A startup of well-connected cinema executives is beta testing a database to enable indie films to crack theatrical release. The Fithian Group is providing distribution services to navigate cinema, starting with R-rated romantic comedy “You, Me & Her” hitting screens later this month (movie poster above with key copyline "Don't Make It Weird"). The initiative aims to … [Read more...] about Database Navigates Cinemas for Indie Films
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Marketing Often Exceeds Film Costs
Deadline.com’s annual rankings of film profitability highlights one of oddities of the movie biz. How much one spends on making “the product” — meaning film production cost — frequently has little bearing on profitability and is sometime dwarfed by basic marketing expenses. Universal Pictures spent just $20 million to make cheapie horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s” but … [Read more...] about Marketing Often Exceeds Film Costs
Algorithm Film Data Sinks Sequel
An attempt to mount a sequel to 2001 medieval action-comedy classic “A Knight’s Tale” was scuttled by poor results when Netflix analyzed the concept using its audience data, says a film director involved. Algorithmic data of viewing patterns prompted Netflix to drop the idea. Algorithms are mathematical problem-solving calculations that detect patterns in data. “My … [Read more...] about Algorithm Film Data Sinks Sequel
Imax Shines as Regular Cinema Struggles
The big-format-screen Imax theaters are rebounding nicely from the pandemic and disruptions from Hollywood labor strikes, though the rest of cinema suffers from fewer movies. That snapshot of the cinema business is optimistic. The Imax boom shows audiences are willing to pay a premium for tickets for a premium experience. Consumers want out-of-home entertainment, and not … [Read more...] about Imax Shines as Regular Cinema Struggles
Cinema Ascends, But Still Off-Peak
Domestic boxoffice climbed a healthy 21% in 2023, though that’s still 15% below pre-pandemic levels, in a pattern experienced around the world. Universal Pictures became the top-grossing distributor (major studio), snapping Walt Disney Studio’s seven-year reign. Disney was torpedoed by late-year underperformance of cinema adaptations from its Marvel comics … [Read more...] about Cinema Ascends, But Still Off-Peak
Cinema Forecast: Snap-Back by 2025
Consultancy PwC forecasts that global cinema revenue will surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2025 at a projected $46.6 billion worldwide, compared with $43 billion in 2019. The 2025 figure is the sum of $43 billion in boxoffice (ticket sales) plus another $3.3 billion in on-screen advertising. That’s according to PwC’s mammoth annual “Global Entertainment & Media Outlook” … [Read more...] about Cinema Forecast: Snap-Back by 2025
Ranking Films by Cost Vs. Boxoffice
The original “Avatar” from 2009 is the all-time boxoffice champ with nearly $3 billion in global boxoffice, but data website Information Is Beautiful (IIB) identifies other cinema high achievers using other metrics. The IIB post “What is the Most Successful Hollywood Movie of All Time?” provides hard-to-get business data on the 500 most significant theatrical films going back … [Read more...] about Ranking Films by Cost Vs. Boxoffice
Artificial Intelligence Jolts Marketing
The media-tech industry made an abrupt pivot in recent months embracing artificial intelligence (AI) that is upending movie marketing in data analysis, content creation, and interacting with audiences. Proponents say the computer technology possesses extraordinary capabilities to craft persuasive content and messages of all kinds. AI is the simulation of human intelligence … [Read more...] about Artificial Intelligence Jolts Marketing
Netflix Audiences Emerge From Shadows
Netflix is pouring billions into original TV programming and competition is intensifying, so the leading video streamer is listening more closely to its subscribers. For about a year, Netflix impaneled 2,000 subscribers (out of its 223 million worldwide currently) to give feedback on its original programs in what it calls its Preview Club; this effort will grow to 10,000 … [Read more...] about Netflix Audiences Emerge From Shadows
Cinemark Nabs 1 Mil Loyalty Members
The third-ranked movie theater circuit just reached 1 million accounts for its main loyalty program, a first for any exhibitor-based offer. The customer lists that such loyalty programs generate are potent tools for use in direct marketing to moviegoers. Launched in December 2017, Cinemark Movie Club now has 3,000 members for each of Cinemark 321 theater locations in the … [Read more...] about Cinemark Nabs 1 Mil Loyalty Members