Global box office figures have not recovered sustainably even years after the pandemic. However, the decline in cinema income can no longer be explained by short-term crises alone. Instead, there are signs of a fundamental structural change that is calling into question the traditional interplay between cinema, distributor and studio.

A central problem: Fewer films are coming to the cinema. Major studios are increasingly focussing on a reduced number of supposedly safe productions - often franchise titles or event films. Medium-sized films and riskier projects are either disappearing from cinemas altogether or are being produced directly for streaming platforms. For cinema operators, this means less programme diversity and fewer occasions for regular visits to the cinema.

At the same time, the Ticket prices. Higher operating costs, inflation and a smaller offering mean that cinema visits are becoming more expensive and therefore less frequent for many viewers. The cinema is increasingly developing from an everyday venue into an occasional premium event - with corresponding consequences for capacity utilisation and revenue.

At the same time, more and more studios are pursuing a Streaming-first strategy. Films are either exploited online at the same time or shortly after their cinema release - sometimes even without a traditional cinema release. This makes economic sense for large platforms: they control the entire exploitation chain, retain subscribers and are less dependent on fluctuating cinema markets.

This creates a dilemma for cinemas. Without exclusive content, they lose their unique position. At the same time, they are still reliant on blockbusters, which are being released less and less frequently. The previous model - cinema as the first and most important exploitation stage - is coming under increasing pressure.

The crucial question is therefore no longer whether the cinema needs to change, but rather like. More event character, alternative content, local programme strategies or new forms of cooperation with distributors could be part of the solution. However, one thing is clear: a return to the old status quo is unlikely.

The cinema market is facing a renegotiation of its role within the film industry - and this will determine whether cinema remains culturally and economically relevant in the long term.