Lengthening the Theatrical Release Window...the Sage Continues

 On 4/4/25 I wrote, what now appears to be a very apropos topic, lengthening the theatrical release window to a minimum of 60 days - and stated my case as to why this one action would greatly bolster box office attendance. 

At last week's CinemaCon (Hollywood's annual trade show), which I normally do but did not attend this year, the topic of the release window was debated. It appears however that the digital streaming platforms, some of which are owned by the film studios, are against increasing the window. 

Calls from the exhibition community for a universal 45-day theatrical release window fell on deaf-ears, as the studios do not want to take the risk - well, at least three didn't. As it stands, the window is now 17-36 days for all studios except Disney which waits 60 days.

Some of the stars that attended the 2025 CinemaCon Show

Having a short window robs movie theatres of moviegoers. Sony is on board with a 45-day window, however, Universal will be tough to convince, as well as Warner Bros. and Paramount.

Pre-COVID there was a 74-day window to which Michael O'Leary, Head of the exhibition trade group, Cinema United says, "the movie industry cannot afford the loss of a percentage of moviegoers who went to the movies when the window stood at 74-days."

Having, at least, a 45-day window would somewhat ensure that the theatrical system is and remains healthy. Cinemas must have release exclusivity. A short window leaves audiences with the impression that the moviegoing experience is only for big blockbusters.

By: Jim Lavorato

LA Movie Production at Lowest Level EVER!

 

FilmLA, the nonprofit group that issues film permits for the city and county of Los Angeles, reported that the average occupancy rate for the 17 studios that operate film production stages was 63%, the lowest in recorded history

This serves as another data point that filming in the greater Hollywood area is down and not increasing as was widely thought after the union strikes of 2023. 

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For 2024, there were only 8,671 onstage shoot dates for 1,275 productions. The decline, however, was not from less moviemaking but from lower TV show production coupled with completion from other locations including the United Kingdom, New York City, Georgia, Ontario, etc. 

FilmLA spokesperson, Philip Sokoloski, stressed "the significance of California's plans on expanding subsides to the entertainment industry as very much needed to bolster both movie and TV production - and this is in the works." To his point, California is launching 'Stay in LA, an initiative which calls for emergency measures to restore LA's film and TV production.

By: Jim Lavorato

 

Coyote vs. Acme - The Movie, At Long Last

 

Yes, you wanted it and now it's coming. Ketchup Entertainment has acquired the worldwide rights to the film 'Coyote vs. Acme'. The live-action/animated hybrid feature will bring the iconic Looney Tune to life on the big screen - which was no small task as Warner Bros. had originally decided against a theatrical production and release. 

Ketchup and Warners finally worked out a deal. According to Gareth West, Ketchup Enter. CEO, "We're thrilled to have made the deal with Warner Bros. 'Coyote vs. Acme' is a perfect blend of old and modern storytelling. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike."

The theme of the film centers on Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for the countless faulty products that have hindered his relentless pursuit of the Road Rummer.

Beep...Beep

Jim Lavorato

Disabled Moviegoers...Forgotten

Inevitable Foundation

65% of disabled moviegoers said they prefer to watch a movie at a theater vs. at home, but only 4% say that movie theaters meet their accessibility needs.

Inevitable Foundation, a disabled rights group, surveyed handicapped moviegoers' views on everything from seating to closed captioning. They found that 42% of respondents said that when they needed accessible seating it was not available to them, while a full 68% have been to cinemas without accessible restrooms.

As for captioning, the good majority of hearing impaired, at 58%, prefer on-screen subtitling over device provided captioning.  It was also found that, in many cases, assisted listening or film narration devices were unavailable or broken when requested. 

Various accessibility devices for movie theaters

The survey concluded, "By reimaging accessibility as an investment rather than a cost, theatre owners can foster loyalty, build trust, and capture an underserved market segment that holds $21 billion in discretionary income."

The Fab Four Return

Last photo of the Beatles together

Four films about The Beatles are scheduled to be released in 2028. A biopic on the historic English rock group has been labeled 'the first bingeable theatrical release',

"We need big cinematic events to get people back into cinemas" says Sam Mendes, who is directing the four films. Mendes, whose prior films include 'American Beauty' and 'Skyfall', has long wanted to bring the Beatles to the big screen. 

The films will be told from the perspective of each band member and will try and capture the improbably journey of four teenagers from Liverpool, England to the center of global pop culture. 

Musicmaking - and changing the world culturally

This whole project is a big bet as far as film production and distribution, but I suspect that there are many people from the sixties thru the two-thousands who will embrace this biopic.

Considered the most influential rock band of all time, the Beatles sold over 600 million albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. the Fab Four still have a huge fan base and I know I'll be at the cinema in 2028 to watch all four films.

Promoting 'Sargent Pepper' a transition rock album

The Beatles disband in 1970, and all moved on to successful solo musical careers. In 1980 John Lennon was assassinated in NYC, in 2001 George Harrison died of cancer. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney are alive and hopefully will be able to view this biopic.

By: Jim Lavorato