Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler continues his efforts to champion the theatrical experience, joining the inaugural Filmmaker Leadership Council alongside Brad Bird, Jason Reitman, and Celine Song.
The council, led by Chair Jerry Bruckheimer and Vice Chair Emma Thomas, brings together a select group of world-class filmmakers united in a shared mission to support the future of cinema worldwide. The initiative is in partnership with Cinema United—the world’s largest exhibition trade association, representing more than 60,000 movie screens globally—and comes as the industry works to strengthen theatrical moviegoing amid increasing competition from streaming platforms.
Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary said of the new partnership, “Our industry is strongest when it works together to promote the singular experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. That is what drives us—and it is what will forge the Next Great Era in Cinema. The insight, leadership, passion, and impact from the entire leadership council are unparalleled, and we are honored to be working alongside all of them to secure the future of the theatrical experience for generations to come.”
The Cinema United Filmmaker Leadership Council will convene some of the world’s most influential filmmakers to collaborate directly with exhibitors through Cinema United, offering critical feedback and recommendations on the most pressing challenges facing theatrical exhibition today—including consolidation, sustainable release windows, marketing the cinematic experience, and advancing innovation and technology.
Bruckheimer and Thomas will appear at this year’s CinemaCon®, taking place April 13–16 in Las Vegas, where they will join O’Leary for a featured discussion. Additional members of the council will be announced at a later date.
–Dominique Young // @heyyydommm