Sony, a major player in the film industry, has decided to skip this year’s CinemaCon, the annual exhibitor-studio conference held in Las Vegas. While this may come as a surprise to some, it is not uncommon for studios to opt out of attending such events. Contrary to popular belief, Sony’s absence is not a deliberate snub to theater owners but rather a strategic cost-saving measure. This is not the first time Sony has chosen to forgo CinemaCon; they also skipped the conference in 2019.
In preparation for CinemaCon, studios typically scramble to assemble a year’s worth of trailers, clips, and promotional materials. They also have to finalize visual effects and sound effects, as well as make travel arrangements for the stars who will be attending the conference. This is a massive undertaking that requires significant time, effort, and resources. For Sony, however, this process has been further complicated by the impact of recent strikes on the industry.
The strikes that occurred in the third and fourth quarters of last year have had a ripple effect on the production and post-production of several theatrical releases. This has resulted in a backlog of projects, making it challenging for studios to meet deadlines and properly allocate resources. Sony, like many other studios, has been grappling with this post-production logjam. As a result, their focus is now on getting back on track with their theatrical feature output.
While Sony may not be present at CinemaCon this year, they have a lineup of exciting releases in the pipeline. Following the conference, audiences can look forward to films such as “Horrorscope” (May 10), “The Garfield Move” (May 24), “Bad Boys 4” (June 14), “Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us” (June 21), and many more. Sony is also collaborating with Apple Original Films on an untitled Greg Berlanti-directed space race movie starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, scheduled for release on July 12. With a diverse range of upcoming projects, Sony aims to captivate audiences and regain their stronghold in the industry.
Sony’s absence raises questions about the relevance and impact of CinemaCon in today’s rapidly evolving film landscape. As streaming services and digital platforms gain prominence, traditional exhibitor-studio conferences may need to adapt to stay relevant. While CinemaCon continues to be an important event for networking and showcasing upcoming releases, its significance may be shifting as the industry undergoes transformation. Studio decisions, such as Sony’s, can therefore provide valuable insights into the changing dynamics of the film business.
Sony’s decision to skip CinemaCon 2022 is a cost-saving measure rather than a deliberate snub. The post-production logjam caused by recent strikes has further complicated their ability to participate in the conference. Nevertheless, Sony’s absence does not undermine their commitment to delivering quality films. With a promising lineup of releases and a focus on reclaiming their position in the industry, Sony remains a major player to watch out for. As the film landscape continues to evolve, events like CinemaCon may need to adapt to ensure their ongoing relevance.