David Zaslav Doubles Down on Theatrical Movies at CinemaCon

David Zaslav, the CEO of Discovery Inc., made a bold statement at this year’s CinemaCon: theatrical movies are here to stay. He even went as far as to say that streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon are missing out on the magic of the cinema experience. This article caught my attention because of the ongoing debate about the future of movie theaters in the wake of the pandemic.

Zaslav argues that movies are meant to be seen on the big screen, as they offer a unique communal experience that cannot be replicated at home. He believes that the pandemic has shown us the importance of the theatrical experience, as people are eager to return to movie theaters after over a year of staying at home. Therefore, Discovery Inc. plans to invest heavily in theatrical releases, including documentaries and other non-fiction content.

This is an interesting move for Discovery Inc., which is primarily known for its cable TV networks and factual programming. However, Zaslav’s vision extends beyond traditional television, and he sees theatrical releases as a way to expand Discovery’s reach and audience. He argues that there is a growing demand for non-fiction content and that theatrical releases could help satisfy this demand.

Zaslav’s bold statement is sure to spark further debate about the future of the movie industry. While streaming platforms have been gaining ground in recent years, Zaslav’s vision for Discovery Inc. suggests that movie theaters are far from dead. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether Zaslav’s bet on theatrical movies pays off.

In conclusion, David Zaslav’s commitment to theatrical releases is a bold move that may offer new opportunities for non-fiction content. While the debate about the future of movie theaters continues, Zaslav argues that the magic of the cinema will never be replaced, and this sentiment may resonate with audiences who are eager to return to theaters. Only time will tell whether Zaslav’s vision is successful, but it is a fascinating development for the movie industry nonetheless.