Acclaimed film director Todd Phillips wants movie theaters to stop playing commercials before movies start. Phillips recently spoke to Empire magazine as part of a discussion about the future of the entertainment industry. He said that theatergoers who pay for tickets deserve an uninterrupted viewing experience. “We’ve paid for our tickets. We’re excited to be there. But the commercials kind of ruin the mood,” Phillips stated.
Phillips is not alone in his views. Many industry figures shared their thoughts on issues like streaming services versus theaters. Sean Baker, who directed “Anora,” worried that more filmmakers are turning to streaming and digital cameras instead of traditional film.
But Paul Feig, the creator of “Freaks and Geeks,” was optimistic. He said streaming gives opportunities for movies and television shows that may not otherwise get made.
Phillips’s own latest movie reportedly cost around $200 million to make with Warner Bros. However, it has not done as well at the box office as hoped. The film’s reviews have been mixed. While Quentin Tarantino praised it, Paul Schrader criticized it.
Phillips’s comment on commercials comes amid ongoing discussions about improving the movie theater experience against competition from streaming at home. His point specifically targets ads before trailers, but also raises bigger questions on how theaters make money and please audiences.
