ABSTRACT
The business of exhibition, or movie theatre ownership, is deconstructed by Shari E. Redstone, President, National Amusements and Chair, ViacomCBS (2022). The chapter features company history; expansion to Brazil and Argentina; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA); history including restructure of some chains under bankruptcy protection; importance of real estate development; owning the land under theatres; anchor theatres; retail development; Home Depot, Target; decision to build a new multiplex; to buy or to lease; build-to-suit; furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), soundproofing, carpeting, projection booth equipment, screens, seating, concession stands; ground lease; theatre operations; rent (if applicable), payroll, cost of goods, utilities, taxes-licenses-insurance, repairs and maintenance, payroll taxes and benefits, supplies and services, security expenses, advertising; theatre-level cash flow; depreciation, taxes, debt service; profit margins.
Also featured are food service; quick-service restaurants (QSRs); mixed-use developments; hospitality; managing director, food service director, manager of concession operations, house managers, assistant managers; part-time employees; per capita sales; film booking; film buyers; VOD; anti-blind bidding laws; Imax, Premium Large Format (PLF), 3-D; Rentrak; film rental; straight aggregate percentage deal; scalable aggregate percentage deal; descending floor percentage deal; advertising including one-sheets (posters), standees, elaborate banners, displays, trailers; digital projection; satellite delivery; third-party advertising; co-op advertising; loyalty program; industry trends; CinemaCon; ShowEast, CineEurope, CineAsia; product reels, concession displays, theatre equipment; luxury cinema; Gold Class Cinema; Cinema De Lux; Director’s Halls; Lux Level; Showcase SuperLux; LuxLite; popcorn; reclining seats; online ticketing; event cinema, alternative content cinema, livecasts; Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Bolshoi Ballet, Great Britain’s National Theater; Event Cinema Association (ECA).
