AMC CEO Praises David Ellison for His Commitment and Capability to Deliver on His Promises

Paramount’s Commitment to Theatrical Releases Draws Mixed Reactions from Industry Leaders

At the recent CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Paramount CEO David Ellison announced a commitment to a 45-day theatrical window and a goal of releasing 30 films annually if a merger with Warner Bros. proceeds. This declaration was made during a surprise appearance in front of an audience of 5,000 cinema owners.

AMC Entertainment’s CEO Adam Aron responded to Ellison’s announcement during a conference call following the chain’s quarterly earnings report. He stated, “We have had private conversations with Paramount for months and months at the highest levels.” Aron expressed confidence in Ellison’s commitment, reinforcing that similar vows were shared privately prior to the CinemaCon event. “We believe him … We believe that he is fully committed to the promises that he made and fully capable of pulling them off,” he added.

In his statement at CinemaCon on April 16, Ellison aimed to assure exhibitors of Paramount’s dedication: “You can count on our complete commitment. And we’ll show you we mean it.” However, the proposed deal has stirred controversy within the industry. Some exhibitors share concerns about potential risks tied to further studio consolidation. Michael O’Leary, head of the trade group Cinema United, highlighted the challenges that emerged from the 2019 Disney-Fox merger, which led to a diminished slate of movie releases. O’Leary’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety among Hollywood stakeholders regarding the implications of the impending merger.

Ellison reaffirmed his commitment to producing 30 films annually during a Monday afternoon earnings call and noted that the Warner Bros. Discovery deal remains set to close in the third quarter.

During the same call, Aron expressed gratitude toward AMC’s studio partners for their commitments to increase the theatrical movie release schedule and extend theatrical windows to at least 45 days. He specifically acknowledged Disney’s consistent respect for the exclusive theatrical window.

Moreover, Universal has pledged a similar 45-day window beginning in 2027, indicating a trend among studios to adopt longer theatrical release periods.

Aron emphasized that studios recognize the necessity for an updated industry standard, stating that chains have advocated for this change. He commended influential figures in the industry, including Disney’s Alan Bergman and Universal’s Donna Langley, for their contributions to restoring the health of the theatrical ecosystem. Prior to the pandemic, theatrical windows were already facing challenges, and the industry experienced significant disruptions as theaters closed. Aron asserted that a robust theatrical release ultimately supports more successful streaming releases.

The industry’s goal is to reshape consumer expectations regarding the duration of theatrical releases. A commitment to a 45-day window before transitioning to Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) and a 90-day period prior to arriving on Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) platforms seeks to convey that experiencing movies in theaters remains essential. “If you want to be part of this global phenomenon of seeing a movie when it’s hot, you’ve got to do it in a theater and can’t wait until it comes into the home,” Aron said, highlighting a significant move away from films debuting on small screens shortly after their theatrical release.