you are so right!! It's part of the ecosystem. I think I didn't know the different between distributors and exhibitors until I got my first film made and sold. It's ignorance and I think televised award shows for films should 100% be the place to educate the importance of them!
I think as film viewers and perhaps even as filmmakers we have gotten lazy. It is easy to watch all the films on the Academy screening room site or elsewhere vs going out and supporting our exhibitor friends. And you are right, we are not doing justice to the work of exhibitors. Nor did the Academy in the broadcast or as you pointed out most of the award winners. Not purposefully I am sure, simply awareness. We can do much better.
Perhaps we should be making a commitment to go to a film in a theatre at least twice or three times a month if this is our business to cement our support and the need.
As was said by someone, Not sure who… we are all here (the awards) because we fell in love with the movies in the darkness of a movie theatre. So true.
I think the problem is much bigger than you suggest. Independent low budget filmmaking unless you are established and have a distributor like Neon, have the problem of getting into those theaters. And even those that do, need to partner with the theaters.
If an independent film is in a 30 screen AMC and there is no poster at the entrance to their screening room or even a sign with the title of the film, well, with the best marketing, which also cost money, no one is going to see the film, which doesn't help the film or the exhibitor.
Agreed 👍🏻 When I had a film that qualified for nomination, it only did so because it screened ON FILM at a qualifying festival. It was either that or screening at an actual movie theater in Los Angeles.
I am surprised they haven't added a tiktok category or YouTube at this point. Thank you for sharing - the Oscars has totally lost the plot - especially when so many movie stars were made because of the big screen, not streamers.
Theaters (and all venues screening films) should absolutely be celebrated! The big screen, the ability to watch in community, the awards consideration, all of it.
AND crucially those screenings are the catalysts for a film's 'buzz.' As I recently learned from the below interview: “If you watch a film with a group of people that you like, you’re going to like it more than if you were watching it by yourself.” That communal viewing experience is the great driver of strong word of mouth — something every film needs! https://kinemahq.substack.com/p/throw-the-perfect-film-screening
I nominate Rebecca Green to produce the Oscars 2026. She's right.
I would do it if they called!
you are so right!! It's part of the ecosystem. I think I didn't know the different between distributors and exhibitors until I got my first film made and sold. It's ignorance and I think televised award shows for films should 100% be the place to educate the importance of them!
I continue to really appreciate your writing. Always super real and thought-provoking.
Love this!!!
Very thoughtful and well said Rebecca.
I think as film viewers and perhaps even as filmmakers we have gotten lazy. It is easy to watch all the films on the Academy screening room site or elsewhere vs going out and supporting our exhibitor friends. And you are right, we are not doing justice to the work of exhibitors. Nor did the Academy in the broadcast or as you pointed out most of the award winners. Not purposefully I am sure, simply awareness. We can do much better.
Perhaps we should be making a commitment to go to a film in a theatre at least twice or three times a month if this is our business to cement our support and the need.
As was said by someone, Not sure who… we are all here (the awards) because we fell in love with the movies in the darkness of a movie theatre. So true.
Thanks for your thoughts. Stay with it. dc
I think the problem is much bigger than you suggest. Independent low budget filmmaking unless you are established and have a distributor like Neon, have the problem of getting into those theaters. And even those that do, need to partner with the theaters.
If an independent film is in a 30 screen AMC and there is no poster at the entrance to their screening room or even a sign with the title of the film, well, with the best marketing, which also cost money, no one is going to see the film, which doesn't help the film or the exhibitor.
There are so many elements that contribute to the issues we are facing, I was just calling one small way we could do better.
Agreed 👍🏻 When I had a film that qualified for nomination, it only did so because it screened ON FILM at a qualifying festival. It was either that or screening at an actual movie theater in Los Angeles.
I am surprised they haven't added a tiktok category or YouTube at this point. Thank you for sharing - the Oscars has totally lost the plot - especially when so many movie stars were made because of the big screen, not streamers.
+1 to all of your ideas!
Theaters (and all venues screening films) should absolutely be celebrated! The big screen, the ability to watch in community, the awards consideration, all of it.
AND crucially those screenings are the catalysts for a film's 'buzz.' As I recently learned from the below interview: “If you watch a film with a group of people that you like, you’re going to like it more than if you were watching it by yourself.” That communal viewing experience is the great driver of strong word of mouth — something every film needs! https://kinemahq.substack.com/p/throw-the-perfect-film-screening