Sony Pictures looks past bad year
After hacking scandal and ‘The Interview,’ the firm’s boss says it has survived, thrived.
LAS VEGAS — Sony Pictures had a really bad year in 2014, but the studio is moving past its hacking scandal and wants movie theater owners to as well.
That was the message that came across loud and clear during the company’s presentation to exhibitors Wednesday at CinemaCon, as Tom Rothman made his first big industry appearance since replacing Sony Pictures movie boss Amy Pascal in February.
“We have been through as challenging a time as any modern company has faced,” Rothman said. “But we survived.... We have more than survived. We have thrived. Sony Pictures is unbroken, unbowed and pushing on to new heights.”
Rothman made sure to thank Pascal, who he pointed out was responsible for greenlighting a number of the films in Sony’s upcoming slate.
Exhibitors got a shoutout too, for “sticking with us” after the studio abruptly pulled “The Interview” from theaters in December because of terrorism threats — circumstances Rothman called “unique and difficult.”
“It’s a new day at the studio, and there are mighty things ahead,” he said.
The conciliatory message drew a polite but muted response from exhibitors, many of whom were angry over the studio’s decision to release “The Interview” online a day before its Christmas Day theatrical release.
Many theater chains opted not to screen the movie, citing security concerns and objections that its simultaneous release in the home and in theaters would undermine the traditional business model that has given them exclusive access to movies.
Nonetheless, many theater owners at CinemaConseemed to have moved beyond the controversy.
“I don’t sense any lingering problems,” said John Fithian, president of the National Assn. of Theatre Owners. “They love the cinema, we love their movies, and they’re here as our partner.... They’re a major supplier of product for our screens, and we understand they were up against incredible challenges.”
Despite the “Interview” debacle, Sony hasn’t distanced itself from producer Seth Rogen. In fact, it seems the studio will try to capitalize on the notoriety of its controversial collaborator when the actor-turned-filmmaker’s next movie, “XMas,” comes out in December.
The film’s tag line? “From the guys who almost brought you ’The Interview,’” a line that brought chuckles from exhibitors who saw a teaser of the film.
Sony went to great lengths to present a robust slate, including an exclusive scene from the 24th James Bond film, “Spectre,” as well as extended peeks at the animated movie “Hotel Transylvania 2” and “Goosebumps,” starring Jack Black.
Robert Zemeckis was on hand to preview “The Walk,” a film about French highwire artist Philippe Petit.
Exhibitors also got a preview of the Will Smith drama “Concussion,” the timely movie about NFL head injuries due out this Christmas.
Much of the presentation was overshadowed by Rothman’s final announcement that the studio would create an animated “Spider-Man” film with “The Lego Movie” directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for 2018.