New movies must be exclusive to theaters for at least 45 days before they become available on streaming platforms, the head of the industry's trade organization in the U.S. insists.
Movie theater owners complain that their profits have declined because of shorter "windows" for theater-only viewing introduced during the pandemic. Viewers are now used to watching new films at home within weeks.
Cinema United President Michael O'Leary called for a "clear, consistent period of exclusivity" of at least 45 days.
That action is vital to restoring the health of the entire film industry, he said at the group's annual CinemaCon event in Las Vegas.
The industry has never reached pre-pandemic attendance levels since Covid-19. Annual revenue at the North American box office regularly topped $11 billion between 2010 and 2020, but hasn't crossed the $9 billion mark in the past four years.
Before the rise of streaming, and the temporary closure of theaters due to Kovid-19, 90-day screening windows were standard for American theaters.
While accepting that those days will never return, O'Leary pointed out that countries that have maintained longer windows, such as France, have seen better box office recoveries.
In North America, despite high hopes, 2025 suffered a disappointing start, plagued by flops like Disney's Snow White and Mickey 17. | BGNES, AFP
