Sony Motion Picture Boss Tom Rothman At CinemaCon: “Cost And Windows Can Work For Us Or Against Us”

Leave it to Tom Rothman to tee up CinemaCon, ever the philosopher, with the ultimate sermon that waves the flag for moviegoing.

Acknowledging the elephant in the room at this year’s confab — windows — Rothman told the Caesars Palace full of exhibs, “Cost and windows can work for us or against us. Theatrical needs to be smart about them both. I will let you know that Sony will work with you on both.” That got a great applause.

He also encouraged exhibition to lower prices, but not in an arrogant fashion, pointing out how Tuesdays –the discount day of the week for exhibitors–is robust. Rothman encouraged what if Monday, Wednesday, etc. were all Tuesday.

While Q1 2025 is in a big slump behind 11% from 2024 at the domestic box office, Rothman reminded the room that they’ve been through the darkest day before, that being Covid.

“If theaters and studios manage for the long terms, and do the rights things, the future will be grand.” said Rothman.

“The health of the movies are the movies in the movie theaters,” Rothman said, “Fortunately, there are are more great ones coming.”

Rothman summed before the start of the Sony presentation, “Great filmmakers make great films. That is an absolute. Pretty simple if you’re lucky enough to have them make it with you.”