Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group chair Tom Rothman used the CinemaCon stage to challenge theater owners to rethink the in‑theater experience. He argued that the industry bears part of the blame for soft box office, but he shifted the focus to exhibitors’ practices that affect consumers.
Rothman outlined three immediate priorities aimed at smoothing operations and making moviegoing more appealing. First, he urged circuits to enforce windowing, then he called for shorter pre‑show runs, and finally he pressed for more affordable tickets to revive the audience base.
- Enforce windowing to protect the theatrical release cadence
- Trim lengthy preshows and reduce in‑theater ad load
- Lower ticket prices to restore affordability
“Get off the ad crack,” Rothman declared, arguing that lengthy advertising blocks burden casual moviegoers who simply want to watch a film at showtime. He noted that many ads and trailers stretch to 30 minutes, a pace that contrasts with at‑home viewing where movies are accessible with fewer costs.
The veteran executive tied the moment to a hopeful near‑term outlook for the box office, saying that 2026 could mark a rebound with strong studio slates. He added that Hollywood should aim for long‑term improvements in the customer experience and that the industry can meet the challenge by working together.
On the broader industry dynamics, Rothman pointed to PVOD trends and recent moves by others in the space, framing these changes as part of a wider evolution rather than a repudiation of the theatrical model. He noted that some PVOD timing has shifted, with major titles arriving at home after shorter windows than during the pandemic era.
Behind the scenes, Rothman’s leadership is supported by Sony Pictures Entertainment chair‑CEO Ravi Ahuja, who has backed his approach since taking the top job. Rothman closed by acknowledging exhibitors and promising to work with them as the show continues.
Rothman wrapped by affirming his willingness to collaborate with theater operators while stepping back to let the show go on.
Source: Original article
