Showbiz Sandbox 361: Forget Release Windows, CinemaCon Proves the Screen is the Future

Summary: Cinema operators gathered in Las Vegas last week to attend the annual CinemaCon trade show where they were able to preview upcoming film releases and learn about some of the new technology on offer for their theatres. Naturally, box office was a big topic with global ticket sales (barely) hitting a record $38.6 billion. Even with a strong U.S. dollar, international box office still made up 71% of the total.<br> Another issue on everyone’s mind were theatrical release windows; studios want to introduce a premium video on demand offering that brings new releases to the home sooner, though exhibitors are understandably pushing back.<br> Meanwhile, there may be no movies to show in cinemas if screenwriters goes on strike. The Writers Guild of America has been meeting with producers and studios, however the sides are far apart in their negotiations and a strike is looking more likely.<br> Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Dolittle, why major advertisers are upset with YouTube and Adam Sandler reups with Netflix.<br> <br> <br> Robert Iger, Disney’s C.E.O., Agrees to One-Year Extension<br><br> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/23/business/media/robert-iger-disneys-ceo-agrees-to-one-year-extension.html" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/23/business/media/robert-iger-disneys-ceo-agrees-to-one-year-extension.html</a><br> comScore Announces Official Worldwide Box Office Results for Weekend of April 2, 2017<br><br> <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-april-2-2017-300433124.html" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-april-2-2017-300433124.html</a><br> Global Box Office Hits Record $38.6 Billion in 2016 Even as China Slows Down<br><br> <a href="https://variety.com/2017/film/news/box-office-record-china-1202013961/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2017/film/news/box-office-record-china-1202013961/</a><br> International Box Office Flatlines in 2016, MPAA Report Says<br><br> <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/international-box-office-flatlines-2016-mpaa-report-says-987921" target="_blank">http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/international-box-office-flatlines-2016-mpaa-report-says-987921</a><br> Weak March Means China Box Office Recovery Is Not Yet in Sight<br><br> <a href="https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/weak-march-no-sign-of-china-box-office-recovery-1202021189/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/weak-march-no-sign-of-china-box-office-recovery-1202021189/</a><br> Jim Gianopulos Getting Greenlight Authority for Movies Up to $100 Million in Paramount Deal<br><br> <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jim-gianopulos-getting-greenlight-authority-movies-up-100-million-paramount-deal-987791" target="_blank">http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jim-gianopulos-getting-greenlight-authority-movies-up-100-million-paramount-deal-987791</a><br> Weak March Means China Box Office Recovery Is Not Yet in Sight<br><br> <a href="https://variety.com/2017/film/news/jim-gianopulos-named-paramount-chairman-ceo-1202017014/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2017/film/news/jim-gianopulos-named-paramount-chairman-ceo-1202017014/</a><br> Hollywood Film Revenue in India Rises 10 Percent, Boosted by Dubbed Versions<br><br> <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-film-revenue-india-rises-10-percent-boosted-by-dubbed-versions-987585" target="_blank">http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-film-revenue-india-rises-10-percent-boosted-by-dubbed-versions-987585</a><br> Windows, Worries and The Rock: 5 Takeaways from CinemaCon<br><br> <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/5-takeaways-cinemacon-990310" target="_blank">http://www.hollywoodreporter.</a>