The "Matrix" example was a good one. Probably a noteable movie among downloaders (ie. college students, mostly male) that they will not see in the future. Enjoy Wolverine and Daredevil!!

The argument that people wouldn't go see most films that they have downloaded versions of doesn't hold very well.

I'd say that out of a random selection of 10 decent movies of interest to the downloader in release in theatres over a span of a few months, that downloader would make the trip to see at least thalf of those and probably wait for a rental for the other half.

I don't think that 'piracy' kills the business. The business itself failed to recognize the importance of new technology and possible revenue streams. Fortunately there are some companies (iTunes, youtube music ads) recognizing this change and profiting from it by providing excellent service for their customers.

Cinema isn't dead, quite the contrary, maybe the period of (questionable) block busters is drawing to a close. The desperation of the big studios suggest it, as can be seen in the tremendous marketing campaigns right from (or before) the start to put a movie in the best possible position (or schedule slot for that matter).
Cinema itself becomes ever more diverse and there are many movies / films available now that were not possible to make in the last century (e.g. Paranormal Activity).

People who download a lot, consume a lot and pay a lot for media. As recent studies show this is true for music and most likely for movies too. Cinema is surely not dead but changing.

Pirates have hijacked the definition of 'share'. If you're sharing something with your friend, you are deprived of it for the time that it remains in his/her possession. I very much doubt that's the kind of sharing you're referring to.

"What if I buy a Big Mac and make one on my own using the exact same ingredients/recipe at home? If you use your cell phone camera on the subway and accidentally get my voice on it, can I sue you if you upload it to YouTube? These aren't great examples but you get the idea."

You're right, those aren't great examples, unless you're planning to shoot your own versions of films you see in the cinema or start trying to charge a license fee for your voice.

"2. It's highly unlikely that you can fight piracy — wasted resources like the "war on on drugs." Find new ways to make/save money instead of throwing the book at a single-mom."

What you say about the impossibility of 'the war on piracy' is true, but it's interesting that you pull out the sympathy-drawing example of a single mom when the vast majority of pirates are closer to college students who want a lot of music and movies without having to pay.

"Also, execs need to realize that people often steal movies they would not have otherwise paid to see in a theater. So it's not actually hurting their bottom line as much as they think. Also, that means people's tastes become more adventurous…which can open up new opportunities film-wise."

What's the point in financing adventurous and strange films if no-one wants to pay for them?

What if I buy a Big Mac and make one on my own using the exact same ingredients/recipe at home? If you use your cell phone camera on the subway and accidentally get my voice on it, can I sue you if you upload it to YouTube? These aren't great examples but you get the idea.

2. It's highly unlikely that you can fight piracy — wasted resources like the "war on on drugs." Find new ways to make/save money instead of throwing the book at a single-mom.

Also, execs need to realize that people often steal movies they would not have otherwise paid to see in a theater. So it's not actually hurting their bottom line as much as they think. Also, that means people's tastes become more adventurous…which can open up new opportunities film-wise.

Yeah, because everyone had to pay to see the film in the cinema and cinema attendance was much more regular.

You fucking moron.

This is patented bullshit, friend. Totally, 100% untrue, completely unsupportable, and naive wishful thinking.