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Thursday, March 07, 2024

Oh No! Not Another Hollywood Workers Strike

 Yes, it may happen again this summer, another Hollywood union strike - this time the movie crews. The International Brotherhood of the Teamsters' contract expires on July 31st and already the issues surrounding the negotiations are heating up. 

O'Brien at Teamsters' Solidarity Rally on 3/3/24

In a recent rally, more than 2,000 film crew members gathered to pledge their support for a strike if their demands are not met by the film producers. "We are not afraid to strike, says Sean O'Brien, President of the Teamsters, "if these greedy corporations - whether it's Amazon, Netflix, Sony, or Disney - if they choose not to reward our members, they are putting themselves on strike. We will put them on their backs, on their knees, begging for mercy."

O'Brien built a national reputation in dealing with UPS and FedEx last year. This year's negotiations, with the Hollywood film producers and streamers, will focus on wage increases and quality of life issues (hours worked, meals, and turnaround times). At 1.3 million strong and with an additional 500,000 retired (but active members) the Teamsters have a lot of clout. And, O'Brien has told them that they will need "to put their helmets on in this battle with Hollywood".

The movie industry is still recuperating from the impact of last summer's strikes which brought movie production to standstill and is still not at full strength.

I'm hoping a peaceful settlement will be made and a shut-down avoided, the industry, particularly the exhibition side of the business, can ill afford another strike. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Will the Real Alexi Navalny Please Stand-up

 In 2022, a documentary film entitled 'Navalny, won an Oscar for Best Documentary Film. The film depicted the latter part of the life of Alexi Navalny, the Russian politician and opposition Party leader to Russian President Putin.

Navalny died last Friday while incarcerated in a Russian penal colony. He was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism, he was 47. His official cause of death was determined to be sudden death syndrome. 

Navalny was considered to be one of Vladimir Putin's major political critics and had been so since the early 2000's. In 2021, after returning to Russia from the U.S. (where he had been residing) he was tried and imprisoned.

In the U.S. and Western nations, Navalny was considered to be an anti-Kremlin and outspoken Putin adversary who wanted to enact reforms against a corrupt Russian government. This viewpoint is what is portrayed in the 2022 documentary, which begins after Navalny was poisoned and returned to Russia for trial. The film premiered at the Sundance Festival and then went on to win an Oscar.


Navalny's wife, speaking at the Oscar presentation.

But. there is more to this story. It's a bit more complicated. The Western press would have us believe that Navalny was a great anti-hero and political activist who spent his life as a crusader for the Russian people. Since 2005, Navalny was active in anti-government protests within Russia, primarily in Moscow. Then, in 2013 he received a suspended sentence for embezzlement of political contributions. He then ran for the mayoral race in Moscow and placed second. In 2014 he received another suspended sentence for embezzlement.

Navalny (on left) attending the Yale World Fellows Training Program

In 2010, Navalny received a scholarship to Yale University's World Fellows Program, an instruction program which teaches individuals how to get elected and govern in foreign countries. Navalny's scholarship to the Program was sponsored and funded by the U.S Central Intelligence Agency. After he finished his work at the WFP he returned to Russia and ran for Mayor of Moscow. The general plan was to get Navalny elected Mayor and use that office as a stepping-stone for higher office, mainly the Presidency. It seems there was no plan B. 

It seems illogical that Putin, who has a 90% approval rating would bother with Navalny let alone have him killed - he just wasn't that big a threat. 

During the 2020 U.S. Presidential race Navalny endorsed Bernie Sanders; however, he has always been a fervent anti-immigrationist and was widely known to despise the Muslim community in Chechnya. His campaigns were, for the most part, funded by post-Soviet capitalists and, more than likely, the CIA; however, his support within Russia is vastly overstated by Western governments and the press - as his popular support was only about 3%.

Obviously, his death was unexpected, but it had been reported earlier this year that Navalny had decided to go on a hunger strike as he wanted to be transferred to a less secure and better located prison and he was in poor health since being poisoned. 

Like many sagas, the Navalny story will really never be fully aired. Conspiracies will develop and misinformation and disinformation will shroud the truth.


By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corporation




Friday, February 09, 2024

Akira Kurosawa: The Greatest Filmmaker EVER

 


Akira Kurosawa is by far my favorite filmmaker, with Stanley Kubrick a distance second. 

Kurosawa made a crime drama in 1963 called 'High and Low', which is being reimagined by Spike Lee and Denzel Washington with shooting scheduled to start next month. 'High and Low' was based upon a novel called King's Ransom by Ed McBain, which Kurosawa turned into a classic film which starred Toshiro Mifune as a wealthy man in ruin after paying the ransom for a kidnapping. 

Spike Lee, like so many other filmmakers, has voiced his admiration for Kurosawa, saying "my 1986 comedy 'She's Gotta Have It' was highly influenced by Kurosawa's film 'Rashomon'."

Kurosawa's works have been remade over and over and used as the foundation for many outright classic films and franchises, and even film genres over the last seven decades. For example, in 2022, the 'Living', which starred Bill Nighy (who received an Oscar nomination his performance) was based upon Kurosawa's 1952 film 'Ikiru' - a story about a terminally ill government bureaucrat on a search to find the meaning of his life. 


The Spike Lee/Densel Washington's 'High and Low' remake will be released theatrically before being streamed on Apple+. Densel's latest film, 'Equalizer 3', grossed just shy of $200 million globally but he is adamant that there will be no Equalizer 4 for him. The word is there may be a prequel to the Equalizer franchise based upon how Robert McCall began the equalizer. At the moment, Densel is working on the sequel 'Gladiator 2', in which he co-stars - this to be released in 2025. 

Lee and Washington agree on remake of 'High and Low.'

Note on Akira Kurosawa (1910 - 1988)

Kurosawa directed 30 films and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers in cinematic history. From his first acclaimed film, 'Drunken Angel' (1948) to his last 'Ran' in (1985) each can be viewed as a masterpiece in its own way.

The 'Seven Samuri' was the foundation for the classic Western 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'A Fistful of Dollars' was based entirely on Kurosawa's 'Yojimbo' (the bodyguard) which Sergio Leone only made minor changes to the original. While 'The Hidden Fortress' was the basis for the Star Wars saga, as George Lucas has openly attested to. 

In fact, many past and present filmmakers have stated they were highly influenced and revered Kurosawa, including Lucas, Spielberg, Coppola, Bergman, Fellini, Polanski, Lumet, Kubrick, Altman, and the list goes on. 

Akira Kurosawa is the goat (greatest-of-all-time) filmmaker, and you should seek out his works to view and enjoy. My favorite is 'Dreams'


By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.





Thursday, February 08, 2024

Why Hollywood is Falling Apart... It's Not a Lack of Moviegoers

It appears most moviegoers just want to be entertained.

Pre-pandemic, Hollywood was flourishing. The box office was awash with blockbusters which were making oodles of cash even though they were mainly composed of sequels, remakes, or franchise add-ons.

Flash forward to the present - what happened?  It seems as though the rug was pulled from under the box office. For one thing, during Covid, streaming became a major player in how people consumed entertainment making it now the main source of viewing all forms of entertainment - from sports to movies. But, more importantly, the new, so-called, blockbusters are not at the level of quality that they once were, therefore, moviegoers now wait and stream these 'lesser quality' films at home.

Empty cinemas are a reflection of poor-quality content, and not movie attendance or price. Franchise films were the bread-and-butter for Hollywood but now the majority of franchise films have been on a decline in quality or are too long in release between episodes, i.e. the Avatar movies. 

There currently exists a disconnect between Hollywood executives and audiences. Films keep getting made that audiences do not want. For example, Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' - a remake of a not too great film that had a price tag of $150 million plus marketing and grossed only $59 million. 

Hollywood is plagued by what is called, 'upward failure'. The past is not an indicator for the future in films. What once worked will not work now! Today, audiences are a much harder sell. There has been a shift in audience preferences and Hollywood hasn't reacted or recognize this moviegoer sea-change. For example, A-list actors can't carry a poorly made and constructed movie - audiences won't have it.

The Political Factor

                                 Hollywood has started to get the message from moviegoers.

Like it or not politics has invaded Hollywood. There is an obsession that major films be progressive socially to the point of absurdism. Moviegoers don't want to be preached at or given messages that have no place in the movie being viewed. And these films garner poorer and poorer box office returns.

Gender and race swapping characters for no apparent reason other than trying to push a social agenda is something the film industry is embracing, and it needs to recognize that this doesn't work.

Hollywood has forgotten that escapism is the driving force for most movies that people want to view at a cinema. Audiences want to be taken to another place for 2-3 hours. They want to leave the real world behind and be mesmerized by a great story with great characters and great visuals and sound. 

Now, films are heavily and senselessly politicized, and audiences aren't stupid - they know when political messages and social dictates are infused into a film, and they don't like or condone it.

However, according to Hollywood insiders, it appears that audiences are to blame when a woke product flops - and not the studio, the cast, or filmmakers. Hollywood has reached a point where they don't see film making as an art but view it as a business. That's a mistake. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment, Corp.



Monday, January 29, 2024

Weird Academy Awards Fact

 

Brennan with Gary Cooper in 'The Westerner"

Walter Brennan is the only actor ever to have won three Oscars within a five-year period. Best known for playing grumpy old-men characters, Brennan was a great actor who commanded the roles he played and had the ability of stealing a scene even when playing opposite A-list actors.

His career spanned over five decades and included acting in comedies to dramas. From classic oaters like Rio Bravo, and The Westerner, his gravelly voice was easily recognized, and he sometimes acted without has teeth (his were knocked out in a fight). He also had the ability to play different ages of characters - from old men to young types. 

Another first for Brennan is that he was the very first actor to receive a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, which he received in 1937 for his role in Come and Get It. His second Oscar was awarded in 1938 for his role in Kentucy, in which he played an old grouch (which he carried throughout his career). His third Oscar can in 1940 for his role in The Westerner opposite Gary Cooper, where he played a villainous Judge Roy Bean.


Now, back in the day, extras were allowed to vote for Oscar recipients, and Brennan (who worked as an extra and knew many of them) perhaps earned favorite son votes. However, over his long career he is universally regarded as of a one of Hollywood's greatest character actors. And he still remains the only actor to have won three Best Supporting Oscars.

Brennan played a staggering, 230 feature films or TV shows. Several of which were: To Have an have Not, Red River, Bad Day at Black Rock, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Support Your Local Sheriff.

Note: after receiving his third Oscar win, the Academy changed its voting rules and extras were no longer qualified to vote. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.






Thursday, January 25, 2024

My 2024 Oscar Picks

 


It's always fun to guess which films will win at the Oscars and 2024 is going to be difficult. There were no really clear winners, and the selection was very limited...but here goes.

Best Picture - 'Oppenheimer'

Best Director - Chris Nolan - 'Oppenheimer'

Best Actor - Paul Giamatti - 'The Holdovers' (this is my real outlier)

Best Actress - Lily Gladstone - 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Best Supporting Actor - Robert Downey Jr. - 'Oppenheimer'

Best Supporting Actress - America Ferrera - 'Barbie'

Best Animated Feature - 'Elemental'

Best Documentary - '20 Days in Mariupol'

Best Original Song - Scott George - 'A Song for My People' - 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Visual Effects - 'Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning #1'

Of course, there are always the films that were overlooked or snubbed for one reason or another,

those films were:

  • Super Mario Bros.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol3
  • Fast X
  • Wonka
  • Sound of Freedom

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.




Saturday, January 13, 2024

Where Do You Get Your NEWS?


Most don't get their news from the so-called mainstream networks.

 I don't normally go off course and write about non-cinema topics, but I came across a review of cable and broadcast news shows' statistics which astounded me. These stats came from the latest issue of 'Broadcasting + Cable Multichannel News', a trade publication of the broadcast/cable TV industry.

The title of the article, 'News Insights, Fall 2023', detailed the total cable/broadcast news networks' viewership. To my surprise, this entire segment totaled only 9.81% of all linear TV network watch-time. 

The network rankings were as follows:

  1. Fox News - 4.54%
  2. MSNBC - 1.99%
  3. CNN - 1.72%
  4. Newsmax TV - 0.57%
  5. CNBC - 0.38%
  6. Fox Business - 0.33%
  7. NewsNation - 0.22%
  8. CSPAN - 0.06%

What this tells you is that people are not getting their news from broadcast or cable the majority of the time. They simply do not watch news programming or (which is most likely the case) get it from the internet. I can surely attest to this fact, as I do not watch any of the above listed shows. I fact, when I thought about it, I get most of my news from webinars, podcasts, or online sources, such as YouTube and Twitter.

The golden age of news programming is over, replaced by marginal news operations, which in many cases do not represent news or investigative reporting but a mirror of what the political parties decide what is newsworthy and what is not. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.


Friday, January 12, 2024

Mega-Monsters Are Back



Classic movie monsters such as Godzilla, Gamera and King Kong are back and generating both movie admissions and TV/streaming media viewership. 

The sci-fi monsters originating from the 1950s Japanese cinema are back in a big way as they decimate humanity with huge destructive powers. Today's audiences are still being thrilled by these monsters which through the use of today's special effects are more real than ever before. 

Shows like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and series like Skull Island and Gamera Rebirth are very popular on streaming media. 

Sci-fi author Richard Newby thinks, "These monsters have such a lasting impact because that they are born out of tragedy and a fear of the future. The current shape of the world requires a lot of contemplation - these monsters work really well as metaphors."

Many of the current monsters have a brand, they are known throughout the world from their classic Japanese origins in films from the 1950s and 60s. Termed Kaiju, which is the term given to the subgenre of sci-fi films specific to giant monsters - Godzilla, Mothra, and Rodan are tattooed into the history of cult-classic film characters. Not to mention, King Kong, which started in the 1930s and has been remade more times than any other movie character. 

These classic monsters are now being introduced to a new audience which are seeking thrills and escapism as their grandparents and parents did decades ago. For example, Netflix has secured the rights to the Japanese produced animated series Gamera Rebirth, which resurrects the fire-breathing prehistoric amphibian first seen in 1965 in the black and white film Gamera, the Giant Monster. And Pluto TV launched a 24-hour Godzilla channel (with 27 original Godzilla movies).

Godzilla remains the preeminent fan favorite. The recent film, Godzilla Minus One, set an opening U.S. box office record for a live-action Japanese release at $11 million. 

Look for Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire, at your local cinema which has a scheduled March release.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.



Tuesday, January 09, 2024

Real War Games & Sci-fi Writers

 


For years, governments have hired sci-fi writers to prognosticate military and defense scenarios. For example, last year the U.K. Ministry of Defense contracted sci-fi writers Peter Singer and August Cole to compose eight stories about possible national threats that could emerge over the next 20 years. 

In France, the 'Red Team', a group of futuristic writers were hired to propose imaginary conflict situations for the French military.

Good sci-fi writing is based upon comprehensive and deep research and then draws possible scenarios on the ways to resolve future potential problems. For example, what would occur should China invade Taiwan over the next 10 years based upon the technologies that are now being developed for future military use?


The past has shown that unanticipated threats can turn into reality, and sci-fi writers often do predict the future particularly when it deals with military/defense strategies. 

Recently, Antonio Tajani, Italy's Foreign Minister proposed the formation of a combined EU army as an expansion of NATO ability to defend Europe - from internal and external threats. This idea had been previously called for by French President Macron and former German President Merkel and was spawned by sci-fi contractors. An EU army would ease dependence on the U.S. military, bolster NATO's status globally, and be a deterrence regarding internal strife and terrorism. 

There is no doubt that defense and military capabilities are at the top of all developed and most developing counties long-term agendas - and we can be sure that sci-fi writers have had their input duly noted in any strategic planning that takes place. 

By: Jim Lavorato, President, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Monday, January 08, 2024

2023 - A Quick Recap

 


The 2023 box office totaled out at $9bn with two films, 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' accounting for 10% of that total. I would look for 'Oppenheimer' to win big at the award shows.

The global box office finalized at a whopping 30.5% increase over 2022, and although still below pre-COVID levels 2023 was a significant improvement over the prior year.

For the first time in 7 years, Disney was dethroned as the top box office generator and was replaced by Universal - which released 24 features and earned $1.94bn of the $9bn North American box office total.

Universal's big winners included: 'Mario Bros.', 'Fast X', 'Five Nights at Freddy's', ' The Exorcist', and 'Knock at the Cabin' - and, of course 'Oppenheimer'. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.




Saturday, December 23, 2023

Where Are the Blockbusters?

 If you are a movie theater owner, Hollywood is a major disappoint this Christmas and you will have to resort to other content to earn some bank at the box-office.

Many independent cinema operators are screening old Christmas movies to make up for the shortfall in first run films and are getting solid box-office gate. 




Movie theaters are getting 75-125 admissions for 'A Christmas Story', 'Nightmare Before Christmas', and 'Home Alone 1 and 2' on weekday nights vs. 20 or so admissions for current Hollywood movies. It proves that moviegoers want to view the old films on the big screen once again.

There are no blockbusters this Christmas. Disney lost its groove by embracing wokism and political correctness. TV isn't doing any better as late-night talk shows have completely lost their audience and don't address any current social issues in comic fashion for fear of hurting anyone feelings. 

The Biden Administration's many problems and incompetence are not addressing these, and other issues and they should be. Then there is the ancillary issue of concert ticketing. Two bills were introduced in congress last week which are intended to curb excesses in the ticketing market. The "Fans First Act" is intended to curb illegal ticket sites and make the process more transparent. Will this work, NO!

Streaming and a slew of podcasters and individuals with their own online channels have upended the media conglomerates as consumers turn away from mainstream entertainment. Look for new alliances and mergers and shared content between the major entertainment companies, as they try to stymie the current trend away from big media and entertainment. 

As for independent movie operators, they will need to go their own way in 2024. What works for your cinema and what your patrons demand is very different then the past. And don't count on Hollywood to fill the box-office void and fill seats. 

By: Jim Lavorato

Monday, December 18, 2023

What the 2024 Movie Box-office Will Be?

What will the 2024 box-office be?

Both Hollywood and movie theater owners expect a lackluster $8 billion film gate next year. Due principally to this year's protracted script writers and film actors labor strikes - which curtailed production of on-going projects. This pushed a number of blockbuster potentials into 2025. 

For this year the box-office should end up at around $8.9 billion, or about $1 billion higher than is anticipated for 2024, which has a very lean release schedule. A number of 'big' films were rescheduled and will now be released in 2025. These include: 'Mission Impossible', 'Captain America', 'Snow White', and 'Spider Man'. 'Blade', and 'Dirty Dancing' were also shuffled into '25. 

Per-covid, the box-office was humming along at an $11 billion annual clip. However, since 2000 consumers have gotten much more selective given the vast quantity of entertainment content now available to them. But they will come out for quality films that suit their tastes, look at 'Oppenheimer' and 'Sound of Freedom'.

I don't expect 2024 to be that catastrophic. As films like, 'Dead Pool', the Bob Marley biopic 'One Love', 'Inside Out 2', 'Despicable Me 4', 'Furiosa', 'Karate Kid' and others should fair pretty well. Also, films, such as 'Back to Black' the Amy Winehouse biopic and 'Wolf Man' will fill in the gaps.

By: Jim Lavorato, CMG Author

2023's Most Searched For Movies

 

Most Google searched film in 2023 - Barbie

With 2023 quickly drawing to a close, I thought it would be interesting to see which films garnered the most Google searches* during the year. It appears The Hollywood Reporter had the same idea. Anyway, here's the list:

#1 Barbie - the most searched movie for 2023. 

#2 Oppenheimer - a close runner-up to Barbie

#3 Jawan - a Bollywood production, this film received tens of millions of searches in India alone.

#4 Sound of Freedom - a political thriller and 2023's biggest box-office sleeper grossing over $215 million. 

#5 John Wick: Chapter 4 - searches galore for the 4th Wick installment.

#6 Avatar: Way of the Water - technically a 2022 release the film screened in late December, but continued to get searched throughout January 2023, as fans flocked to the 3D version.

#7 Everything Everywhere All at Once - this quirky indie film won multiple Oscars and was heavily searched pre and post release.

* Per Google Trends which also tracks user searches on YouTube.


By: Jim Lavorato, CGM Author - sponsored by Entertainment Equipment Corp.


'Wonka' Kills It at the Box Office

 This holiday gift to movie theaters is 'Wonka'. Based upon the characters in Roald Dahl's 1964 novel 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Wonka' is a musical that hit the ground running at the box-office - raking in over $151 million in its first three days.

The co-star of the movie, Calah Lane, is only 14 and in her debut movie role kills it. Along, with Timothee Chalamet, who plays Willie Wonka, Lane credits him for helping her on set and, she admits, learned a lot from her co-star. 

Calah Lane, debuts in 'Wonka'

Having a chocolatier on set, who made all the confections each day for the filming, made for a lot of chocolate consumption for Calah during the film. 

Look for Calah in future films she is a great talent: sings, acts, and dances.


Saturday, December 02, 2023

Anya Taylor-Joy Will Be Movie A-lister

 At 27, Anya Taylor-Joy began her acting career just 10 years ago and has already amassed a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and the Cannes Trophe'e Choppard Awards. To that add, nominations for a BAFTA Film Actor Award and an Emmy.

Joy in "The Queen's Gambit"

A dual U.S. and British citizen, I first saw her acting ability on a Netflix series, "The Queens Gambit", where she portrayed a girl/woman who works her way up the competitive world of chess to become the world champ. She is not only talented but has a unique 'look'.

In a big switch from her prior roles, Anya will be co-staring in the film: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", a prequel to the 2015 blockbuster, "Mad Max Fury Road", which starred Charlize Theron as Furiosa.

Taylor-Joy as Furiosa 

Thus far, Anya's career has been nothing short of spectacular and all under the radar of the Hollwood glitterati. She has made it a point to take on complex, and unusual, female roles. To her credit, she has turned down many roles which she felt were not appropriate for her. "Whenever I've gotten offers for girlfriend roles, I've sent them back. Being like, "Eh?" "Why?".  

Set to hit cinemas on May 24, 2024, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" will be a very different look at Anya Taylor-Joy, and I predict she'll kill-it.

Look for her to become one of the biggest stars, in not only films, but mass entertainment worldwide.


By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

Friday, November 24, 2023

Netflix Goes Retail

In the works for some time, Netflix will soon be debuting its first two retail locations. Where or of what size these outlets will be has not yet been announced. All that is known is that the 'centers' will serve food and drink, sell merch, and feature "immersive" activities based on Netflix hit shows and films, like "Squid Game".

Netflix Pop-up featuring 'Stranger Things' show.

 This is a good marketing tactic by Netflix. The outlets are essentially vehicles to bolster the brand and cement fan engagement.

Netflix has been deliberate in this effort. To date, they have launched over 40 pop-up sites to test market the concept. Called "Netflix Bites", besides concession, these sites offered fans of various original shows the ability to compete in games. For example, in the Squid Challenge, over a 70-minute timeframe, participants were presented with six challenges to solve. Tickets started at $39. Also offered were exclusive merch based upon original shows and films.

Pop up 'Netflix Bites'

These trial stores were very successful and fulfilled the goal of supporting the Netflix brand.

In a final note, as of October 1st, Netflix officially ended its DVD mailing business, which it ran for over 25 years. As a final gesture to customers, those that had DVD were allowed to keep them.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Want Less Sex in Movies, says GenZ'ers

 A poll, conducted by UCLA found that Americans between the ages of 12-24 want to see less sex on screen at movie theaters, in streaming content, and on TV shows. 


51% polled said they would like to see less sex, while 48% said, "sex isn't needed" for most movies and TV shows. 44% felt sex and romance were overused, with most saying they would never go on an on-line date. Even more revealing was that 56% preferred to watch original stories vs. adaptions, remakes, and sequels.

Other finding from the study:

  • Racial stereotypes were intensely disliked.
  • Surprise, GenZ'ers believe social media is "authentic" with TikTok considered the most authentic platform. Even though TikTok delivered more disinformation than any other platform.
  • Favorite stories were those "where people beat the odds" and "people with lives like their own".
According to Psychology Today, GenZ'ers are having much less sex than prior generations and with fewer partners. It's a good and bad situation. Gratuitous sex is probably not necessary to the plot of many films and TV shows. To my mind, if the sexual content is relevant to the story being told than find, if not, then it should be excluded. How graphic the sex scenes are is to the film maker and again does it fit the narrative.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corporation, EECcinema.com

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

Is the Movie Intermission Back?

Like everything, the cinema moves in cycles. Genre's change, themes come and go, moviemaking evolves, as does viewership. One of the traditions of viewing entertainment is the intermission.

It's a good thing, bring it back.

Intermissions or commercial breaks are commonplace in live theater, operas, sporting events, even concerts, but the tradition of intermission at cinemas has faded over time. 

In the 1950's going to the movies was to see a double feature. Two movies screened back-to-back. With an intermission between features. But the movies back then were only 90-120 minutes. Those that were longer, had an intermission. 

Today, many movies hit the three-hour mark - some even hit and exceed the 200-minute mark. This makes for a very uncomfortable audience, to the extent that it may preclude them from going to the cinema and waiting to view (stream) the film at home where they can pause or stop the presentation as they wish.

Now, some cinemas are experimenting with bring back the intermission and it seems to be a win-win for the exhibitor and the moviegoer. 


Vue Cinemas, a UK theater chain, brough back the intermission recently for the screening of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (which is 206 minutes long). The intermission is 15 minutes long which provides patrons the opportunity to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and purchase concession. 

Tim Richards, Vue CEO

"Our recent analysis shows that customers would like to see the return of intermissions, with 74% positive feedback. There aren't many events left where you're sitting in one spot for several hours", says Tim Richards, Vue's chief executive. 

This move, I believe, is necessary given the overlong runtimes of more and more films. The Batman, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Oppenheimer come to mind - which all hit the three-hour mark.

Directors of these films, and they are hitting the silver screen with more frequency, defend the long runtimes as required to 'tell' the story...and they're right. Most of the highest grossing films in history fall between the two- and three-hour range (Titanic, Gone With the Wind, Ben-Hur, Godfather II) Now, even superhero franchises routinely hit the 140–150-minute mark.

So, it's not surprising that audiences want the intermission brought back. This 'tradition' is more considerate to the cinemagoer and might very well lure consumers back to enjoying the 'cinema experience'.

According to Tim Richards, "The issue wasn't long films but how cinemas can make the experience better. We had many people write us and say they attended 'The Killers of the Flower Moon' only because we had an intermission." 

Intermissions at cinema presentations isn't new, it's about cinemas offering another customer-friendly element to enhance their movie going experience - and, it appears, a large number enjoy having a break during long duration films. 

Martin Scorsese

I note, with great dismay, that as of Friday, 10/27 Paramount and Apple Original Films have formally informed cinemas that they are required to screen 'Flower Moon' in its entirety without intermissions. Scorsese, stating that having an intermission, "violates" the film's creative vision. C'mon Marty that's BS, you're bigger than that.

When you go to a great Broadway show the intermission doesn't distract from its artistic vision or value. In fact, it may enhance the enjoyment as the audience is more relaxed and anticipates the next part of the 'experience'. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.








 


Saturday, October 28, 2023

Where is Entertainment Evolving?

 It is now evident that going forward, most entertainment will be streamed. Consumers are already choosing streaming over broadcast and cable TV. Yet, only one company, Netflix, is generating any big dollars from streaming. Why?

  

Only Netflix counts. Cinemas can and will get alternative content 

Netflix has a unique niche. With over 400 million paying monthly subscribers worldwide, it generates huge cash flow which it has wisely placed on high-quality content produced around the globe. So how can other entertainment companies follow suit? It will be very difficult!

It will take massive investment over a long period of time and producing great series, movies, and 'live' programming that people want to view day after day. Or linkup with an existing streamer and scale your content (brand) with great programming and receive a share of the revenues of all of the streamer's service revenues.

This is similar to the movie distributor/exhibitor relationship. Keep in mind that Netflix's current share of at-home viewing time is less than 10% - meaning many people are online and viewing other stuff (YouTube, X, Rumble, Meta, et.al.)

This scenario goes for the cinema industry as well. More and more, movie theater content will be streamed And, more and more, will be non-film. Concerts, sporting events, live entertainment will take on more and more screen time.

Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.  EECcinema.com 


The 2023 Holiday Box office May Be a No-show

 The October box office was a bust! Was it not for Taylor Swift with a little help from Scorsese's 'Flower Moon', there would have been empty movie theaters. 


No blockbusters this year...but

Which begs the question. Will the '23 holiday movie season be a no-show. There already exists big-time angst on the part of exhibitors. The SAG strike is the obvious culprit for exhibitors' woes, but through October the box office totaled $7.5 billion, which is 22% above last year's performance - projections are for a $9 billion year total. Not bad considering the impact of the strike.

There appears to be no films on the holiday roster that would be potential tentpoles, but there are some bright spots. "The Marvels" will release next month as will "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" ("The Hunger Games" prequel). Family-friendly, Turkey Day releases also include: "Trolls Band Together" and the musical, "Wish". 

December 1st, debuts Beyonce's, Taylor Swift cloned, concert, "Renaissance". It appears that these concert films may start a trend, and their low production costs make good bank for the performer and cinemas.

Other content that could bring in additional box office are "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom", "Wonka", and "The Color Purple".  

I think the holiday box office will be OK, not a disaster but not stellar. 


Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Swifties - Best News for Movie Exhibitors

 It costs hundreds and hundreds of dollars to attend a Taylor Swift concert, yet only $20 to see it at a movie theater. 

Scene from Eras Tours movie which is over 3 hours long.

Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tours' concert movie amassed $39 million in its debut opening day. How much can it gross worldwide? I think $400 million at least. 

Both exhibitors and Swift are encouraging fans to use their cell phones during the presentation - a switch from normal cinema etiquette rules.

And it is all working. Both Cinema Score and Rotten Tomatoes gave 'Eras Tours' very rare A+ and 100% viewers' rating approvals respectively. 

Swift composes her own songs which tell the story of her life.

The good news is that Swift decided to go directly to movie theaters for distribution and bypass the studios. Making her take of the gross greater and the exhibitors, as well. This is a first time this has been accomplished for a wide release movie and a sign of things to come.

Beyonce' is working on a concert movie to be released in December and plans to use the same distribution format.

This is great news for exhibitors and will boost their revenue streams and their concession sales. Exhibitors need to seize this opportunity and turn these concert movies into events, with major promotions, tail-gate parties, dress-up contests, merch sales, CD sales, etc. etc.

There is a close bond between Swift and her fan base (over 100 million). Many that attended the movie stood, sang, and danced. Cinemas have what live shows do not. Better seats, more immersive sound, a great 'view' of the entertainers, in a safe and controlled environment. 

The face that could change the exhibition industry.

Turning cinemas into mini-concert venues and all that can be added on to the event bodes very well for cinema operators. 

Swift has been recording for over 20 years and has built her fan base slowly and methodically. She has lived her life in public via social media. She has learned that being yourself vs. having stardom overtake you is the best way to go in the entertainment industry. 


By Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment EECcinema.com


Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Content Streamers UNITE...It Had to Happen

 In the wake of the Writers' and Actors' union strikes why wouldn't one think that the content streaming providers would gather and form their own alliance...and this is just what they did.

This past Monday, a new trade group was formed, the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SNA) which bring together the likes of: Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Discovery+, MotorTrend+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Telemundo, BET+, and more. 

Prime movers of the SIA


The SNA mission is to promote their interests to politicians and government entities (Washington speak for lobbing group) and marks the first time competing streaming providers have banded together. SNA will advocate for federal and state policies that builds on a very strong pro-consumer market for streaming content.

In a recent Neilsen poll, content streaming has overtaken broadcast and cable programming in viewership, and it continues to grab market share. Also on the SIA agenda is the issue of Net Neutrality, which the Biden Administration has recently brought back as a topic to be investigated by the FCC. 

According to a statement issued by the SNA, "streaming provides great value, vast programming choices, and unprecedented options for consumers. We will be working to ensure that federal and state policy propels this incredible innovation forward - and doesn't undermine the value and diversity consumers are enjoying today."

The statement went on the say that streaming services bring relevant stories and options to historically underserved communities, and any policies that drags down streaming would turn back the clock on this vital progress. 

To prove their point, SIA released results of the Neilsen poll which found that 70% of registered voters view streaming services "favorably" or "very favorably", with results even higher among young voters.


By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp. EECcinema.com


 

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Generational Oscars Are a Rarity

 There are only two families that can claim having three generations of Oscar winners: the Hustons and the Coppolas.

The Hustons were the first with three generations of Oscar winners: John (father of Angelica), Angelica (daughter of John and granddaughter of Walter), and Walter (John's father). 

John and Walter both won Oscars for the same movie, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". John won it for Best Director and Walter for Best Supporting Actor. Angelica won her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in "Prizzi's Honor" - which was also directed by her father, John.

John with daughter Angelica

Walter Houston (left) with Humphrey Bogart and Tim Holt
                 in " The Treasure of the Sierra Madre"

The Coppolas were the second family to win Oscars in three generations. Sofia won Best Original Screenplay for "Lost in Translation". Her grandfather, Carmine and her father, Francis both won Oscars for "Godfather II". Carmine of Best Original Score and Francis for Best Original Screenplay.

The Coppola extended family, however, has won many more Oscars.

Francis's sister, Talia Shire has been nominated for two Oscars. His nephew, Nicolas Cage, won a Best Actor Oscar for "Leaving Las Vegas" And, Talia's son, Jason Schwartzman is being nominated this year for his role is "Asteroid City". 

Nick Cage, Francis, Sofia, and Mrs. Coppola

Sofia, her Aunt -Talia Shire, Francis and Mrs. Coppola