Cinema Leaders Meet Netflix CEO: What's Next?

Michael O'Leary, head of Cinema United, confirmed a "constructive" meeting with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos at CinemaCon. The discussions explored ways for the cinema industry and Netflix to assist each other, though a specific business model or "sweet spot" fitting both organizations has not been identified. O'Leary clarified that this does not signal an imminent theatrical release strategy for Netflix.

He emphasized that the door is open for any entity committed to theatrical distribution. Should Netflix commit to a significant theatrical release strategy with proper marketing and windows in the future, CinemaCon would accommodate them. However, definitive plans for Netflix's theatrical involvement have not been set.

O'Leary also addressed windowing, advocating for longer theatrical runs, ideally between 90 to 120 days for SVOD releases, and cautioned against overly short PVOD windows. He reiterated Cinema United's opposition to the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, arguing it would concentrate power among distributors, negatively impacting exhibitors and film enthusiasts globally. Cinema United plans to advocate against this merger at state and federal levels, with international support.