The Dispute between Universal Pictures and AMC Theatre Chain

The general rule (in the US) is for films to be available online (streaming/V.O.D.) 3 months after their theatre run has ended.

Q: Why?

Q: How do movie studios feel about the 3 month window?

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Recently all cinemas were closed in the US so “Trolls World Tour” was released directly to V.O.D. at around $20 for a 2 day rental.

Q: Do you think it was a hit?


It made over $100 million in 3 weeks. (The first movie made the same amount in 5 months in theatres.) This was deemed a big success by their studio, Universal. The company plans to experiment with more straight to VOD releases in the future.

Q: Can other films have the same success as Trolls? (Consider: kids movie, coronavirus, sequel)

Q: How did the cinema chains feel and react?

AMC, the largest US and UK theatre chain announced they would no longer show Universal films because they broke their agreement. Jurassic World, James Bond and Fast and Furious won’t be shown in their cinemas.

How do you think Universal responded?

AMC lost the renegotiation. Now the window is only 17 days but AMC will get a percentage of Universal’s online sales!

Do you think many cinemas will go bankrupt due to COVID-19?

Customers want the following measures

Options:

  • Employees must wear gloves

  • Customers must wear gloves

  • Employees must wear masks

  • Customers must wear masks


Customers want the following measures

Options:

  • Audience members are required to have temperature checks

  • No measures are necessary

  • Showtimes must be limited to allow cleanings between shows

  • Hand sanitizers must be placed at various places


Answers:

A: Audience wear gloves, B: Staff wear gloves, C: Audience wear face masks, D: Staff wear face masks

A: No measures necessary, B: Audience temperature checks, C: Stagger show times, D: hand sanitizers

Source: https://deadline.com/2020/05/movie-theaters-reopening-survey-majority-will-return-coronavirus-study-1202936120/

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