

The game-changing agreement follows a turbulent 2020 for the relationship between Universal and AMC Theaters. “This multi-year agreement preserves exclusivity for theatrical viewing for at least the first three weekends of a film’s release, during which time a considerable majority of a movie’s theatrical box office revenue typically is generated.” “AMC enthusiastically embraces this new industry model both because we are participating in the entirety of the economics of the new structure, and because premium video on demand creates the added potential for increased movie studio profitability, which should in turn lead to the green-lighting of more theatrical movies,” said AMC CEO Adam Aron. We are grateful to AMC for their partnership and the leadership they have shown in working with us to reach this historic deal.” Tarantino 'Stormed Out of Meeting' After Universal Pitched iPhone Release for 'Hateful Eight'Īdded Universal vice chairman and chief distribution officer Peter Levinsohn, “Universal’s commitment to innovation in how we deliver content to audiences is what our artists, partners and shareholders all expect of us, and we are excited about the opportunity this new structure presents to grow our business. Jordan Peele, Issa Rae Team Up for Film on Female Identity “The partnership we’ve forged with AMC is driven by our collective desire to ensure a thriving future for the film distribution ecosystem and to meet consumer demand with flexibility and optionality.” “The theatrical experience continues to be the cornerstone of our business,” said Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley.

Discussions between the two parties around international distribution agreements are still to come. The new agreement means films released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features can play in AMC Theaters for three weekends before hitting premium video on demand platforms, including AMC Theatres On Demand. Until now, the theatrical window has lasted 90 days. Universal and AMC Theaters have announced a multi-year agreement in which films released under the Universal Pictures and Focus Features banners will be exhibited in AMC Theaters across the United States with a 17-day theatrical window.
