In his final major address as chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America, Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman Tuesday told exhibitors at ShoWest, "I got my Hollywood ending," adding, "If I could leave this community with one piece of advice, it is never forget our power to change people’s lives and, in doing so, to change the world.”
He also gave a bit of musical advice.
"One of the highlights these past six years has been joining you at ShoWest to celebrate this great American industry and the partnership between moviemakers and theater owners that’s at its heart," he told exhibitors. "I can’t help but think of the old Sinatra song:
"Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage. This I tell you, brother, you can’t have one without the other."
"That’s us. Exhibition and distribution are joined at the hip. We have our occasional differences. But we’ll stay together and grow stronger together, so long as we keep doing what we did so successfully this past year -- and that’s give the people what they want."
Glickman, who leaves office April 1 to head Refugees International, touted 2009's record box-office business, a year in which U.S. admissions reversed a two-year downward trend and returned to growth.
“We have more people going to the movies and more folks going more often,” he said. “The quality and diversity of films is what keeps folks coming back. Add this powerful new 3D era, and I predict the best is yet to come at the box office.”
Glickman covered several areas that had seen important changes during his term in office:
--Technology:
“Technology is making it easier for people to enjoy movies in new ways,” Glickman said, “and it means a lot to me that these innovations extend to the theater. The communal, theatrical experience will always be the heart of this business. Shakespeare first said it: ‘The play is the thing.’ But it’s as true today as it was in the time of 'Romeo & Juliet.' I think that’s why this medium – which combines a good story and a shared experience – is so influential and so loved around the world.”
Glickman said the organization is “adapting to a new technological era … and all that means for our businesses, for creativity and for the most important relationship this industry will ever have – and that’s our relationship with our customers.”
--Globalization:
Glickman said his predecessor, longtime MPAA chief Jack Valenti, would be pleased to see “the transformation of the MPAA into a truly worldwide organization. I’ve relished the opportunity to be an ambassador for one of our nation’s greatest economic and cultural exports – among the only industries in America with a trade surplus around the world. One example: 'Avatar' is now the highest-grossing movie of all time in China. President Obama spoke last week about boosting exports. It’s quite clear to me that this industry is setting the bar and the example there.”
