Movie Theater Chains to Invest $2.2B in Upgrades, Amazon Joins MPA and How Snapchat Plans to Turn It Around After Stock Plunge

Plus: Disney replaces chief creative officer, Top journalists to debate at TheGrill and Paramount looks for more from "Transformers One" [National Association of Theater Owners President Michael O'Leary]( [Movie Theater Chains to Invest $2.2 Billion in Upgrades Through 2027, NATO Says]( By Jeremy Fuster Ahead of its annual fall summit, the National Association of Theater Owners says that eight of the top movie theater chains in North America are committed to invest a combined $2.2 billion in modernizing and upgrading their cinemas over the next three years. “There is no question that movie fans of all ages love heading to the local theatre to see great movies on the big screen. But the competition for consumers’ hard-earned dollars is fiercer than ever,” said NATO President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “Going to the theatre is an unparalleled entertainment experience, and exhibitors are dedicated to making every visit to their theatres memorable. This investment reflects that commitment in a tangible way that every moviegoer will see and enjoy.” [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Prime Video logo]( [Amazon Joins Motion Picture Association]( By Sean Burch Amazon has joined the Motion Picture Association, Hollywood’s leading lobbying group, the MPA announced on Thursday. The tech giant ‚ which includes its streaming service, Prime Video, and Amazon MGM Studios — becomes the newest member since streaming heavyweight Netflix joined in 2019. “Welcoming Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios to our ranks will broaden our collective policymaking and content protection efforts on behalf of our most innovative and creative companies,” MPA CEO Charles Rivkin said in a statement. [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Snap CEO Evan Spiegel]( [How Snapchat Plans to Turn It Around After a Brutal 88% Stock Drop | Analysis]( By Sean Burch At Snap’s annual Partner Summit in Santa Monica on Tuesday, CEO Evan Spiegel offered a glimpse at how the struggling tech company, whose stock has plummeted 88% in the last two and half years, plans to rebound. Wall Street analysts liked much of what they heard, but are still uncertain the company behind the pictures-and-messaging app will ultimately be able to cut into the dominance of Instagram and TikTok. “Changing the app, taking the noise out of it, is the right call,” Gene Munster, head of Deepwater Asset Management, told TheWrap. “They know exactly where most usage comes from, and when you take a little bit of friction out of products, usage can move up dramatically.” [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [jennifer-lee-jared-bush]( [Disney Animation Shake-Up: Jennifer Lee Out, Jared Bush in as Chief Creative Officer]( [TheGrill 2024]( [TheGrill 2024: Top Journalists From Tech, Entertainment, Media and Business Debate the State of Media]( [Transformers One]( [With ‘Transformers One,’ Paramount Looks for More Modest Box Office Grosses From Cybertron]( [Jeremy Zimmer UTA]( [Lionsgate's AI Partnership Is 'Concerning' for Artists, Says UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [WrapPRO logo] Discover why entertainment executives and professionals rely on the WrapPRO platform daily for exclusive coverage, analysis, deeper reporting, and access to VIP events & screenings throughout the year. [Subscribe Today]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( TheWrap | 2034 Armacost Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025 [Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [LiveIntent Logo]( [AdChoices Logo](