When I think about going to the movies, I think about the memories we make along the way. There is something special about getting out of the house, picking a movie, grabbing popcorn, finding our seats, and settling in to see what happens on that big screen.
Movies give families something to share. Sometimes we laugh together, sometimes a story touches our hearts, and sometimes we walk out of the theater still talking about what we just watched. Those are the kinds of experiences I love sharing with our Greatful Moments readers.
That is why I was happy to have the opportunity to ask Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, a few questions about the company, the theatrical experience, and the movies bringing audiences together.
Eric Becker, Head of Communications at Fathom Entertainment, helped arrange this written Q&A with Shannah. I appreciate Eric helping make the conversation possible and giving us the opportunity to hear directly from someone working behind the scenes to bring entertainment to movie theaters.
Shannah joined Fathom Entertainment in 2021 and helped guide its evolution from Fathom Events into the broader specialty theatrical entertainment company it is today. Her work has included marketing campaigns for The Chosen, Coraline, Navalny, and The Amazing Digital Circus.
There is also an exciting new chapter ahead for Shannah. On September 28, 2026, Marcus Theatres announced that she would be joining the company as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, effective October 19, 2026.
Before she begins that next chapter, I wanted to share our conversation about Fathom Entertainment, the importance of seeing movies together, and the memories that can last long after the credits roll.
Our Questions for Shannah Miller
1. Fathom Entertainment has evolved from Fathom Events into a broader specialty theatrical entertainment company. From your perspective, what does the Fathom Entertainment name represent today, and where do you see the company heading?
Shannah Miller: When we were Fathom Events, people knew us for event cinema releases (1–3 nights in a theatre), and we’re still proud of that. But the business had grown well past “events.” We’re releasing traditional theatrical releases with multi-week engagements, bringing back beloved titles, and building franchises with fans who show up again and again.
Changing the name to Fathom Entertainment was an organic and much-needed change as it reflects how we currently operate as a specialty distributor. Look at Coraline: it went from about $1.2 million on its first Fathom run to roughly $35 million in 2024 alone. That’s not an event; that’s a theatrical business.
Where we’re heading is simple: being the place filmmakers and fan communities turn to when they want their story on the big screen and want someone who knows how to find and mobilize the audience for it.
2. Audiences have more entertainment choices at home than ever before. What do you believe makes people still want to leave home and experience something special together in a movie theater?
Shannah Miller: Because watching something and experiencing something are two different things. At home, you’re half on your phone, the dog needs to go out, someone can interrupt you at any point. In a theatre, you give yourself over to the experience, and you’re doing that alongside a room full of people who chose to be there too.
You hear strangers laugh at the same joke, you feel a room go quiet. I spent the early part of my career in the music business, and it’s the same reason people still buy concert tickets when they can stream the album. The shared moment is what makes it special. Nobody tells their friends about the night they watched something on their couch.
3. With Wildwood and other major theatrical releases and re-releases coming up, what are you most excited about sharing with audiences over the coming months?
Shannah Miller: Two films I’m really proud of. Wildwood, from LAIKA and director Travis Knight, opens nationwide October 23, with a Fan First Screening on October 19 for the fans who’ve been waiting for it. LAIKA makes movies by hand, frame by frame, and that kind of craftsmanship deserves the biggest screen you can find.
Then JIMMY arrives in theatres November 6, right as families start gathering for the holidays. It’s a story based on Jimmy Stewart and how, after winning the Oscar for The Philadelphia Story, he joined the Air Force to fight in World War II. He returned a changed man and didn’t find his way until he landed the role of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life.
This is the kind of film you want to watch with your parents, your kids, your friend group, because you’ll be talking about it on the drive home. Between the two, it’s a great reminder of how different “theatrical” can look and still feel like an event.
4. For families and communities looking for experiences they can enjoy together, what do you hope people take away from a Fathom Entertainment theatrical experience that they can’t get from watching something at home?
Shannah Miller: A memory with a date on it. As a mom, I know how rare it is to get everyone in the same place, off their devices, paying attention to the same thing. A trip to the theatre does that without anyone having to work at it. You get the outing, the popcorn, the anticipation in the lobby, and then you get the conversation afterward. Years later, my son won’t remember what we streamed on a random Tuesday, but he’ll remember the movies we went out to see together. That’s what we’re really offering at Fathom: an opportunity to be together.
The Official Announcement: Shannah Miller’s Next Chapter at Marcus Theatres
The following information is based on the official announcement issued by Marcus Theatres through Business Wire on September 28, 2026.
Marcus Theatres announced the appointment of Shannah Miller as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, effective October 19, 2026. With more than 20 years of experience in entertainment and content distribution, Miller brings experience in marketing strategy, audience development, partnerships, and revenue growth to the position.
Jeff Tomachek, president of Marcus Theatres, welcomed Miller to the company and highlighted her experience connecting audiences with compelling content, increasing brand awareness, and supporting business growth. He also noted the value of her strategic perspective and industry relationships as Marcus Theatres continues to develop its marketing and sales strategies.
Most recently, Miller served as Vice President of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, where she led marketing and communications strategies for the brand and more than 100 theatrical releases annually. Her work covered a wide variety of programming, including anime, music, faith-based programming, repertory films, gaming, sports, and original content.
Before joining Fathom Entertainment, Miller held leadership positions at Atom Tickets and Sony Music, where she led marketing, communications, and partnership initiatives for organizations, entertainment brands, and globally recognized artists.
Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Business Management Certificate from New York University.
Marcus Theatres is a division of Marcus Corporation and operates theaters under the Marcus Theatres, Movie Tavern by Marcus, and BistroPlex brands.
Read the complete official announcement: Marcus Theatres Appoints Shannah Miller Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales
I want to thank Shannah for taking the time to answer our questions and share her thoughts with Greatful Moments. I also appreciate Eric Becker for helping arrange the conversation. One thing that stood out to me was Shannah’s description of a moviegoing experience as “a memory with a date on it.” I love that way of looking at it. We can watch movies at home, but sometimes getting out and doing something together is exactly what a family needs.
As someone who enjoys sharing entertainment, family outings, and experiences readers can enjoy together, I appreciate learning more about the people who help bring these opportunities to audiences. There are so many different kinds of movies and theatrical experiences, and there is something wonderful about finding one that gives everyone a reason to gather.
Shannah, congratulations on your upcoming move to Marcus Theatres. I wish you much success as you begin this next chapter on October 19. I look forward to following your work and seeing what new opportunities and memorable moviegoing experiences lie ahead.
And for our Greatful Moments readers, perhaps this is a little reminder to plan a movie night with someone you love. Pick a film, buy the popcorn, and make a memory you can talk about long after the credits roll. Thank you for stopping by our digital front porch.
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Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
