Mike Baard, CEO of Universal Pictures Australasia, has spent more than two decades at the forefront of the country’s theatrical landscape, overseeing not just Universal titles but also local releases for Warner Bros. and some of the world’s most successful blockbusters. In this exclusive conversation Mike will discuss key elements that are transforming the cinema experience, from shifting audience behaviours to the pivots studios are making in a streaming-saturated era.

With his rare vantage point across both local and international markets, Mike will also explore how distribution models are evolving, what the data reveals about the enduring appeal of the big screen, and how the concept of theatrical exclusivity may be redefined in the future. Expect a candid look at the state of the industry and the creative and commercial challenges shaping the future of filmgoing.