DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Major movie theater chains unveil a $2.2 billion makeover plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

That’s why the biggest theater chains in the United States and Canada have a $2.2 billion plan to bring them back. Large chains are also facing competition from luxury theaters offering an enhanced viewing experience, like IPIC Theaters and Alamo Drafthouse. Better air conditioning, new signs and revamped carpeting are also included in the plan. In July, Regal announced it would spend $250 million to remodel its 400 locations following its parent company’s exit from bankruptcy. The $2.2 billion investment shows “no better reflection of confidence” about movie theaters’ future, Paul Dergarabedian, senior analyst at Comscore, told CNN.

Persons: Cinemark, Paul Dergarabedian, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, AMC Entertainment, Regal, American, IPIC, Sony Pictures Entertainment, National Association of Theatre Owners, NATO, CNN, “ Locations: New York, United States, Canada

☆ Sony Pictures is buying Alamo Drafthouse
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —Sony Pictures Entertainment has bought dine-in movie theater chain Alamo Drafthouse, the companies announced Wednesday. Sony said in a press release that the movie theater chain will be managed under a new division, Sony Pictures Experiences. While other Hollywood studios have jumped into streaming, Sony Pictures CEO and chairman Tom Rothman has expressed his commitment to movie theaters, according to various trade publications including The Hollywood Reporter. Sony Pictures touted its other spaces in the press release, such as Wonderverse, an immersive entertainment space, in Chicago and a Wheel of Fortune LIVE! Sony acquired Alamo from owners Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group and founder Tim League.

Persons: Michael Kustermann, Ravi Ahuja, Tom Rothman, “, Tim League Organizations: New, New York CNN, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Alamo, Business, Sony, Sony Pictures, SPE, Hollywood, Hollywood Reporter, Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group, Fest Locations: New York, Austin , Texas, Chicago

☆ Sony Pictures is buying Alamo Drafthouse theater chain
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sony Pictures has acquired Alamo Drafthouse, the seventh-largest movie theater chain in North America, the company announced Wednesday. Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann will remain at the helm of the dine-in movie theater chain and will report to Ravi Ahuja, president and CEO of the newly formed Sony Pictures Experiences division. The company's 35 cinemas will continue to be operated by Alamo Drafthouse and its headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas. The acquisition comes after Alamo Drafthouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2021 due to Covid-19 pandemic disruptions. "We are excited to make history with Sony Pictures Entertainment and have found the right home and partner for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema," said Kustermann.

Persons: Walter Reade, Michael Kustermann, Ravi Ahuja, Alamo Drafthouse, Ahuja, Tim League Organizations: Sony Pictures, Alamo, Department, Paramount, Warner Bros, Century Fox, MGM, Universal, United Artists, Columbia Pictures, Sony, Walter Reade Organization, Lowes, Disney, El Capitan Theatre, Netflix, Egyptian, New York's, Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment Locations: North America, Columbia, New York's Paris, Austin , Texas, Texas

☆ Sony Pictures Acquires Alamo Drafthouse in Lifeline to Cinema Chain
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Danielle Kaye | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Sony Pictures Entertainment is acquiring Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and will manage its 35 locations, a rare example of a traditional Hollywood studio’s owning a theater chain. The deal, announced Wednesday, followed the Justice Department’s decision in 2020 to rescind the so-called Paramount consent decrees — movie distribution rules dating to 1949 that forced the largest Hollywood studios to sell off their theater holdings. Those rules were intended to prevent studios from controlling the film business, from creation to exhibition. In recent years, Netflix, the leading streaming company, has bought theaters to show films. Alamo, the seventh-largest theater chain in North America, operates theaters in 25 metro areas across the United States and has invested in distinctive programming and food offerings in an attempt to lure in moviegoers away from major multiplexes.

Persons: Department’s, Makan Delrahim, ” Organizations: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Alamo, Hollywood, Netflix Locations: North America, United States

☆ The real reason behind Hollywood's miserable weekend
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Peter Kafka | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThis weekend my family went to the movies, twice. This past holiday weekend was the worst Memorial Day showing Hollywood has seen in decades, with ticket sales down a staggering 40% from last year. One thing Hollywood is very good at is generating explanations for a flop — or in this case, multiple flops. (I paid $44.76 for the two Furiousa tickets I bought over the weekend at my local Alamo Drafthouse. I don't think movies or movie theaters are going away.

Persons: —, Max, Matthew Ball, Barbie, Oppenheimer, Tom Rothman Organizations: Service, Garfield, Hollywood, Business, Sony

☆ Here’s why we eat popcorn at the movies
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-25 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

But the perfect (and very profitable) pairing of today wasn’t always the case: For many years, movie theaters wanted nothing to do with the snack. People watch movies in a newly reopened AMC River East theater on Aug. 20, 2020, in Chicago. Popular movies often bring collectible cups and popcorn buckets, or, in industry-speak, Collectible Concession Vehicles (CCVs). The cinema business will continue to evolve, but one thing will remain constant, said Gil of Queen’s University. “Theaters will stop playing movies before they will actually stop selling popcorn.”

Persons: “, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, ” Paul Dergarabedian, Andrew F, ” Smith, Cracker Jack, ”, Smith, ’ ” Smith, hawkers, Peter Stackpole, John Aitkin, John Sr, Aitkin, Alicia Wallace, CNN It’s, Loren Williams, Alicia Reese, Ricard Gil, Jason Wambsgans, Gil, Wedbush’s Reese, Red Robin, ” Nels Storm, Garfield ”, Cory Ryan, Heather Morgan, Alamo’s, ” Andrew Sherburne, Christian Meoli, Camilla Meoli, ” Gil Organizations: Minneapolis CNN, CNN, AMC, Exposition, Bettmann, Riverview, “, Riverview Theater, Wedbush, Queen’s University, Chicago Tribune, Tribune, Service, Waffle, AMC Theatres ’, Walmart, Kroger, Alamo, University of Iowa’s, Cinemas Locations: Minneapolis, America, New England, South America, Philadelphia, Texas, South Minneapolis, Riverview, “ Kingdom, Canada, Chicago, Brooklyn , New York, Iowa City , Iowa, Seattle, Emerald, California

☆ Opinion: The next time I want to see Timothée Chalamet, I’ll do it from the comfort of my couch
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Opinion Sara Stewart | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Last week, I ditched work one day and went to a matinee at a local AMC theater. It was a Timothée Chalamet movie, because statistically of course it was. There are few things this movie nerd loves more than a big, loud sci-fi fantasy epic on an IMAX screen. It’s as if big movie chains are responding to the dire warnings about the death of their industry by deciding they’ll simply force-feed their remaining audience as much monetizable property as possible. Long live the fun movie theater experience, which is totally possible!

Persons: Sara Stewart, Sara Stewart Todd Thompson, you’ve, Denis Villeneuve’s, I’d, Nicole Kidman, ”, Maria Menounos “, they’ll, Will, Paul Atreides, Kidman, Long, CNET’s Joan Solsman, ‘, ’, Bob Cooney, you’re, Adam Aron, guy’s Organizations: CNN, AMC, Warner Bros ., PSA Locations: Pennsylvania, Arrakis, Alamo, Noovie

☆ Left-wing AOC was with her fiancé at a Brooklyn cinema when pro-Palestine supporters accosted her, demanding she say the word 'genocide'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Cameron Manley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had just left the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Brooklyn with her fiancé earlier this week when she was accosted by a group of Pro-Palestinian protesters. Just say the word. I need you to understand that this is not OK."She responded that she had said that it was a genocide. AdvertisementIn a virtual town hall around the same time, AOC responded to a constituent who said the US was "funding a genocide." A Jew and a liberal Zionist, Sanders was asked by Novara Media in February if he would call what is happening in Gaza a genocide.

Persons: —, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Ocasio, Brad Schneider, Yitzhak Rabin, Israel, Jesus, Christ, King Herod, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Sanders, Barack Obama, Court's Dobbs, Trump, Brett Kavanaugh, Kavanaugh Organizations: Service, Alamo, Business, Ministry, Gaza, New, Global, Movement, Israel, International, NBC News, Novara Media, Twitter, Washington DC Locations: Alexandria, Brooklyn, Israel, Palestine, Ocasio, Gaza, Bethlehem, Washington

☆ Golf simulators, doggy daycare, flexible leases, and free rent: Why now may be the best time to shop for a new office
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Alex Nicoll | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

Now may be the time to shop for an office lease. As office vacancies soar to record highs in some markets, office landlords often have no choice but to find new and creative ways to attract new clients. "When you have 55-year-old managing partners of a law firm looking for office space, and they see the golf simulator, they get pretty excited," he said. Long-term leases, which usually feature landlord-financed renovations to the office space, are now being offered with lease-termination options. Office landlords without access to this capital level are often left with only one lever: renting below market price.

Persons: Michael Cohen, Michael Lirtzman, Anthony Tahlier, Andrew Lustgarten, Lirtzman, Sterling, Lustgarten, it's, Matt Petit, Goldman Sachs, Risa Letowsky, Letowsky, Watts, Tishman Speyer, aren't, That's, Cohen, they've, he's, hasn't Organizations: Colliers, Kastle Systems, West Chicago, Sterling Bay's, Century, El, New, Palm, Chase, Wall, JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank, Adler, Stachenfeld, Silverstein, Lawyer Locations: Chicago, Bian, Sterling, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Liberty, Chase Manhattan, Alamo, CBRE, Los Angeles and New York, LA, United States

Alamo employees worked with United Auto Workers Local 2179 and this week voted to unionize, with nearly two-thirds in favor. They join Alamo employees at the Brooklyn theater, who voted last month to become part of Local 2179. At a time of labor action in the movie industry and beyond, union activity is expanding at movie theaters themselves, a trend which began during the pandemic. Within days, Brooklyn employees voted to unionize, by a margin of more than 2-to-1. “For years the workers of Brooklyn Alamo have tried to solve problems through dialogue with management, to no avail,” the union statement read in part.

Persons: “ Barbie ”, “ Oppenheimer, Barbenheimer ”, Maggie Quick, ”, Tyler Trautman, “, Quick, it's, Olga Brudastova, Chad Bolton, Tim League, Alamo, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Bernie, I’m, Michael Kusterman, Shelli Taylor, It'll Organizations: Alamo, Manhattan, United Auto Workers, Film, Amherst Cinema, Film Forum, UAW, The Associated Press, Vermont, League, Karrie League, Democratic Party, America, Hollywood, Gallup, Rice University, Entertainment, League . Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Alamo Locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York, Massachusetts, San Francisco, Austin , Texas, Amherst, “, Alamo, Texas, U.S, Austin

☆ Welcome to Barbenheimer Weekend
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Melissa Kirsch | More About Melissa Kirsch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Start the day with the darker fare: Christopher Nolan’s moody “Oppenheimer,” about the physicist who ran the Los Alamos Laboratory during the development of the atomic bomb. The movie industry hopes so. Ticket sales for the year in the U.S. and Canada are down about 20 percent from the same period in 2019. Analysts predict that “Barbie” could take in $100 million domestically through Sunday; “Oppenheimer” around $50 million. “These are not the tried-and-true safe bets that are the hallmark of the summer movie season,” he said.

Persons: Christopher Nolan’s, Oppenheimer, ”, Milk, Greta Gerwig’s “, fantasia, ” “ Barbie, ” “ Barbie ”, “ Oppenheimer, “, ‘ Oppenheimer, Barbie ’, Will Barbenheimer, Barbie ”, Paul Dergarabedian Organizations: Los Alamos Laboratory, Alamo, Times Locations: Chicago, U.S, Canada

☆ 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' could be struggling movie theaters' last chance to make money this summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

They could also be the struggling theater industry's last chance to make money this summer. Struggling movie theaters might see "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" – which both come out July 21 – as their last chance to make money this summer. Forecasters think "Barbie" will be the highest-grossing film in the US this summer with earnings between $215 million and $319 million, the data shows. Sandwiching the two movies on Box Office Pro's leaderboard is Tom Cruise's latest "Mission Impossible" flick. AMC has lost money for 15 consecutive quarters, while Cineworld – which owns Regal Cinemas – filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.

Persons: Greta Gerwig's, Christopher Nolan's, Oppenheimer, Tom Cruise's, Meg, Mario, Indiana Jones Organizations: AMC, Alamo, Mario Bros

☆ 'Barbie' merch is everywhere and fans can't get enough: 'When you're an icon, everyone is familiar with you instinctively'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Nicolas Vega | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"Barbie" isn't just the biggest ticket of the summer, it's also the hottest merch money can buy. Since its creation in 1959, the Barbie brand has had countless partnerships and licensing arrangements with brands in related industries. "When you're an icon, everyone is familiar with you instinctively," Quint tells Make It. "Add on the marketing push that you get with a Hollywood film, and you've got the explosion of attention, content and partnership around the movie." The boutique cinema chain Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the Barbie hype, launching its first-ever tie-in merchandise collection alongside the film.

Persons: isn't, it's, Margo Robbie, Matthew Quint, Quint, you've, Barbie, they'll Organizations: Malibu, Columbia Business School, Alamo

☆ Inside Infowars' crumbling empire: Ex-Staffers reveal the 'volatile' and 'unhinged' atmosphere working for conspiracy theorist Alex Jones
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( Tom Porter | Ashley Collman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +23 min

One afternoon in the spring of 2017 Alex Jones furiously lunged at his video producer. According to Jacobson, Jones had to be restrained by another Infowars staffer lest he actually hurt him. Alex Jones did not respond to Insider's request for comment. Owens also said he felt guilty about his complicity in promoting the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories during his time working there. "People hearing the words Sandy Hook, they automatically think Alex Jones," she added.

Persons: Alex Jones, lunged, Robert Jacobson, Jones, Jacobson, hawking, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Alex, baselessly, David, doesn't, Sandy Hooks, Sandy Hook, Josh Owens, Owens, Marjorie Taylor Greene, John Travolta, badgering, George, we're, Jone, Nuri Vallbona, lackey, …, That's, I'm, Christmas Jones, Kelly, David Duke, Duke, Infowars, He'd, David McCullough, Christopher Jordan, Jordan, they're, Megan Squire, Squire, Dave Mustain, Tim Kennedy, Donald Trump, Chris Mattei, Judge Barbara Bellis, Daria Karpova, Karpova, " Jacobson, he'll, He'll Organizations: Austin, Austin Community, Facebook, Factory, Infowars, Iron, Alamo, New York Times Magazine, REUTERS, New, Senate, Housing, Southern Poverty Law Center, San Diego, Free Speech Systems, YouTube, Sandy, Connecticut Superior, Associated Locations: Austin, Texas, USA, Infowars, Atlanta, Austin , Texas, U.S, New York City, Louisiana, Infowar, Newtown, Connecticut, New Orleans, Waterbury, Conn

☆ Young moviegoers are more likely to pay more for good seats in theaters, new survey says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Young moviegoers don't mind paying extra fees to see films on the big screen, if it means they get to sit in the best seats in the house, a new survey says. For example, moviegoers who want to sit in the middle of the auditorium would pay a few dollars more and those who choose the front row would pay a few dollars less. In both generations, more than 50% of respondents said they'd be willing to pay a few extra dollars for preferred seats. "While catering towards younger generations is important to the future of moviegoing, they also shouldn't completely ignore the older generations," Blancaflor said. Already, cinema chains such as Alamo Drafthouse have said they do not plan to implement dynamic pricing in their theaters.

☆ Movie theaters aren't dying — they're evolving
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

As the space contracts, cinema operators are investing in the basics, improving sounds, picture quality and seating as well as in bolstering its food and beverage offerings, events and alternative programming. While cinema operators are pleased that studio production has increased, they are no longer taking audiences for granted. Over the last few years, movie theater operators have been removing traditional digital projectors and installing laser units, citing cost savings over time and a better picture quality for moviegoers. Many theater operators told CNBC they are planning similar upgrades to sound systems, saying they have partnered with companies like Dolby to bring quality speakers into their auditoriums. So far in 2023, that premium ticket average is higher — $17.33 each — because so many moviegoers saw Disney's "Avatar: The Way of Water" in premium formats and 3D.

"Knock at the Cabin" is an apocalyptic psychological horror film by M. Night Shyamalan. Tickets are now available for purchase for the M. Night Shyamalan horror film both online and in theaters. Check out the trailer for "Knock at the Cabin""Knock at the Cabin" is directed by M. Night Shyamalan with a screenplay by Shyamalan, Steve Desmond, and Michael Sherman. How to watch "Knock at the Cabin"You can watch "Knock at the Cabin" exclusively in theaters starting February 3. "Knock at the Cabin" is based on "The Cabin at the End of the World," a 2018 novel by Paul G. Tremblay.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" is coming to theaters on February 17. Where can I buy 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' tickets? 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania' Movie Tickets The first film in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” premieres in theaters on February 17. Are there any 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' movie ticket promotions? Disney/Marvel StudiosThough no date has been confirmed yet, "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" will stream on Disney Plus after its run in theaters.

☆ I pay $30 a month for a 'season pass' to a dine-in theater chain that is strict about not talking and texting, because I can't stand the experience at normal theaters anymore
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Travis Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I subscribe to its Alamo Season Pass, a subscription that lets you see a movie a day for $30 a month. The Alamo Season Pass lets me see one movie a day for $30 per month. Alamo DrafthouseI subscribe to its Alamo Season Pass, a membership that lets me see one movie a day for $30 a month. I chose Alamo Season Pass last year, after realizing I was going there quite a bit for all the reasons I mentioned and would save money that way. For instance, you can only get a ticket with your Season Pass within seven days of your screening.

Search resuls for: "Alamo Drafthouse"

19 mentions found