TERMINATOR: FAR From TERMINAL

Terminator Franchise Is Alive and Well

Last month I posted on the comeback of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the return of the Terminator films.  Now it's official, Paramount Studios announced that not one but three new films based on the cyborg character will be produced.  The first, Terminator 5 is scheduled to be released in June of 2015.

The Terminator franchise started in 1984 with the release of The Terminator (which was created by James Cameron).  It was followed by three sequels: T2-Judgment Day, T3-Rise of the Machines, and T4-Salvation.  The franchise also includes a TV Series: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, video games, toys, and novels.

Schwarzenegger will return to the role that made him a star, and Paramount stated that Laeta Kalorgridis (Avatar) will work on the screenplay. Justin Lin, of  The Fast and Furious series, is being courted for the directorship.

The revival of the Terminator films is due to David and Megan Ellison, children of Oracle Corporation founder and billionaire Larry Ellison.  Both children manage separate movie production companies: David helms Skydance Productions (recent projects: World War Z, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Jack Reacher); while Megan Ellison runs Annapurna, which specializes in high-end independent films, such as: The Master, Zero Dark Thirty, Killing Them Softly, and Spring Breakers.

The Ellisons joined forces to produce the upcoming three Terminator films when Megan bought the rights to the franchise for $20 million two years ago.  The rights were originally owned by James Cameron which were sold for $25 million in 2007.

As fate and U.S. copyright laws would have it, the rights automatically revert to the original holder after 35 years, no matter who owns them, and thus the Ellisons have them until 2018, at which time, Cameron will regain ownership. 

Hollywood - Born Again !

Hollywood Gets Religion?

Former Pennsylvania Senator and conservative runner-up of the 2012 Republican nomination for the Presidential run, Rick Santorum has resurfaced as the Head of a movie studio - taking the helm of Christian faith-based Echolight Studios.

Echolight has release eight straight-to-video feature films since its inception in 2011 and currently has four movies in post-production. By Hollywood standards Echolight's productions, which cost $2-2.5 million, are small-fry, but Santorum believes Christian valued, family-friendly movies have a large audience to serve which has been  neglected by Hollywood (see insert of recent Echolight film "Redemption").  Santorum said he hopes to attract Hollywood film-makers to the cause, stating "We're looking for talented people who want to make quality films even though we won't be spending tens of millions of dollars on each film.  We want good writers, actors, and producers who want to make honest, uplifting content." Adding, "There's a lot of good family movies produced in Hollywood, but in almost every one of them there's a scene where, I say, Why did they put that gratuitous sex, language, or violence in there? To me, it diminishes the film, so we won't be doing that. Even in faith-based films, Hollywood tends to water down the truth."

Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Echolight is far removed from Hollywood but is on a mission. Santorum says, "I don't want to preach to anybody, I just want to portray faith as it really is, and we're going to be telling a lot of true-life stories, and we're going to make them comfortable even for people who are not of faith, because they are honest.  That's the challenge for us, and it's what Hollywood tends to shy away from."

Irregardless, my take is: any movie that gets people into cinemas is a good movie be it faith-based or not. There may be, as Santorum alludes to, a huge untapped audience which desires to be entertained by Christian faith-based films, if so - great, Echolight hopefully will tap into it.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

CineBUZZ Weekly Report - 25 June 2013

Trailers, Teasers, Tweets, & Tweasers

On June 8, 2013, I published a post which spoke to the changes taking place regarding movie previews (see 'It's All In The Timing' - 'Movie Trailers - Time For A Change?').
This notion interested me so I did further research and found, to my surprise, that there is a world-wide fan base devoted exclusively to movie trailers - it is a genre unto itself.

This year, fans will watch over one billion trailers on YouTube alone!  As soon as a teaser (web speak for trailer) goes live, all hell breaks loose.  Web sites like IGN and Vulture post shot-by-shot deconstructions and Slate has dedicated trailer critics - movie trailers have become an industry.

Over the past decade, movie previews have evolved from one note ads to mini-movies.
Morphing from a single trailer and TV spot to the current situation where there are trailers, teasers, separate international vs. domestic trailers, and even made-up parodies of trailers.  For example,  a company called, Skip Film pioneered the "six-second" movie teaser video - termed a 'tweaser', it is a tweet plus a teaser merged.

Following are several definitions to help you navigate the 'new' world of movie previews:

- Trailers: A 2-3 minute 'view' of a movie, exhibited pre-feature at cinemas or on the internet.
- International Trailer: A similar trailer, but not identical to the U.S. version.  These trailers tend to focus more on character and emotion vs. events and action.
- Fan Trailer: A trailer 'made-up' by a movie fan.  There are literally millions on the 'net'.
- Teaser: About half the length of a trailer, a teaser is just what the name implies.
- Tweaser: Only 6-10 seconds, but still tells a story. A hybred of a tweet and a teaser, the tweaser gets just one idea across.

So, when you're at the movies or on-line give the trailer the appreciation it deserves. A lot of work goes into making a good trailer/teaser/tweaser.

ESPN Turns Off 3D

It's not only the silver screen where audiences are losing interest in the 3D format but the TV screen as well.  Last week, ESPN (the premier sports broadcaster) announced it was shuttering its ESPN3D network by year end.

Launched in 2010, with the coverage of the World Cup that year, ESPN cited a lack of consumer interest in the 3D format which prompted the decision.  Available to 75 million households, only a very small number subscribed to the enhanced 3D format.
High production costs, slow sales of 3D TVs, and the need to wear special glasses contributed to the consumer's 3D malaise.

With ESPN's exit, only the Discovery Channel, Sony, Imax 3D, and Comcast's Xfinity 3D are the only remaining 3D TV content providers.

Best & Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

UP TO NO GOOD !

Disney and Sony Test Distribution Limit

Disney Studios and Sony Pictures have quietly begun testing a new movie distribution model - allowing pay-per-view (VOD) of the movie while it is still showing in movie theatres.  This 'testing' is taking place in South Korea and is the first time the option to view a movie at a cinema or in your home via cable, internet, or satellite TV provider is being offered.

The other four major studios are closely watching; however, Disney and Sony have been tight-lipped about the results.  It is widely thought that revenue from these premium VOD films were 30% higher than regular VOD sales, and cost $9 per view. According to Kim Young-gi of the Korean Film Counsel, "Movie-going is a cultural experience, VOD is like watching TV, I expect these markets to remain separate". Well, that is one opinion.

I have stated in CMG many times that eventually movies will be distributed day-and-date across all distribution platforms - so it should come as no surprise that the studios would covertly test market this model. It is imperative that cinemas prepare for this inevitable event and endeavor to present movies in the best possible way and offer varied and valued concession. Exhibitors should view their theatres as destinations and not just a places to see a movie.

Best
Jim Lavorato

HOLLYWOOD'S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER

Longtime U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut) took over the helm at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) two years ago having left the Senate right after enactment of  landmark legislation that he co-authored - the Dodd/Frank Financial Reform Act.

Dodd: Sees role as industry advocate.

As Head of the MPAA, Dodd has taken on the role of cheerleader and outspoken advocate and discussed his views in a recent interview.

CMG: How is the MPAA and Hollywood dealing with on-line piracy?

CD: It is about the product. It is about our artists, our creators, and the 2.1 million people who work behind the camera in the film and television industries.  But it is also about you, the consumer. The consumer deserves a great product and they tell us this everyday by viewing our great products.

CMG: How is the MPAA getting that message across?

CD: We need to frame the debate more about the positive things we do and why piracy really hurts the consumer, in addition to whatever damage it does to our industry.  So, we need to engage in a positive message about why intellectual property, copyright, and piracy are matters that are not just the concern of the industry that produces them but the audience that depends on them.

CMG: So, what do you think is the best approach?

CD: It seems to me that what really needs to happen is what is happening.  I hope the MPAA is demonstrating a changed approach on this issue, and that is, let's ask our consumers to share with us their views and thoughts on how they view the piracy issue.  For example, Google is willing to change its algorithms so that when you search for movies, the page that pops up doesn't have five sites on it that are illegal. It would elevate and perhaps place an identifier on the legal sites for the consumer, because it is awfully hard to detect a legal from an illegal site.

CMG: Do you believe this will work?

CD: Our surveys and research are discovering that with the availability of legal sites at a price point that is affordable, an awful lot of people will go in that direction.

I looked at a new approach the other day, whereby if you or I went to an illegal site, a pop-up appears and says, "This site is illegal. If you'd like to see Lincoln, there are four different sites you can go to and watch the movie at this same price point."  The assumption is that when that pops up and you show an alternative where you can get the same movie, and a better copy of it, and a legal copy, at an affordable price you will take that simple step to do it.   Does this wipe piracy out? No, but it will certainly be a big move in the right direction.

CMG: You once stated that you didn't want to be a lobbyist. So, why did you take the MPAA position?

CD: I'm an advocate for this industry and becoming an evangelist.  The more I learn, the more I respect this industry.  For years there were only three networks and the only way to see a movie was to go to your local cinema.  There was no internet, no cable, none of the new technologies that have emerged.  All the news you read about Hollywood was the glamour side of it, the Oscar night, the movie magazines, etc. But the more I've learned about the number of jobs involved and the amount of revenues they generate, the branding of an industry from which we have benefited tremendously and the long list of movies that have done far more than entertain but have changed peoples attitudes in this country and elsewhere, I think the industry is under appreciated and I feel a passion about informing others that, with all its shortcomings and flaws, this is a very important American industry, and it deserves a better understanding of how much good it does on a variety of levels. And, to that extent, I have become an evangelist.

CMG: Many thanks, Senator.   

IT'S HARD BEING HILLARY

Up-front I have to admit that I'm really sick of the Clintons, Bushes, Gores, Romneys,
Kennedys and all husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and sundry relations that plague our political landscape.  Having said that, to my chagrin it appears that Hillary will be making a run for the Presidency.  So, to enhance her chances for success a bio-pic (entitled Rodham) is in the works, the release of which (coincidently) will coincide with the 2016 election.

Carey Mulligam

However, it appears that the project hit its first snag this week. Carey Mulligan, who was chosen to portray Hillary turned down the role - stating that "it conflicted with her schedule".  Mulligan recently starred in The Great Gatsby and will be seen next in the Coen Brothers' new film, Inside Llewyn Davis.

I think Mulligan made the right decision by refusing the Hillary role. It is no secret that the storyline is written to reflect Hillary in the very best light.  For example, the film's synopsis reads, "During the height of the Watergate scandal, rising star Hillary Rodham is the youngest lawyer chosen for the House Judiciary Committee to impeach Nixon, but she soon finds herself forced to choose between a destined path to the White House and her unresolved feelings for Bill Clinton, her former boyfriend who now teaches law in Arkansas."  Yes, high drama and internal conflict abound for Hillary.

Hillary has always looked frumpy and slightly bloated, not so the striking and slim Mulligan (Scarlett Johansson and Emma Stone are said to be Mulligan's alternates).
My suggestion would be Mellissa McCarthy for the role - perfect.  As far as a Hillary Presidency - it would be better termed a Billary Presidency. Nuff-said!

HOLLYWOOD GETS 'OLDER'

Tinseltown has always favored young women but this may be changing as a majority of moviegoers age.  The trend now seems to favor older, mature, and experienced female actors. In fact, the Hollywood Reporter says that nine out of the top 10 earning actresses are over age 37.  For females, 40 was usually the age for hitting the wall in Hollywood, it was all downhill from there.

Anti-aging techniques also contribute. An actresses 40 can now look the same as she was at 30 so it keeps the 'star' in the limelight.  For example, Gwyneth Paltrow, 41, plays Pepper Potts in the Ironman films - this casting wouldn't have happened 10 years ago.  Another trend is cross-casting, whereby women take on roles normally cast for men.  Be it as politicians, race-car drivers, front line soldiers, or superheros (think Milla Jovovich as Alice in the Resident Evil franchise, or Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft) women in films are getting older and better.

Best & Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

SLAMDANCE : On The 'BIG Screen'

Slamdance

Founded in 1995 as a counter-point to the Sundance Film Festival, Slamdance has built a reputation for jumpstarting the careers of many successful film makers. To further its cinema footprint and reputation, Slamdance has partnered with Cinedigm, a leader in digital independent content and distribution to cinemas.

The Park City, Utah based Slamdance Film Festival and LA-based Cinedigm will bring a slate of independently produced films to cinemas and other digital platforms.
This month they are starting with three award winning films: Stranger Things, Hybred, and The First Season - all entrants and winners of Slamdance and other film awards.  The trio will debut, this month, at cinemas which have signed onto the Cinedigm program, with other films to follow in upcoming months.

"The partnership between Cinedigm and Slamdance is a natural," says Erick Opeka, Senior VP Digital, Cinedigm.  "Cinedigm is the world leader in digital independent content distribution and Slamdance has always been very innovative on the digital front."

This partnership represents but one option for cinemas to obtain and exhibit fresh and heretofore unavailable content to their audiences - made possible with the conversion to digital cinema operation.  This type of content may not 'play well'  at every cinema but for those with the proper demographic it is a money maker and should be considered.

Laser Projection For Cinemas - Moves Forward

Laser Light Engines, LLC, a leader in laser projection for digital cinema announced last week that it will be shipping projectors to equipment manufacturers  for applications outside of the cinema industry.  "Our technology is helping to revolutionize cinema with clearer, brighter images, and this shipment indicates that other industries are ready to take advantage of our production-ready technology, as well," stated Bill Beck, Founder and EVP at Laser Light Engines. "The LLE units will be incorporated into precision 3D metrology systems that will be sold to end-users such as automakers, jet engine manufacturers, mobile phone makers, and others that require extreme measurement  precision and high throughput".

LLE's  Despeckle Green color module technology, enables a new generation of illumination, especially in 2D and 3D digital cinema where the computer-controlled illumination system can retrofit to thousands of cinemas worldwide.  The LLE system delivers light via optical fiber cable, providing almost unlimited flexibility regarding illumination levels.

Whether the cinema industry is receptive to another round of innovation on the heels of the recent conversion to digital projection is doubtful.  There will be early adopters of LLE's technology but I believe the adoption of laser projection at cinemas will take some time.

Best & Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

IT'S ALL IN THE 'TIMING'

A CMG summer 'sleeper' pick, The Purge, will hit it big this weekend!  As tropical

storm Andrea beats up the East Coast from Florida to Maine people will flock to cinemas and the big beneficiary will be The Purge - a semi-horror thriller from Universal, and an unlikely blockbuster that will gross over $50 million this weekend (my prediction).  That is a huge number when you consider the movie only cost $3 million to produce and carries an 'R' rating.

The premise of the film is that once every year for 12 hours, anyone can commit any crime they wish. All social violence thus is compacted into a dawn-to-dusk time frame.  This 'purging' rids society of all undesirables, wackos, social misfits, and unfortunately , good folks as well.  Boiled down, The Purge, is another run-of-the-mill home invasion film be it a decently made one.

Who was it that said, "Timing is everything".  Well, in this case, The Purge's, couldn't have been better. Bad weather and no other weekend releases to complete with combine to make a so-so thriller best in show.  Yea, that's Hollywood.

Movie Trailers - Time For A Change?

Many moviegoers complain about coming attractions (termed trailers or previews). Too long, too many, give away too much story, they are all the same, etc.  But it's not just moviegoers but movie owners that are complaining.  In fact, the lobby group for theatre owners, the National Assoc. of Theatre Owners (NATO)  wants to establish a new rule that would limit the length of a trailer to two minutes.  This would be down from the current average of two and a-half minutes.

Today, unlike the past - where trailers could be viewed only at cinemas - they are now seen as 30 second spots on TV and full-length on-line (which is another controversy as some studios love it when the movie's website gets favorable hits and tweets but hate it when the tweets go negative).

The question is, would a mandated two minute length change the make-up of trailers? CMG asked Mark Woollen, President of Woollen & Associates, which produces trailer spots for the silver screen, as well as, 'small' screens, just that. "I'm definitely in the less-is-more camp. There are plenty of trailers that reveal too much. I would be interested to see if the two minute format would force us all to be more creative. On the other hand, many people want more information on films and want easy access to it."

Let's have your comments.

Best
Jim Lavorato

CinemaBUZZ - Week of 7 June 2013

Disney Goes It Alone



Disney Studios will open the Disney Digital Copy Plus (DDCP) website on June 11th, the DVD release date of Oz - The Great and Powerful.  Disney's goal is to have buyers of their DVD and BluRay discs access a digital copy of the film directly from the DDCP website instead of actually receiving a 'hard copy' disc of the movie.

Upon accessing DDCP the movie is delivered to the purchaser's media provider of choice: iTunes, Amazon, or Vudu - thus eliminating the need for a digital copy (disc).
According to Disney, DDCP was designed to make it easier for the consumer as it works across all browsers and allows for the capability to redeem the digital version of the purchased movie on any connected device - home-based or mobile.

Bucking the trend, Disney is going it alone with DDCP and is not joining all of the other major studios in the use of  UltraViolet, a digital rights management system that lets consumers buy a movie and access the content through the cloud at any time, on any device.  Warners and Sony offer only UltraViolet access with their discs, while Fox, Universal, Paramount, and Lionsgate offer both UltraViolet access and a traditionally downloaded digital copy of their movies.  Fox is the only studio that still includes a hard-copy disc, embedding access to UltraViolet on the disc.


The Hollywood/Moscow/Washington Connection

I have always liked Steven Seagal's films (what you see is what you get). He has starred in over 45 features that span a 25 year Hollywood career and he seemed to have a knack for picking great co-stars - from Sharon Stone to Michael Caine, Tommy Lee Jones to Katherine Heigl.  He is now taken on the role as spokesman for a Russian arms manufacturer. On Tuesday, during a tour of a Russian weapons factory in Kovrov, a city approx. 160 miles from Moscow, Seagal had this to say, "My friend, Igor Kesayev invited me here. On his request I have agreed to be featured in advertisements for Kovrov weapons for the US".  Igor Kesayev, is the owner of the weapons factory, and is reported by Forbes Magazine to be worth over $2 billion.

For some time, Seagal has been chumming around with Russian President Vad Putin (see photo insert) and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.  Putin is a judo expert, holding a black belt in that art. Seagal is also a big fan of the martial arts, holding a 7th degree black belt in Aikido.  Putin recently made public that he and Seagal were long time friends that share an interest is supporting and promoting martial arts in school athletic programs.

The oddest thing is that Seagal is becoming a defacto go-between for Russian and US officials.  In March, the Russian government asked Seagal to lobby US legislators to abolish restrictions on the sale of  Russian weapons in the US. And recently Seagal helped arrange a meeting with senior Russian officials for a group of US Congressmen visiting Russia in the hopes of boosting counter-terrorism ties between the two countries given the Chechen tie-in with the terrorists responsible for the recent Boston bombings.

Hollywood ceases to amaze. As quasi ambassador to Russia Seagal is starring in his biggest role ever. Best of luck Steven!

Who Would Have Thunk It 


If you thought the Seagal story was odd than Michael Douglas' revelation that oral sex caused his throat cancer is even weirder, but probably true. Last week, during an interview to promote his new movie, Behind The Candelabra (a biopic about Liberace) Douglas revealed that his near fatal bout with cancer was due to having oral sex and not caused by years of smoking and boozing. "No, because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) which actually comes about from oral sex"  stated the 68 year old who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010 and underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatment - he is now free of cancer.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus which is thought to be responsible for the relatively recent  increase in detected oral cancers.  There are more than 100 variants of HPV, and while some are spread by skin-to-skin contact most are typically spread during oral sex. HPV is common, by the age of 25, 90% of sexually active people will have been exposed to some form of HPV. It is responsible for 30% of all oral cancers, and is most common in heterosexual men in their 40s and 50s.  Teenage girls, in most developed countries, are vaccinated against HPV which protects them from cervical cancer - and now, it appears, also protects their future partners from HPV related oral cancers.

As for Douglas, his interview went weird when he stated that " Yeah, it's a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, oral sex is also the best cure for it".  Wow, or just keep things out of your mouth, Mike.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

The Smiths - Reality Hollywood Style

The Smiths

Living life at the outer limits, Will Smith and son, Jaden, gave a 'twilight zone'  interview to New York Magazine last week that went weird. A promo interview for the movie After Earth, which stars both father and son, the Smiths responded to questions in other-worldly fashion. They spoke of mathematical theories previously published only on the wrinkled inside of fast food takeout bags. Will, "I'm a student of patterns. At heart, I'm a physicist. I look at everything in my life as trying to find the single equation, the heart of everything."

The responses, I believe, capture the essence of the 'bubble' lives of the Hollywood elite.  It's not good, bad, or crazy - it just is.  Will Smith is an 'A' lister and like many in the Hollywood family practices nepotism - which has been a mainstay vice in Tinseltown of decades. This often spawns contrived actors who are spoon-fed 10 word at a time scripts and use every known cinema enhancement gimmick from voice-overs to body doubles.  But it all part of the trade.

For the Hollywood elite, reality and fantasy blur.  For example, Jaden Smith, who is 15, has stated that he will file for legal emancipation from his parents control next year.  Emancipation from what is unclear - a dream life perhaps.  The Smiths are a metaphore for Hollywood - self-engrossed, dollar driven, egotistical, nepotistic, all injected with heavy doses of megalomania.  Hmmm, but isn't this what Hollywood is all about and what makes it tick.  For without these traits Hollywood would not exist. For in what other industry do you see hundreds of millions of dollars being invested on a daily basis in projects where success is determined by moviegoer preference.

So, let's cut the Smiths a little slack. Sure they have hundreds of millions, sure they live in a bubble, sure they have weird life-styles and viewpoints, but from where they stand this is normal and evident behavior.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

Cinema BUZZ - Weekly Report/31 May 2013

It's 'Back to the Future' for Schwarzeneggar

I'll Be Back !

Arnie S. will star in three upcoming sequels in which he previously starred - Terminator, Conan, and Twins.  The ex-California governor will star in a new Terminator 5 which is currently being scripted.  James Cameron is advising on the T-5 project.

Additionally, a new Conan, produced by Universal, will star Arnie and pick up where the third Conan left off.  And finally, Triplets, the sequel to the popular Twins movie, will star Arnie, as well as, original co-star Danny DeVito and add Eddie Murphy to the mix.

All and all, not too shabby for Schwarzy as he 'will be back'.

We Three Kings

A "tell it all" biopic on the last days of Martin Luther King's life will soon be in production, with British director Paul Greengrass heading the project.  To be shot like a docu-drama, 'Memphis' (the film's title) has slated Forest Whitaker to portray King.

King was shot dead on April 4, 1968 and James Earl Ray was convicted and sentenced to life for the murder.  Ray, who later recanted his confession to the shooting, died in prison in 1998.  His claim of innocence was affirmed by the King family who have said they do not believe Ray was responsible for the murder.

The King family is not involved with the 'Memphis' project but are working on their own biopic which will also depict King as a troubled figure - good and bad.  And, if that was not enough, a third movie about King's death - entitled 'Orders To Kill' - is in the works.  Described as a conspiracy theory drama it is to star Hugh Jackman as Barry Pepper, an attorney who has argued for decades that King was assassinated by unknown powers, which included forces within the U.S. government.

All three pics will hopefully provide some tidbits of reality regarding King's motives, personal turmoils, and his demise.

Cinema Advertising 'Finally' Goes Mainstream

Up to now, advertising in cinemas was an after-thought (at best) for major manufacturers and retailers, not so anymore. As the cinema has become the 'fourth screen' for ads after TVs, PCs, and mobile.  With 1.4 billion U.S. admissions this year, many see the cinema as a good way to reach an audience that is not only attentive but has no control over viewing the ad or not.  A perfect example is Taco Bell, a division of the Yum Brands Company. Only last year did Taco Bell execs see the benefit of cinema advertising.  Juliet Corsinita, Senior Director for Media at Taco Bell states, "We began to realize the value of the big screen and leverage that. Our cinema spots complement our TV ads, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays when people are not watching a lot of TV these days".  The cinema spots also help Taco Bell reach younger, multicultural consumers, who also tend to be movergoers.

Screenvision and National CineMedia, the two top sellers of commercials in cinemas have recently taken a page out of the TV ad playbook and have began to hold upfront presentations and get paid in advance for ads.  For example, Screenvision will assure advertisers that they will be able to reach certain numbers of consumers in specific demographic groups if they buy commercial time from Screenvision before hand.

Used is a season pricing model. Dividing months into four periods. The highest ad rates will be charged during June, July, November and December - big months for moviegoing.  The lowest rates will be for January, February, April and October.


Best
Jim Lavorato

Cinema BUZZ - Week of 26 May 2013

Fast and Furious Drives Under the Radar

Kicking Boxoffice Ass and Loving It

With over a $3 billion franchise gross F&F is now in the elite of movie blockbuster moneymakers, and it appears to have accomplished that feat without a lot of Hollywood hoopla.  It is simply a case of giving F&F fans what they want - more and more of the same.  As Director Justin Lin says,  "This is the only set on earth where I can wreck 250 cars and no one bats an eye."

Given its past success, it was no surprise when Fast & Furious 6 raked in over $122 million stateside - a Memorial weekend record breaker - and an additional $200 million overseas and dominated over The Hangover, Gatsby, Star Trek, and Iron Man.  The draw of the franchise is that it remains true to its theme and the core cast (which has a huge fan following) remains. Diesel, Walker, Johnson, Rodriguez, and Brewster cast perfectly and appeal to fans as 'family'  (if you don't know who I'm taking about you're not a F&F fan). And the fan base is maybe not what you think.  F&F-6 moviegoers were 51% male and 57% over 25.

F&F-6 will gate at least $500 million at movie theatres globally - as it is a franchise that bridges social and national biases. It has found huge success in filming over-the-top, best in the business, action scenes coupled with a strong cast and plausible scripts.

Best thing about Fast & Furious - there is no end in sight!


Stranger Than Fiction

Behind the Candelabra, a film about the life of Liberace, includes Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, Liberace's long-time lover and soul mate. The movie, based upon Thorson's book of the same name, will debut at cinemas on June 7th, however, Scott Thorson won't be able to view it as he is currently an inmate at the Washoe county jail in Reno, Nevada. 

Without doubt, in this case, Truth is really stranger than Fiction. In 1977, Thorson, then 17, moved in with Liberace, and showered with gifts and a life style beyond anything Thorson could have ever imagined. He was both Liberace's boy toy and son all rolled into one.  This relationship lasted until 1982 when Thorson was abruptly ousted by Liberace due to Thorson's use of drugs - the two later reconciled before Liberace's death in 1987.  But Thorson went on and the trick to following his life is separating the strange from the unbelievable.

Currently in jail, Scott Thorson (now Jess Marlow, as he claims he changed his name when he entered the Federal Witness Protection Program - which is refuted by  Federal Marshals and makes sense as Thorson ended up at the Haven of Rest, a homeless shelter in Tallahassee, Florida).  At the Haven, Thorson found religion and became a popular evangelical often discussing his life with Liberace. Thorson's story goes on from there and could easily, in itself, become a movie.

Of his relationship with Liberace, Thorson has only to roll up his sleeve to reveal a tattoo with the name 'Liberace' surrounded by floating musical notes, plus the years that Liberace lived and a yellow rose.  "His favorite color," Thorson says.

Liberace was one-of-a-kind. A very talented pianist who intertwined his flare for extravagance into his showmanship and persona.  With an imitation following that includes Elvis, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Lady Gaga just to name several he will last as a flamboyant figure in entertainment history.

Best
Jim Lavorato

Cinema Report - Week of 17 May 2013

The Cannes Heist

According to French police, $1million of jewellery - to be worn on the red carpet by the 'stars' - was swiped yesterday from the Novotel Hotel room of a Chopard employee.  The jewels were in the room's security safe which was broken into and the cat burglar(s) escaped without a trace.

Chopard was the festival's favorite among jewellery designers and had been providing 'bling' for the stars at Cannes for the last 16 years.  So far, French authorities have no leads regarding the whereabouts of the jewels or who is responsible for the heist. 

Cannes v. Hollywood - A Seductive Relationship

Speaking of Cannes, some say Art and Business never mix - but in the case of the Cannes (pronounced "Can") Film Festival (the world's most prestigious) and Hollywood it seems the two are very compatible bed fellows.  It's just a question of who is seducing who.  In its 66th year this week, the Cannes Fest has, in my mind, become a promotion vehicle, be it a very upscale and glamorous one.  Yes, they will throw in the occasional controversial docu or the steamy indie, but, by and large, Cannes exhibits and promotes what Hollywood wants and tows the line pretty well.  Why? Because that is where the bucks are and the stars gravitate to - like planets around the Hollywood sun.

It's good for the studios to use Cannes as a promo vehicle - it fits into their marketing model perfectly.  Forget about the heavy European films with character and plot, Cannes is now all about, action, animation, and 3D.  And, to be fair, this is exactly what the moviegoing public wants. But does Cannes risk of losing the independence it so prides itself on - maybe yes, but that independence comes at a cost and Cannes itself doesn't want to give up its 'stardom'.  Film festivals need stars -  without stars there is no 'press', without press, no publicity, no panache, no glitz, no glamour.

Hollywood runs Cannes, like it or not, but the 'seduction' continues becomes it makes good 'press'.

The Value of  'Rejected' Movie Posters

Movie posters are very collectible.  Value is based upon genre, scarcity, popularity of movie, age, etc. Some posters can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, but what about the posters that didn't make the 'cut' ? Bill Gold,  had a 70+ year career as a movie poster artist, creating posters for over 1000 movies - from Casablanca to The Unforgiven.  Gold's work spans the decades and now, via an online gallery, his 'rejected' posters are on display (www.movieposterdb.com).

Back in the day, Gold's 'first art work' (if rejected) remained his property, and in some cases there were 20 or 30 versions before the studio would 'green light' the final version.  Many of the originals, which are on display, are starker, edgier, and more realistic then the toned-down and image cramped final approved posters.

Gold's final poster was the the 2012 film 'J. Edgar', directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Leo DiCaprio. It's my guess is that these 'rejected' posters may be more valuable than the originals given their rarity.  Best of luck Bill!

By: Jim Lavorato
Comments Welcomed

Small-town Cinemas : A Question of Survival

For small town cinemas the conversion to digital projection is all about surviving.

Cinemas - the heart of a small town

As a seller/integrator of D-Cinema systems, I have witnessed, first-hand, the financial troubles many community cinemas face.  Serving their local community day-in/day-out for decades and functioning as a main-stay to small-town Main Streets across the U.S. these businesses are, in many cases, the heart of the community.

Unfortunately, some won't survive the digitization of movies simply because they cannot afford the cost - typically $65-70,000 per screen - so, in response many have resorted to a myriad of novel, and in many cases, successful funding tactics to prevent closure.

Private labeling seats, auctioning off the naming rights to auditoriums, holding community bake sales and barbecues. Selling raffle tickets for free concession and movie passes. Allowing, for a fee, patrons to be Theatre Manager for the day or have their names marqueed for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.  Whatever it takes - to make the fund raising a community affair.

Another way independent cinemas have fund raised is through Kickstarter - the on-line company whereby people (local fans or anyone) can donate to specific projects. Kickstarter has raised more than $1 million to aid small-town cinemas to purchase digital equipment.  Donors pledge small amounts, typically $25.  The donations are redeemed only if the campaign reaches a declared goal by a certain time. Kickstarter receives a 5% fee.  According to Yancey Strickler, co-founder of Kickstarter, "Most of the movie theatre fund raisers have been successful. The ability to keep these theatres open and ingrained as part of their community is something that people are happy to do."

Half of the U.S. populace live in small towns.  Their only means of getting movie entertainment is at the local cinema and they want to keep it and, for the most part, they are willing to assist anyway they can to keep a vital part of their town alive.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato

CinemaBuzz Report - 5 May 2013

WWZ - Biggest 'BOMB' in Cinema History?

WWZ - It's all about the zombies.

World War Z - the zombie festooned flix extravaganza scheduled for release in June - may well turn out to be the biggest cinema flop ever. With a budget exceeding $400 million and a mountain of negative pre-release scuttlebutt, WWZ may be zombie crazed Hollywood's  biggest casualty ever.

With a twice re-written script and a convoluted ending, this horror epic - the movie rights owned by Brad Pitt who is the film's lead character, as well as, exec producer - may still work at the boxoffice if the special effects (which are reported to be 'the best yet') satisfy audiences. Still, that big $ price tag is a giant hurtle so the goal, at this point, may be to recoup in an extremely successful (Paramount hopes) theatrical after-market.  It's rumored that the final (new) version of the film is "less spectacular" but more "emotional" and fits into Paramount's insistence that the film carry a PG-13.  We're all hoping for the best as the boxoffice needs a boost.

When China Met Africa

A great docu film, When China Met Africa, highlights an issue not heard about, if at all - China's economic colonization of Africa - which has been ongoing for over a decade.  China's goal is the extraction and exploitation of Africa's natural resources. The scheme goes like this, we (Chinese enterprises) will build Africa's infrastructure and you (African nations) will supply us with natural resources. Great for China, not so good for African states.

If you have an opportunity to view When China Met Africa do so, it's enlightening and spot-on in detailing the nuances of geo-political maneuvering by an economic super power.

Hollywood 'Bends Over' for Chinese Market

Since we're on China I wanted to discuss Hollywood's adaption of films to satisfy the Chinese market and comply (and closely work) with the Chinese government censors to comport to their social and political demands.

Hollywood, more and more, is placating to the Chinese government wishes to produce alternate cuts of films distributed to Chinese audiences.  China allows just 34 U.S. movies (foreign imports) annually into the Chinese cinema marketplace to compete for China's ever increasing cinema market - which is now second worldwide.  The question, however, is: if all of this placating equates to increased boxoffice admissions or do Chinese moviegoers consider it a juvenile and transparent ploy to induce their attendance.  I believe China is determined to have a thriving, home-grown cinema industry.  It's learning, from Hollywood, the latest film production and post-production technologies and techniques.  This knowledge, coupled with digital movie distribution, makes it a no-brainer for the Chinese in developing a cinema industry.  With seven new screens being opened per day, and distribution by a few 'state approved' exhibitors, the circle will be complete.

CinemaBUZZ Weekly Report - 26 April 2013

How About A Movie and a Root Canal?

Just watch the movie !

A new medical technique whereby patients are encouraged to watch a movie and given only local anaesthetics while having major surgery is coming into vogue.  Pioneering the technique is Peterborough City Hospital in England and several U.S. hospitals are studying the procedure.

The idea is to keep the patient relaxed while their medical procedure is carried out. For example, for certain orthopedic operations only a spinal block is administered while the movie is viewed and the patients seem fine with it. The most often requested films are The Sound of Music and Dirty Dancing - go figure.

This sounds crazy but it is a win/win. The hospital saves on sedation costs, the patient is calmed by watching their favorite movie while avoiding the risks associated with general anaesthetic, and it's great for the cinema industry. As far as I can see the only drawback is that the 'wrong' DVD is slipped into the player - which could reek havoc in the OR. It would probably not be advisable to watch the likes of: The Coma, Sweeney Todd, the Bride of Frankenstein, or Sin City.  Other good/bad suggestions?


Going Through The Backdoor

Expanding the VOD circle

Universal Pictures (subsidiary of Comcast Communications) continues to push the envelope on day-and-date movie distribution of first-run movies and eliminate the cinema's exclusive release window.  At last week's annual CinemaCon convention, Adam Fogelson, Chairman of Universal, told convention attendees that "the studios must partner with theatres to experiment with premium video on demand revenue sharing."

The idea is to give a share of the VOD revenue received by cable and satellite companies on same day first-run movie releases to cinemas.  But as, David Passman, head of Carmike Cinemas stated when asked if  he would be open to an experiment if studios gave cinemas a cut of premium VOD revenue, "I would hope the answer isn't a sharing of revenues while we have empty theatres".

Comcast, has a lot at stake. As the largest TV cable company in the U.S. having distribution rights to first-run movies has to potential to bring in billions of new found revenue - which it needs as more and more consumers move to the internet to satisfy their entertainment needs.  This scheme is a back-door maneuver as is the recent alliance Comcast/Universal made with Prima Cinema, whereby Universal first-run films are made available for at-home viewing on their release date to cinemas.

Best & Happy Movie Going!
Jim

CinemaBuzz Weekly Report - 22 April 2013

World's Fastest Growing Cinema Market

No, not China - but close - Russia. Yes, the land of caviar, vodka, oil, furry hats and gulags is currently the fastest growing cinema market in both movie attendance and new cinema construction. 500 new cinema screens opened in Russia last year representing a 19% increase.  Vodka and a movie anyone?

Digital Cinema Empowers Exhibitors

TI's DLP Chip

D-Cinema provides instant opportunities and future innovations for exhibitors says Texas Instruments.  In a press release last week, Texas Instruments, the developer and provider of the DLP technology used in all of the current digital cinema projectors, noted that over 85,000 movie screens have now converted to their DLP digital technology.  TI further noted that the benefits of digital are becoming more apparent every day to both exhibitors and audiences.

In my mind, exhibitors need to obtain two things from their digital conversion:  improve their bottom line and offer a presentation 'wow' factor that surpasses home and mobile entertainment. TI believes the same, "We have been at the core of the digital cinema movement ever since the first cinemas adopted DLP Cinema nearly 15 years ago. Although we are thrilled as more exhibitors and moviegoers enjoy the benefits of digital now, it's the groundbreaking possibilities still to come that are the most exciting" says, Dave Duncan, TI's Manager of DLP Cinema.  And that is what I am most interested in.

Given its high quality imaging, speed, and reliability it's a matter of when, not if, other content alternatives are made available to exhibitors.  For example, it is not a stretch to foresee audiences interacting with a movie, perhaps to direct a scene or select an alternate ending.  Or, using the capabilities of the projector to bring hologram renditions of famous entertainers to the stage in a new type of live, 3D glasses-free performance.

As Greg Von Hausch, President of Cinema Paradiso in Ft. Lauderdale told us, "With our digital cinema projection, audiences are much happier. So much more content is available and our patrons are delighted by the variety and the brilliant, crisp, and intoxicating image presented. Our crowds love it."

Best & Happy Movie Going!
Jim

CAN A MOVIE CHANGE YOUR LIFE ?

Apparently so. A new survey conducted by The Guardian, a internationally renowned newspaper, says yes! Films can act as a lifeline for over 20% of viewers and can change who they are and now they view the world.

Many more reacted to the notion that an inspirational film will always be there and act as an unwavering companion, like a pet.  For example, almost 25% of the people who took the survey saw It's A Wonderful Life not just as a perennial Christmas favorite but as an important personal moment that taught them the value of family.

And than there are the films that teach how brutal and uncaring the world can be, such as Bambi and Old Yeller. What about love? Over 20% of respondents indicated that they didn't know what love was until they saw it in a movie. You know, I think there is something to this theory of the life changing movie. In further research I came upon lists of life changing movies - listed here are several:

The Shawshank Redemption
The Fall
The Crow
American Beauty
The Silence of the Lambs
Juno
The Tree of Life
American History X

 What are the films that were milestones in your life? Leave your comments.

Summer Movie Preview

Coming off a horrendous first quarter showing at the box-office, this summer's movie line-up looks very promising. Like last summer, there will be films for every demographic and lots of them.  In all, there will be over 100 major releases from May thru August.  Here's our picks:

May
Sure Things: Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby, Fast & Furious 6, The Hangover III
Sleepers: Epic, Star Trek Into Darkness, Black Rock
Long Shots: The English Teacher, Love Is All You Need, Shadow Dancer

June
Sure Things: After Earth, Man of Steel, World War Z, The Heat
Sleepers: Tiger Eyes, Monsters University, Unfinished Song, White House Down
Long Shots: The Internship, This Is The End, The Bling Ring, Stuck In Love

July
Sure Things: Despicable Me 2, The Lone Ranger, Grown Ups 2, The Wolverine, The Smurfs 2
Sleepers: The Hot Flashes, RED 2, Stranded
Long Shots: The Way, Way Back, Turbo, R.I.P.D., Blue Jasmine, Passion

August
Sure Things: 2 Guns, We're The Millers, Kick-Ass 2, Elysium
Sleepers: Cockneys vs Zombies, Austenland, The To Do List, The Colony, Getaway
Long Shots: Closed Circuit, The Lifeguard, Drinking Buddies

Here's to a great movie going summer!

As Predicted by CMG !

Day-and-Date home viewing of newly released movies, it'll cost $35,000 plus $500 per flix, but it's a definite move to the dark-side by a movie studio.  Prima Cinema (has teamed up with Universal Pictures) in offering first-run movies for home viewing.

Initially targeting super-rich movie stars and other celebrities,
Prima will install a digital set-top-box which allows movies to be delivered via the internet for a single viewing of $500 after an initial output for their 'black box' of $35,000.  Limited to 25 seats, so the service cannot be used as a commerical cinema -  Prima conducts a 'personal' inspection each home. Universal (owned by Comcast, the largest U.S. cable company) is the only studio offering its first-run content via Prima.  Upcoming movies to be made available include, the big-budget Oblivion, as well as recent titles - Les Miserables, Identity Thief, and Admission.

Predicted in this blog years ago, the Prima service will be the first to punch a hole in the armor of the long-standing exclusive 'theatrical release window' and NATO and all movie exhibitors, large and small, should be boycotting Universal pictures - it's that serious.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seth MacFarland (this year's Oscar host) will be among the first subscribers.  Prima, which does not advertise, hopes to have 1000 subscribers by year end. "Prima is not Netflix", Jason Pang, Prima CEO informed me, "Prima is what private jets are to aviation".  Currently Prima is being rolled out in CA, NY, and Florida.

Exhibs - you have got to ensure that your cinema is putting on the best persentation possible as the Primas of the world will continue to press the envelope on first-run home viewing and the studios may come to a point where the money involved is too great to ignore.

Best
Jim Lavorato
comments welcomed

CinemaBUZZ Weekly Report - 7 April 2013

Top 10 Family-friendly Films

Smile (www.sheknows.com) a popular family-friendly web site recently surveyed parents to find out which movies were the best all-time films for youngsters. Here are the results:

1. 'A Little Princess' - 1995
2. 'The Goonies' - 1985
3. 'Chicken Run' - 2000
4. 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' - 1997
5. 'Swiss Family Robinson' - 1960
6. 'Old Yeller' - 1957
7. 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' - 1968
8. 'The Lion King' - 1994
9. 'A Christmas Story' - 1983
10. ' Up' - 2009

Surprisingly, it appears that time doesn't have much of an impact on enjoyment.  Most of the list is comprised of decades old films.  It may be that these films were 'made'  strictly for children and not produced for the wide-audience that many of today's family films are.

Time Heals ALL

It appears that Hollywood believes America is ready to view the White House and other government buildings and structures being destroyed - after an 11 year pause due to 9/11.  The upcoming 'White House Down' and the current 'Olympus Has Fallen' both feature White House demolition.  Heretofore, the White House and other government structures were only destroyed by  natural disasters: an ice age (The Day After Tomorrow) and an earthquake (2012).  Now, all wraps are off, as big media thinks the psycho-wounds of 9/11 have healed and America is now, once again, ready to take on the paranoia of a nation under siege.

Now, we await the first movie detailing the destruction of the new World Financial Center complex in NYC - well, I hope the good guys win.

CINEMA BUZZ Weekly Report - 20 March 2013

European Cinema Retail Group

Least we forget about our cinema mates across the pond, the Intl' Union of Cinemas (a European trade group for cinema exhibitors) recently launched the 'European Cinema Retail Group' whose goal is to assist European exhibitors optimize their retail operations.  As far as I know, there is no equivalent body in the U.S. so the ECRG is unique.

As we all know, concessions and retail are the profit generators for all cinemas, as such the ECRG's goal is ' to understand what works best for each cinema and to meet the demands of ever more connected, informed, and increasingly price-sensitive cinemagoers'.  The group plans to accomplish this by rethinking concession portion sizes, enhancing staff sales skills to increase per cap spending, and reassessing the menus to accommodate changing food tastes.

As marketers, cinema managers must address all of the 'touch points' in the cinema going experience and turn their retail operations into a more personalized and fun experience. This is true no matter which nation or geographic area of the world .  The Intl' Union of Cinemas wants to formalize that process and monitor it on behalf of their members. This is worthy and very appropriate, as admission prices - for the time being - have been pushed to the limit, particularly in Europe given its current financial situation.  Carry-on!

Hollywood Examines The 4K Issue

Earlier this month the Hollywood Post Alliance held its annual Tech Retreat and hosted the best minds in entertainment technology.  At this year's retreat, 4k resolution took center stage after UltraHigh Definition TV was promoted as the next visual coming.

Test results on viewer perceptions of various content was presented by the European Broadcast Union. Participants to the tests were asked to rate viewings bad, poor, fair, good, or excellent.  Between HiDef (1k or less) presentations using 720p, 1080i, and 1080p image lines there was no conclusion on perceptual difference. However, there was a "statistically relevant, but very small" perceived improvement of native 4k content when it was presented on a UltraHigh Def TVs.  So the results of the test regarding 4k was that its slightly better than what the folks are now viewing in their living rooms.

Currently, the only 4k content is being produced by Sony Pictures and they are heavily into 4k because their sister company is manufacturing the only 4k production cameras.
Production in 4k is a different and much more expensive undertaking for the studios, but the major problem is displaying the content.  First, most cinemas can't exhibit 4k films without upgrades to their existing d-cinema projection systems and two, most folks don't own (and have no incentive to own) an UltraHigh Def TV.

So, for the time being, 4k is backburnered - at least until UHTVs become prevalent and moviegoers clamour for higher resolution films (which isn't going to happen).

Customer Service - Who Are The Worst

When consulting or training I always talk about customer service and how important it is for any business, but particularly for small businesses.  I give examples of what I term Mildly Hostel Business Practices (whose things businesses do, that although small, eventually lead customers to seek others to do business with).  Bad customer service is seen in large companies as well and in recent survey by Advertising Age, these companies ranked as those with the worst customer service (listed in best to worst order): Walgreens, TJX Corp. (TJMaxx & Marshalls), The Gap, SuperValue, Sears, CVS, Safeway Supermarkets, Netflix, and worst Walmart.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Amazon, Microsoft and Google all have TV networks.  Each also have production studios and all are vying - along with Hollywood and others, like on-line streamer Netflix - for the attention span of very fickled viewers. 

The rivalry between these waring parties (which was predicted in this blog 4 years ago) is now in full swing and it's game on.  The tech giants have two advantages over their competition: first, virtually unlimited funds, and second, access to instant feedback from viewers and the flexibility to change their programming as needed.
Additionally, they intend to produce high-quality, Hollywood professional- level content and can well afford to pay the for the best story-lines, scripts, writers, actors, and directors.

But is too much of a good thing - Good? Yes, there will be many more choices for viewers but how much time can they devote to viewing?  TV Guide, Inc. conducted research and found that viewers find organizing and managing their current viewing choices 'stressful'  Nonetheless, there is a war raging for eyeballs and it is going to be fierce - and both the cinema and TV industries will be impacted.

It is said that "content is king" but in the future it will be "captivating content" that is king, and it's anybody's guess as to which media or tech company will produce it.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato
Comments Welcomed