LAS VEGAS (AFP) – Movie theatre owners are confident that previously streaming-focussed tech giants Apple and Amazon are now “committed” to putting their films on the big screen, even if Netflix still declines to, their trade body’s new President told AFP.
This week’s CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, United States (US) where owners of multiplex chains and arthouse screens gather annually, took place in an optimistic mood, after three nervous years blighted by the pandemic and the rapid rise of streaming.
Back in those dark days, some 2,000 US theatres were forced to close forever, while even traditional Hollywood studios like Warner and Disney were skipping theatres and putting major films on HBO Max and Disney+ streaming first.
But since big screens reopened, even Apple and Amazon have pivoted to giving movies like Air, Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon extended runs in theaters.
The two tech giants reportedly each plan to spend USD1 billion per year on movies headed first for the big screen.
“I think their commitment to the theatrical experience is amazing,” said Michael O’Leary, who takes over the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) this week.
According to O’Leary, there has been a recognition that movies that are released in theatres first will eventually be more successful on streaming.
“People are aware of what’s playing in the theatres, and they’re more likely to watch something on a streaming service that played in the theatre,” he said.
