Here’s a terrific factoid we picked up from B&C this morning: According to Richard Plepler, HBO’s CEO, 40% of HBO’s subscribers ONLY watch the channel’s theatrical releases, and not any of HBO’s award-winning original programming.

And fully 78% of ALL viewing on HBO comes from watching theatrical features. Said Plepler: “While original programming obviously takes up an enormous amount of the cultural halo for HBO, don’t forget the power of theatrical movies.”

Plepler made his remarks at an event called the International Council at the Paley Center for Media in New York City.

Plepler also spoke about HBO’s upcoming over-the-top service. According to the B&C article, Plepler “reiterated his stand that the premium network’s play to offer its broadband HBO Go service to non-HBO subscribers will not cannibalize its customer base.

Said Plepler: “I don’t think it’s cannibalistic at all. … We’re going to have a big business with [MSOs] and we’re going to have a big business with new partners.”

B&C adds: “In fact, Plepler argues that since most consumers around the country get their Internet service from their cable companies, those operators would only serve to benefit. ‘Who controls the broadband pipes in the U.S.? Our distributors,’ he said. ‘There is gold in the hills, let’s go get it together … its your money too.’ He estimated there are roughly 10-15 million homes that are broadband only.”

Richard Plepler