The global box office hit a record $38.3 billion in 2015, National Association of Theater Owners President John Fithian announced in Las Vegas on Tuesday at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of movie exhibitors.
Fithian also noted that movie attendance in China increased by a staggering 51.2 percent. Here at home, Fithian said that despite demographic profiles, teenagers 12-17 accounted for 16.5 percent of ticket buyers, especially for experiences like IMAX and 3D.
“Teenagers love the cinema experience and their support for our industry is growing,” Fithian said.
The total number of theaters worldwide is up as well — up t8 percent from last year to 152,000 screens worldwide, said Chris Dodd, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America.
The full Theatrical Market Statistics report for 2016 is expected at the conclusion of Tuesday morning’s presentation.
The program included a studio presentation from the 18-month-old STX Entertainment, who touted upcoming films like Matthew McConaughey‘s “Free State of Jones.”