Cinema operators gathered in Las Vegas last week to attend the annual CinemaCon trade show where they were able to preview upcoming film releases and learn about some of the new technology on offer for their theatres. Naturally, box office was a big topic with global ticket sales (barely) hitting a record $38.6 billion. Even with a strong U.S. dollar, international box office still made up 71% of the total.
Another issue on everyone’s mind were theatrical release windows; studios want to introduce a premium video on demand offering that brings new releases to the home sooner, though exhibitors are understandably pushing back.
Meanwhile, there may be no movies to show in cinemas if screenwriters goes on strike. The Writers Guild of America has been meeting with producers and studios, however the sides are far apart in their negotiations and a strike is looking more likely.
Of course, we also cover the week’s top entertainment news stories including Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Dolittle, why major advertisers are upset with YouTube and Adam Sandler reups with Netflix.

Robert Iger, Disney’s C.E.O., Agrees to One-Year Extension
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/23/business/media/robert-iger-disneys-ceo-agrees-to-one-year-extension.html
comScore Announces Official Worldwide Box Office Results for Weekend of April 2, 2017
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-april-2-2017-300433124.html
Global Box Office Hits Record $38.6 Billion in 2016 Even as China Slows Down
https://variety.com/2017/film/news/box-office-record-china-1202013961/
International Box Office Flatlines in 2016, MPAA Report Says
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/international-box-office-flatlines-2016-mpaa-report-says-987921
Weak March Means China Box Office Recovery Is Not Yet in Sight
https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/weak-march-no-sign-of-china-box-office-recovery-1202021189/
Jim Gianopulos Getting Greenlight Authority for Movies Up to $100 Million in Paramount Deal
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jim-gianopulos-getting-greenlight-authority-movies-up-100-million-paramount-deal-987791
Weak March Means China Box Office Recovery Is Not Yet in Sight
https://variety.com/2017/film/news/jim-gianopulos-named-paramount-chairman-ceo-1202017014/
Hollywood Film Revenue in India Rises 10 Percent, Boosted by Dubbed Versions
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-film-revenue-india-rises-10-percent-boosted-by-dubbed-versions-987585
Windows, Worries and The Rock: 5 Takeaways from CinemaCon
http://www.hollywoodreporter.