Sony Pictures chief demands urgent changes to cinema exhibition model

Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, has delivered a firm mandate to cinema owners regarding the future of the film industry.

Speaking as the first Hollywood studio chief to take the stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Rothman identified three critical areas where exhibition must evolve to combat declining attendance.

Addressing the crowd at Caesars Palace on Monday, he acknowledged that while conditions have improved, "admissions are clearly down from pre-COVID and we all have urgent work to do."

The executive outlined a specific strategy for exhibitors, urging them to prioritise the consumer experience over short-term advertising revenue.

He challenged theatre owners to "enforce longer windows even if that means you cannot play every film."

Rothman’s second directive focused on the length of theatrical pre-shows, demanding that cinemas "get rid of the endless advertising and substantially shorten the long preshows" to better respect the audience's time.

Finally, the Sony chief addressed the rising cost of the cinematic experience. "Affordability is by far the hardest. Going to the movies must become affordable again," he noted, acknowledging the economic pressures facing both the public and exhibitors.

Despite his firm stance, Rothman offered support to the industry leaders, stating: "I am rooting for you because you have been wonderful."

This significant address signals a potential shift in studio-exhibitor relations as Sony prepares its upcoming slate of theatrical releases, emphasising a renewed focus on traditional big-screen exclusivity and improved value for diverse global audiences.