In the wake of Universal Pictures and AMC’s deal to shrink the theatrical exclusivity window, the second of the three largest exhibitors – Regal – came out quickly to slam the deal and its potential impact on filmgoing.
Now, nearly a week on, the third has spoken up. Cinema giant Cinemark appears to side with Regal in this matter, company CEO Mark Zoradi telling analysts today that: “We believe an exclusive theatrical window is critically important. While we have publicly stated we’re willing to have conversations with our studio partners to evolve with them, we are mindful that an overly aggressive shortened theatrical window could have an adverse impact on the mid-to tail-end of a film’s life.”
That said, they also seem more open to potential negotiations than Regal is, Zoradi leaving the door open for talks with studios about a mutually beneficial solution: “We will be very careful and methodical about how we approach any change to the theatrical windows. We continue to carefully analyze and research this matter. And we will endeavor to ensure any modifications are in the best interests of the overall industry, our company and our shareholders.”
So what does constitute an “overly aggressive shortened theatrical window” in Cinemark’s eyes? Zoradi reportedly says he will leave that discussion to direct talks with studios. Despite the recent deal, he adds that there’s hasn’t been any “aggressive new discussions” about this – rather “ongoing… open and active discussions” suggesting none of the other studios are racing to follow suit at present.
The Universal-AMC agreement will allow movies to be made available on premium video-on-demand after just seventeen days of play in cinemas, including three weekends – shattering the traditional theatrical window of nearly three months before films can be made available in the home.
Source: THR
