AMC Theaters says Universal's comments on releasing movies straight to PVOD 'breaks' their business model, but Universal argues the message was misconstrued
Chains like AMC Theaters and Regal Cinemas have long had a certain period of exclusivity on movie releases. It's a business model that has proven successful for both sides for decades. The complications of the pandemic caused Universal to explore other means to get its content out.
Shel's statement "assumes that we will meekly accept a reshaped view of how studios and exhibitors should interact, with zero concern on Universal's part as to how its actions affect us," Aron wrote,"It is disappointing to us, but Jeff’s comments as to Universal’s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with no choice," Aron continued.
He added AMC's decision was "not aimed solely at Universal out of pique," but that it extends "to any movie maker who unilaterally abandons current windowing practices absent good faith negotiations between us, so that they as distributor and we as exhibitor both benefit and neither are hurt from such changes."FAST & FURIOUS 6, Michelle Rodriguez, 2013.
"Based on the enthusiastic response to the film, we believe we made the right move," the studio continued. "In fact, given the choice of not releasing, which would not only have prevented consumers from experiencing the movie but also negatively impacted our partners and employees, the decision was clear. Our desire has always been to efficiently deliver entertainment to as wide an audience as possible.
"We absolutely believe in the theatrical experience and have made no statement to the contrary," it added. "As we stated earlier, going forward, we expect to release future films directly to theatres, as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense. We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this seemingly coordinated attempt from AMC and NATO to confuse our position and our actions.
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