Cinema United CEO Advocates 45-Day Exclusive Theatrical Window

During his address at CinemaCon 2024, Michael O’Leary, president of Cinema United, urged Hollywood studios to adopt a minimum 45-day theatrical window for films before they are made available for home viewing. He argued that shorter release windows have negatively impacted box office success and consumer demand, particularly for smaller and medium-budget films. O’Leary emphasized the need for a theatrical-first approach, improved marketing emphasizing 'only in theaters', and more autonomy for independent theaters. He noted that markets with longer theatrical windows have seen better box office recoveries, and warned against the trend of prioritizing immediate financial returns over long-term success. His remarks came amid ongoing discussions in the industry about finding a new balance post-pandemic, as many studios had previously shortened release windows to adapt to changing consumer habits. O’Leary's call for a consistent baseline is seen as crucial for the future of cinema and the success of diverse film offerings.