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Amazon MGM Studios Announces Commitment to 15 Annual Theatrical Film Releases

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Amazon MGM Studios Commits to 15 Annual Theatrical Releases

Executives from Amazon MGM Studios announced at the CinemaCon industry event in Las Vegas that the studio is committed to releasing at least 15 films in theaters annually. The company stated this goal is on schedule and is being supported by the creation of an international distribution organization and the expansion of its global executive team.

Strategic Announcement at CinemaCon

On Wednesday, during the CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, Amazon MGM Studios executives outlined their strategy for theatrical film releases.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, stated the company's commitment to releasing a minimum of 15 films in theaters each year is proceeding as planned. Hopkins described the commitment as definitive, stating it is "not a test or an experiment."

Executive Statements on Strategy and Performance

Executives provided details on the studio's approach and recent results.

  • Mike Hopkins characterized the studio's theatrical ambitions as being "in the top half of the first inning," a phrase indicating early stages with significant growth potential. He cited the current film Project Hail Mary as "just the beginning" of this effort.
  • Sue Kroll, head of global marketing, stated the studio has assembled a marketing team with experience from legacy studios. She said the team's focus is on championing each film with "care, rigor, and creativity" and pairing that expertise with "the full power and reach of Amazon."
  • Kevin Wilson, head of domestic theatrical distribution, reported on the studio's recent box office performance.

Wilson stated that over a four-month period, a slate of four films generated over $670 million in global box office revenue.

Wilson said the studio has nine more films planned and reiterated the target of 15 annual releases by 2027, emphasizing the goal is "impact" rather than "volume." He added the aim is to create films that give audiences "a reason to leave the house."

Organizational Expansion

To support its theatrical goals, Amazon MGM Studios is undertaking significant international expansion.

  • The studio is building an international distribution organization, which it aims to have operational later this year.
  • It has been expanding its international operations by hiring executives in several territories, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.

Industry Context

The announcements were made directly to theater owners and exhibitors at the annual CinemaCon convention. Multiple sources report that the studio's plans for increased theatrical output have been welcomed by exhibitors, who are seeking more content to support box office performance.