We're BACK! ... But

 U.S. cinemas are opened. The studios are finally releasing quality content and this summer will be a killer box office. The public is ready to get back to "the movies".  There is a lot of pent-up demand, and the folks want to get out and return to some level of normalcy. 

The COVID was hard on the movie industry, particularly exhibition, as cinemas were closed for months on end. Getting back is great but there are some changes that have taken place. The biggest one being the 'adjustment' in the theatrical release window.

The 90-day exclusive theatrical release window died. A victim of the pandemic. The new window is now 45-days. The virus allowed the studios the opportunity to play with various release models. From day-and-date with streaming to direct to streaming. Exhibitors had no leverage over the release changes as they were shuttered.

Cinemas defended the 90-day exclusivity but the reality is that movies make over 70% of their gate within the first three weeks of release. So, the 45-day window shouldn't cause any panic for exhibs. 

Post-pandemic the cinema industry will be as vibrant and vital as ever. I believe people will appreciate the cinema experience more than ever, having lost it for almost two years. Hollywood is set to go and there is an inventory of blockbusters for release.

Look for an outstanding summer and a great holiday season - the cinema is BACK!

Nowhere To Run: The Weinstein Saga

                                                            Harvey in happier times

Harvey Weinstein is currently serving a 23-year sentence for sexual assault in a prison near Buffalo, NY. - he is appealing that sentence.

In the meantime, he and his attorneys have been trying to evade his extradition to Los Angeles to face trial for 11 counts of rape and sexual assault - those charges carry a maximum sentence of 140 years if convicted. 

Although he has stalled the extradition request by California, it now appears eminent that Weinstein will be traveling to LA within 30 days unless Governor Andrew Cuomo of NY (himself accused of sexually assaulting 9 women) intervenes. 

Harvey stated that he was "eager to defend himself against these spurious charges". COVID issues will most likely cause his trial in LA to meet with long delays.

Weinstein was born in NYC in 1952. His misdeeds and criminal activities aside, he is considered to be one of the most influential film producers of recent times. Miramax, his production company was responsible for films such as: The Crying Game, Pulp Fiction, Clerks, The English Patient, Good Will Hunting, and Shakespeare in Love.