Cinema Tidbits

Most Profitable Movie in Last 5 Years

No, it's not the movie you're thinking of.  No, not that one either. In fact you probably have never heard of this movie and if you saw it you'd probably say it was the worst movie you very viewed.

The movie is 'The Devil Inside' - it cost less than $1 million and  has grossed over $98 million, making it the most profitable movie on a cost to return basis, possibly ever.

'The Devil Inside' is bad. A terrible film. But upon release, Paramount (which distributed and marketed the movie) went with a wide release in over 2500 screens.  In fact, Paramount paid $4.9 million to market and distribute 'The Devil Inside' which was 5 times what the movie cost to produce. Many moviegoers left the auditorium during the movie or booed at its end. But Paramount's gamble paid off, at least for the first weekend before word got out that the film was seriously flawed.

Now, 'The Devil Inside' has become (sort of) a cult film - being that it is one of the worst films ever released on the big screen.  Con-job, scam, call it what you will, but turning $1 million into close to $100 million is no small feat.

You Have To Go Straight Outta Compton To See The Movie

Too bad, but no one in Compton, CA will ever see the movie, 'Straight Outta Compton' (the current hit movie about the start of rap music) at least not at a local cinema, because there are no movie theaters in Compton - not one!

The City of Compton (located in southern Los Angeles county) is divided by two street gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, and although the City has improved the quality of life over the last 20 years, it still has a steep up-hill climb.  Once, a predominately black community during the 1970s and '80s when rap started there, Compton has shifted to being a heavily populated Latino city.

Currently Compton isn't the town that is portrayed in the movie.  Violent crime is down over 70% from the gangsta years of 1990s, which witnessed gang feuds, civil strife, and a crack epidemic. Compton isn't the ideal place to live but it is much improved and it deserves to have its own cinema.

Real Battle in H'wood Is OFF Screen

Forget the high-impact, action films of 2015 the real battle this year is going on between the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and a gang of on-line pirates operating as MovieTube.

In July, the MPAA filed a legal complaint against the anonymous operators of MovieTube's websites, in an effort to prevent the streaming of pirated Hollywood movies.  To counter, MovieTube, via its Facebook page, informed the court that MovieTube was not a U.S. domiciled company and therefore not accountable under U.S. laws.

Then things got really ugly for the MPAA, which was sure it had an open and shut case against MovieTube.  First, lawmakers stopped short of fully embracing the MPAA sponsored 'Stop Online Piracy Act'.  Then came the worst - major pushback from internet giants: Google, Yahoo, Facebook, and Twitter which forced the MPAA to withdraw its injunction against MovieTube.  The internet players felt that an injunction to block MovieTube's activities would create a dangerous legal precedent of what can or can not be viewed on the Internet.

For now, legal proceeding are at a stand-off but you can bet the war isn't over.

Highest Paid Female Actors

Lawrence Number One in $s

As promised, following is the list of the 10 best-paid actresses in movies.  When looking at the list you quickly notice that the amounts are smaller than their male counterparts.  Only the number one actress would have cracked into the top five male actors totals.

1. Jennifer Lawrence - $52m
2. Scarlett Johansson - $35.5m
3. Melissa McCarthy - $23m
4. Bingbing Fan - $21m (Chinese actress)
5. Jennifer Aniston - $16.5m
6. Julia Roberts - $16m
7. Angelina Jolie - $15m
8. Reese Witherspoon - $15m
9. Anne Hathaway - $12.5m
10. Kristen Stewart - $12m 

Best
Jim

Cinema Arena - by Seymore Flix

Pay for Your Security - NOT HARDLY

A recent poll taken by Variety indicated that 77% of moviegoers stated that they were not willing to pay an extra $2 for improved security at cinemas (with 52% saying they weren't willing to pay $1) - I totally agree with them.

What's all of this pay extra for services that should come free-of-charge.  Checked bags at airlines, 15-20% automatic gratuity at restaurants, extra per-day fees for use of hotel amenities, fee for this, that, and the other, up-charges for large screened cinema auditoriums - all in the name of higher profits.  I'm sick of it!

Now cinemas want an extra fee for having a safe place for moviegoers to visit. You've got to be kidding.  If cinemas don't get the security up-charge fees does that mean cinemas are now unsafe public venues?  This makes no logical sense for cinemas from a marketing standpoint and will deter moviegoers.

What's to say that an extra $1 or $2 will make patrons more secure?  Precisely what do I, as a patron, get for the extra charge?  A cinema staff that takes a security training course? Armed guards? Closed circuit cameras in all auditoriums monitored for suspicious characters?  Metal detectors and security entry checks?  Or perhaps nothing, and the cinema pockets the up-charge.

Cash pickup by armored truck at cinema

When I go to a public place, be it a cinema, shopping mall, arena, etc. I automatically assume that security is provided.  That a trained staff is on tap to help in situations ranging from lost car keys to a lost child.  God knows that huge amounts are spent preventing shoplifting and pilferage and that includes cinemas.  So, I expect to receive security when I go to a cinema without having to be charged a fee for my safety.  Cinema exhibitors currently spend lots on securing their property - box offices with bullet-proof glass, armored truck cash pickups or bank safe-deposit drops several times per day, key-coded locks on projection rooms, etc. all for the protection and security of the cinema but none for the moviegoer!

The idea of moviegoers paying for their own security is a very bad one - period. 77% of the folks know it and don't like the idea.  Cinemas should be providing security for their patrons -NOW!  I believe that if several more cinema shooting incidents occur people will seriously think twice about going to the movies - I know I will.

Minions Used For Drug Smuggling

New York City police busted a massive drug ring that was using 'Minions' and 'Frozen' toys to smuggle huge quantities of cocaine into Manhattan.

Minion toys were stuffed with cocaine

After lengthy surveillance and wiretappings a slew of high-level drug smugglers/dealers were arrested.  The drug dealers were mailing boxes of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Harlem, hidden in gift boxes which contained 'Minion' and 'Frozen' toys stuffed with drugs.

NYC police intercepted numerous packages containing pounds of cocaine valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The packages were addressed to people with fake names and were wrapped to look like birthday presents.  In addition to the toys there were wireless internet router boxes full of drugs.

Like straight out of a movie script, police worked backwards using wiretaps, surveillance, and various undercover drug buys.  The investigation moved from low-level operators through the ranks, until the masterminds of the scheme were reached.  71 total charges were issued against the seven major perpetrators - all have pleaded not guilty.  All are being held without bail pending trial.

The poor Minions.  Why pick on them?  They are jolly, fun-loving characters that shouldn't be used for nefarious deeds. Using them, in itself, should be a criminal offence.

Can 3D Make A Comeback?

If you haven't noticed, the movie studios are trying to make another run at moviegoers into accepting 3D (and of course their premium pricing).

This year has seen a number of blockbusters that were released in 3D format - the biggest grosser being 'Jurassic World'.  This fall/winter however a big push rests on a cadre of 3D films being released which are geared toward the adult moviegoer.  Many studio executives see potential for more business if they can get mature audiences to view more sophisticated 'event' films.

In the quarter ended June 30th, the average price of a movie ticket was $8.61, up 6% over the 1st quarter of the year.  This increase was partly due to premium pricing of ticket sales of 3D films.

3D viewing peaked in 2011 for both younger and older audiences and has been in decline since. 2015 maybe the pivotal year that gets 3D back on track - at least that's what the studios are hoping for.

IMAX has been urging the studios to create 'event' films for adults and release them in the September/October timeframe which is normally a release dead-spot baring the odd fantasy, action blockbuster.  To accommodate IMAX and because there maybe validity in their notion, Universal is releasing an IMAX-only 3D version of 'Everest' on September 18th - a week before wide-release at regular cinemas.  The same will be true of 'The Walk' which Sony will early release in 3D to IMAX theatres on September 30th. Also to be released in 3D will be 'In the Heart of the Sea', a 19th century sea adventure by Warners Bros. and 'The Revenant', a frontier action-thriller from Fox.

So, it appears that the studios are on-board with the idea that adult oriented movies released in 3D will have older audiences paying for the 3D up-charge.  In addition, 'The Hunger Games:Mockingjay 2' (Lionsgate) and 'Star Wars-The Force Awakens' (Disney) will also be available in 3D.  Added to these are other big-screen up-comers: the new Bond movie, 'Spectre' (Sony/MGM), Peter Pan fantasy, 'Pan' (Warners), 'Crimson Peak' (Universal) and the reboot, 'Point Break' (Warners).

The studios want to make films that are targeted to an older, more thoughtful audience but which are also action-packed and thrilling and oriented to a large screen with 3D effects - movies good enough to warrant an Oscar nod but still be appealing to a mass audience.

I'm hard pressed to see 3D come back in a big way.  I think it holds that good films beget big audiences whether they be young, middle, or older aged, male or female.  3D doesn't add to the goodness of a movie that's why moviegoers decided to shy away from 3D flix in the first place- there were a lot of bad 3D films released which didn't deserve a premium price.  Let's see how this falls' 3D movies perform at the box office.

Best

Cinema Arena by Seymore Flix

Ronda Rousey Moving Up In The Ranks

Rousey on cover of Maxim

You have to love Ronda Rousey.  If you haven't heard of her - you will.  Ronda is the current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts Bantamweight champ.  Last week she dispatched her latest rival and main contender, a Brazilian fighter, in 38 seconds of the first round with a knockout.  That win is the 12th in her undefeated professional fight career and the 11th in which she won in the first round.  Ronda is a fighting machine with a record unmatched by any other UFC fighter - male of female.

Ms. Rousey now wants to be a movie star and she has thrown her hat into the ring (no pun intended) for the role of superhero Captain Marvel (or Ms. Marvel) in a movie to be released in 2018.  When asked about the role, Rousey said, "Well .... a lot of the good ones have been taken, but I'd like to vie for Ms. Marvel. "  Quite frankly, she would be a great fit for the role, as she could certainly perform all of her own fight scenes - she recently won the 2015 ESPY Best Fighter Award.

Add caption

No stranger to the world of fandom she has millions of fans worldwide, both female and male,  Rousey has appeared in three films to date: 'Expendables 3', 'Fast and Furious 7', and 'Entourage' and although other actors have expressed interest in the Marvel role, including: Emily Blunt, Katheryn Winnick, and Jessica Chastain my bet is on Ronda to land the part.  She has badass attitude, which the part requires, and hey she could easily best any one (or two) of them in a cage match.

So, look for the 28 year old Rousey at a cinema near you is the near future.  She has the looks and demeanor now she needs to show some acting talent.

Disney Puts Kibosh on Selfie-sticks (poles)

Out-of-control selfie poles

Disney officially banned the use of selfie sticks at all of their theme parks.  Cited were the sticks (or poles as they should be called) annoyance and safety issues for park guests. The top nut on the fruitcake was when a park patron was taking selfies while riding on a roller coaster - endangering other riders. Ranging in length of up to 5ft. with a price of $7 to $75 the poles are affixed to cell phones and allows a person to take a selfie photo from high-on. This cell phone accessory is now ban at all Disney theme parks worldwide, They are detected through bag checks which are a standard security measure at all Disney park locations.

I expect to see other entertainment venues banning selfie poles.  They are dangerous to others and, as always, people get foolish with their use. They should be used only in private settings, where people can only hurt themselves or loved ones.  I've even seen the poles used in cinemas and that is a real no-no - but idiots will be idiots no matter where you go.

Millennials Big Moviegoers

According to Nielsen Ratings, more than 215 million U.S. adults aged 18-34 (termed Millennials) have attended a movie at a cinema through May of this year - a 30% increase over last year!  And, it took only 31 movies to reach this level of viewership.

Question: Why have 2015's movies struck such a cord with the Millennial group?  The answer is balance - lot of good films that attracted both audience genders.  This year's big blockbusters had wide audience appeal.  The high-impact, action films, as well as, comedies and even the animated movies brought in male and female moviegoers alike.

The research data confirms what I think is reflective of other demographic segments - that Millennials want to see and will go to the cinema to see good movies.  For 2015, H'wood lined by a cadre of well-known franchise sequels that needed little advertising to get social media buzz going and jump-start advanced ticket sales.  The moviegoing experience now goes full circle and ends with the Millennials texting on social media platforms about the movie they have just seen.

Looking at the release schedule for the remaining of this year, the Millennial' buzz is high and bodes will for cinema attendance. 

Best

Improving The Oscars, Also: 12 Most Expensive Movies of all Time

In Need of a Revamp

If you read CMG with any regularity you know how much I believe that the Oscar TV-fiasco needs a revamp.  Apparently, I'm not the only one.

Recently Edward Norton, himself a three-time nominee for the Oscar came out with some very bold ideas on how to improve the Academy's Oscar giving system and show. Norton has criticized the "monetization" of the pre-awards season, whereby very major Guide having it own televised awards show.  He says, "The Academy, which is a private organization, could easily say that, its own award and any film putting out paid solicitation ads of any kind, would disqualify that film from receiving an Oscar."

The chase for an Oscar is not a cottage industry.  The run-up to the award show costs mega-millions and support a cadre of Hollywood minions.  I guess the real question about the Oscars is "Does anyone outside of Hollywood and a handful of film-geeks, really care?  None of the big box office bruisers ever get nominated and the audience for the Oscars (never mind the Guide shows) drop every year.  That's not saying much for an industry that will be breaking box office records this year.

For sure, the Oscars needs a revamp.  It has to become more than a black-tie, backslap affair or runway show for H'wood insiders.  It has to be reflective of what is happening at the box office and which movies people actually go to see at their local cinema.

Most Expensive Movies Ever Made

These days, really good movies cost a lot to produce. You know, the good movies - the ones people flock to the cinema to see.  Ever wonder what they cost and how much of a crap-shoot H'wood films really are?  Here is a list of the top 12 most expensive movies ever made (to date) and what they earned.

The Amazing Spider Man (2012) Columbia/Marvel   $230m cost  $758m earned
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Warner Bros.  $231m cost  $1.1b earned
Avatar (2009) Fox  $237m cost  $2.78b earned
Harry Potter & The Half  Blood Prince (2009) Warner Bros.  $250m cost  $934m earned
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (2014)  MGM/New Line  $250m cost  $965 earned
Amazing Spider Man 2 (2014)  Columbia  $255m cost  $709m earned
Spider-Man 3 (2007) Columbia  $258m cost  $891m earned
Tangled (2010) Disney  $260m cost  $592m earned
John Carter (2012) Disney  $263m cost  $284m earned
Avengers: Age of Ultron Disney  $280m cost  $1.4b earned
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End  Disney  $300m cost  $963m earned
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides  Disney  $378m cost  $1.5b earned

So, it appears that spending money begets more money.  None of the top 12 most pricey pics lost money. Some fared much better then others, but none were total busted, box office bombs.  Disney takes the most risks and is willing to gamble the most and the most often.  The results are consistent with the notion that movie-folks crave the high-impact fantasy and action films with the odd animated or comedy thrown in.  Happy movie going.

The Power of the Cinema

Backstory

Orca Whale, Tilikum aka 'Blackfish'

'Blackfish' is a documentary that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 and detailed, in stark terms, the dark-side of the goings-on at Sea World.  It is an expose on how the animals at Sea World are treated (or better put, mistreated).

The film features interviews of former Sea World employees and graphically displays the treatment of the animals and centers on a captive orca whale, called Tilikum - who eventually killed three people at Sea World resulting in a account of how Tilikum was treated in captivity.

Impact of 'Blackfish'

If you watch any television, you have probably noticed a lot of ads for Sea World as of late.  The ads put on a 'happy face' and explain  how well-treated their captive animals are and how happy they must be. There is good reason for the ads, as Sea World Entertainment, Inc. published its latest financial data and it's grim. For the first six months of this year its profits are down 84% with attendance off by over 100,000 visitors!  

The performance shortfalls can be directly linked to the viewing of 'Blackfish' and its impact on Sea World and other aquatic parks. In fact, several new laws are being written that would outlaw the captivity and public display of orca whales and credits 'Blackfish' as a main source for the legislation.  However, at the rate things are going, public opinion is way ahead of the law. Changing attitudes are working faster in closing down Sea World for good and the releasing of all its captive animals.

'Blackfish' is solid proof of the immense impact a movie (one movie) can have on society and be used as a catalyst for change.  Three cheers for the creator and director of 'Blackfish'
Garbriela Cowperthwaite,

Cinema Arena by Seymore Flix

Celeb-jerks

It's common knowledge that some celebs that are just plain jerks.  Egotistic, self-absorbed slubs that put on a great camera-face but off camera are rude, crude, and not nice people.  Here are a few:

Ray: Not the 'goodie, girl friend' she portrays 

-Kevin James - according to James, 'the help' is anyone he has contact with outside of his very small circle of fellow jerks.  He routinely has his staff people go into restaurants and shops prior to his arrival to request that other diners and shoppers not look at him directly and vehemently shuns any attempts by fans for autographs or small-talk.

-Rihanna - widely known for being a 'bully' on Facebook and Twitter. She berates fans left and right and thinks nothing of it. Not ladylike at all. 'Whatever'.

-Christian Bale - Berating film crew members is commonplace for this celeb-jerk, and so he is with fans. Rarely recognizes fans and never, ever gives autographs.

-Rachael Ray - with her homey, best-friend facade Ray is the epitome of  'good girl-friend'.  However when asked, audience members of her cook shows say that off-camera she is "an angry, cold, and poor host" who never reaches out to fans and is very difficult to deal with.

-Jerry Seinfeld - viewed throughout Hollywood as one of the biggest celeb-jerks. Seinfeld berates his staff, fans, and very one else left and right. I guess he's consistent in his jerkiness.


Who's Related to Whom (did I get that right?)

Roker and Kravitz, second cousins

 - Comedian Amy Schumer and New York Senator Chuck Schumer are second cousins.
 - Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy are first cousins.
 - Nickolas Cage and Sofia Coppola are first cousins.
 - Al Roker and Kenny Kravitz are second cousins.
 - Shirley McLaine and Warren Beatty are sister/brother.
 - Tom Cruise and William Mapother are first cousins.

Universal Can't Be Caught

There is no way another studio will catch-up to Universal's record breaking box office tally of $5.53 billion thru July.  Even with five months left in the year, it's closest rival, Disney (with about $3 billion thru July) will not be able to exceed Universal's gate - with or without the upcoming Star Wars sequel.

Powered by mega-hits 'Jerassic World', 'Minions' and 'Fast and Furious 7' Universal was on a tear through the first seven months of the year and shattered the previous 'annual' record of $5.52 billion which Fox registered in 2013. With five months to go and 10 more releases Universal is poised to top $6 billion for the year.

Donna Langley, Head of Universal Pictures

Donna Langley, Head of Universal Pictures, told CMG "With five months remaining, and 10 films to go, we look forward to celebrating even more record-breaking milestones."  Several big releases still to come for Universal: 'Everest', 'Crimson Peak', 'Sisters', 'The Visit', 'Legend'.

As CMG predicted early-on, 2015 is going to demolish all box office records both globally and domestically.  The question, now - can this level of moviegoing be sustained?  My answer - it all depends upon the content.  The folks like certain movies the rest are just fodder or marquee fillers. The high-impact, action films and animated (but clever) movies, and the occasional comedy are it - nothing else on the big screen really matters. I think Hollywood gets that and so we should see more of the same of what drives the worldwide box office.

Stop The Nonsense!

Sony Pictures has green lit a reboot of the 1995 box office hit 'Jumanji',  which starred Robin Williams.  Now, a few misguided souls have started a social media campaign to arm-twist Sony into scrapping the project.  With protestations like, "too soon", "a travesty", "is nothing sacred"  these folks need to get a life - GET OFF IT!  The movie was screened 20 years ago. A reboot is long overdue, and,  I might add, should be viewed as a tribute to Williams.

Williams with co-stars of 'Jumanji' - 1995

In 1995, 'Jumanji' was considered a new standard for state-of-the-art special effects and I'm sure Sony will go all out in the reboot.

Social media comments scorning the remake are from people who know nothing about what makes Hollywood tick.  I'm in full support of Sony's efforts on a 'Jumanji' reboot and those that deride the effort are misplacing their emotions.  Their views on social correctness are totally incorrect.

Just saying,
Seymore Flix
  
 

Big Paydays Go Global For Movie Stars

Those trips to rehab may have been more beneficial than originally thought for Robert Downey Jr.  for all of the drugs and alcohol he abused in years past certainly didn't affect his business acumen. Downey was the highest paid male actor in 2015, and the highest paid for the third year running.

Downey - Top Earner 3 Years Running

Who would have guessed that donning an iron suit would be worth $80 million. Ah, but Downey is very savvy when it comes to Hollywood deal making.  Last year's $80 million payday was largely due to his signing unique and favorable profit-sharing deals that ensure he is well compensated for his Iron Man roles.  Last year receiving over $40 million for the super successful movie 'Avergers-Age of Ultron' and a reported $40 million for the upcoming Disney/Marvel 'Captain America-Civil War'.

Downey beat out his nearest competitor as the top earner by $30 million - and that would be Jackie Chan, the stalwart, Hong Kong-based star of numerous, tongue-and-cheek martial arts films. The 61 year old Chan is a mega-star in the Asian movie market and earned over $50 million last year.

This year, along with Chan were three other foreign market earners that made it into the elite top ten - which demonstrates the changing landscape of the movie industry.  Once dominated by Hollywood stars, the scales are shifting to the East.  Bollywood (the name use for the Indian movie industry) saw its stars rise into the mega-earners.  Amitalh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar all finished ahead of U.S. stars Wahlberg, DiCaprio, and Depp.

Vin Diesel, took third place earning $47 million, largely for the success of  the 'Fast and Furious' franchise.  Bradley Cooper came in 4th at $41.5 million due to his roles in 'American Sniper' and 'Guardian of the Galaxy'. Adam Sandler, although featured in a string of box office bombs still managed 5th place at $40 million, mainly due to a lucrative deal to screen his next four films exclusively with Netflix.  6th place went to Tom Cruise with slightly under $40 million due to his 'Mission Impossible' films - which he also produces.

The next three spots went to Bollywood stars. At 72 years, Amitabh Bachchan, who has starred in over 200 films, took 7th place, with earnings of  $33.5 million  He was closely followed by Indian mega-stars Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar - both earned over $32 million. Mark Wahlberg rounded out the top 10, earning $32 million, principally from his 'Transformers' staring role.

Surprisingly, Johnny Depp and Leo DiCaprio (both top 10 stalwarts) were pushed out of the elite and finished in 12th and 13th places, with earnings of $30 million and $29 million respectively.

So, it appears that the sands are shifting as four non-Hollywood male actors made it into the top 10. All three Indian stars are cinema legends and although Bollywood movies gross far less at the box office then their Hollywood counterparts, top Indian actors continue to earn a cut of each film's ticket sales - a practice unheard of in the U.S. film industry.

For his part, Jackie Chan is very business astute. He has built an empire on his branded products and East-West movie co-productions, which are assisted by his special relationship with the Chinese Government.

Below is the listing of the World's Highest Paid Male Actors - 2015.  A listing of the top female actors will be posted shortly.

Robert Downey, Jr.  - $80m
Jackie Chan - $50m
Vin Diesel - $47m
Bradley Cooper - $41.5m
Adam Sandler - $41m
Tom Cruise - $40m
Amitabh Bachchan - $33.5m
Salman Khan - $33m
Akshay Kumar - $32.5m
Mark Wahlberg - $32m
Dwayne Johnson  - $31.5m
Johnny Depp - $30m
Leo DeCaprio - $29m
Channing Tatum - $29m
Chris Hemsworth - $27m
Daniel Craig - $27m

Best
Jim

The Cinema Arena by Seymore Flix

Actors Take On New Faces

I really like it when an actor, especially a very recognizable one, plays a role where their 'look' and persona morph.

Tilda as normal and as in 'Trainwreck'

A perfect example, in a recent movie, is Tilda Swinton in 'Trainwreck'.  Normally we see her with very short hair and playing very solemn, almost unisex, characters.  In 'Trainwreck' she has great make-up, long blond hair which makes you say, "Yes, I know I've seen this actor before, but where? She plays a very funny part as Diana, editor of a men's magazine called, S'nuff and the lead character's boss - a great role and very well played by Swinton.

Depp as Bulger

Depp as normal

An even better transformation will be Johnny Depp in the up-coming film, 'Black Mass' - a movie about the life of James 'Whitey' Bulger the notorious Boston mobster, which Depp portrays.

Actors that are strong and versatile enough to change, not only their look, but their persona and stretch the limits of their craft and are the best actors.

Both Tilda Swinton, and Johnny Depp are recent examples of that and can be enjoyed by a trip to your local cinema.



Shortening the Theatrical Window

Will the other studios join Paramount?

As previously posted in CMG, Paramount Studios (owned by Viacom) and AMC Theaters (the 2nd largest cinema circuit in the U.S.) have begun experimenting with the use of a much shorter window between theatrical and video-on-demand (VOD) releases.  This is an obvious threat to the exclusive theatrical release window which has been in practice for decades.

However, now Regal Cinemas (the largest U.S. chain) is speaking out against this attempt to change the current movie release practices.  Regal's CEO, Amy Miles, told CMG, "The parameters of the current proposal (by Paramount and AMC) both economically and structurally, do not make sense for us given the potential risks to the long-term health of our business.  As has been the case historically, we will utilize our screens to exhibit films distributed using a traditional distribution model that respects the existing theatrical window."

 Let's fact it, Shortening the theatrical window hurts cinemas as VOD releases do not offer multiple admission opportunities even if the cinema shares in the VOD proceeds - so this is kind of a slap in the face to exhibitors.  On the other hand, for certain movies, that are not intended to be blockbusters,the model of sharing VOD proceeds could be more lucrative for cinemas if it limits the number of films being screened with very small audiences.  The same is true for movies that 'bomb' at the box office, the VOD option could bring in extra revenue from a movie that would otherwise be dropped or buried in a small auditorium.

I have always believed that movies would eventually be releases across all viewing platforms day-and-date.  That belief still holds. The problem with the Paramount/AMC deal is that it benefits just one segment of the viewing options people use to watch movies, so in my option that model will not be successful.

Cinema Security - Is It Necessary and To What Degree

Off-duty cops a good solution for cinemas

In the aftermath of the tragic shootings at several cinemas over the last few years, many moviegoers are wondering if stricter security measures are needed. Some,are specifically calling for the use of metal detectors(MDs).  But are MDs really an option? There may be better measures that can be taken.

First, implementing MDs on a large scale is not feasible.  One issue is cost. About $5-10,000 for one detector and $250,000/year to man and properly operate the detector.  In many cases, multiple detectors would have to be installed at larger and busier cinemas, escalating the cost to over $1 million/year.

Second, the process of using MDs is slow, necessitating moviegoers to come to the cinema at least 30 minutes in advance to wait in a security line.  I believe, this would greatly impede attendance - especially parents in bring their children to the local cinema.  So far, the shootings have not had an adverse impact on movie attendance, so such an extreme measure as installing MDs is not warranted.

What all cinema operators need to do is provide security training for their staff, and perhaps, in addition, having some staff armed and thoroughly trained in firearms use.  Larger circuits have begun the practice of hiring off-duty police for security. This practice can be used by even the smallest of cinemas as the cost is not prohibitive.

The public and media sometimes over-react to the moment but the idea of using metal detectors in cinemas is a bad one.

Just saying,
Seymore Flix

Another Shooting - Why Cinemas?

Cinemas, churches, and schools seem to be the favored venues for random shootings by crazed people intent on killing fellow humans and themselves.

Is this the answer for cinemas?

My heart sank yesterday when I heard that a disturbed individual (later identified as 58 yr. old John Russel Houser) had shot innocent moviegoers at the Grand Theater in Lafayette, Louisiana. The gunman killed two young women and wounded, at least, nine others before taking his own life. The shootings took place within an auditorium that was screening 'Trainwreck' to an audience of over 100.

Houser had some criminal history but it was old and he left no messages, notes, or manifesto behind to explain his motives.  The tragedy was simply someone who wanted to take his own life but through some pretzel-twisted, demented logic decided to take others' lives as well.

Lafayette is a quite town of about 120,000 and depicts the places where similar shootings have occurred in recent history. Small towns in out-of-the-way places which do not see a lot of violence, but which have become the scenes of mass killings since the 1999 saga at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, when two teenagers killed 12 classmates before killing themselves.

June 1999 - Atlanta, GA, 12 killed by gunman (including his family) before committing suicide
September 1999 - Fort Worth, TX, lone gunman killed six before taking his own life at Church
October 2002 - Washington, DC sniper attacks and kills 10
March 2005 - church in Brookfield, Wisconsin the scene of a shooting where seven where murdered
October 2006 - shooter kills five school-girls and wounds six others at school in Nickel Mines, PA                              before killing himself
April 2007 - irate student killed 32 and wounded 15 at Virginia Tech University before shooting
                     himself
December 2007 - 20 yr. old shots and kills nine at shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska
November 2009 - U.S. Army Major shots dead 13 and wounds 42 others during a speech at Ft. Hood,                              Texas
July 2012 - a masked gunman kills 12 and wounds 58 others at a cinema screening of Batman movie

Why all the violence? And why take innocent lives if your intent is to commit suicide?

The U.S. is a violent nation.  Since its inception 239 years ago, the U.S. has been at war - many times in more than one conflict at the same time. It's our way - but why?  Because the U.S. unlike all other nations is not a country but a company, and it is run (managed) like a company.  To me, whether or not there should be or not be stricter gun controls isn't the answer to the problem of mass murders - it is our way of life, our history, our heritage, and there is no changing that.

The U.S. is the third most populace nation on earth, so just based upon simple math we have more crazies than other nations - this, couple with our proclivity for individual freedoms and rights and you have the perfect storm for people who want to harm others and commit heinous acts of violence.

Cinemas, churches, and schools - innocent places where people congregate to exercise their freedom of choice and worship but no better places to commit murderous acts. This is not the last we will see of these types of offences against humanity.

Should the notice before a movie starts be, "Turn off your cellphone and make sure your concealed weapon is loaded and ready for use. This may sound trite but it may be what we are moving toward.

Condolences,
Jim Lavorato

How Much Is An Oscar Worth? $10!

"Award winners should not sell or otherwise dispose of the Oscar statuette, nor permit it to be sold or disposed of by operation of law, without first offering it to the Academy for the sum of $1.  This provision shall apply also to the heirs of Academy award winners who may acquire a statuette by gift or bequest"  from bylaws of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

The Academy won a victory in court just last week on the issue of the sale of the Oscar - their goal, simple: to stop the sale of Oscar statuettes by pulling out a century old law regarding damaged fruit salad jars!

The lawsuit in question involved an Oscar won by Joseph Wright in 1943 for 'Art Direction' on the film 'My Gal Sal'.  Wright died in 1985 and his Oscar was handed down to his nephew, Joseph Tutalo. Tutalo wanted to sell the statuette and gave it to Briarbrook Auctions.  It was subsequently purchased, at auction, by Nate Sanders, Inc. for $79,200.  Sanders has purchased and resold over 30 other Oscars; however, this time the Academy got tough and sued Briarbrook, Tutalo, and Sanders.

The Academy referred to its by-laws (quoted at the beginning of this post) whereby recipients can not sell their Oscars without first offering to sell them to the Academy for $10 (it was originally $1).  The agreement is also binding on heirs.  However, Academy attorneys had to go back to the 1840's to make their case, that is when English courts established what is known as 'equitable servitude' - which means that parties can restrict the use of property, and under certain conditions, these restrictions can be enforced against successive owners.

In 1919, California adopted equitable servitude with regard to land, but is an Oscar equivalent to real estate?  Yes! Says the Academy. In a 1959 case which involved damaged fruit salad jars the court held that the sale of the fruit jars could not be sold as is because under agreement the fruit needed to be removed and re-jarred.  Citing that case, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gail Feuer ruled in favor of the Academy.

The defendants argued that the Academy's policy restricted, unlawfully, the sale of Oscars by their owners. Which the Academy's attorneys countered, arguing that the Oscars were never intended to be treated as "articles of trade" and that their sale  'diminished the value of the Award". Judge Feuer, agreed and sided with the Academy. So, at least for now, all Oscar winners or their heirs need to hold on to the statuettes or they will be bought for $10 by the Academy. The defendants in the case are appealing the decision.

Hmmm...... seems to me the Academy's premise that the sale of the Oscars diminish their value is a bit superficial.  For me, $79,200 for a really no-name Oscar (sorry Mr. Wright) puts a rather high value on the statuettes and provides a good indication of their worth. It's the equivalent to a signed Babe Ruth baseball.

Best
Jim

Social Media, Now Part of the Cinema Experience

Social media is now part of content consumption, including movies! This is especially true among younger viewers as social media outlets like Facebook, Tweeter, Meerkat, and Periscope have become part of their daily routine.   Social media has become so significant that it impacts the decisions of movie producers. For instance, certain movies increase in popularity due to their taking on a social media presence and the 'buzz' about that movie spawns increased attendance and fan following.

Social media has become part of the conversation and movie-makers are thinking about its impact the minute a movie goes into - not distribution - but at the first stages of development and production. Generating social media buzz is now as or more important to promoting a film than trailers, posters, billboards, and even TV ad spots. It has won a seat at the table of movie promotion and marketing.

Social media - huge impact

When producing a movie the process of creating a social media plan varies from movie to movie but for all blockbusters and tentpoles it's a must have. Not all movies are created equal. When it come to social media, some movies lend themselves to social media exposure while others do not.  Most importantly, the movie has to be one in which the audience can connect in some significant way - be it with the concept, the actors, the special effects, the story-line, the characters.  For example, potential moviegoers can tweet with the actors who star in the film, providing them an opportunity to connect and feel they are a part of the movie itself.

Purposely developing connections to a movie through social media platforms strengthen fan loyalty creating a great opportunity for fan participation which never before existed.

Best
Jim

Amazon's New Movie is Puzzling

Why is Amazon Studio's first feature film (which is planned to have a theatrical release) a message movie?  With all of its financial resources and the knowledge that high-impact fantasy or superhero based movies dominate the box office why would Amazon's first foray into the movie production/distribution business be a film about inner-city Chicago?

The movie, entitled 'Chi-Raq' (a short play on the phrase 'Chicago Iraq')  is about violence in inner-city Chicago. Directed by Spike Lee and with a named cast, including Jennifer Hudson, Wesley Snipes, John Cusack, Angela Bassett, and Samuel L. Jackson, Amazon stated that the film will definitely have a theatrical release first, followed by an early distribution (four to six weeks after it screens in cinemas) on Amazon's Prime Instant Video ( its internet streaming service).

Amazon has stated that it is seeking to create 10-12 original movies per year that will have production budgets in the $25-50 million range - well below what would be needed to produce a box office bruiser and get cinema seats filled. This is what is puzzling.  Why make message movies when everyone knows these types of films get very little consumer viewing, regardless of the social significance of the subject matter.  Most consumers get more than they need on social issues via the day-to-day media reporting and social networks.  Moviegoing. and to a great extent TV viewing, is about escapism from the social rigors and stresses of day-to-day life.

Local politicians and residents of Chicago, as one might expect, have lodged protests denouncing both Amazon and Lee for use of the title 'Chi-Raq' in reference to gun violence that has left parts of Chicago akin to a war zone. Chicago is known as one of the most violence big cities in America. Its 'reported' murders last year numbered 415. This year, through June, the number of  'reported' homicides  was 294.  The FBI crime rate for Chicago is 485, the U.S. average is 294.  So, Chicago is a very violent city and has been for some years - but who wants to go and see a movie about this violence at their local cinema.  The City Council and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have requested a name change for the movie, particularly in light of the fact, that the movie received a $3 million tax credit from Chicago.

The movie's premise is a modern day version of the Greek mythological tale of  'Lysistrata', in which women withhold sex from men to end war - only is this case to end gun violence through a sex strike. Hey, maybe this movie is a fantasy flick after-all.

Spike Lee with John Cusack at press conference

Selecting Spike Lee was a good choice if your intent is to make a message film.  He is an acclaimed filmmaker but one who has not had a box office hit in many years. His last money maker was 'Inside Man' (2006) which grossed $184 million. However, since then he has had a string of duds, including: 'Old Boy', 'Miracle at St. Anna', and 'Red Hook Summer' 

Unlike Amazon, Netflix is going the mega-movie route - you know, the films people go to the cinema to see.  It recently inked deals with Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, and Ricky Gervais and will shortly be releasing the sequel to the very successful fantasy film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.

'Chi-Raq' is scheduled for release in December and it wouldn't surprise me that it gets an Oscar nod.  It's the perfect movie for Hollywood hoi polloi to grab onto.

Just saying,
Jim

Cinema Muses by Seymore Flix

Comic-Con Favorites

A Happy Lawrence at Comic-Con 

5 movies stood out as the big winners at this year's Comic-Com.  According to Twitter, the 5 movies that generated the most social media buzz were:
1. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2
2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
4. Suicide Squad
5. Justice League

Of course the emphasis is on fantasy at Comic-Con but nonetheless the selections were interesting.
Jennifer Lawrence, the 'Hunger Games' heroine also got the top spot in "Most Tweeted-About Celebrities".  

Lawrence attended this year's Comic-Con and told the audience that her main reason for attending was to say goodbye to the 'Hunger' franchise - which made her a Hollywood sensation.

Resident Evil - One More Time

Jovovich as Alice in 'Resident Evil' saga

The final episode in the 'Resident Evil' franchise is coming to a cinema near you - 'Resident Evil: The Final Chapter'. The 'Resident' saga has been huge for star Milla Jovovich, who plays Alice - a zombie killer in the high-action sci-fi horror films.

Looking for a September 2016 release date, there have been 5 prior movies and all have killed the box office and thrilled its die-hard fan base.  The last episode, Resident Evil: Retribution released in 2012 grossed over $240 million.

Wreck-It Ralph -2

Ralph and friends

A sequel to 'Wreck-It Ralph' while bandied about for some time is now a reality and we will again see Ralph on the big screen.  This time around there will be even more cameo appearances by famous video game characters, including Angry Bird and Mario.

No release date has been announced but I expect to see 'Wreck-It Ralph-2' in last 2016.

Star Wars VII

Original cast showing age

As the name of the next movie alludes  ('Star Wars: The Force Awakens') - the saga has re-awakened after a 10 year sleep.  Shooting is now over and the film is in post-production in advance of its December release.

The plot of this movie, the 7th in the series, will be set 30 years after the events in 'Return of the Jedi'. This is so the original main cast won't look silly as they are much older and show it.

Those Dirty Little Minions

As predicted, Stewart, Kevin, and Bob killed it at the box office last weekend and will continue their performance through next weekend as well.

Universal took away the second biggest weekend gross for an animated movie with $115+ million (the cost of production was $74 million).  Internationally the 'Minions'  grossed an additional $200 million.  I expect the movie to gross well over half-a-billion dollars, and to no-one's surprise sequels are already in the works.

Speaking of the mischievous Minions, it seems a McDonald's Minion promo toy given out in Happy Meals 'swears'.  Parents in several states have lodged protests against McDonald's because they say the toy utters the expletive - "what the fuck".

Hundreds of parents have complained about the rude toy - not that their kids don't hear the f-word everyday.  But the very idea. I'm shocked!  My ears are violated by this most crude of all profanities. These potty-mouthed Minions need to be reprimanded.

Minion Toys

For its part, McDonald's announced that the toys are simply speaking Minionese - a random combination of many languages and nonsense words and sounds. 'O-pee-O' means 'love ya' in Minion-speak.  It's gibberish and nothing more.  In fact, I bought a McDonald's Minion Caveman Happy Meal to get the toy and listen.  To me it says, "para la bukay, hahaha, eheh".

I think these parents need to see a psychiatrist - like Freud, I think something happened between them and their mommies years ago.

Just saying,
Jim

On Being A Hollywood Studio CEO

There is currently an on-going tug-of-war between movies and TV.  Giving audiences a reason to invest in a trip to the local cinema is 100% the conversation as Hollywood honchos decide on green-lighting projects.  Movies need to be seen as 'events' to entice consumers away from their 'small' screens. So, what drives the decisions of studio CEOs.

'Emotional Tie-in'

What Drives a Studio CEO ?

Moviegoers emotional tie-in or equity to franchise movies is a huge driver. The success of sequels that keep viewers coming back for more is the emotional tie they have for the characters.  'Fast and Furious' is the perfect example, as is 'Stars Wars'.  The saga continues and that 'emotional' tie is what studio CEOs look for in green-lighting projects.

'Recognizable Titles & Properties'

Finding new prospects that can be developed into multi-movie franchises is the name of the game. It's about acquiring valuable intellectual property (IP) and parlaying that IP into as many stories as possible - with the emphasis on characters.  That's what keeps moviegoers coming back for more.

'Long Time-frames'

When studios enter into mega-deals for major IP rights their goal, from the get-go, is making sure that everyone (screenwriters, directors, actors, special effects/creative directors, etc.) are all on board and know that the master plan is for sequels (and hopefully a franchise).  Five year plans, or longer, are currently the norm in Hollywood!.

'Social Media'

Every Hollywood studio CEO must listen to every bit of online chatter about a story or project - particularly regarding all tentpoles. Script leaks, casting leaks, character reveals can make or break a project.  Social media is a two-edged sword, the trick is paying too close attention can be dangerous because it might pull you in the wrong direction.  But, social media must be given attention and, if necessary, swayed by the studio itself (although no Hollywood honcho will admit to doing that).

So, there you have it. Being a Hollywood studio CEO is simple - just follow the four steps above and you'll be on your way to prosperity and fame.  Hmmm, something tells me this is easier said than done.

Best
Jim


 

Cinema Muses by Seymore Flix

Theatrical Release Window - Death by a Thousand Cuts

Yesterday, it was announced that AMC Theaters (the U.S.'s second largest cinema chain) and Cineplex (Canada's largest chain) had reached an agreement with Paramount Pictures to screen two movies and have then be available for home viewing within 17 days after their theatrical release.

The two movies are, 'Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension' and 'Scout's Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse'  This could well be the start of the shortening of the time period between cinema exhibition and home viewing from the now four month average to just six weeks.

The idea behind the exclusive theatrical screening window is that people are less likely to go to the cinema if a movie is available to watch at home within a short period of wait-time.  Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures, Rob Moore, said that "Exhibition, for the first time, was open-minded about evolving our business instead of sticking their heads in the sand and ignoring what is happening around us.  This is all about changing the definition of the theatrical window.  Instead of starting the countdown from when a movie opens, we are starting from when it ends."

Paramount is planning to approach other U.S. cinema chains to see if they are willing to take the two movies under similar terms.  In return, exhibitors will get a cut of the rental income for 90 days after the movies theater release.

AMC's CEO, Gerry Lopez, told us that, "This is a prototype distribution model that may not be suitable for bigger titles. Exhibitors need to catch-up with their customers. Consumers know theatrical movies from their 'gotta see it now' release in cinemas, but every movie is different, and a one-size-fits-all model has never made sense."  

Paramount stated that it was in a "wait and see" on these two titles before working on more of the same deals, but stated imphatically that 'Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation' would not be included in this scheme.

As I've stated many times, the theatrical window will eventually be shut - so cinemas must be at the top of their game to keep moviegoers coming back.

MPAA 2014 Annual Cinema Report

The Motion Picture Association of America - Annual 'Report on the Cinema' was recently issued. I like to comb through the Report and look for interesting insights into what is going on in the world of the cinema.  This year's report noted the following:

Globally

The Global box office gross totaled $36.4 billion up slightly over 2013 and due solely from the Chinese market which increased by 34% to $4.8 billion in 2014.

Screen count worldwide now numbers 142,000 with over 90% converted to digital projection.

U.S. 

The United States (including Canada) recorded 1.27 billion admissions in 2014, which equated to each person going to the movies 3.7 times. Tickets sold to 40-59 year-olds were at all time highs while admissions of 60+ year-olds were the highest level in 4 years. So, older people are going to the cinema at higher rates then in the past. Surprisingly. 57% of admissions were women

Total gross was $10.4 billion down 5% from 2013.  As compared to other entertainment, cinemas ranked first to all rivals with 1.27 billion tickets sold. Theme parks had 379 million visitors while all major sports (baseball, football, basketball, and soccer) had 134 million event ticket sales.

The average price of a cinema ticket was $8.17 for 2014. Of moviegoers, 56% were Caucasians, 25% Hispanics, 10% African-American, and 9% Asian/Other.

Of all U.S. admissions, 20% were sold to the 25-39 age group, 20% to the 25-39 age group, 16% to the 18-24 age group, 14% to the 12-17 age group, and 13% each to the 40-49 and 60+ age groups. California had the most moviegoers followed by Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. 

The top 25 movies generated 48% ($4.9 billion) of the total box office - of these films, 14 carried a PG-13 rating, while 15 were released in 2D and 3D.   Curiously, of the top 5 movies (Guardians of the Galaxy, Hunger Games, Captain America, Lego Movie, and Transformers) 57% of the attendees were women.

# of Screens - U.S.

1-7 screen venues - 6,334 screens

8+ screen venues - 33,824 screens

Total                       40,158

Screens increase by 4% in 2014  and there are now less then 1,000 screens which have not converted to digital projection and film prints are getting very scarce.

Fewer Movies/Larger Grosses

If you go to the cinema, you've most likely noticed that most multiplexes are screening the same movie on multiple screens - two and sometimes three if it's available in 3D.  This may be due to the popularity of the movie but their may be a deeper reason.

Hollywood is all about blockbusters and franchises

As of July 4th, 323 movies have been released and 117 are scheduled for release through the remainder of the year - a far cry from 2014's 707 releases. Now, this year is going to be a box office record breaker but with many fewer movies.  The answer is that the major studios are producing fewer movies. Why? Because of the studios' unwillingness to make, and pay for, 'smaller' films. Right now, producing blockbusters and franchise movies, sequel after sequel, is first, second, and third priority, all other projects are after-thoughts and marquee fillers.

This trend has fueled film-makers to move to TV, where there are now plenty of very good series being produced for broadcast, cable, and pay-per-view streaming networks.  Like cinemas, the viewer now has the ability to binge view so an entire season of shows can be watched in a short period of time - commercial free.

So, is the cinema becoming less significant as an art form and is the commercial value of movies the only criteria to getting onto the big screen?  Yes! But change is inevitable and what the cinema will evolve into is something we can not yet imagine.

Just saying,

Seymore

Movies Spawn 'Big' Children

Over its 100+ year lifespan, the movies have begot any number of offspring, from DVDs - to TV networks - to toys and merchandise - but the biggest and most favored children are the theme parks.

Entrance to Universal's  Harry Potter attraction

Disney started it all and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.  There are now 6 major Disney resorts/theme parks: Land, World, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Although in the shadow of Disney, Universal is also very much into themed entertainment. Disney was always about fantasy whereas Universal was reality - offering back-lot tours and featuring the how-tos of movie making. But as these siblings mature into adulthood all are taking reality and turning it into fantasy.

The current goal of the movie inspired theme parks is to put visitors inside the action.  For example, at Universal, which uses trams to transport visitors, the entire tram goes inside a gigantic simulator where riders are made to think they are inside a 'Fast and Furious' movie that involves a 120 mile-per-hour chase through downtown Los Angeles - combining fantasy with reality.

Big money is being spent on up-grading these fantasy parks.  Universal , which is owned by Comcast Communications, is spending $1. 6 billion to modernize its Hollywood park which includes the hugely popular Harry Potter attractions. Last year Universal Hollywood  had 6.8 million visitors. Disney Land - Los Angeles, 16.8 million attendees.  At its Florida location, Universal Orlando, runs second to Disney World but is growing in double digits.

Globally, Disney is by far the biggest movie themed park operator, followed by Merlin Entertainments which owns European parks and the LegoLand chain. Universal is third.
For its part, Disney is spending $1 billion to expand Disney Land  to accommodate the new 'Star Wars'  attractions.  Despite huge labor needs and required upkeep movie theme parks deliver in dollar terms.  Universal's parks generated $1.2 billion in income last year, in fact, the parks are much more profitable for Universal then its movie division (Universal Pictures).

Disney is betting big on  'Star Wars' Land

The movie inspired theme park attractions strive to put riders in fake peril to obtain the 'wow' factor: a natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake, or an up-close encounter with a robotic T-Rex. The studios are also introducing night time visits to the parks which will be a necessity given the high volume of visitors new attractions like Harry Potter and Star Wars will draw.

The movie industry has spawned many offspring during its 100+ years but none are more exciting, more real, more fantastic than movie theme parks, and it looks as though these children are growing up to rival their parent.

Best
Jim

Movies Can Not Be 'Local' - To Wit, 'Entourage'

The more myopic the movie the less box office interest it generates and Hollywood has to keep its eye on the 'global' market.  A movie that is too U.S.- specific just doesn't have the juice to bring in the big grosses anymore.

The ride stalled-out at the box office

A perfect, and recent, example of this is 'Entourage' - a very popular HBO series that ran for 8 seasons and which was release as a full-length feature on June 3rd. 'Entourage', a 'Bro-flick' (in contrast to a 'Chick-flick') is based upon the comic interchange between a film star, his 3 male childhood friends and his agent.  It is loosely based on the rags-to-riches career of Mark Wahlberg, who executive produced both the HBO series and the movie (which included all of the same cast members). Trouble is, the premise of 'Entourage' was too local, too LA-ish.

'Entourage' was DOA at cinemas and just took up marquee space. It was passed its 'sale-date' (the show ended 4 years ago) so why Warner Bros. green lit the $30 million budget  is a guess. 'Entourage' was a hold-over from the early 2000's, even its early fans had moved on to hipper content. To date,'Entourage'  has grossed $31 million domestically and a paltry $12 million internationally.

Storyline was too LA-centric

Summer is all about mega-hits not spin-offs of worn-put TV shows. Unless a film hits a real cord with moviegoers, i.e. 'The Help', it just isn't going to fill seats. Hollywood knows that films must have global appeal to have any chance for success. If a film's premise is too local (like 'Entourage' with its LA-centric theme) it won't even resonate  with a U.S. audience let alone a foreign one.

Prediction: there won't be an 'Entourage 2'


Just saying
Jim