Business

In less than two weeks the major movie studios and theatre owners will gather at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas for the annual CinemaCon conference, hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners. Despite the implementation of new laws, new anti-piracy technology, and I heightened industry awareness, the Motion Picture Association of America estimates it loses billions of dollars each year to movie theft, although some people believe the number is in the millions. In any case, theft is theft, and as movie budgets tighten and theatre owners face increased competition, every dollar counts. Via email I recently interviewed Patrick Corcoran, vice president and chief communications officer for the National Association of Theatre Owners about the state of the piracy battle and for a preview of the trade show.