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