Donna Langley grew to become the primary studio mogul to take the stage at CinemaCon this yr in an indication of the final angst going through many Hollywood legacy studios.
Sony movie boss Tom Rothman’s feedback on stage often turns heads, however his studio stayed residence this yr. Final yr, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed as much as get to know theater house owners, however this yr he had scheduling conflicts, so wasn’t a part of Warner Bros.’ presentation Tuesday. However like Langley, Paramount chairman Brian Robbins is predicted to be a part of his studio’s session on Thursday.
Langley has loads of motive to crow after putting No. 1 in marketshare in 2023 and watching Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer win huge on the Oscars.
“In the case of the standard markers of success in our enterprise, there’s not way more you possibly can ask for than being No. 1 on the field workplace and successful the Academy Award for finest image, multi function yr,” Langley advised theater house owners gathered at Caesars Palace. “And but that’s not sufficient for us. We consider our greatest yr ought to all the time be in entrance of us and our greatest initiatives all the time within the pipeline, as a result of that’s what retains individuals excited and coming again for extra.”
Langley’s capability to forge sturdy relationships with high expertise has been an indicator of her profession, and Nolan is not any higher instance, contemplating he’d made virtually all of his motion pictures with Warner Bros. (Nolan wasn’t at CinemaCon this yr, however he did thank theater house owners through video throughout Common‘s presentation.)
Langley mentioned there’s no finish to the record of individuals to thank for Common’s successful streak, together with the assorted divisions inside the NBCU movie empire, together with Common correct, Focus Options, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation. She’s additionally amassed an enviable cadre of manufacturing companions, together with Jordan Peele’s Monkey Paw Productions, Amblin Leisure and Blumhouse.
“And the outcomes? Motion pictures which might be diverse — however success that’s not,” she mentioned. The various nature of the studio’s slate was evidenced by the footage proven earlier within the presentation, from huge occasion pics (Twisters, Despicable Me 4) to horror (Communicate No Evil) to specialty fare (The Bikedriders).
Langley helped shut out Common’s presentation by introducing footage of Depraved, the formidable two-part film adaptation of the long-lasting Broadway musical (there have been even tulips that lit up for every attendee).
“Thanks all for being right here in the present day,” she mentioned. “And the wizard will see you now.”