The future of cinema is a tough topic to discuss, especially when you’re talking to filmmakers. Many of them are upset about the ubiquity of streaming releases and how it takes away from the theatrical experience. And some, like Todd Phillips, believe there are things that theaters need to do to make the experience actually good.
Speaking to Empire recently, Todd Phillips was asked about what needs to change to make the theatrical experience special again and compete against people who are willing to wait to see films when they hit streaming. For Phillips, it comes down to making the theatrical experience even better, and for cinemas to stop showing commercials.
“Stop showing commercials before the movies,” said Phillips. “We’ve paid for our tickets. We’re excited to be there. The commercials tend to take the air out of the room.”
Obviously, Phillips is talking about commercials in the literal sense and not speaking out against trailers. Many theaters, in the U.S., at least, show regular ads before a film screening even has trailers. We’re talking ads for a new truck, candy, or phone provider. These things really do take you out of the experience, for sure.
But Phillips clearly doesn’t mean film trailers need to be removed. There are many people who love watching trailers for films. That said, there are so many trailers nowadays, you have to add about 20 minutes to screening just because of all the ads for future movies.
Maybe Phillips believes the commercials took away potential ticket buyers from his new film, “Joker: Folie À Deux.” He’s probably looking for some sort of explanation for why that film is one of the biggest bombs of the year. That one probably can be chalked up to quality of the finished product more than the candy ads before the film.
