CINEMACON 2019
Article by Adam Mast
Video Blogs and Pictures by John Pugh, Sheldon Demke, and Jeff Sanders
We cover many a movie event here at Cinemast.net. In addition to posting film reviews and news, we never miss the likes of Sundance, Comic-Con International, and Fantasia Fest. That said, one of the best kept industry secrets is CinemaCon. This annual convention takes place in Las Vegas, NV. It’s thrown by the Nation Theaters Association of America and it’s really geared more towards exhibitors worldwide as opposed to press. Still, we love to attend, and for good reason!
While CinemaCon is primarily known for unveiling the latest and greatest in movie theater hardware (projection equipment, sound systems, screens, seats, etc.) and snack bar goodies (popcorn, candy, White Castle, and the glorious movie treat that is Red Vines), it should come as absolutely no surprise to our readers that the big draw for us are the major studio sizzle reels.
For those not in the know, a sizzle reel is essentially a collection of footage put together by the major Hollywood studios in an effort to get exhibitors excited about all the amazing product coming to their theaters in the coming months. Now, the product itself is always worthy of attendance alone, but add to that CinemaCon’s own special brand of showmanship, and you have what is easily one of the most exciting movie-related events of the year. Seriously…The presentation CinemaCon organizers put on has to be seen (and heard) to be believed!
This year’s convention was certainly no different! We were treated to an onslaught of sizzle reels and filmmaker appearances that we won’t soon forget! Additionally, we were even treated to a handful of advance film screenings. Included; the raw and emotionally charged singer/songwriter drama, WILD ROSE, the hilarious and thoughtful Emma Thompson-headlined, LATE NIGHT, the raunchy Seth Rogen/Charlize Theron romance, LONG SHOT, and the heartwarming Springsteen-inspired coming-of-age musical, BLINDED BY THE LIGHT.
Yes, it was an incredible week and per usual, CinemaCon did not disappoint!
Here are a handful of video blogs we put together so you can live vicariously through our cinematic adventure in Sin City:
JENNIFER HUDSON BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN!
While the majority of the sizzle reels are very seldom made public, every once in a while, a studio will permit members of the press to film certain portions of a presentation. And lucky for us, Universal Pictures allowed us to capture footage of this outstanding Jennifer Hudson performance, in honor of this holiday’s big screen adaptation of CATS.
WARNER BROTHERS GIVES US OUR FIRST LOOK AT “JOKER”
This one looks like it’s going to live up to the hype, folks! Here’s Adam Mast and Sheldon Demke to tell you all about it!
STX BRINGS OUT A SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST TO PROMOTE THE NEW ANIMATED FEATURE, “UGLY DOLLS”
The great Kelly Clarkson was on hand to deliver a tune she put together for the upcoming animated feature, Ugly Dolls! STX was kind enough to let us share the performance.
NEON SHOWS OFF BIG AWARD CONTENDER, “WILD ROSE”
Adam Mast and Sheldon Demke share some thoughts on WILD ROSE and its talented star, Jessie Buckley.
A SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE IN HONOR OF THE UPCOMING UNIVERSAL PICTURES RELEASE, “YESTERDAY”
No shortage of great performances at CinemaCon this year, and here’s yet another one!
WARNER BROTHERS CHILLS CINEMACON ATTENDEES TO THE BONE WITH A GLIMPSE AT “IT: CHAPTER TWO”
It’s safe to say that IT: CHAPTER TWO is going to be a monster hit! After Warner Brother’s extended peek at the upcoming fall release, you can take those words to the bank! Here’s Adam Mast and Sheldon Demke with more on the subject.
Thanks, CinemaCon! We’ll see you next year!
