Full Breakdown
Tom Rothman Advocates for Cinema Reform at CinemaCon
4/14/2026, 5:46:52 AM
Key Changes for Cinematic Health
During his address at CinemaCon, Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, emphasized the need for significant reforms in the cinema industry to improve attendance and overall health. Rothman acknowledged that while the box office has shown signs of recovery since the pandemic, admissions remain below pre-COVID levels. He outlined three critical changes that exhibitors must implement: enforcing longer theatrical windows, reducing excessive advertising, and making moviegoing more affordable.
Rothman urged cinema operators to prioritize longer windows for film showings, even if it means not screening every available film. He stated, “Enforce longer windows even if that means you cannot play every film.” This call for longer exclusivity periods reflects ongoing tensions between studios and exhibitors regarding theatrical releases.
Additionally, Rothman criticized the prevalence of lengthy preshow advertisements, suggesting that cinemas should “get rid of the endless advertising and substantially shorten the long preshows.” He argued that the viewing experience should be prioritized to enhance audience engagement.
Affordability emerged as a significant concern, with Rothman noting, “Going to the movies must become affordable again.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry but expressed optimism, stating, “Easy it’s not. It’s hard. And business I know has been tough. I am rooting for you because you have been wonderful.”
Industry Response and Context
Rothman’s remarks were met with a positive reception from the audience, indicated by applause during his presentation. His comments come at a time when the box office has shown improvement, with Universal Pictures recently committing to a 45-day exclusive theatrical window for its core titles, a move Rothman praised as a “great start.”
Sony Pictures is actively working on a diverse slate of upcoming films, including sequels to popular franchises like "Jumanji" and "Spider-Man," as well as adaptations of video games and literary works. This strategy aims to attract a wide range of audiences and bolster cinema attendance.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism expressed by Rothman, there are dissenting views within the industry. Some critics argue that enforcing longer theatrical windows may limit the variety of films available to audiences and could negatively impact smaller productions that rely on quicker turnarounds. Additionally, the challenge of affordability remains contentious, as rising operational costs for cinemas may hinder their ability to lower ticket prices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Enforce longer windows even if that means you cannot play every film.” — Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group
- “ Watch on Deadline “Get rid of the endless advertising and substantially shorten the long preshows that some — not all of you have …” — Tom Rothman
- “And three, affordability is by far the hardest. Going to the movies must become affordable again.” — Tom Rothman
What's Next
As the industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, the implementation of Rothman’s proposed changes will be closely monitored. The success of upcoming film releases and the response from exhibitors will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cinema.
