Amazon To Increase Its Cinema Releases

Amazon MGM Studios’ head of film, streaming and theatrical Courtenay Valenti says his studio is aiming to release 12-14 films next year in cinemas – ramping up to as high as 16 films by 2027.

Speaking on Friday at SXSW, he reveals his studio is building out its own international distribution and marketing arm and is committed to big screen releases both “financially and philosophically”.

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, also participated and the pair indicated that while not every film works best in cinemas or even needs to be there, they agree that a theatrical release generally does give a bump to a film when it does hit streaming.

Salke says she and Amazon’s marketing chief Sue Kroll spent over 30 years at Warners and are “deeply, deeply committed to theatrical personally. So it’s so exciting to be at a company … knowing that this company is committed to theatrical.” She adds that the theatrical commitment is “real, significant and beyond exciting”.

The Q&A panel was moderated by MPA chairman/CEO Charlie Rivkin. Amazon MGM Studios recently became the MPA’s newest member.

The comments follow on from AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron recently taking issue with shorter windows in the industry and wanting to go back to 90 day theatrica exclusivity windows.

Source: Deadline

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