Release windows for theatrical and video-on-demand in the streaming age are unsettled, suddenly experiencing significant upheaval across the globe. An animated Disney film skips theatrical in France (see accompanying “Strange World” image) to go straight to Disney+ streaming. And a separate Apple TV+ deal for a Brad Pitt movie reportedly incorporates an unprecedented … [Read more...] about New Streaming Deals Upend Status Quo
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Studios Squeeze Cinemas on Blockbusters
A little-understood aspect of cinema booking contracts is that a larger percentage of boxoffice revenue is allocated to the Hollywood major studios as a blockbuster film climbs into the stratosphere. The result is that the financial benefits of outsized hits disproportionately go into the pockets of major-studio distributors, and less so to theaters. Hey all you “meme” small … [Read more...] about Studios Squeeze Cinemas on Blockbusters
Roblox Virtualizes ‘In the Heights’
Roblox, which is the online game platform with multiple storefronts, hosts a multimedia “block party” for musical romance “In the Heights" creating a movie promotion set in a virtual world. Warner Bros. Pictures will premiere PG-13-rated “In the Heights” in theaters June 11. A press release says the Launch Party brings music, dance, and Latin American culture together in a … [Read more...] about Roblox Virtualizes ‘In the Heights’
‘Harry Potter’ Mobile Game Casting ‘Spells’
Warner Bros. Interactive licensed a Harry Potter casual game to Zynga, giving the literary and movie property digital merchandise to keep consumers engaged in the wizards and magic world. The basic game is titled “Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells.” Says a press release, “Featuring the soundtrack and voice-over recordings from the original ‘Harry Potter’ films, fans follow … [Read more...] about ‘Harry Potter’ Mobile Game Casting ‘Spells’
New Media Alone Can’t Open Films
Pundits sing the praises of relying on digital media to market theatrical films and Walt Disney Studios just hired a new media guru who designed digital-media-only marketing campaigns for corporate clients. But experience has proven to date it’s suicidal to diminish or downplay ad spending in key traditional media of TV. “Few films have become hits in the US based on digital … [Read more...] about New Media Alone Can’t Open Films
Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
The mammoth annual Comic-Con International gathering of sci-fi aficionados in San Diego is treated as a sure-fire barometer for later reception in cinemas. But a “New York Times “article takes a fun--and realistic--view of movie marketing opportunities. “The four-day convention, which begins on July 22, will be host to what has become an obligatory parade of filmmakers and … [Read more...] about Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
Decline in Game Adaptations of Films
Video game software companies are backing away from adaptations of theatrical films because of short timelines in Hollywood and poor sales of some movie titles, says the “Los Angeles Times.” That’s particularly true for mainstream game cartridges for console video games, which are the rich end of the video game spectrum. Game adaptations require rushed production, which has … [Read more...] about Decline in Game Adaptations of Films
‘Transmedia’ Credit for Cross-Platform Role
A quasi-marketing function is getting some respect at the Producer Guild of America! The PGA just approved a screen credit for “Transmedia Producer.” “As technology evolves, it’s no longer adequate to think of a project as simply a television show or a movie,” PGA President Marshall Herskovitz says in a press release announcing the new screen credit. “We now understand … [Read more...] about ‘Transmedia’ Credit for Cross-Platform Role
Oscars Rap Producer for Electioneering
An inexperienced Hollywood producer’s campaigning for his Oscar nominee ran afoul of Academy Award regulations because he instructed colleagues to minimize voting for “Avatar” so his film “The Hurt Locker” could win Best Picture. Nicolas Chartier, one of four nominated producers for Best Picture nominee “The Hurt Locker” and whose main contribution was money, sent emails to … [Read more...] about Oscars Rap Producer for Electioneering