The Weinstein Co. bashes in a “New York Times” advertisement a professional film critic who pans its drama film “Philomena,” which triggered a battle in the press. Film distributor TWC urges readers to see the movie to “Decide For Yourself.” In a lengthy opinion article today, New York Post critic Kyle Smith defends his review. “I found the film lazy, contrived, with a … [Read more...] about Weinstein Aims ‘Philomena’ Beef At Critic
Christian Film Stokes Group-Tix Sales
Documentaries and films with strong appeal to identifiable affinity groups are ideal for cinema group sales, and “Son of God” is a case in point. The 20th Century Fox release appeals to faith-based audience, which is an intense affinity group. Group sales started yesterday—three months before its Feb. 28, 2014, cinema premiere. The PG-13-rated movie is a period drama that … [Read more...] about Christian Film Stokes Group-Tix Sales
Whites Suddenly Boost Black-themed Films
Movies centered on stories about blacks are suddenly doing big box office, which the Hollywood Reporter attributes to white moviegoers increasingly part of their cinema audience. “Never before has such a diverse slate of black-led films performed so well at the box office as they have in recent months,” says the Hollywood Reporter article by Pamela McClintock and Rebecca … [Read more...] about Whites Suddenly Boost Black-themed Films
Disney Bets Big On ‘Frozen’ With App
Walt Disney Studios gave another signal that it expects animated movie “Frozen” will become a durable franchise by creating an application software title for the movie. Most films are so ephemeral, they don’t get apps. The $6.99 retail “Frozen: Storybook Deluxe” app works on iPads and iPhones and is sold via Apple’s iTunes store. “The app is Disney’s third interactive … [Read more...] about Disney Bets Big On ‘Frozen’ With App
Disney Hot On ‘Frozen’ Merchandise
Disney Consumer Products has a big program for licensed merchandise connected with animated movie “Frozen,” which hits theaters Nov. 27. The PG-rated movie is aimed at the kids/family demographic. “Frozen” products include “role-play items, plush stuffed animals, dolls, apparel, home décor (and) books,” says a press release. “With innovative products like Anna and Elsa dolls … [Read more...] about Disney Hot On ‘Frozen’ Merchandise
Research Shuffle for Movie ‘Playability’
A new entrant is shaking up the research niche for evaluating movies once they are in theaters, squeezing incumbent CinemaScore, says a Hollywood Reporter article. This research evaluates what moviegoers think of a movie itself, which is called playability. The THR article by Pamela McClintock notes that “box-office tracking service Rentrak and partner Screen Engine have … [Read more...] about Research Shuffle for Movie ‘Playability’
Slot Machines License ‘Avatar’
I’m going to have to add a new category to the list of movie licensed merchandise—the slot machine! Gambling equipment manufacturer IGT has two slot machines that are movie themed: James Cameron’s Avatar and James Cameron’s Avatar Treasure of Pandora. The slots are “packed with iconic imagery from the film and industry-first innovation. IGT collaborated with Twentieth … [Read more...] about Slot Machines License ‘Avatar’
Horror-film Hits Enchant H’wood
Horror films, which are always part of Hollywood’s ecosystem, are suddenly very hot. The $5 million production of “Insidious: Chapter 2” rolled up about $41 million in domestic box office on its opening weekend of Sept 13-15 for distributor FilmDistrict. “The success of the genre has upended a release calendar that once relegated horror movies to the winter months and … [Read more...] about Horror-film Hits Enchant H’wood
Casual Games Based on Films Become Money Spinners
Casual/mobile games based on movies are morphing from marketing vehicles mostly for promotional lift to money spinners for film companies, according to a Variety story. A case in point is Kabam’s game “The Godfather: Five Families,” which Variety says generated $100 million in sales and “Godfather” licensor Paramount gets a cut. “That’s a stunning result that surprised … [Read more...] about Casual Games Based on Films Become Money Spinners
Honda Drives Outdoor Movie-Theater Rescue
Automaker Honda mounts a big tie-in promotion with drive-in theaters. The car manufacturer roped in film critic Leonard Maltin to host online efforts for Honda’s Save A Drive-In effort and also enlisted Sony Pictures for advanced screenings of animated “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2.” “In less than three months, many of the 368 remaining drive-ins across the U.S. … [Read more...] about Honda Drives Outdoor Movie-Theater Rescue