Karlovy Vary - May Just Be the World's Best Film Festival

 The Karlovy Vary is the premier film festival in all of Eastern Europe and may just be the best film fest in the world. Why? Because it's all about the cinema and not politics or social issues.

Karlovy Vary '23 Kickoff

Held in Karlovy Vary, an historic spa city in the Czech Republic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 57th edition of the festival starts on June 29th and runs to July 8th. 

The Spa City of Karlovy Vary

Unlike other film festivals, the Karlovy Vary is all about film without any social agendas or political platitudes.  

Celebrities this year include Alicia Vikander, Russell Crowe, Ewan McGregor, Robin Wright among others. 

Although the Karlovy Vary emphases Eastern European films entrants from around the world are being screened. For example, in competition for the highest award, the Crystal Globe, will be films from Iran, Japan, Canada, and Scandinavia. 

There were over 2,000 submissions to this year's festival most of which will be premiers although there will be over two dozen screenings of winners from the 2023 Berlin and Cannes festivals.

By: Jim Lavorato, President, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

 Cinema Mucho Gusto is a service of EEC. 

Worlds Largest LED Cinema Screen

 Yes, LED screens are now cinema-sized and DCI-compliant.  Could this be the wave of the future for movie exhibition?

Timewaying's - LED cinema screen

On May 18th, Timewaying Ltd., a Chinese tech firm unveiled the world's largest LED for movie exhibition with a screen 65ft wide x 35ft high. DCI-certified, the screen is multifunctional for movies, live performances, conferencing, seminars, and even gaming. It also allows for naked-eye 3D viewing.

Currently, there are three main issues impacting cinema exhibition: limited content diversity, a lack of a really immersive experience, and a need for more social connection. Timewaying believes their screen solves all of these issues.

Without the need for a projection room, all that is required is space for sound system components.  Ultra-narrow width, high-powered speaker arrays are utilized that fit right into the rim of the screen.

Everything for your Cinema

LED screens are probably in cinema exhibitions' future but are a long way off. No price was given by Timewaying for the screen; however, they did announce that they were launching a financing plan for Chinese clients only.

CMG believes AI's creative abilities and iterative updating in restoration technology will provide new opportunities for the cinema industry. Playback on a large format, 4K, LED screen with 3D capability may provide the elusive fully immersive experience the future moviegoer will demand. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Drive-in Theaters Celebrate 90th Anniversary

 June 6th celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the first drive-in movie theater with National Drive-In Theater Day.

Admission rates at first Drive-in in 1933

Drive-in movie theaters were an invention of Richard Hollingshead, who opened the first Drive-in in Camden, NJ on June 6th, 1933. By 1955 there were over 4,000 Drive-ins in the U.S., and about 300 of the culture-changing theaters, remain today.

On another note regarding Drive-in Theaters, the 3rd Annual World Drive-in Movie Festival and Jamboree will be held from October 6th - 8th at the West Wind Drive-in in Las Vegas. This event is a 3-day party hosted by Joe Bob Briggs and brings in Drive-in fans and owners from across N. America and Europe.

For tickets to this event go to: joebobsjamboree.com

Warner Bros.' CEO Called Out

Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Anderson, and Ryan Reynolds have publicly called out Warner Bros./Discovery (WBD) CEO David Zaslav for his plan to dissolve Turner Classic Movie (TCM) network in his goal to cut expenses at WBD by $4 billion.

Spielberg with Zaslav

Zaslav has already fired the entire TCM senior management team, so when word of the demise of the TCM archive was next to go the fearsome foursome went into action. They called Zaslav for an "emergency meeting" in what was described as the destruction of the most important and original films in cinematic history. 

Reynolds and Scorsese

Ryan Reynolds tweeted, "Don't F*** with TCM".

The discussions, thus far, have worked and the TCM archives are secure. Rumors have it is that Netflix is trying to work a deal to take over HBO and TCM from WBC.

Cinema Mucho Gusto is a sponsored service,

of Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Cinema Mucho Gusto's Take

Zaslav is sleazy. What he is doing is throwing out threats to dissolve TCM in the hope of increasing its value (along with HBO's) in the Netflix deal. It's that simple.

Let's face it. For anyone with even a little passion for movie history, the TCM archive represents a graphicly depicted historic timeline, which must be respected - it represents is our past in story-form. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

Netflix to Strike Deal on HBO

 Warner Bros./Discovery (WBD), in an effort to get out of massive debt and decreasing viewership is contemplating selling HBO to Netflix.

Studios and Streamers Cozy-up

HBO is valuable. Its scripted shows are some of the best in adult entertainment. Now, it appears that HBO content will be streamed on Netflix as well.

The first show being considered as part of this deal is the hit comedy from Issa Raw, 'Insecure'.

This move would certainly help WBD's bottom line which goes hand-in-hand with WBD's strategy of cutting costs and increasing revenues. Licensing titles out to Netflix will provide WBD huge dividends.

Cinema Mucho Gusto, a service of Entertainment Equipment.

Cinema Mucho Gusto's Take

This is a win-win for WBD and Netflix. WBD get much needed revenue and Netflix gets great content to satiate their subscribers' unending thirst for new content. 

Netflix is the bigger winner, but WBD needs cash. Buy Netflix stock!

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Eroding the Value of the Oscar

Many voting members of the Academy Awards are voicing their opposition to the Academy's new rules on diversity and inclusion that must be adhered to for Oscar nomination.

In looking, for example, at the requirements for 'Best Picture' nomination the criteria are, well very nebulous. 

Cinema Mucho Gusto posted on May 9th, 2023 'Have the Oscar's New Standards Gone Too Far?' where Richard Dreyfuss voiced his very strong rejection of the new rules, and he is certainly not the only one. Many voting members of the Academy are violently opposed to the new rules. For example, film producers and directors will be required to submit to the Academy a dossier of the race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status of their film's cast and crew members. 

Opponents to the new rules claim film such as 'The Godfather' and 'Schindler's List' and hundreds of other spectacular films would not have qualified for award consideration under the new inclusion guidelines. 

Schindler's List would not be considered for an Oscar.

The anti-woke view of many in the film industry think that no group should be given special treatment. According to Richard Dreyfuss, "I'm sorry, but I don't think there's a minority or majority in the country that has to be catered to like that."

Responding to the backlash from its members, the Academy issued a statement, saying "The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them. The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality."  Translation, if a film doesn't adhere to the policy of employing enough people of color, people with disabilities, or people who identify as LGBTQ+ it would not be considered for an Oscar.

Cinema Mucho Gusto is sponsored by - 

Entertainment Equipment Corp.

EEC for all your cinema equipment needs.

Cinema Mucho Gusto's Take

Once again, the Academy has decided to diminish the 'value' of the Oscar. None of the other major Award groups, particularly overseas, have followed the Academy's lead and probably will not as it force what is an art form into a ridge rule structure.

Additionally, what prevents any cast or crew member from saying they are LGBTQ+ just to get the role or job assignment? "Yes, today I declare myself a woman."

CMG also believes that inclusion and diversity, unlike what the Academy postulates, DO NOT bring more moviegoers to cinemas. What brings moviegoers to cinemas are what has always brought moviegoers to cinemas - excellently executed and realistic storylines and not the number count on how many people who worked on the film are disabled or gay. 

By: Jim Lavorato                                                                                          Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

      

Study Shows That Concession Discounts Embraced by Moviegoers

 MOVIO, a market research company, specializing in the cinema industry recently conducted a study involving over 28,000 moviegoers. The study tested the different impacts that a $1, $2, and $4 discount on large-sized popcorn had on overall purchases.

The study found that a $2 discount was optimal and increased the overall amount spent per moviegoer with more items purchased.

The $2 discounted popcorn produced a 44% increase in spend-per-admit and had a positive influence on visitation.

Overall, the study found that:

- Discounted concession increases the overall spend rate and visitation rates of moviegoers.

- Motivate moviegoers who normally do not buy concessions, to take advantage of the discount.

Cinema Mucho Gusto is sponsored by Entertainment

Equipment Corp. ... which is responsible, for its contents.

Go to: eecCinema.com 

Did You Know That Oscar Recipients DON'T Own Their Trophy

 Winning an Oscar is more than getting a trophy, there are financial rewards as well. For example, any actor who receives an Oscar can expect a pay boost of, at least, 20% for their next movie gig.

Great Win...but you don't own the trophy!

However, there is no money to be made with the trophy itself. If an Oscar winner ever tries to sell their award, they will receive $1, and the buyer will be the Academy!

You see, Oscar winners don't own their trophy. Ever since 1951 winners are forbidden from selling their Oscars. they are also barred from disposing of them in anyway, even donating it. This also applies to a winner's heirs as well.

Cinema Mucho Gusto is a service of

Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

Why The 'No Sell' Rule?

Simply to avoid the Oscar losing its prestige. To preserve its exclusivity. 

Leigh with 'Gone with the Wind' prize.

Pre-1951 Oscars however are owned by their winners and can be sold or donated. For example, Vivien Leigh's 1939 Best Actress award for 'Gone with the Wind' sold in 1993 for $563,000. In 1999, Michael Jackson paid $1.5 million for the 'Gone with the Wind' Best Picture award.

Jackson with his $1.5m Oscar

So, for winners, the physical Oscar has no value, in fact, no ownership rights. They do, however, have intrinsic value, and the more awards you possess the more your skills are valued. Even being nominated for an Oscar increases your 'personal' value. So, no one should be brooding over the fact that they can't sell their 'prize' and. I believe that is as it should be. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

The Next Bond?

There will be a new 007 portrayer for the next Bond film, as Daniel Craig departs after making his fifth and final film, 'No Time To Die'. 

There are rumors that the next Bond would in fact be a woman, or a person of color, a non-British actor, etc. But whoever is selected to play the iconic role created by Ian Fleming that actor will be the 7th 007.

The first Bond film debuted in 1962 with 'Dr. No' and while nothing has been inked regarding the next episode in the franchise a release date of 2025 is expected. 

So, what current actors are thought encapsulate the Bond 'qualities' and are the frontrunners in the selection process. Here's the lineup.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 32. British actor. Plays in 'Avengers' films.  

.

Sam Heughan, 42. Scottish actor. Starred

in very popular 'Outlander' series. Believes he "is right age for the role".

Idris Elba, 50. British actor. Elba is well known and has played in many very popular film and TV roles. He was quoted as saying, "No, I'm not going to be James Bond". 

Lashana Lynch, 35. British actor has appeared in many Marvel films. She, in fact, assumed the 007 number in the final scenes of the last Bond film.

Tom Hiddleston, 35. British actor has starred in many Marvel/Disney films and other dramas. A fan favorite for the role, Barbara Broccoli, the Bond films producer, was quoted as saying, "he's a bit too smug and not tough enough to play Bond." 

Henry Cavill, 34. British actor.

Superman portrayer and star on 'The Tudors' on Showtime.

He has expressed great interest in taking on the Bond role. 

Rege-Jean Page, 34. British actor. Has appeared in many BBC productions. Believes that a Brit should play Bond and is flattered he is being considered for the part.

So, these are the top seven candidates to carry forth the 007 baton. Which is not to say someone else may get the Bond prize.

Over half of all moviegoers polled consider Sean Connery to have been the best 'Fleming' Bond - a single British, middle-aged spy, debonair yet roughed womanizer with a license to kill. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

'Little Mermaid' Drowns in Red Ink

 The Mouse-house is having a lot of trouble these days and it may be finding that being too 'woke' is not always the best strategy, at least not from a financial sense. 

It appears that Disney's latest 'big film', 'The Little Mermaid', which cost $360 million to produce and market is falling far short of box-office expectations and will likely lose between $30-60 million, when all is said and done.

Obviously there will be revenues from streaming and merchandising but the numbers are far-less than Disney counted on. But why?

The first, 'Little Mermaid', an animated musical fantasy (based on a fairy tale authored by Han Christian Andersen) was released in 1989. This new film, a live-action remake, received very bad reviews from both film critics and moviegoers as being a very poorly constructed movie.

One-sheet from the 1989 movie

Additionally, there appears to be no demand within the international market (particularly in China) as the movie has grossed only $68 million globally to date. Word is, it does not follow the Andersen tale which has turned off many parents, as well as children as Disney decided to use a person of color to play the role of Ariel, a Dutch mermaid in the original story.

I get it that Disney wants to impart their diversity stance but unfortunately this woke view doesn't 'fit' into the moviegoer's mindset of what they (children for the most part) anticipated.

Not what was anticipated by moviegoers

Disney believed that 'The Little Mermaid' would replicate what 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin' banked - each grossing over $1 billion. But this was not to be.

Whatever the reasoning, this film was a no-show for moviegoers. Disney needs to have an intervention. It has major financial issues, recently laid off over 7,000 employees, and Bob Iger has no answers to the Mouse's problems.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Who Are the Oldest Oscar Winners?

So, who are the oldest people to have received an Oscar. In studying the records, it seems that many have. 

Plummer with Oscar for the 'Beginners'

Christopher Plummer was 88 when he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for 'All the Money in the World'. Anthony Hopkins was 83 when nominated for Best Actor in 'The Father'. He won the Oscar for that performance and is now the oldest actor to win that award.

Age seems to have no meaning when it comes to the Oscar as many in the entertainment business strive to achieve this accolade throughout their careers.  

Jessica Tandy with Oscar

John Huston was 79 when he got the nod for Best Director for 'Prizzi's Honor'. However, topping the list for nominations is John Williams with 53, receiving has last one at age 90 for Best Original Music Score on 'The Fabelmans'. 

Cinema Mucho Gusto is a publication of Entertainment Equipment Corporation                         

As far as winning the Oscar, Christopher Plummer won Best Supporting Actor at 82 for the 'Beginners.' While Peggy Ashcroft won Best Supporting Actress at 77 for her performance in 'A Passage to India'. But topping the age list for the Best Actress Oscar is Jessica Tandy, who took it for 'Driving Miss Daisy' at 80.

For oldest recipient for Best Director goes to Clint Eastwood, who at 74 won the award for 'Million Dollar Baby'.

James Ivory taking it home at 89.

The oldest Oscar winner to date is James Ivory for Best Adapted Screenplay - 'Call Me by Your Name' at the age of 89. 

Many strive for an Oscar, but few receive the Award. However, it seems it is never too late to achieve this ultimate recognition. 

By: Jim Lavorato

Entertainment/Media Industry CEOs' Pay Just Keeps Growing

Economic downturns. Massive employee layoffs. Share prices plummeting. Yet would it be a surprise to you to discover that media moguls' compensation has risen both in 2021 and 2022!

Apple's Tim Cook hauled in over $100 million in compensation is 2022. While Alphabet's (Google) Sundar Pichai raked in over $225 million. These outlandish pay packages are a combination of bonuses, salary, and peaks (stock options and other benefits) - placing all of these CEOs firmly in the 1%ers.

CEO pay is always increasing.

Compensation never goes down no matter what the performance of the company. Good times or bad...their pay packages never recede.  When things go well, which one would expect, they are geniuses but when things go wrong, it's always due to 'external' factors. 

Take for example, Disney, where Bab Chapek ran the company for three years and in that time amassed a debt load of over $29 billion while the stock price nose-dived. Yet, on his departure he received a $20 million 'outgoing' comp package.

Companies, like Disney, Fox, and Comcast are so tightly controlled that their compensation committees don't have to worry about angry shareholders. 

Other than bonuses, most of these CEOs' compensation isn't tied to performance but is determined relative to what every other CEOs are being paid which just keeps ratcheting up automatically. 

Company        CEO             Pay          Aver. Employee    Ratio

Disney       Bob Iger          $15m           $54,000                446/1

Netflix      Reed Hastings    51m            218,000               234/1

Comcast   Brian Roberts      32m             83,000                385/1

Apple        Tim Cook           100m            84,000             1,177/1

Warners     David Zaslaw       40m           172,000               227/1

Paramount  Bob Bakish          32m           110,000               291/1

Fox           Rupert Murdoch     18m           91,000                237/1

Amazon     Andy Jasey               1m          34,000                  38/1

Meta         Mark Zuckerberg      27m         296,000                 91/1

Google       Sandar Pichai          226m        279,000                808/1    

Are the people that fill the CEO suite the best?

So, you decide. Do you think these CEOs are worth their pay? In good times and bad? In making the right decisions or wrong ones?

Are they really great at what they do? Never forget, they all have cadres of experts in marketing and promotion, production, team building, legal and accounting, etc., etc. at their disposal. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.