A coalition of filmmakers unites to “champion the future of cinema around the world.”
Cinema United today confirmed the formation of a Filmmaker Leadership Council that will provide “meaningful support” to the theatrical exhibition. It will be led by veteran Jerry Bruckheimer and Academy Award-winning producer Emma Thomas as president and vice president, respectively. Board members will include Academy Award winners Ryan Coogler and Brad Bird, and Academy Award nominees Jason Reitman and Celine Song.
According to 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, merchandising, marketing, innovation and technology. Cinema United Senior Advisor Greg Foster is credited with being instrumental in forming the board and will serve as CEO.
“Films that captivate audiences and take their breath away — that’s why so many of us got into this business in the first place. There’s nothing like that feeling of sitting in a dark theater, the sound engulfing you, watching something unfold on a huge screen that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else,” Bruckheimer said in a statement. “As filmmakers, we give everything we have to create those moments. We are at a critical point in the future of this industry, and I am honored to join this amazing group of filmmakers and work alongside Cinema United to ensure the experience continues — in cities and towns all over the world, for audiences everywhere.”
Thomas added: “There is deep cultural value in gathering with a group of strangers and connecting while experiencing something special on the big screen. That shared moment – the laughter, the tears, the collective breathing – cannot be replaced. And that’s what this is about: making sure cinemas of all sizes, all over the world, can continue to present our stories in the best setting possible, so that film fans of all ages can enjoy them as they were meant to be seen.”
The news comes ahead of CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the annual conference for theater owners presented by Cinema United. Bruckheimer and Thomas have been confirmed as part of the event, which will take place from April 13-16, and will sit down for a conversation with Cinema United President and CEO, Michael O’Leary.
“The importance of having Gerry and Emma at the helm of this initiative, at such a critical time for our industry, cannot be overstated. The insight, leadership, passion and influence of 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 involved in the exhibition, I would like to express our deep gratitude to this amazing group of filmmakers for their commitment to this cause.”
