Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Advisor(s)
Iris Schneider
Abstract
The research assesses the viability of the multibillion-dollar theatrical exhibition business by examining two key parts: the theatrical window and the theatrical run. First, the research explores how each one has changed over time, particularly in light of streaming and the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, it looks at the statistical relationship between the two. The findings are that the theatrical exhibition business is unviable due to the shortening of the theatrical window. Furthermore, a weak correlation between the run and window signals a fraught relationship between studios and theaters which negatively impacts the financial viability of both. As such, the future of the theatrical window should be of interest to all it affects, including shareholders and stakeholders of theaters and the corporations behind studios. The conclusion is that, despite theaters’ weakened state, streaming is an ineffective financial substitute for box office revenue. Therefore, studios ought to be questioned for their decision to shorten the theatrical window as it means foregoing box office revenue and harming theatrical exhibition in favor of streaming.
Recommended Citation
Martinez-Canedo, Sebastian, "Making Financial Sense Of The Movies: How Streaming And Covid-19 Have Distorted The Theatrical Window" (2024). Gabelli School of Business Honors Thesis Collection. 158.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/gabelli_thesis/158
