My article on SIFF Cinema last week explored the hyper-competitive world of independent exhibition in Seattle. Now for the utterly non-competitive world of the theater chains. From today’s New York Times:

The other major Hollywood studios are following similar no-frills scripts at [ShoWest,] the principal industry showcase for mainstream movies. A frayed relationship between the major studios and exhibitors, cost-cutting across the board and consolidation among the national theater chains has turned a promotional event for big-budget movies into one that is not promoting very many big-budget movies […]

Mass events at places like ShoWest have been replaced by one-on-one contact with the exhibitors responsible for the lion’s share of American cineplexes, like AMC, Regal and Cinemark. Studio executives say they can cover most of the country with a few phone calls or a visit to an exhibitor’s headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. [AMC], or Knoxville, Tenn [Regal].

Within the Seattle city limits, the (California-based) Landmark Theatres chain has a bigger presence than the majors, and their booker is local. But a few Missourians who are personally feted by the studios decide what will play at Pacific Place, Uptown, and Oak Tree; and people in Tennessee decide what will play at the Meridian 16. And if it won’t play in Peoria, it probably won’t play those theaters. It’s a bizarre thought.

More from Deadline Hollywood Daily.