Tuesday, April 24, 2012

MPAA chief: Hollywood must befriend Silicon Valley

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- The head of the Motion Picture Association of America says Hollywood and Silicon Valley must work together to protect intellectual property.

Chief executive Chris Dodd said Tuesday that movie studios must embrace new technologies to appeal to consumers who value convenience and affordability over the traditional movie-viewing experience.

The MPAA is a leading advocate for anti-piracy legislation. Critics argue the reforms would result in censorship and stifle innovation.

His comments came at CinemaCon, a Las Vegas convention for theater owners.

Dodd says the number of illegal videos taken of movies in theaters declined by 50 percent since 2007.

He says a third of U.S. and Canadian consumers no longer go to the movies, and that film leaders must convince the public that movies are best seen on the big screen.

By CRISTINA SILVA
Associated Press