Q2 of the US economy was very kind to movie theaters who are still recovering from the pandemic. AMC's financial performance and the evolving landscape of cinema experiences suggests a rebirth for badly bitten sector. Thanks to A Minecraft Movie and other blockbusters, we are finally seeing the repurposing of movie theater. The hosts explore the importance of community and shared experiences in film, the role of content quality, and innovative strategies to engage audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for theaters to enhance the overall experience to attract viewers back, highlighting the significance of immersive and communal elements in the movie-going experience.

Takeaways

• The pandemic significantly impacted the experience sector, especially movie theaters.
• Improving the theater experience can lead to increased attendance.
• A Mindcraft Movie and other blockbusters created tremendous box office revenues.
• Content quality is crucial for drawing audiences back to theaters.
• Community experiences enhance the enjoyment of films.
• Innovative strategies can create shareable moments in cinema.
• Theaters need to focus on creating immersive experiences.
• Audience engagement is key to the future of cinema.
• Shared experiences can drive social media buzz and virality.
• The movie industry must adapt to changing viewer preferences.
• Designing for different viewing modes can enhance the cinema experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Economy
01:15 The Impact of the Pandemic on Movie Theaters
03:33 The Premiumization of Movie Experiences
05:34 Challenges of Movie Theater Experiences
08:17 The Success of Community-Driven Films
12:30 Creating Shareable Experiences in Theaters
16:46 The Role of Experience in Movie Theaters
20:45 Conclusion and Broader Implications

Read more

https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/amc-posts-narrower-loss-as-sales-surge-7c161073?st=pqPSLX&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

https://screenrant.com/a-minecraft-movie-chicken-jockey-scene-audience-reactions-explained/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO featuring Mo Gawdot, who predicts a dystopian future driven by technology and AI. The conversation explores themes of transformation, the value of work, and the implications of AI on jobs and society. The hosts critique Mo Gawdot's techno-extremism and emphasize the importance of hope and purpose in navigating the future. Using insights from The Experience Economy, from Experience Strategy, and human behavior, they argue for a bright future for those focused on customer's needs and desires

Takeaways

• Mo Gawdot predicts a 15-year dystopia followed by a utopia.
• Critique of techno extremism highlights the need for balance.
• Transformation is key to the future economy.
• Work provides purpose and meaning to individuals.
• AI will create new jobs, not eliminate them.
• Gawdot argues against hope and against innovation
• Embracing AI is crucial for future success.
• People are resources that drive innovation.
• Experience strategists need to develop a strategic point of view to thrive in the future

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Strategy Podcast
01:26 Mo Gawdot's Dystopian Predictions
02:54 Critique of Techno-Extremism
05:19 Transformation vs. Dystopia
10:24 The Role of Work in Human Dignity
14:41 AI and the Future of Work
18:59 Hope and Transformation
22:55 The Last Mile Issue in Automation
25:02 Future Skills for Experience Strategists

Read more

https://open.substack.com/pub/theexperiencestrategist/p/the-future-is-uncertain-and-bright?r=257bs3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

The Experience Strategy Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms for free.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of tourism in Italy, particularly focusing on the balance between local experiences and tourist demands. They explore the impact of consumer behavior on travel, the need for sustainable tourism practices, and the importance of transformational travel that benefits local communities. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for destinations to adapt to changing trends and the value of holistic travel experiences that respect both tourists and residents.

Takeaways

• In Europe, tourists are getting squirted by residents and Bezos and Sanchez's wedding makes locals mad.
• Italy's tourism faces challenges balancing local needs and tourist demands.
• The concept of slow tourism promotes quieter, more authentic experiences.
• Tourism should support local economies and respect residential areas.
• Consumer behavior in travel is increasingly influenced by social media.
• Destinations need to adapt quickly to changing trends and demands.
• Transformational travel can enhance community engagement and support.
• Tourist fees can help fund local infrastructure and services.
• A subscription model for travel experiences could foster repeat business.
• Travel experiences should cater to diverse traveler needs and preferences.
• Holistic travel experiences encompass cultural, environmental, and community aspects.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Vibrancy of Italy
06:14 The Challenges of Mass Tourism
12:11 Adapting to Changing Consumer Demands
18:10 Transformational Travel and Community Impact
23:17 The Future of Travel Experiences

Read more

https://fortune.com/2024/07/09/barcelona-residents-fed-up-with-tourism-squirting-visitors-with-water-guns/

https://www.tourism-review.com/italy-draws-visitors-with-its-fancy-experiences-news15039

https://www.businessinsider.com/glad-we-did-not-buy-one-dollar-italy-home-2024-12

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/20/style/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-wedding.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/travel/europe-tourism-protests.html

Podcast Sponsor: Register for a free pilot program with Feedback Now

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Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com