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AMC Pulls Out of Screening AI Short in Pre-Show Rollout

The decision highlights exhibitors’ gatekeeping over Screenvision’s pre-show slate.

Overview

  • AMC said it was not involved in the initiative and informed Screenvision that its locations will not participate, noting Screenvision programs fewer than 30% of AMC sites.
  • Thanksgiving Day, an AI-generated short by Igor Alferov, won the Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival with a prize of a two-week nationwide pre-show run through Screenvision.
  • News of the planned pre-show placement drew sharp online criticism and boycott calls that largely targeted AMC before the chain issued its statement.
  • Screenvision Media and the festival did not provide immediate comment, and it remains unclear which other theater chains, if any, will carry the short.
  • Modern Uprising Studios, tied to the festival, said it plans to exhibit the short in proprietary immersive venues, reflecting alternative distribution paths for AI projects.