The 'SCENE' by Seymore Flix

Odorama : I Can Smell It Coming

The cinema needs a boost (particularly after this summer's dismal box office) so why not bring back the 'scratch n; sniff' cards that accompanied many admissions during films of the '80s.

Let's bring back a real 'sense of community' to the local cinema with scents of realism. Mingled with the aroma of fresh popped corn the smell of a film and the use of scent technology that didn't exist in the '80s would be intoxicating.

Today's cinema audiences would be thrilled and in awe of a non-digital based goodie for 'real' moviegoing.  Perhaps a surcharge for the 'scratch n' sniff'. Why not.  There are up-charges for 3D, for larger seats, for viewing in bigger auditoriums, why not for smell!  Consumers are accustomed to up-charge fees - just look at the airlines and their cadre of 'extra' fees.  Hotels too, and let's not forget about your friendly Bank and credit card company.

Then again, hmmmm.... in some cinemas you may be tempted to forego the 'scratch n' sniff' and really get a whiff by rubbing the seats - oh well, I digress. But darn it, cinemas are always searching for the "immerse experience" - better sound, bigger picture, enhanced concession - why not smell - the fourth sense in the cinema experience. Let's go for it. I smell money in 'scratch n' sniff'.

Long Live the Lego

Greatly aided by the huge success of the 'Lego Movie', Danish toy maker Lego has seen it sales and operating profit dramatically increase this year and sees no reason why their good fortune will not continue.  Children from all over the world are forcing their parents to run to toy stores to buy up Lego toy kits, particularly those linked to the movie.

The 'Lego Movie', which was released in February, cost about $60 million to produce and has grossed over  $470 million globally; additionally, it is anticipated that DVD sales will be killer. Now, it can be argued that the 'Lego Movie' was the greatest use of product placement ever, and targeted at a specific demographic which was likely to go out and purchase the company's products.

Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, Lego's CEO says, "The result of the first half of 2014 is an outcome of our ability to develop, launch and distribute Lego products, which children all over the world put at the top of their wishlists."  You're not kidding Jorgen.

Lego, which is headquartered in the small town of Billund, Denmark started producing the small plastic bricks in 1949.  By the 1970s , those miniature building blocks had become a staple in millions of toy boxes around the world.  Then things collapsed, and by early 2003, Lego was about to go bust. But new management coupled with massive layoffs and a refocused mission got the company back a solid footing.  Lego's sales will surpassed Mattel's this year.

'Lego Movie 2' is in the works and Warner Bros. says it will be released in 2017. Children across the world can't wait.

The BIG APPLE Gets Smashed Again - Why Not Oslo?

There Goes Lady Liberty

2014 was a good year for major city destruction at the movies. NYC was devastated in Spiderman, San Fran got clobbered in Godzilla. and Paris got wasted in Edge of Tomorrow.

NYC is the target most often but it's not the whole city, but Manhattan, in particular, as it houses all of the recognizable, iconic structures - Empire State, Grand Central, Central Park etc. Now, the new World Trade Towers and 9/11 Memorial are in the cross-hairs of mega-destruction directors and special effects people.  I've seen more NYPD cars demolished than any other vehicle on the big screen - its been going on since movies began, re: King Kong of the '30s.

NYC gets trashed on a consistent basis.  You would think that movie producers/directors could change the venue of destruction once in a while.  Cities with noted landmarks get attacked over and over again, but NYC wins the top honor.  Blow up Cairo, Rio, Moscow, Mexico City - and nothing. Lima, Cape Town, Sydney - no reaction.  Cities that have never been leveled by monster, bomb, or asteroid need (no deserve) to be turned to rubble.  I vote for Toronto, Shanghai, and Santiago and throw in Singapore - they all deserve some humility and devastation. And what about Rome and Athens?

Of Course the Brooklyn Bridge Must Go

Now, make no mistake, most of these cities would gladly pay a film crew to come in and destroy everything (in make-believe) just to get the monies spent by the film studio while shooting.  So, let's throw in Amsterdam and Istanbul, and don't forget Madrid.  All of these deserve a good thrashing and leave poor NYC to rebuild.  And, so yes Hollywood, just for me - don't forget The Hamptons.


Seymore Flix

Fan Clubs - OUT / Digital Fanatics - IN

The relationship between idol/star and fan has seen recent and profound change. In the past, the relationship between idol and fan was well defined - there were 'Fan Clubs', where annual dues were required and a kit given with photos, a club card, etc.  The Club had a President and other officers and annual get-togethers held where T's, albums, and possibly the idol would make a quick and fleeting appearance.  Club members tried, but failed to keep tabs on their idol's comings and goings and usually only saw them at a distance at a concert or red carpet event.

This has all changed! Snail mail and pre-signed photos are so far out they are not even considered a remote possibly in today's Fan world.  Now, it's all about real-time access - fans know where and what their God had for lunch, were and when they will or can be seen and the selfie with idol has become the 'membership card' of today's fanatic.  Fan armies assemble on-line and insist on direct contact with their idol, and the stars must play this game, for the more traction they have on social media - the more fans they have and the more popular they get, the more endorsements, the more fame.

But there is downside. Stars complain that their fan base is too old or too young. Fans are too gay, or too female or too ugly. Sometimes they are seen as too intense or too annoying.  Would idols choose to spend and evening with their fans? NO. Do they want their fans to believe they would? YES.

Swift w/fans giving selfies

Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal last month, Taylor Swift said it best when she noted that autographs have become obsolete. "I haven't been asked for an autograph since the invention of the iPhone with a front-facing camera.  The only memento fans want these days is a selfie.  It's part of the new currency, which seems to be 'how many followers you have in Instagram'."

Nowhere can the change in the relationship between idol and fan so seen more vivid then in the recent surge of meet-and-greets, usually held before a concert and bundled with a pricey VIP ticket. It is no longer necessary to wait with the masses for a glimpse as the 'star' quickly races by.  No, no. Today, you can book an appointment to meet your 'God', in the time it would take to make an appointment to have your car serviced - and would probably be cheaper and include a buffet.  Unthinkable just a few years ago, today's fan can rub elbows with their Gods.  Even Beyonce' offers these 'fan' rendezvous and they are only a three figure credit card charge away. Fan expectations and demands have grown enormously.

Stars today, must hire digital agencies to pretend to be them or to create a personality where there isn't one. Today, the illusion of intimacy is a must, but social media has replaced the 'signed' photo. Fans have more power today and more control over their idols - pushing them to act and adjust to the 'new' Fandom world.  Fan power has shifted from the artist to the fan. It is the fan that must be catered to. It's the fans that have the disposal income to buy inflated concert tickets, iTunes, and watch videos with embedded pre-sold ads (the higher the play count the more the idol can charge for the ads).

The idol/fan relationship is now completely intertwined. Fans can not be ignored. Idols must placate to their minions and fans can get ever closer to their God, but for a price.

Best
Jim

CMG Cinema Buzz - 21 August 2014

Wrst Thing Eva for Cinemas?

On-screen texting - a good idea?

U have just settled in to watch a pic at the local cine that u have been dying to see. U have u'r corn. U'r 44oz. carton of soda, and some candy for u'r teeth.  The movie starts. Ah, those explosive teaser trailers - all 8 of them - luring u with upcoming scenes of spectacular big-screen entertainment.

Then it happens! On the screen u see - 'OMG, I looooooove this movie!!!'  and then another, 'Not sure hwat's happening but it just blew up!'  and another, 'Lose the airplane.'  Texting on the screen. Am I in hell!  Yes, texting on screen while the movie is running is the latest crazy in China.  China Youth Daily reported that cinemas in Beijing and Shanghai are experimenting with 'bullet screens', where the audience can send texts commenting on the film as the movie is presented - "to cater for the permanently distracted, phone-addicted younger generation".

I'm told precautions are made to screen the texts before they appear on screen. Oh really, and who does the screening?  Is this a good idea?  Would u be happy to pay to attend a movie where texting is going on during the presentation?  Turning movie going into an even more communal and sharing experience.
Would having a real-time discussion during the movie be even more akin to in-home movie viewing? Or would it result in a few idiots playing around with proprietary content at your expense. Is this even legal?  Maybe in China, but I doubt that Hollywood would take kindly to texting about 'their' movie while it was being exhibited - or would they?  Is this just another step on the ladder of social media.

Does the very idea leave u speechless. OMG cn't we all be friends. LOL.

Best
Jim

The 'Scene' by Seymore Flix

Expendables: Pirates vs Geezers

And the winner is ...... Gating only $16.2 million on its big-screen debut, Expendables 3 was a box office bummer. Ironically, the film's dismal admission figures were partly due to the over 5.2 million pirated viewings of the film. According to Excipio, the movie piracy tracking firm, a high-quality copy of the film hit torrent-sharing sites more than three weeks prior to its U.S. theatrical release.

Expendables 3, had a stellar cast.  Not only starring Sly Stallone, but featuring Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Wesley Snipes, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Antonio Banderas, Dolph Lundgren, Kelsey Grammer, and 27 less renowned actors. Because of the piracy issue it is impossible to know how the movie would have fared at the box office. However, a recent study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University estimates that films subject to pre-release piracy generate a 20-25% lower box office take compared with those pirated after their theatrical release.

"There certainly are people who watched the pirated copies of Expendables who weren't going to see it anyway", Michael Smith, professor of information technology and marketing at CMU, told me. "But the real fans are the ones who rush out on opening weekend, and what's harmful is when it's available on pirate sites before there is a legal channel to see it. You're asking people to not only not see a pirated copy, but to wait a few weeks." And that, as they say in flixdom, 'don't work'.

Another factor was that the film got negative reviews because critics and viewers alike stated it was a watered-down version of the two previous 'Expendable' movies. There had been a decision by the producers to go with a milder version which hopefully would attract a larger audience - it did the opposite. The first two films were fast-paced, action-packed, graphic, 'R' rated films which were also humorously entertaining, and self-effacing.

Well, folks.  Chalk one up for the pirates and a dismal loss for the 'Expendable' geezers.

S. Flix  

CINE BUZZ - August 17 2014

CHINA'S MOVIE EXHIBITORS IMPOSE RATING SYSTEM

Last month, we reported that the Chinese cinema industry only censors films based principally upon political and social criteria - and has no age restrictions regarding movies.  If a film passes censorship, anyone, no matter age, can view it regardless of the amount of sex, violence, or adult language. China has no official film-rating system as the rest of the world uses. However, now several cinema owners/operators are taking matters into their own hands and have begun to institute their own unofficial age restrictions for film attendance.

Yao Lin, the manager of a multiplex in Guangzhou (once called Canton) and several other exhibitors began issuing ratings for films using Western criteria, and has been turning away younger filmgoers who do not meet  the age requirements. The state-operated China Film Group, which is responsible for censoring films has failed to introduce a rating system despite regular requests from movie producers and distributors (mainly U.S. based studios but also from Chinese film producers).

Both action and horror films are on the exhibitors list of restricted films, where PG-13 and R ratings have been given to certain films.  While these exhibitors have no legal capacity as a censor, they argue they are simply enforcing Chinese laws protecting minors from pornography, violence, and extreme terror. The exhibitors have reported that parents have been very supportive of their actions.

It appears that China will get an age restricted film rating system, like the MPAA's in the U.S., regardless of the Chinese government's official position - which will change over time.

THE CRUELEST MONTH FOR THE BOX OFFICE

It use to be that last August - early September was arguably the worst time for the box office. Coming off the summer blockbusters and entering the busy school year and back from vacation mode, folks weren't thinking about a trip to the local cinema. Only January and the 'after holiday blues' compared to the September b.o. doldrums.  These were the times when Hollywood slipped their stinkers into release.

This may be changing, however, as Hollywood's long-held release tactics are under attack. Experiencing a weak summer b.o. and looking at 2014 attendance figures, the two biggest grossers, thus far, 'Captain America' and 'The Lego Movie' opened in April and February respectively. Warner Bros. just announced that it was shifting the opening of its highly anticipated superhero match-up 'Batman v. Superman' from May to March.

Faced with today's digitally savvy audiences demanding to see what they want, when they want it. Hollywood must conform to the rapid changes taking place across the entertainment landscape. There will always be crappy movies and there will always to be a need to slot these films into each studio's release schedule. But as the old adage goes - 'There is never a bad time to release a good movie, and there is never a good time to release a bad one'.

Best
Jim

Superheroes, Vampires, and Aliens

There's Money To Be Made With The Un-dead

Lugosi as Dracula

My counterpart at CMG, Seymore Flix, recently posted on the box office success of the Marvel superhero films and it appears that Disney has it all over the other studios in this regard.  Owning Marvel Entertainment, as well as, LucasFilms (with its upcoming three-bagger of 'Star Wars' sequels), not to mention Pixar Studios and its original animation production arm - it appears Disney is well positioned to take a dominate role in the cinema's box office future.

Ah, but not to worry and fret to much for the other studios, my friends, for moviegoers, in addition to their addiction for superheros and talking animals also have an appetite for vampires, the un-dead, werewolves, oversized Godzilla-like monsters, wizards, and mythological beings.  Witness last week's purchase by Universal Studios of the rights (no amount was disclosed) to Anne Rice's 'Vampire Chronicles', a series of 13 novels, the first of which will be produced by the folks who brought you 'Transformers' and the 'Star Trek' movies.

Dunst, Pitt, and Cruise in 'Interview'

The Rice novels/films will follow in the footsteps of  Bella Lugosi's 'Dracula' and a long series of vampire inspired movies, the most recent being the huge success of the 'Twilight' series. Rice's first novel, 'Interview With the Vampire' was made into a film and release in 1994 - starring a very young cast of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst - it grossed over $225 million globally.

Recent photo of Rice 

Universal, like all of the other major studios, is investing heavily in the supernatural. It currently has plans to revive Dracula, the Mummy, and Frankenstein.  The Mummy is up first, with a scheduled release date of April 2016.  And, of course, with their inking of the rights to Rice's 13 novel series Universal may be looking at a decade-plus long string of films that may become the industry's mega-franchise of all time.


Best
Jim Lavorato  

The Scene by Seymore Flix

Marvelous Marvel Movies

Founded in 1939 as Timely Comics, Marvel Comics really hit its modern-day stride in the 1960s, when Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko began to develop the superhero characters so well known as today's cinema stars and box office movers.

Movie Stars of Today

Now owned by Disney, which acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009, Marvel's main competitor in the comic world is DC Comics.  Each holds about 1/3 of the comics market; however, Marvel has it all over DC when it comes to the silver screen. Why? Because Marvel has always focused on its superhero characters as 'real' people. Although having super powers there are portrayed with frailties and flaws and given to human emotions - that is what makes them so appealing.  It was Marvel's depiction of  the flawed superhero which revolutionized the comic genre and brought forth the worldwide mega-success of  the superhero films of today. In fact, Marvel comic based movies represent the highest-grossing franchises in film history, generating over $15 billion globally to date and, I believe, we have just seen the tip of the dollar iceberg with these films.

 First Marvel Superhero Comic - 1939

The first successful Marvel comic based film was 'Blade', released in 1998. It was followed by 'X-Men' in 2000 and it has been non-stop box office blockbusters one after the other since. Sequels are prevalent but new heroes are introduced as well. This year, 'Captain America', 'Spider Man', 'X-Men', and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' have grossed over $2.2 billion worldwide and still counting.  Next year, Marvel films will include a second 'Avengers', another 'Fantastic Four'  and the introduction of new heroes in the films "Ant-Man', and 'Doctor Strange'.  Disney has already announced the future production of a third 'Captain America', a new 'X-Men', and sequels for the 'Sinister Six', 'Wolverine' 'Fantastic Four', 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Spider Man'.

Add to this Disney's planned release of three new 'Star Wars' films and other films based upon DC Comic heroes, like Superman, not to mention the three 'Avatar' sequels in the works and you get a continued stream of films to quench the entertainment thirst of moviegoers for the high-impact, fantasy movies which drive today's box office.


'La Fin Du Topless Sur La Plage ?'

Bardot on the Riviera

Or, 'Is this the end of toplessness on the beach?'  Ever since movie starlets like Brigitte Bardot took off  their tops on the French Riviera in the 1960s, topless sunbathing has been common-place on most European beaches and resorts. However, Elle, the French fashion magazine, says the era of toplessness is over - fin!

Elle, says the reason is three-fold: an increased concern over health and dangers of sun on the skin, the "pornified" perception of topless women, and third the rise of breast-affiliated activism which use naked breasts as a means of attracting attention to various women's causes.  Now, very few women are opting to go topless on the beach, in fact only 2% of women under 35 said they now go topless.

I believe that social networks have played a huge role in this whole issue. Go topless - and you can bet your bikini your image will end up on Facebook or YouTube. Hey, what's a family photo album without Grandma topless.  Add sun damage to gravity to the mix and what have you got? The end of the topless era. What a shame.

Fox Lashes Out

Fox on set of 'Turtles'

Megan Fox told the press that moviegoers who criticize 'Transformers' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' should "f -off".  At an L.A. press conference, Fox, who stars in both films, told reporters that fans should be lining up to see the "turtles" as they did for the 'Transformers'.  "These people complain but they go to the theatre. They're gonna love it - and if they don't love it, they can f-off, and that's the end of that."

This latest release will be the fifth in the TMNT franchise and has hit the silver screen with a massive upfront marketing blitz with TV ads, talk-show appearances, and on-line everything.  Fox has a point, 'Transformers' has grossed well over $1 billion globally despite very bad reviews and an 18% favorable viewer rating. It seems that any movie related to superheroes is cinema gold at the moment no matter the plot or character development - it's just what the public craves at this time. It appears to be a need to forget real-life issues and be brought into fantasy worlds dominated with super-powered people, talking  animals, robots, and futuristic worlds.

Best
Seymore Flix

HOW TO RUIN A GOOD THING

Scottish Film Site Becomes A Dumping Ground

Glen Etive Before

Glen Etive, a pristine pastoral dale in the Scottish Highlands has been the location of several films, including 'Braveheart', several of the 'Harry Potter' movies, and most recently the latest James Bond episode, 'Skyfall'.  In fact, the home of Ian Fleming, the creator and author of the Bond legacy, is located in the Glen.

However, this idyllic setting has now become a dump of refuse and trash,  with dead grass, and ash remains of fires from local shrubs and bushes. All of this devastation the result of movie fans and tourists visiting the site to satiate their inner needs to think that, somehow, being in the place where their favorite movie was filmed will offer them some modicum of reality to their fantasies.

Local residents set up a Facebook page to document the environmental destruction of the 14 mile Glen. "It's just baffling the mentality of these people, who show no respect for such a gorgeous part of the country.  They usually come on Friday and party all weekend", say local Mar Shone.

Glen Etive Now

The Bond films have always been good money-makers for British tourism.  There is even a Bond-themed tour sponsored by the Scottish Tourism Board to assist global tour operators to sell travel packages around sites in the famous Bond spy movies.  Last year over 114,000 tourists/fans visited Glen Etive and that figure excludes campers who avoid official tourism registration.

The National Trust of Scotland, which owns part of Glen Etive stated that they understood that, "the litter and environment abuse is due to uncaring travelers and tourists", but it seems that the only remedy is to strictly enforce camping and littering laws - and that is just what the Scottish authorities should do!  People, be they movie fans or tourists, for the most part, are conscientious and use proper care but there is always that element which is uncaring and abusive to the environment and others' enjoyment -Glen Etive is but one example.

Cine-BUZZ - 17 July 2014

Most Frequent U.S. Moviegoers

Which demographic attends movies most often?  Teen-boys - Adult Males - Parents with Small Children - Teen Girls. No, No, No, and No! The most frequent cinema-going group in America is Hispanic women over the age of 25! Believe it.

A recent market research study commissioned by The Wrap, a Hollywood trade journal, found that for even high-impact, action hero films, it was Hispanic women that made up the biggest audience on a percentage basis.  Hispanic audiences consistently poll as visiting the cinema more often than any other group.  These finding coincide with the finding of the Motion Picture Association of America which report in their annual report of 2013 that 25% of all U.S. cinema admissions were sold to Hispanics, even though they make up only 17% of the U.S. population.

This trend has been noticed by Hollywood studios which up to now have not tailored many movies to this audience in a way they have for other ethnic groups, but this is going to change given the ever increasing ticket sales to Hispanics in general and specifically to over 25 Hispanic women, coupled with an increasing Hispanic populace in the U.S.

Disney and Netflix Ink Exclusive Deal for Streaming First-Run Films

Both companies announced yesterday that they had reached a multi-year deal whereby Netflix well be the exclusive internet streaming service for all of Disney's live-action and animated feature films in Canada.  This follows a similar deal reach for the U.S. market in 2013.

The agreement calls for Netflix to have the exclusive first-right to stream all of Disney's new titles including all Live Action, Animated, Pixar, Lucasfilm and DreamWorks films within 8 months or less after their theatrical release.

This moves the line of separation one step closer to the day-and-date release of first-run movies across all types of media distribution.  Netflix has already signed similar release deals with Paramount and Fox.

Hollywood and Bollywood Snuggle Up

We hear a lot about the collaboration between Hollywood and China, with co-productions and Chinese investments into building new studios and purchasing distribution and exhibition outlets such as the Wanda Group's purchase of  the AMC Cinema circuit for $2.6 billion, etc.  But below the radar, there is increasing integration between Hollywood and Indian (Bollywood) film production.

Bollywood got its start in 1934 with Bombay Talkies, the first India film studio, which got its start with American production and technical know-how and flourished from there.  Today, more films are produced in India than anywhere else in the world.

The Hollywood/Bollywood collaboration is not just for action films or feel-good films such as the recent 'Million Dollar Arm' by Disney but for docu-dramas, like the upcoming Emma Thompson produced 'Sold' - a docu-drama which deals with the over 27 million labor and sex slaves currently in countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. "12 Years a Slave wins all these awards" says Thompson, "yet slavery is one of the world's fastest growing industries.  What goes on is unbelievable and it needs to be exposed. This is happening now, it's not something that happened 200 years ago."

I think we will see more and more joint productions coming out of the Hollywood/Bollywood studios. India has a very long and creative cinema history and a great heritage of story-telling which links up nicely with Hollywood's current mode of producing high-impact, technically complex movies.

Best
Jim Lavorato

THE 'SCENE' by Seymore Flix

'WEED' as a Cinema Concession Item

Washington State yesterday became the second State, after Colorado, to legalize marijuana.  To celebrate this historic occasion the makers of the docu film about the legalization, 'Mile High: The Comback of Cannabis' handed out free samples to anyone over 21 with a valid ID - whether or not you purchased an admission ticket.

"To take home and enjoy responsibly" stated Adam Hartle, producer of the film, about the free hemp. Now cinema owners may not be prone to sell cannabis for smoking - which is illegal in public venues - but how about edible weed-laced concession items, such cookies, brownies, cupcakes, chocolate covered buds etc. This could be a wind-full for cinemas. There is nothing better than sitting in a comfy seat while viewing a high-impact movie with great sound and image while high - oh, at least for some folks.

So, my cinema friends, consider this - Seymore Flix predicts you'll be seeing marijuana laced products at cinema concession stands in the near future. This could turn out to be great business if you have the right demographic.




Cine's New Tactic: Fewer Seats/More Profits

Butts have finally won out. The new trend in cinemas is larger, comfy seats and fewer as the large circuits retro their auditoriums.  Started by AMC Theatres - whose parent since 2012 has been the Wanda Group, a Chinese realty holding company, which purchased the U.S. cinema circuit for $2.6 billion - the strategy calls for a less-is-more approach.

AMC will be spending over $600 million to retro their auditoriums where is some cases up to two-thirds of an auditorium's seats are removed and replaced with loungers that fully recline.

Large exhibitors spent years building huge multiplexes with hundreds of seats in each auditorium - now that long-standing trend is falling to the demand for larger and more comfy seating by cinema patrons and AMC is responding as they believe it will, in fact, generate more box office admissions.  Banking on quality or quantity AMC management has plans to raise admission pricing to pay for the new seats but not until a year after the conversions - until patrons get used to and want to attend the cinema with the most comfort and best on-screen image and sound.  Attendance in renovated AMC auditoriums has leapt a  whopping 80% on average, despite the drastic reduction in capacity to sometimes fewer than 70 seats.

Where they have very busy venues in major markets, like LA or NYC, there is no need to convert to attract customers, so it doesn't make sense to cut seating capacity. However, in time, these cinemas will be retrofitted with seats that don't recline as far back, so less than half of the capacity is lost.

Removing seats and filling more of the remaining ones, is counter intuitive, but the data shows that the seating changes bring customers back more often and siphon traffic from competing cinemas in an area. Admissions in U.S. cinemas have been essentially flat over the last decade, there are no more butts coming through the door, so cinemas have to find something to get patrons to come back more often or pay more - it's that basic.

Improved seating, along with enhanced concessions, great sound and picture, and a clean/friendly environment is what cinemas need to continue to increase profits.

It seems other large circuits are following AMC in ramping up there reseating efforts. Both Regal and Cinemark have instituted reseating programs stating that reseated theatres attract more midweek audiences than normal theatres, and tend to draw more adults, who pay higher ticket prices than teens or young children.  AMC's plan is to increase admissions pricing by $1 - $1.25 after one year for the reseated auditoriums.

I attended a movie at one of the AMC reseated auds. The seats are full recliners with motorized leg/foot risers - very comfy.  Hmmmm, I think the airlines should take a page out of the cinemas' new seating playbook.


On-line Box Office Admissions Not All That Great

On-line cinema ticketing seems to have peaked

Contrary to popular belief, less than 24% of all cinema admissions are sold on-line.  That includes ticket services like Fandango and all cinema owned websites.  Cash or credit cards still far outweigh on-line sales and account for almost 75% of all ticket sales.  And there doesn't appear to be any indication that this trend in ticket purchasing  is going to change.

Of the on-line tickets sold, 46% were sold via direct through cinema websites.  31% via people being directed to a cinema's website through email flashes. The rest, about 23%, were sold through the internet ticket service companies like Fandango.

On-line cinema ticket sales are not that great in terms of tickets sold, the old way of paying in cash at the box office still reigns supreme.

by Seymore Flix, 
The go to guy for info on the cinema

VACATION : NOT ALL BAD

I'm back. My sojourn into the 'do-nothing' zone was not all bad this year - some past vacations have been more work than work - but this year I put the time to good use: relaxed, reflected, renewed. In fact I devoted time during my respite to refresh and rejuvenate Cinema Mucho Gusto which I think you'll find will be a  positive bolster to CMG's  infotainment level. 

First, CMG will have another contributing writer. Senior correspondent and roving reporter of a new byline, 'The Scene' will be Seymore Flix. Having years of  experience in the cinema industry at all levels of production, distribution, and exhibition, Mr. Flix's contributions will have no bounds. His first posts will appear this month - look for them.

CMG - the whole cake

Second, CMG will endeavor to address the full impact and power of the cinema. Not only in box office dollar terms but in social, political, and economic terms throughout the world (see several examples in this post).

Finally, CMG will continue to ferret-out and post on the otherwise missed news bits and under-reported cinema stories by the on-line mainstream press and other blogs.  We will continue to provide you the off-beat but relevant, the informative and interesting - in short, witty narrative enhanced with visual imagery.

There is a glut of news and information bombarding each of us on a daily basis - so, CMG must provide the 'right' news and commentary that readers 'see' as relevant to what they are doing in their daily living. The icing may be the best part of a cake, but a bag of icing is not better than a cake - CMG will be providing the cake.

In that vein, below are several interesting events that demonstrate the power of the cinema. We go to the cinema to be entertained - to laugh, cry, fantasize. To be awed, frightened, for a chance to zone-out for several hours.  However, the cinema is much more than that - it has real power to make change and to influence governments, organizations, and to push cultural change.  Several examples of this came to my attention recently.

- The recent military coup in Thailand evoked the protesting populace to use the three-finger salute taken from 'The Hunger Games' movies.  This is a perfect example of using the global cinema as a tool in getting attention and rallying around a cause for independence.  The funny thing, is that, the new military junta took a page out of the protesters playbook and began to give away film tickets to a nationalistic movie to gain favor with a rebellious populace. Starting with free haircuts and music festivals, the junta graduated to free admission to the film, 'The Legend of King Naresuan', a historical drama where the ruler unifies the country and resists unwarranted influences.

Both of these actions, one by the protesters the other by the government, point to the use of the power of the cinema for propaganda.

Mahnaz Mohammadi

- In another event, last week Iranian documentary film-maker, Mahnaz Mohammadi was charged and jailed on charges of collusion against the government.  A women's rights activist, Mohammadi who has directed several award-winning films was summoned to appear at the Evin prison in Tehran to began her five year sentence. "I have been charged with having relations with English, German, and American media.  The government wants me to confess to receiving money in return for working against the Islamic Republic of Iran.  I have never done this and had no ties to foreign media, so I didn't confess. In the end, as no evidence for these charges could be found, the court referred to my documentary film 'Travelogue' and used it against me as evidence."

This is but another example, of the power of the cinema and the fear it brings to governments.  It may be only a movie, but that small piece of art can have a very large impact.

Best
Jim Lavorato

SUMMER BOX OFFICE Begins To SPUTTER

As we reach to mid-point of this summer's cinema box office, we can see that it is 10.8% behind 2013 - than again, 2013 was a record breaker, topping out at a $4.8 billion admission total. 


There have been some bright spots. 'X-Men' has taken in over $200 million and is still going strong and teen-drama 'The Fault in Our Stars', which cost $12 million, has taken in over $85 million thus far.  But several pics which were supposed 'comers' - didn't. 'Edge of Tomorow', 'Blended', and 'Jersey Boys' to name several.  3D has done will so far - 'Godzilla' and 'Spiderman' grossed over 45% of their admission in 3D sales.

However, this year has nothing comparable to last and as we head into the home stretch will there be any rising stars to cling to.  My guesses are: 'Transformers', 'Planes-Fire and Recuse', 'Expendables 3', 'Sin City' and 'Hercules' will all deliver.  Possible sleepers: 'Deliver Us From Evil' and 'Tammy'.

August is traditionally the worst summer box office month but we hope for hot and rainy weather throughout the week and pleasant nights on weekends (for drive-in theatres).

Best
Jim

WEARABLES IN THE WORKPLACE

Smart glasses

A new wave of tech is about to hit the workplace - wearable devices.  Smart watches, smart glasses, and other new 'attached' gadgets are going to be commonplace gear for people at work and all companies, not just cinemas, must plan to manage these devices in a way that allows end users the freedom they need but provides the security and protection your business needs.

It will be the BYOD (bring your own device) age, and where and when employees can bring their wearables to the job must be managed.  Employee owned wearables, for example, should not be allowed in areas where smartphones are not allowed -  primarily due to concerns about photos or video being taken with the camera feature of the wearable device.  Sexual harassment issues and the taking of photos without consent quickly come to mind.

Smart Watches

How a company restricts the use of wearables in the workplace will be an issue. Should the camera function be allow on company premises or be restricted?  Companies should get ahead of the curve, and rather than wait for employees to bring these devices to work, they should actively try them out in some narrow, controlled applications to understand how wearables will work in real-world situations.

Don't forget, all of these wearable devices will be connected to the web, so there will be instantaneous up and download capability. For cinemas its all about piracy and access to company records and data, for other firms the risks are different but the ground rules for the use of wearables in the workplace must be set and adhered to.

CINEMA VIEWING 'SAFER' THAN IN-HOME VIEWING!

According to the Consumer Electronics Association 49% of U.S. households have at least one 'connected' TV in their home. Called Smart TVs, millions have been sold worldwide but they are all vulnerable  as hackers have now found ways to exploit loopholes in the technology that helps Smart TVs receive advertisements.  Hackers piggyback off of the Hybred Broadcast Broadband TV Standard (HbbTV) that is widely used to support Smart TV reception.

Researchers at Columbia University reported that hackers hijack HbbTV using nothing more than a cheap antenna and carefully crafted broadcast messages - they do not need your internet address. A hacker simply needs a high location (such as a roof top or small drone) and an antenna and once the hacker has completed their attack, they simply leave within a trace.  The hacker can then mimic the real user. For example, if the victim  had logged into Facebook via a TV app, the hack could be used to post messages on the social network on that person's behalf. Alternatively, the loopholes in the HbbTV system could be used to bombard a target website with data or to log spurious votes or clicks.

Broadcasts Know But Can't Prevent the Hacking

In areas where lots of people own Smart TVs, a $250 antenna could reach thousands of  - a bigger antenna could extend the reach of the attack much more.  Hacking into all of your files, stealing your identity, finding your passwords for various financial accounts and on-line services.

Most broadcasters currently use the HbbTV technology and know about this problem but haven't been able to address the issue as it would require a complete re-write of the system. So, perhaps watching a movie at the 'un-connected' cinema and not in your home through the internet is the much safer and smarter thing to do. As we become more and more connected we become more vulnerable and open to the stealing and misuse of our most valuable of personal information.  Keep this in mind whenever you log on to your Smart TV and hope that a thief isn't logging on with you.

CHINA: A MISSING PIECE OF CINEMA HISTORY

Everyone from Hollywood to Bollywood is looking to get into the booming but heavily censored China cinema market.  Seven new cinema screens open in China each day. It is the second largest film market and is expected to overtake the U.S. in total admissions within the next five years.  However, under China's state controlled quota system, only 34 foreign films per year are permitted to be released and these are usually the big-budget, blockbuster bruisers from Hollywood. So, what movie producers are trying to do is team-up with Chinese production companies so that the films they produce will be considered co-productions and not be counted in the quota.

China is different in its censorship. First, there is no certification (rating) system as we have in the U.S. where the MPAA rates the movies for various age groups (i.e. PG-13, R, etc.) In China films are approved by the State - for everyone or not at all.  The censorship criteria is not explained, but films are routinely rejected for distribution based on religion, sex and violence, and any and all things that, even remotely, cast a bad light on China's rulers, history, military, human rights, etc. As one Chinese censor stated, "We want to see positive Chinese images".  In addition to censorship issues, film producers/distributors must contend with a reduced box-office cut, as studios normally get only 25% of the box office take in China, about one-half of what is the norm in the U.S.

Due to the Cultural Revolution and many years of media control, China is virtually a missing piece in the history of the cinema.  Most of the Chinese produced films stopped production in the 1940s and have since produced films that get official approval, which tend to be lame comedies or historical action films catering to a youthful audience.  China is building a huge movie industry but does not have the products to make it profitable.  Eventually, I believe, the bans and censorship will diminish and the Chinese will move toward a movie rating system similar to the U.S. aged based one.  Political criticism will not be tolerated but a more liberal stance on social issues will.

Best
Jim Lavorato

BEST (WORST) CANNES MOVIE POSTERS

The Cannes Festival offered up some rather unusual movie candidates this year and they complied with equally unusual posters to market their films. Here's a sampling:

'KARMASUTRA 3D - How Many Positions Was That?

'EAT' - Let's hold the concessions

'BLOOD LAKE' - Yummy

'THE DEPEND BLES' - In need of more then 'Depends'

'ZOOmbies' - It Had to Happen

CMG SPECIAL REPORT : TRENDS & TECHNOLOGY

In this Trends &Technology Report:

- Consumer Media Consumption Is Changing - AND Rapidly!
- What's Best: Personality or Talent?
- Cord-Cutters: Not Coming Back To Cable
- Binge-Viewing - Getting More Popular

People Are Changing The Way They Consume Content

In general, all media consulting companies agree that adults (18 to 56) are shifting the majority of their video viewing to non-live content, including sports and other live entertainment.  This demographic group  is spending more time on-line and while they continue to spend their entertainment hours with professional quality video, they expect to watch on their own schedule and to have the option of skipping commercials when they choose - these viewers are referred to as 'On-Demanders'.

On-Demanders access video through various devices that allow them to 'time and location shift' their viewing:
-On average, On-Demanders own 5.4 devices for watching videos, including TV and PCs
- One-half subscribe to Netflix and/or another content streamer
- 40% own video-enabled mobile devices, i.e. smartphones and tablets
- Average 30 hours of video viewing each week
- Most turned off by intrusive, repetitive advertising

In the U.S., over 13% of consumers have completely opted out of live television and obtain their content through connected devices.  This group skews even younger with 30% of the total falling into the 18-24 age group.

To put it in raw terms, the current advertising model, that has been with us for decades, is now failing!
This presents serious implications for advertisers in reaching targeted audiences.  Consumers, worldwide, are demanding choice and control over what they view and when they view it.  On the plus side for marketers the data suggests that even On-Demanders would be willing to swap a service that stored their content remotely in return for advertisements - with 62% of adults saying they would be happy to be shown a few advertisements if it meant they received content storage for free! 

What's Better: Personality or Talent

Who To Hire?

According to an extensive international survey conducted by the global learning institute, Hyper Island, entitled "Tomorrow's Most Wanted", it appears that personality, not competence, is the determining factor of who's going to get the most attractive job offers.  Further, the survey found, there is a growing desire for talent in combination with skill, flexibility, collaborative traits.  Specific competence is becoming less important while personality  is most desirable.

In the survey, 78% of the respondents gave 'Personality' a top trait rating, while 'Skill-set' only garnered 38%. 'Cultural Alignment' came in at 53%. Only 14% of the respondents considered 'Drive' the most essential trait. And 'Creativity' received only a 12% top rating.

So, it appears that collaboration and team-effort instead of individual achievement is what digitally driven economies desire in workers - that personality matters more than skills.  Whether you run a cinema, a restaurant, a multi-national organization, or service company you want to hire employees who can adapt, be flexible, and work well with others. So, when hiring, according to the survey respondents:
- Don't get bogged down in the 'skill-set
- Look beyond the resume - find out what the person is really like
- Be specific in your wants. You may be looking for a meticulous and detailed-minded individual or someone that is energetic and personable.

The Hyper Island survey was conducted over a three month period in 2013 and polled over 500 international companies.  My feeling is that more and more, collaborative traits are a prerequisite in any business setting; however, skills and a sense of what is important to succeed are equal ingredients in the mix to accomplish business goals.

Cord-Cutters Happy To Stay Un-connected

Cord-cutters, those that have severed ties with their pay-for-view TV cable providers, represent about 18% of all TV viewers, but is a segment of the viewing population that is growing rapidly.  Worse, the TV cable service providers tactics to woo back cutters are not working.

84% of cord-cutters said they were "happy" with their decision to sever ties with their cable providers. "A growing group of broadband consumers are finding that life without pay TV is not only plausible, but also pleasurable", Colin Dixon, President of nScreenMedia, which recently concluded a survey on this topic, told CMG.  To the dismay of the cable companies the glue which normally holds cable subscribers to the cord - 'Sports' - was found not to be as sticky as once thought, as a mere 9% of cord-cutters said they missed viewing sports.

nScreenMedia's study also found that the most popular sites for cord-cutters was YouTube, followed by Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Plus.

Binge-Viewing On The Rise

Several months ago I posted on the rising trend in binge-viewing, the habit of viewing movies or TV shows from three-to-six or more hours at one-sitting.  Binge-viewing can now be considered a fact-of-life and not a budding trend, as viewers, worldwide, now binge-view on a regular basis.

Arris, a broadband technology firm, recently commissioned a study on binge-viewing, the results of which were released last week.  The study interviewed over 10,000 consumers in 19 countries and found that a whooping 80% of respondents admitted to binge-viewing. In the U.S., the number was 74%, with 25% of those in the 25-34 age group saying they binge at least once a week.

Standard HD-TVs were the most popular devices for binging with PCs, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, and UHD-TVs in that order.  According to the Arris study, 16% of respondents said they would pay for a service that let them immediately download or stream a completed TV series, while 21% would be willing to pay extra if that feature was tied to a cable service bundle.

CMG CINEMA BuzzFEED - 4 June 2014

IN THIS BuzzFEED

- What Does Recent Military Coup in Thailand and 'Hunger Games' Film Have In Common
- Studios Want To Be Allowed To Use Drones in Film Production
- Study Says Film Streaming/Downloading Will Overtake Cinema Box Office By 2017


'Hunger Games' Salute Gets New Meaning in Thailand

Thailand's citizens against the recent military coup that ousted the elected government are protesting their condemnation by using the three-finger salute borrowed from the film 'The Hunger Games'.
In this new form of silent protest the new military rulers say they are monitoring its use and will arrest those in large groups who ignore their warning - a large group is deemed to be five or more people.

Thai Protesters Using 3 Finger Salute

The three finger, raised arm salute has become the unofficial symbol of opposition to the May 22nd military coup which seized the government. According to a spokesman for the ruling junta, "If it is an obvious form of resistance, then we have to control it so it doesn't cause any disorder.  We know it comes from the movie, and let's say it represents resistance against the authorities.  If a single individual raises three fingers in the air, we are not going to arrest him or her, but if it is a political gathering of five people or more, then we will make arrests." Since the bloodless coup, the military has attempted to ban criticism by closing TV stations and blocking hundreds of websites.

Social activists says the raising of three fingers is a symbol of their discord with the new junta. "3 fingers, 3 times a day in a public place is what we call for. Let's escalate the anti-coup movement three times a day, together" - is the protesters' cry.  Saying that protesters should raise their right arm and stay still for 30 seconds 3 times each day.  Asked what the salute meant responses were: liberty, equality, and fraternity.  In the 'The Hunger Games' film, the 3 finger salute is a symbol of rebellion against totalitarian rule, and stands for: thank you, admiration, and goodbye to someone you love. 

Hollywood Wants Permission To Use Drones

Drone which can be used for filming

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pondering a request from Hollywood film-makers for permission to use drone aircraft for filming purposes.  This would allow for the wide-spread use, by film studios, of large drones for aerial filming.  In a letter to the FAA the Motion Picture Assoc. of American, on behalf of the studios, stated, "Unmanned aircraft systems offer the motion picture and television industry an innovative and safer option for filming.  This new tool for storytellers will allow for creative and exciting aerial shots and is the latest in a myriad of new technologies being used by our industry to further enhance the viewer experience."

For their part, FAA spokesperson Les Dorr stated,  "the FAA will consider Hollywood's request for an exemption that would allow for the use of drone aircraft under controlled operations." The exemptions would include aircraft weighting about 55 lbs. (25kg) or less.

Drones come in all sizes

I believe the FAA will allow the exemption for the Hollywood studios and that drones will be used extensively for film shooting and for other uses, such as evaluating filming locations.  Drones have been used extensively by governments and law enforcement for years - they are here to stay and already impact our daily lives. Their use will become more pervasive as time goes on - like Amazon's current experiment of using drones to deliver packages to homes.


Growing Popularity of Streaming Movies Was Predicted

A dramatic study by PriceWaterhouse Coopers, the large public accounting and business consulting firm, declared that the market for DVD and BluRay videos is rapidly declining due to the ever increasing popularity of on-demand content via on-line streamers, and further that these downloads to living rooms will overtake total cinema box office revenue by 2017.

The study found that electronic home video (the streaming and downloading of films) will overtake physical media (DVDs/BluRays) by 2016. PwC further found that by 2017 home electronic videos will overtake the cinema box office as the biggest contributor to total film revenue - reaching $17 billion in four years, twice the $8.5 billion home streaming currently generates.

Cindy McKensie, managing director at PwC told CMG that, "People still want to go to the cinema,
especially to view the blockbusters."  I agree. The impact for those cinemas that have prepared for the future and offer superior presentations and great concession values, will prosper. This study bolsters CMG's contention that all movies will eventually be distributed day-and-date across all media outlets. Those cinemas that have properly prepared can look forward to continued profitability while those that did not will simply have to shutter their doors.  Netflix, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Hulu and others have all embarked on ambitious production projects, and do not want to be content distribution middlemen but the creators of original movies and TV series - this is where the cinema's competition will come from.

Best
Jim

'Avatar' and 'Cirque du Soleil' : A Fantasy Team-Up

'Cirque' performances are fantastic

James Cameron, the force behind the two highest grossing movies of all time - 'Avatar' at $2.7 billion and 'Titanic' at $2.2 billion signed a deal last week with Daniel Lamarre, the force behind the most successful live performance shows of all time - Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) which has grossed billions in admissions over the course of its 30 year history.

Started in a village near Quebec City in 1984, 'Cirque' currently has 23 productions running: 11 touring and 12 permanent venue (of which 8 are resident in Las Vegas resort/hotels). Over 100 million people have attended a 'Cirque' performance which couples out-of-this-world costumed characters performing elaborate acts of aerobics and acrobatics, some aquatic, but all emotional and mesmerizing. No animals are ever used in 'Cirque' performances.

The 'Avatar'/Cirque du Soleil show will be a 'road' performance and is scheduled to begin touring late next year - no title for the show has yet been determined.  The new show will be ahead of the release of the three 'Avatar' movie sequels now in the works - the first to be released in cinemas in December 2016 and the third by December 2018. The announcement of the joint venture was made at the C2MTL Commerce and Creativity Conference in Montreal last week.  Fox Entertainment, which distributed the first 'Avatar' will also work on the project.

"I know we share the common goal of bringing audiences to another level of entertainment experiences. I look forward to doing just that on this project ", Cameron stated at the press conference.  Lamarre, CEO of 'Cirque du Soleil, reiterated saying, "our relationship with Jim Cameron began with my visit to his 'Avatar' cutting room.  I am thrilled that 15 years later, Cirque du Soleil will be able to explore the very inspirational 'Avatar' realm for the live stage."

I, for one, can't wait. I have attended several of the 'Cirque' productions and they are truly amazing and fantastic and fit perfectly with the fantasy and imagery of 'Avatar'.