Streaming and cinema: an irreplaceable experience according to Tom Rothman

In an interview with Philippe Guedj of the French magazine Le Point on August 7, 2025, Tom Rothman, president of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group , delivers a nuanced and optimistic analysis on the impact of streaming in the film industry.

Streaming: Not the culprit, but a new partner

For Rothman, streaming is not the enemy of cinema: “ Streaming isn't the problem: most people don't understand this. In reality, streaming has essentially replaced broadcast television.* »

He even believes that platforms like Netflix can be good allies, provided that films are released in theaters first before being shown online.

The real issue: the duration of exclusivity in theaters

According to him, the real threat to theaters lies in the excessive reduction of the exclusivity window. Before the pandemic, it often exceeded 100 days; today, it can drop to 17 days, which weakens the appeal of the big screen. He praises the French model, where the window is longer, even if he considers the regulations sometimes too rigid and points out that this framework has allowed the national box office to rebound after Covid.

Collective experience: an enduring force

In the face of those who consider cinema to be outdated, Rothman passionately defends the social and immersive dimension of the big screen: " Films on the big screen are a different experience from films on your phone because they're communal. "

He remains convinced that cinema will never die as long as this shared moment in theaters persists.

Source :

• Le Point , August 7, 2025