of Show Business Luncheon, where Cinemark’s Wanda Gierhart Fearing was honored, and where Cinemark and NATO staff joined industry colleagues to help celebrate the occasion.
In advance of next year’s CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), the trade show has partnered with Grupo Consciência, a prominent Brazilian technology company, on a new ambassadorship program aimed at enhancing its reach within the Brazilian market for CinemaCon 2025. This initiative underscores CinemaCon and NATO’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections with the international exhibition community, encouraging participation and driving growth among small to mid-sized theater owners in Brazil and beyond, many of whom have yet to attend the conference.
The partnership with Grupo Consciência will make it easier for this important segment of the exhibition community to engage with and benefit from the leading global trends and innovations showcased at CinemaCon, with discounted rates for participants of the program. The program reflects NATO’s shared ambition to advance not only the Brazilian film exhibition sector, but elsewhere internationally. CinemaCon offers unmatched opportunities to collaborate, innovate and drive cinema forward, with support from partners all over the world. CinemaCon runs from March 31-April 3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Amazon MGM Studios Joins CinemaCon Main Stage Studio Presentations for the First Time; Sony Pictures Returns to the Colosseum
(LOS ANGELES – December 12, 2024) CinemaCon®, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), today announced that all of the major Hollywood studios will be on hand to showcase their upcoming theatrical slates when cinema owners gather next year at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from March 31– April 3. Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures/Focus Features, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures will all preview their upcoming theatrical releases, while for the first time, Amazon MGM Studios will join the CinemaCon main stage studio presentations at The Colosseum of Caesars Palace, with additional programming to be announced.
“We are thrilled and honored to welcome back all of our studio partners, with the addition of Amazon MGM Studios to this coming year’s CinemaCon line-up as a clear sign of support of the theatrical moviegoing business,” said NATO President and CEO Michael O’Leary. “This powerhouse line-up of the world’s greatest film-making studios speaks directly to the cultural and economic power of the cinema. Our friends in the studios know that movie fans want to see the magic they make on the big screen, and they also know that movies that start their journey in the theatre are more successful than those that do not. We applaud their commitment to theatrical exhibition and look forward to an amazing week seeing all the great stories they are bringing to movie fans in the year ahead.”
“We are grateful for the continued support from the studios, filmmakers and stars, vendors and of course our NATO members, the theatre owners,” says CinemaCon Managing Director Mitch Neuhauser. “We’ve got some exciting surprises and changes in store for next year’s CinemaCon and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Las Vegas.”
CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.
About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.
Year-Round Events and Quarterly Activations to Promote Moviegoing in 2025
LOS ANGELES – December 10, 2024 – On the heels of a record-breaking Thanksgiving at the box office, The Cinema Foundation, the non-profit organization from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), today announced an exciting series of year-round events to promote the moviegoing experience through 2025. Titled “@ The Movies,” the campaign is designed to resonate with a wide range of moviegoers and will commence with National Popcorn Day on January 19, 2025. Movie theatres across the country will offer unique promotions for each event.
As part of the campaign, which is presented by Fandango, The Cinema Foundation will work with theatres across the country to come up with a dynamic and engaging program of activities and events tied to the year-round series. Building on the success of previous events like National Cinema Day, these expanded events will include quarterly targeted campaigns, including a “Sneak Peek Saturday,” timed to CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by NATO.
“The Cinema Foundation is committed to this year-long campaign by offering exhibitors opportunities to engage with their communities in fun and exciting ways,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “This is the result of months of hard work and collaboration among our industry partners, and we cannot wait to invite moviegoers across the country to participate in what will be continued enjoyment at the movies.”
The Cinema Foundation’s four events, starting in 2025, are as follows:
Q1 2025: National Popcorn Day (January 19)
Q2 2025: Sneak Peek Saturday–an exclusive look at upcoming summer and holiday films with behind-the-scenes cinematic content and sneak peeks following CinemaCon 2025, shown in theaters nationwide for the first time. (April 19)
Q3 2025: Date Night @ The Movies (August 15)
Q4 2025: Family Day @ The Movies (November 9)
“Cinemas are an indispensable part of our culture. These celebrations emphasize the power of moviegoing to bring us all together to share and create long-lasting memories with our friends, families, and community,” says Mike Bowers, Chair of The Cinema Foundation.
ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION
The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience.
Since March 2022, the Cinema Foundation’s mission has been dedicated to supporting and impacting the health of the cinema sector both in the short term and for years to come, while continuously expanding its contributions to the magic of moviegoing. The Cinema Foundation builds on NATO/National Association of Theatre Owners’ mission and relationships and expands NATO’s impact in ways that help individual employees, companies and the industry as a whole. For more info, visitwww.thecinemafoundation.org.
ABOUT NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com
Annual Convention to Take Place March 31- April 3 in Las Vegas
WASHINGTON D.C. (December 4, 2024) – The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) announced today it will honor Sean Gamble, President and CEO of Cinemark, with the 2025 NATO Marquee Award during next year’s CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by NATO. Gamble is being recognized by NATO for his unwavering dedication, commitment, and service to the motion picture theatre industry. He will receive the industry’s highest tribute as part of CinemaCon’s “State of the Industry” program on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. CinemaCon will be held March 31-April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
NATO President and CEO Michael O’Leary commented on the news saying: “Sean is the perfect choice for the NATO Marquee Award. He is a pro-business, pro-consumer leader and is highly respected across the entire industry for his incredible business acumen, with a deep understanding of studio and exhibitor relations. Sean is always looking to the future, and in working with his amazing team at Cinemark, is driving the next generation of theatrical innovation. This award recognizes that leadership and his commitment to making movie theatres the premier entertainment experience for generations to come.”
Gamble said: “I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 NATO Marquee Award. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our entire Cinemark team, both past and present. Together, we have embraced innovation, enhanced the moviegoing experience, and positioned our company for growth and success while navigating unprecedented challenges over the past few years. I am grateful to NATO for this prestigious award and remain confident that through our collaborative industry efforts cinemas will remain a preferred destination for premium out-of-home entertainment, bringing people together and enriching communities.”
Having served as President and CEO of Cinemark since January 2022, Gamble has provided steady leadership throughout multiple major company and industry developments, including the closure and reopening of Cinemark’s entire theatre circuit during the COVID pandemic, the evolution of the theatrical window, and a reduced volume of film releases caused by the pandemic and strike-induced production stoppages. Additionally, he has been a key driver of and contributor to the advancement of Cinemark’s global business operations, including the conversion to reclined seating, the expansion of premium technologies and food & beverage offerings, the ongoing enhancement of marketing and programming capabilities to increase moviegoing and loyalty, the introduction of the first U.S. exhibitor-owned monthly subscription program, and optimizing operating practices and workforce management processes, to name a few.
As an active member of NATO, Gamble is a well-known advocate of the theatrical experience by fostering and supporting strong relationships with historical and emerging studio partners to maximize box office for traditional and alternative content releases.
Prior to being named CEO, Gamble held multiple leadership roles of increasing responsibility within Cinemark, including CFO from 2014 to 2021, CFO and COO from 2018 to 2021, and President in 2021. Prior to joining Cinemark, he worked for the Comcast Corporation as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Pictures within NBCUniversal from February 2009 to April 2014. He joined Comcast after 15 years at the General Electric Company where he held multiple senior leadership positions, including CFO of GE Oil & Gas’ equipment business based in Florence, Italy, from May 2007 to January 2009. Gamble is a Six Sigma Black Belt and avid champion of Cinemark’s continuous improvement programs, encouraging all team members to pursue strategic streamlining and business process improvements across the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife and three daughters.
About CinemaCon
CinemaCon attracts upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.
About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.
About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) provides extraordinary out-of-home entertainment experiences as one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world. Based in Plano, Texas, Cinemark makes every day cinematic for moviegoers across nearly 500 theatres and more than 5,500 screens, operating in 42 states in the U.S. (306 theatres; 4,282 screens) and 13 South and Central American countries (193 theatres; 1,398 screens). Cinemark offers guests superior sight and sound technology, including Barco laser projection and Cinemark XD, the world’s No. 1 exhibitor-branded premium large format; industry-leading penetration of upscale amenities such as expanded food and beverage offerings, Luxury Lounger recliners and D-BOX motion seats; top-notch guest service; and award-winning loyalty programs such as Cinemark Movie Club. All of this creates an immersive environment for a shared, entertaining escape, underscoring that there is no place more cinematic than Cinemark. For more information, visit https://ir.cinemark.com.
As 2024 begins to wind down, the exhibition industry is surging in a major way. Movie theatres around the world are packed with enthusiastic movie-goers, and the industry is showing yet again how culturally significant it is.
Below, we’ve included some of the press coverage focused on how exhibitors are being creative and innovative in order to give consumers a great experience.
The Thanksgiving stretch is delivering an unprecedented estimated $422M at the domestic box office.
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron says that this weekend is “a national phenomenon” when it comes to moviegoing.
That Wednesday through Sunday tally for all movies breaks the previous Thanksgiving record for all titles from 2018 when Ralph Breaks the Internet drove the marketplace to a $315.6M total.
Distribution sources always felt we were in for an enormous moviegoing rebound in the post Covid-post strikes era fueled by the massive want-to-see of Disney’s Moana 2, and the second weekends of Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator 2. For those keeping track, the 10-day box office since Friday, Nov. 22 when Wicked and Gladiator 2 opened is bound to gross a huge $681.5M.
Bob Bagby, the chief executive officer the B&B Theatres chain and chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners, said in an interview that a young family friend pledged to see Wicked in cinemas at least twice more.
“Our lobbies were full of guests in pink and green and of course a few dressed like gladiators, and this is just the beginning of a fantastic holiday season,” Bagby said.
Are ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ the next ‘Barbenheimer’? How movie theaters are making ‘Glicked’ a can’t-miss event.
Calling this movie pairing “the perfect storm to bring everyone out,” Mike Bowers, president and CEO of Harkins Theatres, told Yahoo Entertainment that the chain has been “eventizing movies” since its founding in 1933 — and plans to continue with “Glicked.” “Whether it’s specialty cocktails or, of course, the famous popcorn vessels and lobby interactions and such for the guests,” he explained, “it’s beyond going to the movies and going home. They get an opportunity for an Instagram moment and something that’s shareable.”
‘Wicked’ Seeing $117M Opening, ‘Gladiator II’ Still Conquering $60M — Saturday AM Box Office Update
Exhibitors are upping the out-of-home experience. B&B Theatres has Roman guards tearing tickets and serving Strength & Honor cocktails in celebration of Gladiator II. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is selling “Defying Gravi-Tea”, Witch’s Brew and throwing Emerald City soirees. Marcus Theatres has character appearances by Elphaba and Glinda, and pink and green ICEE’s.
‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator’ set the stage for gravity-defying box office weekend
Exhibitors are joining in on the fun too. Look Cinemas — a dine-in theater chain with locations in Downey, Glendale, Monrovia and Redlands — has curated a special “Wickedator” menu with themed food and beverage items ranging from Arena Nachos (“Gladiator”) to Emerald City Sours (“Wicked”). James Meredith, head of marketing and revenue at Look Cinemas, said the company has been preparing for this weekend for months, reserving premium screening rooms for both films, hosting advance screenings as early as Wednesday and expanding its showtimes and hours of operation to meet consumer demand reminiscent of the “Barbenheimer” craze.
“Our guests want to come in and escape for a while and have a big event or celebration around some of these popular movies,” Meredith said. “These types of movies … remind customers of how special the moviegoing experience is.”
There’s Still Time to Nominate a Theatre for the North American Cinema Awards. The submission deadline has been extended to November 27.
The International Cinema Technology Association (‘ICTA’), the leading global network of professionals in the motion picture industry, is now accepting award nominations for its Fourth Annual North America Cinema Awards (NACA) presented in partnership with Celluloid Junkie.
The NACA Awards acknowledge theatrical motion picture exhibition organizations that have demonstrated industry-changing innovation and shown a continual dedication to excellence in delivering the best possible moviegoing experience. ICTA created the NACA Awards to recognize and showcase the remarkable technological innovations within the cinema industry.
To be eligible for the 2024 awards, nominee projects must be completed between November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024. All nominations must be received by ICTA by midnight Pacific on November 27, 2024. Winners will be notified in early December.
The prestigious awards will be celebrated at the 2025 ICTA Los Angeles Seminar Series on Tuesday, January 14 at a Gala Awards Dinner. Winners must attend in person and will be celebrated at the event.
Projects should embrace the showmanship of going to the movies and create an elevated guest experience through the design and use of technology.
The three categories are:
Best New Build Cinema This category is for new construction of a cinema completed in North America. . Please include owner/operator, architect/engineer, contractor and technology vendors and installers. Recognized for offering outstanding cinematic experiences thanks to the implementation of cutting-edge cinema technology and innovations.
Best Cinema Refurbishment This category includes expansions and renovations of cinemas. An existing cinema site or screening room that has been significantly enhanced or altered.
Best Use of Technology This category includes new technology used in a cinema. Technology could be within the auditorium, projection booth or elsewhere in the theatre including lobby, ticketing and other spaces. Technology includes software, hardware, physical elements and operations within the venue.
(left to right) David Schoner Jr., Associate Director of The NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission; Janice Kovach, NJ Motion Picture and Television Commissioner/Mayor of Clinton, NJ; Kristen Mider, Cranford DMC Chairwoman; Farrah Way, Daughter of Lt. Governor Tahesha Way; Doreen Sayegh, President, JDS Entertainment, LLC; Brian Andrews, Cranford’s Mayor; Baylen Bielitz, Actor; Tahesha Way, NJ Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of State; Kathleen Miller-Prunty, Cranford Deputy Mayor/DMC Liaison; Lou DiGioia, NATO’s COO; Steve Oliviera, DMC Board Member; Paul Gallo, Cranford Councilman
On October 17th, The Cranford Theater held a private special screening of Mothers’ Instinct. Lou DiGioia, NATO’s Chief Operating Officer, attended the event. The evening highlighted the benefits of New Jersey’s tax incentive program and the current filmmaking surge in the state, as well as the importance of the moviegoing experience in theatres. Mothers’ Instinct was primarily filmed in Cranford and played at the Cranford Theater in July.
(left to right) Ted Hope, Ann Hornaday, Ron Yerxa, Susan Fox, Albert Berger, Phil Contrino, Karyn Temple, Derval Whelan
NATO’s Director of Media & Research Phil Contrino joined moderator Ann Hornaday and an esteemed panel to discuss the future of cinema at the 2024 Middleburg Film Festival. The panelists were:
Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa (Producers, Nebraska, Little Miss Sunshine, Election)
Susan Fox (Senior VP, Government Relations, The Walt Disney Company)
Ted Hope (Producer, former head of Amazon Original Movies)
Karyn Temple (Senior Executive VP & Global General Counsel, Motion Picture Association)
Derval Whelan (Head of Distribution, VP, Sales, Searchlight Pictures)
The wide-ranging conversation dealt with many topics including how important low-to-mid budget films are to movie theatres, the perception of movie theatres among consumers, and the opportunities and challenges that filmmakers and distributors are encountering.
The Middleburg Film Festival, founded in 2013, offers a carefully curated selection of narrative and documentary films screen in intimate theatre environments, followed by fascinating conversations with world-renowned filmmakers, actors, and other special guests. The films include festival favorites, world and regional premieres, first-class foreign films, and Oscar contenders.
At the 2024 festival, Conclave and September 5 shared the Audience Award.
(left to right) NATO’s Chief of Staff Amanda Martin, NATO of PA President Gina Taffet, and Frank Moses of Golden Star Cinemas
NATO of Pennsylvania recently held its annual in-person meeting at the stunning R/C Queensgate in York, PA. Under the leadership of President Gina Taffet, members from across the state gathered for an enriching day filled with legislative and regulatory updates, insightful presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Drew Sheaffer of Penn Cinema, who showcased the innovative marketing initiatives that engage their local communities. He shared details about the exciting events they organize around major movie releases, which not only draw in audiences but also strengthen their ties to the community.
NATO was honored to connect with such dedicated exhibitors from Pennsylvania, and they look forward to building on these relationships at future meetings. The collective enthusiasm and commitment to enhancing the cinema experience in the state truly made this gathering memorable.
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