Demand for tickets to movie premieres spawns black market sales, and four film distributors are cracking down. A New York Post newspaper article says that Disney, NBC/Universal, Sony and Warner Bros. filed a lawsuit against a broker that sells to the general public what are labeled as premiere and Hollywood awards show tickets in VIP packages. The lawsuit by the major … [Read more...] about Four Studios Sue Broker Over Film Premiere Tix
publicity
Filmmaker Controversy Sinks ‘Birth’
Fox Searchlight period slave drama “The Birth of a Nation” premiered to weak box office this weekend amid acclaim, high hopes and scandal. The drama, acquired for a sizeable $17.5 million at the Sundance Film Festival, generated just $7 million in domestic box office its premiere weekend Oct 7-9 with a lackluster $2,105 per screen average. “Birth of a Nation” -- about a … [Read more...] about Filmmaker Controversy Sinks ‘Birth’
The Fall of ‘Saint Angelina’ (Jolie)
With the Brangelina "brand" in tatters, the New York Post published an informative dissection of how actress Angelina Jolie constantly reinvents herself and her divorce from Brad Pitt blows up one of her incarnations. “Jolie carved her own niche, controlled her own narrative, and it was impossible to look away,” notes New York Post journalist Maureen Callahan. But with her … [Read more...] about The Fall of ‘Saint Angelina’ (Jolie)
ABC TV Extends Oscar Telecasts to 2028
ABC Television expanded its contract to broadcast the Oscars to the year 2028 and that telecast is a money machine grossing an estimated $70 million-plus. From that, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences pockets tens of millions of dollars in rights fees from ABC Television. ABC’s contract was scheduled to expire in 2020; the TV broadcaster that is owned by Walt … [Read more...] about ABC TV Extends Oscar Telecasts to 2028
AFI Controversy Exposes Divide About Cinema Studies
A debate about leadership at the famed AFI Conservatory cinema and TV school brings out student comments complaining bitterly about the worth of degrees in film schools and what students should expect -- and not expect. In this post, I’m looking at those tangential issues in the controversy surrounding AFI Film school dean Jan Schuette, who some faculty want fired (AFI is the … [Read more...] about AFI Controversy Exposes Divide About Cinema Studies
Hollywood Piles Into L.A. Billboards
Outdoor billboards in Los Angeles hold a special place for Hollywood. Such outdoor advertising signage is sometimes almost personal with the industry talking to the broader industry and is supercharged in awards season touting talent, movies and TV shows for kudos. “Many Hollywood advertisers view outdoor as a ‘reminder’ medium, playing a supportive role in campaigns that … [Read more...] about Hollywood Piles Into L.A. Billboards
Heineken Gets ‘Spectre’ Star Craig in Commercial
'Spectre' movie actor Daniel Craig appears in a Heineken beer video commercial that promotes upcoming James Bond spy thriller, which Sony Pictures will premiere domestically Nov. 6. “The Heineken spot will be launched mobile-first via Facebook, and will be shown on TV and cinema screens worldwide 24 hours later,” says a press release from the brewer. “Heineken is the only … [Read more...] about Heineken Gets ‘Spectre’ Star Craig in Commercial
‘Blart 2’ Ties Segway Record to Premiere
Sony Pictures orchestrated a publicity stunt at the premiere for “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” by drumming up two Guinness World Records firsts connected to the Segway personal transport vehicles seen in the movie. The publicity stunt was incorporated in the red-carpet premiere for the PG-rated youth comedy movie, which hits theaters next Friday. record, which yields some breadth … [Read more...] about ‘Blart 2’ Ties Segway Record to Premiere
‘Furious 7’ Flogs Social Media
The car-crazed movie “Furious 7” is riding high in social media, including the clout of its stars, for what is projected as a huge opening. Trade news website Deadline.com says that “film’s social-media outreach has been through the roof. RelishMix cites the “Fast & Furious” brand as the most social in terms of reach and engagement combined. ‘Furious … [Read more...] about ‘Furious 7’ Flogs Social Media
Sponsor’s Nightmare: Star Publicly Trashes Brand
It's every corporate sponsor's nightmare: A Hollywood star tarnishes the brand in a speech at an event underwritten by the sponsor. At the Film Independent Spirit Awards, actor Paul Thomas Anderson ripped American Airlines while accepting an honor from the podium. American Airlines is a Spirit Awards sponsor. "Don't fly American Airlines, man," Anderson said while accepting … [Read more...] about Sponsor’s Nightmare: Star Publicly Trashes Brand