Off The Break Podcast

As we get closer to Civil War's April release, questions are rumbling from movie theaters about what to expect from it due to its subject matter. Fortunately, Ken and Kyle got to see the movie early, and discuss what the movie is about and what theaters should expect from it. With Codi back in the studio, the three of them also talk about IMAX planning on showing the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics.

Kyle and Ken hold down the fort for Codi while we is away, so it's up to them to "celebrate" the 5 year anniversary of the Disney-Fox merger. It was also a busy week for the industry as they released 6 new trailers, so Kyle and Ken go over which movies show a lot of promise for the rest of 2024. They also discuss who the potential new buyer is for Paramount Pictures, and Kyle gives his thoughts on the upcoming movies Arcadian and Boy Kills World.

For the first time (in a long time), Codi, Kyle and Ken talk about a very good Oscars show, along with the satisfying results. They also give their two cents on recent comments by the Cinemark CEO on how the industry will shape out in 2025. Plus, they celebrate great results from the first half of March, while giving insights towards the future from releases such as Monkey Man and The Fall Guy.

Now that it's officially been 4 years since America was shut down by the pandemic, Ken creates a new strategy in order to have the podcast hosts put it behind them for good. He, Codi and Kyle discuss the great opening of Dune Part 2, but question why a third movie hasn't been announced yet. Plus, in honor of the Oscars coming this weekend, the OTB Podcast awards come back for its second year with all new categories!

After a rough few months, the hosts of the podcast are over the moon for Dune Part 2 opening this weekend. The three of them bring their predictions for what the opening gross could be, and how things could play out in its entire theatrical run. Codi and Kyle also discuss Lionsgate making a live-action movie of the anime, Naruto, while Ken wishes he could be anywhere else to avoid the nerd talk.

We are just days away from the release of Dune Part 2, which will bring the industry's mood back up after weeks of underwhelming movies. But that doesn't mean everything is perfect, after Kyle and Ken take note of IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) starting to hint at a possible strike. Kyle also gives his thoughts on Drive-Away Dolls and an upcoming April release called Sasquatch Sunset.

Kyle informs Codi and Ken that Regal has been playing less trailers than usual at their theaters, so speculating begins on if other chains will follow. Kyle also gives a quick review of the upcoming horror movie Immaculate, while also addressing his disappointment with Lisa Frankenstein's box office. The three also discuss the new trailers that came from the Super Bowl.

The hosts have noticed some theaters being unsure of playing Dune Part 2 at their theaters, so they break down the reasons why it will perform better than the previous movie. They also talk about the surprise announcement of Moana 2 and if studios may be scheming to sign AI companies rather than sue them.

Kyle gives a glowing review of American Fiction, which emphasizes that now is the time to be playing the movie in theaters after it received many Academy Award nominations. On top of that, he, Codi and Ken bring up stories of filmmakers like Doug Liman and Jordan Peele, who go the extra mile in supporting theatrical exhibition over streaming.

Codi, Kyle, and Ken are usually not fans of the Oscars, but there could be one or two titles from their recently announced nominees that could benefit movie theaters. Codi and Ken also take a moment to discuss why there are so many re-releases of previously released films this month and the annoyances that come with booking them. Kyle also gives shout outs to under the radar gems that theaters may want to book.

Codi, Kyle and Ken talk about Tom Cruise and his production company moving onto the Warner Bros. lot to develop original movies and franchises for movie theaters. Speaking of Warner Bros, they made a few changes on the release schedule that could lead to shake ups in the first quarter of 2024. The podcast crew also discusses the news of National Popcorn Day coming January 19th, and the problem with Star Wars currently.

After coming back from the Christmas break, Kyle gets to gush to Ken over how amazing The Iron Claw is. And the both of them arrive into the New Year celebrating the success that came from the Christmas box office, which could be an indicator on how the industry will progress forward. They also speak about a film company's CEO's comments on its current state and how dead on the money he was.

Codi, Kyle and Ken celebrate the end of the year by looking forward in the first quarter of 2024 for what the best movies could be for theaters, as well as talk about what changes in behavior there could be for moviegoers. They also have to keep the sky from falling as they bring up the rumors of Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures potentially merging.

Movie theaters are now voicing their opinions on the intermission debate as they give great points and bring in data showing audiences would be on board with the idea. Also, Kyle teaches Codi and Ken about the hip new app Letterboxd, and how movie theaters could benefit from using it themselves.

Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss what this means for Disney after announcing Pixar's pandemic movies are releasing to theaters. They also give information on Fathom Event's new way of getting their events booked and whether it's a smart idea or not.

Codi, Kyle and Ken rejoice at the successful Thanksgiving weekend as it leads to speculation that maybe the movie theater industry is returning to an older formula. They also question if movie theaters are relying too much on Aquaman 2 when evidence shows the superhero genre is not what it once was.

In typical Looney Tunes fashion, they caused quite a stir between Hollywood and the US Government. Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss how a finished Looney Tunes movie nearly became unreleased due to Hollywood accounting, and the ethical merits surrounding the ordeal. There is also good news about Dune Part II, and healthy debates over today's action stars and how The Holdovers will perform.

The actors strike has ended, which leads our hosts into a discussion about the 2024 release calendar and how actors are better protected from A.I. They also discuss an interesting development with Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures involving a Legend Of Zelda movie. Plus, a heated debate about Ghostbusters as a franchise.

Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss the opening success of Five Nights At Freddy's and wonder if it'll continue into a crowded November. They also discuss Disney animators unionizing and what that means for future animated theatrical releases. The hosts also give more insight into the intermission debate after Paramount strikes down on theaters for adding them to Killers Of The Flower Moon.

Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss whether it is okay for theaters to add their own intermission to movies due to the complaints of Killers Of The Flower Moon's run time. They also discuss the release change for Mission Impossible 8 and what it means for the summer of 2024 and Tom Cruise's career.

The group gets to celebrate the massive opening success of The Eras Tour opening in theaters. They also get more excited for theaters as Killers Of The Flower Moon is about to open to discuss its potential in a very dry October. AMC CEO Adam Aron also makes headlines for an unpleasant reason.

Beyonce is trying to follow in Taylor Swift's footsteps by releasing her new documentary to theaters in December. But will it spark the same excitement that Taylor's announcement did, and is the Christmas season the best time to release it? Other discussions also include if Warner Bros. releasing a new Kevin Costner western in two parts is wise and the state of standees and physical one sheets.

The hosts all breathe a sigh of relief after the announcement of the Writer's Strike coming to a close, with the Actor's Strike not far behind. Codi and Ken gush over their amazing time at the Rocky Mountain NATO convention, and describe what it's like to attend it. They also bring up a burning question circling the industry: how to convince younger generations to become theater managers?

Are studios moving around their releases because the Eras Tour is gonna take all of the money, OR are they doing this to punish AMC for partnering with Taylor Swift? The hosts also discuss how the idea of movie theaters not being able to be flexible for the industry is entirely false.

A new article from Vulture tries to play gotcha with Rotten Tomatoes about how their rating system works, but the real culprit might be PR firms hired by studios. Does this have any bearing on theaters or is it a lot of nothing? Codi, Kyle and Ken also have a discussion about Comscore and its definition of PLFs (Preferred Large Format).

The hosts gather marketing tips and ideas for movie theaters who may need help advertising Taylor Swift's Eras Tour movie. They also question if Taylor has changed the game for film distribution and advise theaters to set behavior guidelines for fans who want to treat this as a concert experience.

After Taylor Swift announced her concert movie is coming to theaters, Ken and Kyle debate with Codi about whether it will break October's box office records or not. They also talk about if Oppenheimer will cause a resurgence of audiences going to movies based on the director's popularity. There is also more union talk after Disney's VFX workers announce a potential unionization.

Dune Part 2 has been pushed back to March 2024 because of the strike. Why couldn't the studio have stayed put and marketed this movie without the actors? Other topics include National Cinema Day's potential and how the industry will react to artificial intelligence not being copyrightable.

Disney is in the headlines lately, ranging from potentially reducing the amount of content, to the rising prices of streaming services and parks. Could all be leading to Apple buying the Mouse House? Plus, a discussion about platform releasing being a promotional tool during the writers/actors strike.

Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss how the successes of Barbie and Oppenheimer may have caused movie theater managers and their staff to experience burnout. The hosts also discuss AMC's decision to not use a Sightline Pricing model and offer possible alternatives to the idea.

Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss what lessons Paramount need to learn from other studios after reading about the new CEO, Brian Robbins. The three hosts also mention the release changes for Gran Turismo and other Sony titles, and if the new Ninja Turtles movie made them feel like a kid again or made them feel old.

The theatrical exhibition industry is breathing a sigh of relief with the news of UPS avoiding a potential strike. But how long will that relief last now that Warner Bros. and potentially other studios may move the release dates of 2023's remaining titles. During these discussions, Codi and Kyle are having Barbie fever while Ken feels validated for himself and Kens everywhere.

Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss how internet conspiracy theories surrounding Sound Of Freedom have added a new wrinkle into the lives of movie theater owners and operators. They also explain the long-term impact of the actors and writers going on strike, and why they are more afraid of UPS drivers doing the same.

The weekend of the releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer is starting to become a massive event for all audiences, and the hosts of the podcast love seeing the attention it brings to movie theaters everywhere. They also discuss how Sound Of Freedom became a box office surprise and their disdain for movies opening on Wednesdays.

Codi and Ken listen to Kyle's disappointment towards Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Speaking of disappointment, Codi and Ken express their concerns over releasing movies on VOD while still playing in theaters. The three hosts also give their opinions on the new actor playing Superman.

Codi, Kyle and Ken missed all the twists and turns that June brought to movie theaters, so they come back to the studio to recap an interesting beginning of summer. They reflect on The Flash's poor box office and explain what may have caused it to not do well, as well as the possible longevity for June releases including No Hard Feelings and Indiana Jones 5.

As the writer's strike continues, the Director's Guild was able to strike a new deal with the studios to give themselves better pay. Codi, Kyle and Ken discuss how this will add a new wrinkle into the strike. They also discuss the Transformers cinematic universe and Movie Pass stretching the truth on how many theaters are using their service.*This episode was recorded June 9th

The New York Times writes a good article on how and why movie theaters are making certain upgrades, while Slash Films tries and fails to contradict them. Codi, Kyle and Ken talk about both articles, which leads them to describing the movie theater of their dreams.

Codi, Kyle and Ken get "dressed up" (check out the episode on YouTube to see) to talk about their favorite comedian Bert Kreischer's new movie, The Machine. They also give their opinions on the idea of putting trigger warnings displayed on theatrical releases before the movie plays.

Codi, Kyle and Ken vent about the film ratings system, and come up with their own system to take its place. They also come to a consensus that pre-sales for a movie are not as important anymore as they once were. There is also an update on the writer's strike, which may have actors get involved.

A new article breaks down the costs for theater equipment with context as to why theaters struggle to make upgrades. But why are only big chain theaters being interviewed when smaller theaters also have the same struggles? Ken and Kyle discuss this, plus whether there is superhero fatigue or low-quality fatigue.

Codi, Kyle, and Ken explain how the writer's strike could impact movie theaters and when that time will come. They also bring up the idea of theaters adding fees to 3D glasses in the wake of the large amount of summer product coming this year.

Variety released a new interview with multiple theater owners that shined a light on the industry. Codi, Ken and Kyle discuss how the interview was needed to have people outside the industry understand it better. They also dish on all of the great buzz they heard about this year's CinemaCon.

Codi, Kyle and Ken are unsurprised by a new survey that concludes audiences do not care when a movie goes on streaming after it's theatrical release, and discuss how the social experience at a movie theater matters. They also talk about AMC selling popcorn at Walmarts and the confusing logic behind that.

Codi is back to discuss with Kyle and Ken the Academy's newest windowing rule where potential nominees will have to release movies to a wider amount of markets. They also poke fun at critics for not enjoying The Super Mario Bros. Movie, their love for the Peaches song, and possible new Star Wars movies in the works.

Ken and Kyle discuss the importance of good projection for movie theaters after Vulture writes about the industry's issues with bad projection. They discuss the good points of the article while addressing parts they disagree with. Kyle also brags to Ken a little too much about the greatness of John Wick Chapter 4.

Apple seems to be following Amazon's lead on wanting to spend more money on releasing movies theatrically. Kyle and Ken discuss if this means Amazon and Apple are about to become major distributors. The two hosts also bring up the issue of very few animated movies releasing to theaters.

A new article from Variety claims that "mediocre" movies are helping the exhibition industry thrive. While it's obvious that mid-budget movies are enticing adults to come back to theaters, should we consider them as mediocre? Plus, a discussion about Kevin Feige's involvement with Marvel and Star Wars.

MoviePass is back in the news, and once again, it's not for anything good. A former executive charged with embezzlement becomes a friendly reminder of how unreliable MoviePass is. We also debut the first ever OTB awards to champion movie theaters!

The Off The Break podcast crew discusses the announcement of Alamo Drafthouse's first Drive-In location. Could this be a wise business decision for Alamo to experiment with? They also discuss how The Flash could be a very good summer superhero movie after hearing it will premiere at CinemaCon.