A coalition of filmmakers are uniting to “champion the future of cinema worldwide.”
Cinema United confirmed today the formation of a Filmmaker Leadership Council that will provide “meaningful support” for theatrical exhibition. It will be led by blockbuster veteran Jerry Bruckheimer and Oscar winning producer Emma Thomas as chair and vice chair respectively. Rounding out the council will be Oscar winners Ryan Coogler and Brad Bird, and Oscar nominees Jason Reitman and Celine Song.
Per the organization, the council will work with Cinema United to “provide vital feedback and recommendations on the most pressing issues facing theatrical exhibition today,” such as consolidation, windows, promotion, marketing, innovation and technology. Cinema United senior consultant Greg Foster is credited with being instrumental in the council formation and he will serve as executive director.
“Movies that captivate audiences and take their breath away — that’s why so many of us got into this business in the first place. There is nothing like that feeling of sitting in a dark theatre, the sound washing over you, watching something unfold on a massive screen that you simply cannot replicate anywhere else,” said Bruckheimer in a statement. “As filmmakers, we pour everything we have into creating those moments. We are at a defining point in the future of this industry, and I am honored to join this incredible group of filmmakers and work alongside Cinema United to ensure that experience endures — in cities and towns across the globe, for audiences everywhere.”
Added Thomas: “There is a profound cultural value in gathering together with a group of strangers and connecting while experiencing something special on the big screen. That shared moment — the laughter, the tears, the collective intake of breath — is irreplaceable. That is what this is about: making sure that cinemas of all sizes, around the world, can continue to present our stories in the best possible setting, so movie fans of all ages can enjoy them as they were intended to be seen.”
The news comes ahead of CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the annual theater owners convention presented by Cinema United. Bruckheimer and Thomas are confirmed to join for a portion of the event, held April 13-16, and will sit for a conversation with Cinema United president and CEO, Michael O’Leary.
“The importance of having Jerry and Emma at the helm of this initiative, at such a critical time for our industry, cannot be overstated. The insight, leadership, passion and impact from the entire leadership council is unparalleled, and we are honored to be working alongside all of them to secure the future of the theatrical experience for generations to come,” said O’Leary. “On behalf of everyone in exhibition, I want to express our profound gratitude to this remarkable group of filmmakers for their commitment to this cause.”
