The USC School of Cinematic Arts invites you and a guest to attend

THE EXHIBITION ECOSYSTEM:
A Conversation with Michael Kunstermann
CEO, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Head, Sony Pictures Experiences

7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 9th, 2026

The Ray Stark Family Theater, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP
 

About Michael Kunstermann, CEO, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | Head, Sony Pictures Experiences

Michael Kustermann is Chief Executive Officer of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Head of Sony Pictures Experiences, the Sony Pictures Entertainment division established following Sony’s acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse in June 2024.

Kustermann has played a pivotal role in shaping the Alamo's evolution and growth including leading the sale to Sony Pictures. Under his leadership, Alamo Drafthouse has expanded its national footprint by more than 25%, while continuing to redefine the modern moviegoing experience. He has championed some of the company’s most significant innovations, including the Alamo Season Pass subscription program and Alamo Exclusives, its direct distribution platform, while fostering the distinctive culture and people-first ethos that set the brand apart.

Prior to Alamo Drafthouse, Kustermann built a career at the intersection of experiential retail, brand innovation, and marketing, developing groundbreaking physical and digital experiences for some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Nespresso, Starbucks, and Bose.

Today, he brings that same passion for innovation, exceptional experiences, and connecting audiences with great entertainment to his leadership of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Sony Pictures Experiences.

About the Exhibition Ecosystem Symposium

The future of the Cinematic Arts has as much to do with the health of our theatrical exhibition industry as it does with the now and future challenges facing production and distribution. In a new symposium focused on both the bird's eye view and the granular business operations of the exhibition ecosystem, the USC School of Cinematic Arts will better prepare the next generation of theater owners, bookers, and managers to lead the industry forward. Throughout the year, students will engage in conversations about the state of the exhibition business from both the corporate and the independently-owned perspective, as well as the ways in which films make it into theaters, the evolution of subscription and loyalty programs, advances in exhibition technology and Premium Large Format (PLF) screens, revenue share models with distributors, the importance of merchandising and concessions, the boom in alternative and repertory programming, the relationship between exhibitors and landlords, and more.

Our kickoff event presented a broad overview of the relationships between studios, filmmakers, and exhibitors, and the latest developments affecting theaters today, including how theatrical exhibition responds to changes in consumer preferences and spending as a foundational part of the experiential economy.

Subsequent conversations will feature a mix of both individual industry leaders and larger panel discussions on focused topics. Site visits to local theaters for more hands-on experience will also be offered to select students throughout the year.

Check-In & Reservations

The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This panel discussion is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/