Cineworld Sends Furious Message To Universal Following Major Dispute

Cineworld is the latest cinema chain to slam Universal Pictures following an argument over 'theatrical windows' - the usual time delay between a film's theatrical release and its debut on streaming and on-demand services.

All cinemas have had to close as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic and some studios have since taken the decision to release films via online streaming platforms, which otherwise would have seen a theatrical release.

Now Cineworld has shared details of a letter sent to Comcast (who own Universal) chairman Brian Roberts claiming the studio 'tried to take advantage of the current crisis'.

PA

This came after Universal Pictures revealed its plans, once cinemas reopen, to release some films via on-demand platforms at the same time as cinematic releases - or soon afterwards - based on the success of Trolls World Tour.

In a press release sent to LADbible, Cineworld said Universal's decision was made 'when our business is closed, more than 35,000 employees are at home and when we do not yet have a clear date for the reopening of our cinemas'.

The statement added that Universal's move is 'completely inappropriate and certainly has nothing to do with good faith business practice, partnership and transparency'.

Universal Pictures

Mooky Greidinger, Cineworld's CEO, approached Mr Roberts back on 19 March (after Universal announced that Trolls 2 would be released in breach of the theatrical window) and told him among other things: "Nice words from your team are worthless if we cannot trust you as a partner.

"The message that the media has portrayed is: 'Hollywood breaks the window' - well, this is not true! All our partners called us in timely manner and told us that in the current situation they want to shorten window for movies that were already released as cinemas are closing, most importantly, they all reassured us that there will be no change to their window policy once the cinema business returned.

"Unfortunately I missed similar message in Universal's announcement... not only did Universal provide no commitment for the future window - but Universal was the only studio that tried to take advantage of the current crisis and provide a 'day-and-date' release of a movie that was not yet released."

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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