Bigger Isn't Better In Movie Exhibition : Regal Gets Gobbled

BIG ISN'T BETTER!

AMC, the second largest cinema chain in the U.S. went to Chinese conglom Wanda Group, making Wanda the largest chain in the world with over 11,000 screens. Now it Regal Entertainment, the largest U.S. chain, being taken over by the Cineworld crew for a cool $3.6b, making Cineworld the globe's second largest chain with over 9,500 screens (Regal having 7,315).

Paying $23 per share for Regal, a premium of over $7 a share from its 2017 average price. Cineworld believes big is better in the movie exhibition game, but is it?  Recent poor box office grosses attest to the fact that entertainment seekers aren't enthused with the current cinema experience.

We, are Cinema Mucho Gusto (CMG) have always believed that, going forward, cinemas would have no choice but to lock arms with the major web content streamers and run day-and-date content that had big-screen/big sound appeal.

Cinemas, over the past decade, have responded to lower admissions by adding enticements such as, better seating, loyalty programs, enhanced food and drink options, and improved viewing options with larger screens and improved sound - but all those enticement came with higher admission pricing - and all for nought.

For example, Cinemark, another large U.S. chain, recently introduced the 'Movie Club' program. Under this incentive, a patron pays $8.99 for one ticket per month over the course of a year. Regal, experimented with a concept of charging more for an admission during peak hours and less at lighter attendance times.

I believe these schemes are not a solution to the problem of low attendance. People want GOOD CONTENT - a high-impact or animated film with a good storyline, and great effects, offered in a clean and safe environment with 'cinema food' and a great on-screen image and sound - that's IT!

All of these loyalty programs and admission pricing schemes are meaningless and will not bring in more eyeballs.  Gourmet burgers, flatbreads, gelato, sushi, and alcoholic beverages are not going to entice consumers to visit a cinema.

Just saying,

Jim Lavorato

THE 'SCOOP' by Seymour Flix

Sundance Fest Clamps Down On Misbehavior

Park City during Sundance Festibal

Because of increasing assault and sexual harassment incidents the Sundance Film Festival, the Festival's Directors decided to introduce new conduct rules to protect festivalgoers.  In partnership with Attorney Generals Office of Utah a new 24 hour hot-line was established to report any violations of the law.

This year's Fest run from January 18th -28th in Park City, Utah.  The Sundance Institute, which oversees the Festival (which was  founded by Robert Redford) stated that it is 'committed to allowing attendees to experience the Festival free of harassment, discrimination, sexism, and threatening or disrespectful behavior.'  It further stated, that it, 'reserves the right to revoke, without notice or refund, credentials or access to Festival events and venues for those who engage in such conduct.

So, if you attend the Festival and experience or witness any such behavior call 801-834-1944.

'SHAZAM'

Warner Bros. DC Comics will bring out new superhero 'Shazam' next year. This year is all about 'Black Panther' and 'Aqua Man'  But next year Warner's is betting on Shazam as the next big superhero idol.  Shazam is an acronym of the ancient gods and historical figures; Solmoman, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus. Achilles, and Mercury.

Wonder Woman, which grossed over $800 million w.w., will debut a sequel next year with a release date of 11/1/2019 and is looking to repeat the first film's gross.

AMC Slapped With Lawsuit

AMC Entertainment was slapped with a class action law suit last Friday, charging that the planet's largest movie exhibitor, misled investors about the seasonal nature of box office trends.

AMC, stated in court papers that 'our business is highly seasonal, with higher attendance and revenues generally occurring during the summer months and holiday seasons".  But the plaintiffs claim the AMC disclosure  disclosure is "materially inaccurate" because AMC's newly acquired international operations experience lower attendance during the summer months.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in New York states that AMC misled by failing to disclose prior to its acquisition of Carmike (a smaller theater circuit).  AMC did not comment on the lawsuit; however, its shares are down more than 50% over the year.

ALL IN THE FAMILY - The Golden Globes

Hollywood - Back in Black

The Scene: The Golden Globes Awards Show. The audience dressed in black to signify the death of sexual perversion in Tinseltown that has been going on since the concept of the film studio was conceived.

The Goal: To demonstrate to the world that H'wood has put the issue of sexual misconduct within its ranks to death.  Although no names of the most recent sex perverts were mentioned during the long diatribes doled out by the Award recipients we can all rest assured that all is right in the world of make-believe. 

With gross admissions down domestically 6% I would have thought that the mourning would have been about last year's poor cinema performance - which is even worse given the fact that higher admission prices 'pushed' the boxoffice to that record decline! I truly believe that filmmakers and actors have no concept of what profound changes are taking place within their industry.

Instead of apologizing for the long-term abuse against women what we got was a confession and absolution by the glitterati  for themselves.  All topped-off  by a semi-political speech by Oprah that was an obvious deflection needed to shield the H'crowd from a true coming clean of the ingrained perversion within the industry.

Until H'wood's old guard is replaced (along with its ideologically biases) the U.S. box office will continue to falter and gravitate more and more to a few (very few) movies making the bulk of the ever withering box office.

It's ironic to note that the top three grossing films of 2017 all featured a female lead - 'Star Wars - The Last Jedi" - Daisy Ridley, 'Wonder Woman' - Gal Gadot, and 'Beauty and the Beast' - Emma Watson. 

Hollywood not only needs but is begging for new blood among its creative types - filmmakers who understand the wants of today's moviegoers. The old guard directors and actors have shown time and time again that they just can't cut it any longer.

Just saying,

Jim Lavorato

2017 Box Office: 'OUT With A BANG'

After a dismal summer and lackluster fall the winter was stellar and the 2017 box office went out with a BANG!

Led by Disney, and 'The Last Jedi'  (which tallied over $1 billion worldwide in just three weeks after its release) the domestic 2017 box office ended at $11.1 billion. This performance was only 2.3% off  2016 record results. Internationally, the box office was up 6% over 2016, and generated huge numbers, led by the Chinese cinema.

2018's Aquaman will be box office superstar.

I am optimistic about 2018 which will see a new 'Avengers', 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', 'Aquaman',  'Fantastic Beasts', and others there is plenty for movie theaters to feel good about. However, cinemas must began in earnest to diversify there product mix.  They must deliver-up a varied mix of content and not just rely on Hollywood produced films.

The need for delivering an experience is essential. Plan for the inevitable day-and-date release of movies and devise content programs that are varied.  Hollywood movies, indie products, TV content, and original product from the streamers via deals with the likes of Netflix and Amazon is the only way for cinemas to prosper and not just get by.

The days of increasing your box office take by raising ticket prices is over, as is, the pushing of concession to ridiculous price points. It is all about volume now (and  in the future) - it's about filling seats for all screenings and making the 'experience' of going to your cinema at the top of peoples' recreation list 

Stay in touch,
Jim Lavorato