Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Where would you rather watch the latest movie everyone is talking about: at home on your TV or in a dark theater surrounded by other moviegoers?
In the wake of the streaming revolution, Hollywood is at a critical juncture. With reports of movie theater closures across the country and declining attendance, many are wondering: Are theaters still the irreplaceable heart of cinema, or has streaming become the industry’s new default? And what does that mean for the audience?
Some say the big Silver Screen is here to stay; they create cultural moments, communal energy, and spectacle, especially for blockbusters and auteur-driven films. A healthy theatrical ecosystem sustains filmmaking, builds stars, and provides a longer shelf life.
But others in Hollywood say it’s time to roll up the red carpet and let streaming be the future. It offers convenience, personalization, and global reach, expanding access for audiences who don’t live near theaters or can’t afford frequent outings. For many families, the economics and discovery now work better online than in a costly theatrical rollout.
As moviegoers vote using their time and attention, a former president of The Academy and a film executive debate the question: The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?
Arguing "Big Screen": Hawk Koch, Board Member of AMC Theaters; Former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America; Author of “Magic Time: My Life in Hollywood”
Arguing "Stream": Chris Aronson, Former President Of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Paramount Pictures
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
Visit our Substack to watch more insightful debates and subscribe to our newsletter.
#hollywood #streaming #movies #cinema
===================================
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Official site: opentodebate.org/
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===================================
00:00:00 – Introduction: The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?
00:04:40 – Opening Statement: Hawk Koch (Arguing "Big Screen")
00:08:44 – Opening Statement: Chris Aronson (Arguing "Stream")
00:13:04 – Moderator Summary
00:14:44 – Is the Theater Experience Still Enjoyable?
00:17:32 – Declining Movie Theater Attendance
00:22:46 – Is the Theater Experience Under Threat?
00:25:09 – Is Going to the Movies Too Expensive?
00:30:47 – Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
00:36:39 – Should Streaming Films Compete for Oscars?
00:39:19 – Could Streaming Replace the Theater?
00:41:49 – Can Streaming Sustain Big-Budget Movies?
00:43:51 – How Can Moviegoing Become More Affordable?
00:52:49 – Closing Statement: Hawk Koch
00:54:39 – Closing Statement: Chris Aronson
00:56:48 – Final Thoughts
Where would you rather watch the latest movie everyone is talking about: at home on your TV or in a dark theater surrounded by other moviegoers?
In the wake of the streaming revolution, Hollywood is at a critical juncture. With reports of movie theater closures across the country and declining attendance, many are wondering: Are theaters still the irreplaceable heart of cinema, or has streaming become the industry’s new default? And what does that mean for the audience?
Some say the big Silver Screen is here to stay; they create cultural moments, communal energy, and spectacle, especially for blockbusters and auteur-driven films. A healthy theatrical ecosystem sustains filmmaking, builds stars, and provides a longer shelf life.
But others in Hollywood say it’s time to roll up the red carpet and let streaming be the future. It offers convenience, personalization, and global reach, expanding access for audiences who don’t live near theaters or can’t afford frequent outings. For many families, the economics and discovery now work better online than in a costly theatrical rollout.
As moviegoers vote using their time and attention, a former president of The Academy and a film executive debate the question: The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?
Arguing "Big Screen": Hawk Koch, Board Member of AMC Theaters; Former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America; Author of “Magic Time: My Life in Hollywood”
Arguing "Stream": Chris Aronson, Former President Of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Paramount Pictures
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
Visit our Substack to watch more insightful debates and subscribe to our newsletter.
#hollywood #streaming #movies #cinema
===================================
Subscribe on Substack: opentodebate.substack.com/
Official site: opentodebate.org/
X: twitter.com/OpentoDebateOrg
Facebook: facebook.com/BeOpentoDebate/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/opentodebate/
Instagram: instagram.com/opentodebateorg/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@opentodebateorg
Open to Debate Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/bdzmz5xt
Open to Debate Spotify Podcasts: tinyurl.com/22tuxu7h
===================================
00:00:00 – Introduction: The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?
00:04:40 – Opening Statement: Hawk Koch (Arguing "Big Screen")
00:08:44 – Opening Statement: Chris Aronson (Arguing "Stream")
00:13:04 – Moderator Summary
00:14:44 – Is the Theater Experience Still Enjoyable?
00:17:32 – Declining Movie Theater Attendance
00:22:46 – Is the Theater Experience Under Threat?
00:25:09 – Is Going to the Movies Too Expensive?
00:30:47 – Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
00:36:39 – Should Streaming Films Compete for Oscars?
00:39:19 – Could Streaming Replace the Theater?
00:41:49 – Can Streaming Sustain Big-Budget Movies?
00:43:51 – How Can Moviegoing Become More Affordable?
00:52:49 – Closing Statement: Hawk Koch
00:54:39 – Closing Statement: Chris Aronson
00:56:48 – Final Thoughts
