Sales and exhibition veteran Steve Bunnell joins Marcus Theaters as EVP of Content Strategy

Steve Bunnell has landed a coveted executive position, I hear: He’s been hired as EVP of content strategy at Marcus Theatres.

What Bunnell brings to the leadership position is his years of work in both sales (at Universal) and the exhibition space. He will oversee the programming of new releases, alternative content, live events and experiential films at 84 Marcus theaters and Movie Tavern locations.

“The excitement and demand for cinema admissions continues to grow, whether it’s the latest blockbuster or the latest indie hit,” said Mark Gramz, president of Marcus Theatres. “As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we are committed to providing our guests with even more opportunities to enjoy exciting out-of-home entertainment experiences at Marcus Theaters. With a long history of working with film studios and the entertainment industry, Steve will play a critical role in our efforts to create new guest shows, bring new content to our screens and create new entertainment options to complement the cinema experience.

“Movie theaters are now the entertainment center of the community,” says Bunnell. “Whether it’s a big action movie or a concert experience, people need and want to share those moments. I look forward to helping Marcus Theaters expand our offering with innovative experiences that bring people to theatres.”

Most recently, Bunnell was Head of Sales at Briarcliff/Open Road and CEO of Iconic Events Releasing. He also previously led film acquisitions at Alamo Drafthouse and Regal Entertainment, oversaw US and Latin America programming at Cinemark, and was general manager of sales for Universal Pictures.

Bunnell starts March 6. He succeeds Sonny Gourley who decided to retire after 10 years with the company. Bunnell, who reports directly to Gramz, is based in Los Angeles, where he is also president of Variety Children’s Charity of Southern California.