Film Marketing Executives Debate Trailers and Gen Z Habits at Los Angeles Summit
Five top film and streaming marketing executives discussed Gen Z moviegoing, trailer discovery, and video game adaptations during a roundtable at Variety's Entertainment Marketing Summit in Los Angeles. The panel addressed Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman's recent call to reduce pre-movie ads and trailers. Variety reported on the event in an article published April 23, 2026.
thewrap.comFive top film and streaming marketing executives participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday at Variety's annual Entertainment Marketing Summit in Los Angeles, covering topics such as Gen Z moviegoing habits, the magic of discovering trailers, and the lure of nostalgia for simpler times.
The executives also examined the evolutionary process behind video games becoming vital source material for movies, and they debated a call from Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman issued last week at CinemaCon in Las Vegas to trim the number of ads and trailers before screenings.
m.
PT. The article was written by Cynthia Littleton, Variety's business editor. During the discussion, executives described trailer discovery in theaters as akin to 'falling in love,' highlighting its distinct impact compared to online viewing.
They noted Gen Alpha's embrace of theatrical experiences and nostalgia's appeal to younger audiences. Rothman's urging targeted both exhibitors and studios to shorten pre-show content, prompting debate among the panelists. The roundtable formed part of Variety's ongoing coverage of entertainment marketing trends.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-04-23 06:30 PT
Variety published an article on the roundtable discussion titled 'Why Movie Trailers Hit Different in a Theater Compared to Online Viewing: ‘Discovery Is Like Falling in Love’'.
1 sourceVariety - 2026-04-22
Roundtable discussion with five top film and streaming marketing executives held at Variety's Entertainment Marketing Summit in Los Angeles.
1 sourceVariety - 2026-04-16 approximate (last week)
Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman urged exhibitors and studios at CinemaCon in Las Vegas to trim ads and trailers before movie screenings.
1 sourceVariety - 2026-04-23
Article written by Cynthia Littleton, Variety's Business Editor.
1 sourceVariety
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased focus on video game IP for film adaptations due to discussed evolutionary trends.
- 02
Potential adjustments in pre-movie ad and trailer lengths by studios and exhibitors following Rothman's debated call.
- 03
Enhanced emphasis on theatrical trailer experiences over online viewing in industry discussions.
- 04
Shifts in marketing strategies targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha moviegoing habits.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
nippon.comAlbert Pintó Directs Thriller 'Lions in Winter' Now in Post-Production
Albert Pintó, who directed episodes of Netflix series Money Heist and Berlin plus the film Nowhere, is directing the revenge thriller Lions in Winter. The project is in post-production with producers Álvaro Ariza and María Luisa Gutiérrez. Film Factory acquired world sales rights…
opindia.comKangana Ranaut Thriller 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhata' Set for June 12 Release in India
The film 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhata,' starring Kangana Ranaut, draws from true events during terror attacks in India. It focuses on hospital workers who saved 400 lives at Cama Hospital. The thriller, written and directed by Manoj Tapadia, is produced by Pen Studios, Manikarnika Fi…
Rhododendrites / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)Goldfinch International and Fablemill Form Strategic Advisory Partnership for Creative Economies
Goldfinch International and Fablemill announced a strategic partnership on May 5, 2026, focused on advising governments and investors in MENA, Asia, and Africa. The platform covers policy design, investment advisory, enterprise development, and market support. It leverages Goldfi…