The Cinema Arena by Seymore Flix

Actors Take On New Faces

I really like it when an actor, especially a very recognizable one, plays a role where their 'look' and persona morph.

Tilda as normal and as in 'Trainwreck'

A perfect example, in a recent movie, is Tilda Swinton in 'Trainwreck'.  Normally we see her with very short hair and playing very solemn, almost unisex, characters.  In 'Trainwreck' she has great make-up, long blond hair which makes you say, "Yes, I know I've seen this actor before, but where? She plays a very funny part as Diana, editor of a men's magazine called, S'nuff and the lead character's boss - a great role and very well played by Swinton.

Depp as Bulger

Depp as normal

An even better transformation will be Johnny Depp in the up-coming film, 'Black Mass' - a movie about the life of James 'Whitey' Bulger the notorious Boston mobster, which Depp portrays.

Actors that are strong and versatile enough to change, not only their look, but their persona and stretch the limits of their craft and are the best actors.

Both Tilda Swinton, and Johnny Depp are recent examples of that and can be enjoyed by a trip to your local cinema.



Shortening the Theatrical Window

Will the other studios join Paramount?

As previously posted in CMG, Paramount Studios (owned by Viacom) and AMC Theaters (the 2nd largest cinema circuit in the U.S.) have begun experimenting with the use of a much shorter window between theatrical and video-on-demand (VOD) releases.  This is an obvious threat to the exclusive theatrical release window which has been in practice for decades.

However, now Regal Cinemas (the largest U.S. chain) is speaking out against this attempt to change the current movie release practices.  Regal's CEO, Amy Miles, told CMG, "The parameters of the current proposal (by Paramount and AMC) both economically and structurally, do not make sense for us given the potential risks to the long-term health of our business.  As has been the case historically, we will utilize our screens to exhibit films distributed using a traditional distribution model that respects the existing theatrical window."

 Let's fact it, Shortening the theatrical window hurts cinemas as VOD releases do not offer multiple admission opportunities even if the cinema shares in the VOD proceeds - so this is kind of a slap in the face to exhibitors.  On the other hand, for certain movies, that are not intended to be blockbusters,the model of sharing VOD proceeds could be more lucrative for cinemas if it limits the number of films being screened with very small audiences.  The same is true for movies that 'bomb' at the box office, the VOD option could bring in extra revenue from a movie that would otherwise be dropped or buried in a small auditorium.

I have always believed that movies would eventually be releases across all viewing platforms day-and-date.  That belief still holds. The problem with the Paramount/AMC deal is that it benefits just one segment of the viewing options people use to watch movies, so in my option that model will not be successful.

Cinema Security - Is It Necessary and To What Degree

Off-duty cops a good solution for cinemas

In the aftermath of the tragic shootings at several cinemas over the last few years, many moviegoers are wondering if stricter security measures are needed. Some,are specifically calling for the use of metal detectors(MDs).  But are MDs really an option? There may be better measures that can be taken.

First, implementing MDs on a large scale is not feasible.  One issue is cost. About $5-10,000 for one detector and $250,000/year to man and properly operate the detector.  In many cases, multiple detectors would have to be installed at larger and busier cinemas, escalating the cost to over $1 million/year.

Second, the process of using MDs is slow, necessitating moviegoers to come to the cinema at least 30 minutes in advance to wait in a security line.  I believe, this would greatly impede attendance - especially parents in bring their children to the local cinema.  So far, the shootings have not had an adverse impact on movie attendance, so such an extreme measure as installing MDs is not warranted.

What all cinema operators need to do is provide security training for their staff, and perhaps, in addition, having some staff armed and thoroughly trained in firearms use.  Larger circuits have begun the practice of hiring off-duty police for security. This practice can be used by even the smallest of cinemas as the cost is not prohibitive.

The public and media sometimes over-react to the moment but the idea of using metal detectors in cinemas is a bad one.

Just saying,
Seymore Flix