The 'Annual' Sequel - 'Ghostbusters III' A Go - and More

Sony To Have Annual Spider-Man Sequel

Venom: a scary dude

Sony Pictures announced that it has plans to release a Spider-Man movie every year.  The idea is to expand on the Spidies' world and include other linked comic characters.  "We are expanding the Spider-Man universe with the inclusion of the Sinister Six and Venom, so that we have Spider-Man movies every year for the foreseeable future", Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures co-chairperson told CMG.

Venom, an alien symbiote, is a good character for Sony to key in on as Venom can go it alone (sans Spider-Man) and have its own adventures.  The Sinister Six, includes: Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Electro, The Vulture, Mysterio, and Kraven the Hunter.  These characters provide Sony a stable of baddies to thwart Spider-Man.

Sony is playing catch-up to Disney in its use of comic characters.  Sony owns the rights to Marvel Comic's Spider-Man and several other characters, like Venom.  Disney, which now owns Marvel and pretty much all of the other famous Marvel superheros, started the annual sequel gimmick  in 2010 with Iron Man.  Disney has released an Iron Man inspired movie each year since.

Ghostbusters III - Still on Track

Murray, Ramis, and Aykroyd in 'Ghostbusters'

A sequel to 'Ghostbusters' has been in the works for sometime and the recent, and untimely death, of Harold Ramis, who was to play a cameo role in 'Ghostbusters III' (along with original cast members Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd), may actually jump-start the project.

'Ghostbusters' (1984) and 'Ghostbusters II' (1989) were very popular at the box office, and after a 25 year hiatus 'Ghostbusters III' is ready to roll.  Dan Aykroyd has been the prime-mover of the movie, with Bill Murray less so, but Sony Pictures recently released a statement saying that Murray was now on board.

Both 'Ghostbusters' and 'Ghostbusters II' were written by Ramis and Aykroyd.

More American Than Apple Pie

What's more American than Apple Pie?  The Western movie of course.  The 'old' West is truly All American and has been depicted and glamorized as so in the movies since almost the beginning of motion pictures. All the great movie actors, both male and female have starred in Westerns - from Tom Mix to Will Smith, Marilyn Monroe to Jane Honda - Hollywood brought the Old (and Wild) West into the American mindset and way of life.

The cowboy, a lonesome and independent figure, and the American cinema grew up together and Western films are some of the best movies ever to hit the big screen.  In fact, many are must-be-seens, for any serious moviegoer (fan). My must see Western film recommendations are:
- The Searchers (1956), Shane (1953), The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly (1966), Unforgiven (1992), The Wild Bunch (1969), Magnificent Seven, High Noon (1952), Django Unchained (2013), One-eyed Jacks (1961), Cat Ballou (1965), The Quick and The Dead (1995), True Grit (1969).

Disney Unveils 'Disney Movies Anywhere'

Consumers owning movies that are cloud-based is crucial to Hollywood's future.  So, as promised, Disney Entertainment this week introduced a 'free service' aimed at making collecting their films in the cloud easier.  'Disney Movies Anywhere' allows consumers to buy a Disney, Marvel, or Pixar movie once and watch it on any web-ready TV, mobile device, or computer.

Disney had refused to go along with the other major studios in joining the digital movie storage and management system called 'UltraViolet' as Disney felt becoming part of the 'UltraViolet' group would diminish its brand.  Disney also wanted to enter the cloud-based market in sync with Apple - which is not part of  the'UltraViolet" consortium either - but which controls 60% of digital movie purchases.

Disney and Apple have had very close ties since 2006 when Steve Jobs, Apple's then CEO and founder sold Pixar to Disney and joined the Disney Board of Directors.  Jobs served on Disney's board until his death - his widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, remains Disney's largest shareholder.  Additionally, Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, sits on Apple's board.

Hollywood wants consumers to collect movies and form cloud-based digital libraries, the modern day equivalent to living room shelves stocked with DVDs.  The reason is that selling a digital movie is three times more profitable for studios than renting a movie, as a typical digital movie sells for $15. Spending on digital movies and TV shows surged 46% last year to $1.19 billion, and to push sales the studios have started to make new movies available for digital purchase two weeks before selling then on DVD or BluRay discs - and the new 'Disney Movies Anywhere' system will also prod consumers to shift to the digital library concept.

The introduction of  'Disney Movies Anywhere' coincides with the digital release of  'Frozen', which has grossed over $980 million worldwide.  Additionally, Disney, for a limited time, will provide a digital copy of  'The Incredibles' to those who activate 'Disney Movies Anywhere' and link to their iTunes account.

To use the service: download an app or visit the 'Disney Movies Anywhere' website.  Users can then import Disney, Marvel, or Pixar films from their iTunes accounts.  Lucasfilm, another Disney unit, is likely to join the service next year, with the release of a new 'Star Wars' movie.

Best
Jim Lavorato

CINEMA BuzzFEED : 24 February 2014

4K Isn't Enough!

We often hear that digital cinema's 2k image resolution may be upgraded to 4k.  If so, than this begs the question: Why would it stop at 4k?  To me, that is the main reason d-cinema won't move to 4k.  As a matter of fact, 8k resolution is the new 'thing' in digital imaging. 

Despite talk from myself and others in the cinema industry that the average moviegoer can not discern the difference between 2k v. 4k presentations (I can't) - it's really a moot point given the emergence of 8k (termed 'Super Hi-Vision') resolution.  For example, NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting network has already tested transmission of 8k programming and Japanese officials have made it known that their intention is to launch full-scale 8k broadcasting in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics to be held in Tokyo.  Further, Sharp and Samsung both demonstrated 8k displays at  last month's Consumer Electronics Show.

But will 8k be the end of the resolution evolution?  Probably not. So, cinema exhibitors, I believe, need not worry about the industry moving to 4k, as this technology has already been surpassed.  At 2k, d-cinema offers twice the resolution of HD-TV and if the right equipment was chosen for their digital conversion, movie exhibitors should not be concerned of being 'out-performed' by home-based entertainment systems for some time to come, if ever.

Bond 'Smart Gun' Goes on Sale

'Smart Gun & Watch'

The James Bond 'Smart Gun' that can be used only if the user is wearing a special watch has gone on sale in the U.S.  Some pro-gun proponents say this is the way all guns should be sold, as it would transform the industry and make guns much safer.

The German-made Armatix iP1 gun and watch have electronic chips that communicate.  The watch is activated by a PIN number and if it is close to the weapon a light on the gun's grip turns green and the gun can be fired.  It will not fire if the gun falls into the hands of someone who is not wearing a watch with the proper chip.  The technology is the same that is used on anti-theft tags attached to clothing.

Bond-type 'Smart Guns' have gone on sale in Los Angeles for $1399, plus $399 for the watch.  They are .22 caliber.  This compares in price to a .40 caliber 'regular' gun that sells for about $600.

The Bond 'Smart Gun' was used in the film 'Skyfall' where Bond's gun was equipped with palm print technology that recognized him as the owner and wouldn't fire if held by anyone else.

Pro-gun lobbyists say that guns being sold with this technology will dramatically reduce gun violence, and legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that will make it mandatory for new handguns to be fitted with this technology within two years, and for most older guns to be retrofitted within three years.  However, gun-control proponents say they are "skeptical of what this technology can accomplish".  We'll have to wait and see.  There was no news on how much the price of the original Bond 'Smart Gun' was auctioned for.

Sex & The City 3 - Do We Want (Need) Another Sequel?

Michael King recently told Entertainment Weekly that he agrees with Sara Jessica Parker in wanting to do another sequel to 'Sex & The City'.  Says King, who wrote and directed the two other S&TC films, "There is one last chapter to tell. Sara and I know what it is. I do think there is one story left.  It's not whether you can get away with it, that anybody will buy into it.  It's really, is there enough or more for a story that would justify people willing to see it."

S&TC enjoyed a six year run as a very successful TV series (1998-2004) and also the two big screen pics ('Sex & The City 1' and '2', in 2008 and 2010 respectively) that were less popular with fans. 'S&TC 2', in particular, did not gross well and was summarily panned by critics. On a third installment Parker's three co-stars Kristin Davis (Charlotte), Kim Cattrall (Samantha), and Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) all think a third sequel is a good idea and have stated they are open to the possibility. No surprise there.

Is a S&TC 3 a good idea? Probably not.  The 'girls' should have moved on with their lives, would now be seven years older, and societal views on what was edgy in 1998 isn't any longer.  But bad storylines never stopped a Hollywood production if there was money to be made. S&TC 3, hey, why not.

Best
Jim Lavorato

The 'Alternative' Oscars

Each year Esquire Magazine publishes a list of the winners of the 'Alternative' Oscars, because in Esquire's world, "somebody has to recognize achievement in the art and science of cinema ..... and the movies too" !  Here are several of this year's 'Alternative' Oscar winners:

Best Frontage: Human on Human - Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Levitt in Don Juan
Best Frontage: Human on Object - Cameron Diaz on hood of car in The Counselor
Most Effective Use of Weight Loss - Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club
Most Effective Use of Weight Gain - Christian Bale in American Hustle
Achievement in Assholery - Steve Carell in The Way Way Back
Scene Stealer of the Year - Jonah Hill's Teeth in The Wolf of Wall Street
Best All Female Seduction Scene - Rooney Mara and Catherine Zeta Jones in Side Effects
Best Risky Casting - Andrew Dice Clay in Blue Jasmine

Space Shit

Least Realistic Details - China Space Lab in Gravity
Most Powerful Image of Perseverance - Robert Redford's orange hair in All Is Lost
Best 3D - Floating Space Shit in Gravity
Lifetime Achievement Award for Drooling - Bruce Dern in Nebraska
Terrifying Characters in a Children's Movie - Purple Minions in Despicable Me 2
3D Movie Best Seen in 2D - Star Trek Into Darkness
Worst Fking Movie (We Want Our Money Back) - Elysium (WTF, Damon?)

The Oscars: Behind The Scenes and Loser's Sway Bags

On February 20th the annual Oscar luncheon took place. This is where all of the award nominees come together for libation and grand photoshoot.

Photo of Oscar Nominees at Luncheon

The lunch is a loose rehearsal for the hopeful winners that will take place on March 2nd.  Hosted at the Beverly Hilton, limos delivered the 'A'  listers who were all about conviviality and congratulations. Back-slapping and cheek-kissing were the preferred gestures - no high-fives here, this is serious business.  But, as we know, behind the smiles and bear-hugs lurked lust and vanity for the precious Prize.

So, let's get real. Statements, like Jonah Hill's, "To work with Martin Scorsese, that's all I wanted in my creative life, that was my dream.  I would paint his house if he asked me to."  were par for the course (as in meal) as the schmoozing was paired with the Chardonnay.  Neil Meron, the producer of this year's televised event, provided the nominees with the obligatory warning against verbose, long-winded diatribes during acceptances.  He asked that their acceptance be "personal, funny, and heartfelt and not from a list written on a scratch pad". The theme of this year's show is 'Movie Heroes' - including those behind the scenes.

Each of the nominees was given a sweatshirt embossed with "Nominee" (my guess is most of these were summarily incinerated directly after the luncheon).  Curious as to what the lunch menu included? Well the nominees feasted on (among other items): Horseradish chive mousse, Konbu paper, Weird strawberries, and Stir-fired vegetables.  But, alas, don't feel to sorry for the Oscar noms for they will be receiving their mega-dollar swag bags (see following post), and all of that free publicity, kudos, and saunter down the red carpet.

Oscar Losers Get $80K Sway

Shoes are included in the Swag

Don't feel too badly for the also-rans during the Oscars presentation this year: for, in addition to all of the fame, fortune, accolades, and career improvement an Oscar nomination brings, the nominee also receives the coveted 'swag bag' - and this year's sway is worth over $80 grand.

This week, Distinctive Assets, the marketing firm that puts the bags together, released a list of the goodies which will be included, and which should provide, be it a smidgeon of, solace to the losers.
This year's bags will include everything from pepper spray to maple syrup, with the biggest gifts being a $15,000 private, customized tour called "Walk Japan', and at $9,000 smackers a "Best of Las Vegas" travel package.

"We want to introduce celebrities to an array of companies with fabulous gifts", says Lash Fary of Distinctive Assets. "It will surely brighten their day. Even Hollywood's most acclaimed stars are disappointed over an Oscar loss, and when our consolation gift shows up the next day we like to think it's a welcome distraction."   Those poor bastards, you're breakn' my heart Lash.

This year's, "Everybody Wins" swag bag (which has no affiliation to the Academy Awards) includes this sampling of gifts:

- Chocolatine's Wine Pairing - $80
- Halo Natural Pet Foods - $6,000 donation to animal rescue or shelter of giftee's choice
- Steamist Home Spa System - $2,560
- Rouge Organic Maple Syrup - $250
-Acupuncturist House Call - $500
- 5 nights @ Koloa Resort, Hawaii - $2,000
- 5 nights @ Imanta Resort, Ocean Casa - $3,300
- Rocky Mountaineer Canada Train Package - $4,075
-Epic Pet electrolyte therapy sessions - $1,500

and on and on. It seems like it's a lot better being rich and famous than poor and unknown.

Best
Jim Lavorato

Romcons Save Marriages - Chastity Bra Needs Script - Blockbuster Flop To Come

Movies Can Save Your Marriage

Time to watch a few Romcoms !

Apparently, there is some evidence that watching romantic comedies (romcoms) can prevent marriages from failing.  That's right. According to a study conducted at the University of Rochester, NY, couples that viewed 5 or more romcoms per month (OMG) and discussed them afterwards (OMG x 10) reduced their likelihood of divorce.

Who would have thunk it?  Forget about emotional support, shared activities, family, or an understanding of what each partner's desires and aspirations are - all you have to do, to live happy ever after, is watch 5 sappy movies each month.  Well, I can think of a few good romcoms right off the top that would work perfectly: 'The Full Monty', Mr. & Mrs. Smith', 'Kramer vs. Kramer', Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married', and 'Wall-E'.

Seriously though, Professor Rogge and his associates at the U of R found that watching films and then discussing them with your spouse "drastically reduces the likelihood of divorce".  Oddly, many romcoms end in not so perfect ways so openly discussing these issues is the key to this approach.
Hmmmm........ what about watching action/adventure or fantasy films, what about porn?  Not the same I'm told. Not warm and cuddly enough. But if romance and comedy are all a couple needs to 'make it' and be blissful, I believe, romcom viewing should be government mandated.  Gosh, wouldn't that be a boon to the movie industry!

In summary, if you marriage is currently on the rocks watching a few romcoms with your better-half may solve your problem(s).  Good luck!

A Product That Demands A Script

I rarely post about items or issues that are not related, in some way, to the cinema but this topic has huge potential for a 'movie' in the making - the smart bra.  At long last, a chastity bra that magically unlocks only when the wearer finds true love.  You can't make this stuff up, and yes, I'm sorry to say this bra trumps the smart toupee.

Manufactured by Ravijour, a Japanese lingerie company, the bra stays locked tight against any unwanted intrusions until .... the 'one' comes along, then it swings open - hopefully to no one's injury.
Ravijour's Human Sexuality Specialist told CMG, "When we fall in love, we experience an instant boost in excitement.  That feeling is unlike any other excitement we encounter in life. When excited the adrenal medulla secretes catecholamine, that affects the automatic nerve and stimulates the heart rate."

A sensor built into the bra detects the wearer's heart rate and sends it to a smartphone app via Bluetooth.  The app calculates the "love rate" based on changes in the heart rate over time.  When this rate exceeds a certain value - presto!  According to the company spokesperson, "Until now, the bra was just a piece of clothing, but now it is an instrument to test for true love, and destined to become a friend of women around the world."  Ok, if you say so.  Hopefully the heart rate doesn't mistake road-rage or watching romcoms as detecting true love.

Speaking of romcoms, this bra would make a perfect storyline for a romantic-comedy, think about it.

Superman v. Batman - Is It a Box Office Flop Already?

Sometimes you can see tough-times ahead for movies. An example could be the upcoming planned blockbuster - Superman v. Batman, which seems to be trending toward the proverbial flop-house.  How can we foretell?  Well the big omen comes in the form of the casting of the movie - which has now been moved to a 2016 release vs. the original 2015 date.

First it was announced that Ben Affleck won the role as Batman and that he had signed on for three Batman movies.  Later it was revealed that he would also be Directing the film which is being shot in Detroit.  However. by the time the third sequel is released Ben will be well into his fifties - a bit too old for Bruce Wayne.

Next came the announcement that Gal Gadot, a good but little known actress and fashion model, won the role of Wonder Woman in the film.  Again, Gadot is 'iffy' and perhaps miscast for the bomb-shellish  WW role - she'll have be beef-up to be believable.

Now along comes the announcement last week that Jesse Eisenberg has been selected to play the role of the very sinister Superman nemesis Lex Luther. - now that's a far cry from  'Juno'.  It was rumored that the role was turned down by several actors before offered to Eisenberg, Joaquin Phoenix for one.  But again, as with Affleck and Gadot, Eisenberg just doesn't fit the part and has no background in playing in high-impact, action movies.  In fact, all of the casting selections are far removed from the powerfully physical  comic characters they are to portray.

Come to think of it, the whole idea of  Superman v. Batman is ludicrous.  Superman is indestructible and has no physical weakness (save Kryptonite) while Batman is human with no super powers. The entire premise of the movie is flawed - even for a make believe comic.  Anyway, we'll all have to wait and see the box office judgment.

By the way, what ever happened to Robin, you remember, Batman's crime-fighting sidekick. I guess he got thrown under the casting bus.

Best
Jim Lavorato

DEATH of A COMMON MAN

To me, Philip Seymour Hoffman represented the common American male - not pretty, overweight, receding hairline, and fashionably unkempt.  He was uncommon in that he was , I believe, the best living actor.

In 'Scent of A Woman'

'The Big Labowski'

'Capote'

'Owning Mahowny'

Hoffman made very role his own.  From teen snitch in 'Scent of A Woman', to a mournful son in 'Savages', to an emotionally conflicted priest in 'Doubt', Hoffman knew - better than any other  actor - how to make each role uniquely his own.

'Charlie Wilson's War'

On screen, he always had his 'A' game on and brought out the best in his fellow actors. A hulking man, ironically, he received the Oscar for Best Actor portraying a very small and effeminate Copote. In that role Hoffman made himself look diminutive with near perfect replication of Capote's squeaky drawl and gestures.

'Doubt'

It is really hard to pick a favorite Hoffman character.  Freddie Miles in  'The Talented Mr. Ripley', Brandt in 'The Big Labowski, or Lancaster Dodd in 'The Master' quickly come to mind.  But my favorite was Dan Mahowny in 'Owning Mahowny' where he plays a compulsive gambler who embezzles funds from the bank where he works to feed his out-of-control addiction.  One may say that 'Owning Mahowny' was a metaphor for Hoffman's personal demons. But regardless of the role, Hoffman was at his best all of the time, he let nothing slide - it was all perfect.

In upcoming 'A Most Perfect Man'

As fans, we will get an opportunity to see Philip Hoffman at work one last time. His last, and yet to be released, movie is 'A Most Perfect Man' .  The film is based on a John le Carre' novel of the same name.  In it, Hoffman portrays Gunther Bachmann, a German intelligence agent and from all of the pre-release buzz it is another stellar performance.   Recounts Anton Corbijn, the film's director, "When Phil and I watched the film together in its early stages, I could not believe that the guy sitting next to me was the same person as the one on screen.  The belief in the reality of his character was total. Despite any issues he was dealing with outside of the film, domestic or otherwise, the performance never suffered."  That was Philip Seymour Hoffman.

CINEMA BuzzFEED - 3 February 2014

FOOTBALL FLIX

On Super Bowl Sunday, I thought it would be fun to list what I consider to be the top football themed movies.  Football movies have been around almost as long as the sport itself.  Modern American football is derived from the English sport of rugby. Starting around 1900, rugby rule changes conceived by Walter Camp, who is considered to be the "Father of American Football", were instituted and the new game began to be played on college campuses.  The first professional game was played in 1920 and went on to become the great spectator sport we know today.  Here are my favorites:

Horse Feathers (1932) - The Marx Brothers, Nuff said.

Chico, Groucho, Harpo Huddle in Horse Feathers

Knute Rochne All American (1940) - Tells story of Knute Rochne, an All American player at Notre Dame.  Ronald Reagan got his nickname "The Gipper" from playing the role of George Gibb in this film.

Paper Lion (1968) - Alan Alda stars as George Plimpton, the author. The story follows the novel Plimpton wrote about his attempt to become a professional football player, to no avail.

Brian's Song (1971) - True story of close relationship between two Chicago Bears teammates, one of which is dying of cancer.

Rudy (1993) - Where perseverance and over-achievement triumphs over all odds. The first movie allowed to be shot on the Notre Dame campus since the Rochne story. Tear-jerker with happy ending.

Sean Astin played 'Rudy' #45 in movie

Any Given Sunday (1999) - Oliver Stone delves into the real-life perils of playing pro-football with this riveting fictional story. Stars Al Pacino as coach with a heart and Cameron Diaz (who would have thunk it) as the heartless and manipulative team owner.

Remember The Titans (2000) - Football is used as the vehicle to confront racial integration, as a high school team struggles with white and black relations, as due the coaches and parents/fans.

Friday Night Lights (2004) - Another depiction of high school players confronting game related issues. This time, as they deal with defeat and the fact that their glory days as high school stars will be ending for many of them.


 BAD MOVIE BEHAVIOR TO THE MAX

Many moviegoers believe that bad behavior in cinemas has reached a new low.  Talking and texting on cell phones are the worst offensives, but other behavior trends are catching up.

Recently a moviegoer in London was seen using her smart phone with an app that turned her phone into a mirror.  She then proceeded to use her fellow moviegoer's phone as a flashlight to "do" her makeup.  Other common and very offensive cinema behavior includes:
-Slurping drinks, rustling and foraging for 'whatever'.
-Arriving late for the presentation causing annoyance for other patrons.
-Putting feet on seats or seat backs.
- Irresponsible parenting, ie. using the cinema as a babysitter as one watches an 'R' rated movie.

-What seems to be the rise of the 'cinema tailgate' with moviegoers sneaking in all manner of food and drink.

The vast majority of moviegoers are courteous and aware of proper cinema etiquette, and practice it. But like many other things in life there is always the jerk to deal with.


BEST OSCAR SONG NOMINATION DISQUALIFIED

The song 'Alone Yet Not Alone' was disqualified from the Oscars, as the Academy revoked its nomination for Best Original Song.  The song's writer, Bruce Broughton, himself an Academy official, violated the rules and emailed voters requesting consideration of the song for a Best nomination. Broughton, a former Academy governor and current executive committee member of the music branch, composed the song for the movie of the same name (the film generated very little box office draw).

Commenting on its decision, the Academy released a statement saying, "using one's position as a former governor and current committee member to promote one's Oscar submission creates the appearance of an unfair advantage." Broughton said he "was devastated by the decision".

Original songs, to be nominated, are voted for by the 240 members of the music branch of the Academy, who are sent DVDs of the songs with the film and song title only.  The voters are not given the name of the composer or lyricist and are required to vote for no more than five nominees.

A HOLLYWOOD INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE

Many of you have probably never heard of James Schamus, but he has been a Hollywood mover and shaker for over 25 years. His most recent post as head hancho at Focus Pictures & Entertainment - he now hangs his hat in NYC. At 54, Schamus describes working in Hollywood "as ego-crushing. It's a gigantic ass-kicking to the soul. That said, I love the challenge of Hollywood, there's nothing like it."

Although you may not of heard of Schamus, you have seen his produced movies, which include: 'Lost in Translation', 'Brokeback Mountain', 'Burn After Reading', 'The Pianist, "The Constant Gardener'. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', and 'The Hulk' - just to name several.

With James Franco, Sean Penn, Josh Brolin

Being outspoken about the industry has been one of Schamus's trademarks. On the Oscars he says, "Hollywood, basically - what's the polite word for shitting?  Defecates hundreds of millions of dollars, all so that everyone can chase after the little blue ribbon.  The economics are insane.  If you do the math, very few films get what's known as the Oscar bump."  And doing the math is what Schamus likes best.  He is a "marketing" man, who enjoys playing in the world of movie markets. "The key to making money is in niche demographics - and in this context, niche can mean whole continents outside America.  You can take the data and throw up a map of the world and see where, for example, family movies are big: northern Europe, action film: Middle East and Asia, Sci-Fi: Russia."

"I'm an eternal pessimist", he says, "Only a handful of movies break the $30-40 million in profit mark each year. So, you'd better plan on getting your ass kicked pretty regularly in this business."

Thanks for the chat James.

Celebs Push The Limits For Roles

It's common to hear, "I need to lose 10 lbs. or so", well if you require motivation to drop the poundage look no further than H'wood celebs.  When prepping for a role, sometimes make-up and wardrobe simply won't cut it, so actors will turn to body-imaging - crash diets, self-sacrifice, or even morbid indulgence.  It's all about the drive to be 'believable'. The photos that follow dramatize the limits actors will go to in depicting their on-screen characters.

Matthew McConaughey

In 'Fools Gold' (2008) 185lbs. and in the recent 'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013) 134lbs. To prepare he consumed only Diet Coke, egg whites, and chicken.


Jared Leto

In 'My So Called Life' (1995) 152lbs. and in 'Chapter 27' (2007) 220 lbs.,where he portrayed Mark Chapman, John Lennon's killer. Leto's diet: microwaved ice cream mixed with soy sauce and olive oil.






Charlize Theron

In 'Monster' (2003) 171lbs. and in 'The Italian Job' (2003) 120lbs. Filmed the same year. Not only weight but 'ugly' make-up for 'Monster' role gave Theron crazed look and an Oscar for her performance.


Robert DeNiro

In 'Taxi Driver' (1976) 145lbs. and in 'Raging Bull'
(1980) 211lbs.  Bob packed it on only after all of the
fight scenes of  "Raging Bull" were shot.













Christian Bale

'American Psycho' (2000) 171lbs. and in 'The Machinist' (2004) 110lbs. His diet consisted of one can of tuna and an apple each day plus taking up smoking cigarettes.

Renee Zellweger

Renee packed on the pounds for 'Bridget Jones' Diary' which was filmed in 2001. She was at 140lbs. In 1996 at 108lbs. she played in 'Jerry Maguire'. She quickly lost the weight after 'BJD' by working out and smoking Marlboros.











So, if you are looking for motivation just think how the stars have to sacrifice and change their physical images solely on the scripted character they are portraying.

Tarantino Sues Over Stolen Screenplay

A livid Quentin Tarantino has sued an entertainment website for publishing his latest screenplay, entitled the 'The Hateful Eight'.  Tarantino's films are known for being edgy, provocative, unnerving, and well written. Unfortunately, 'The Hateful Eight' (which was ready for production) has now been back-burnered by Tarantino.

The rumor is that someone close to the project leaked the screenplay to Gawker Media, which then posted the following to its website, "Here Is The Leaked Quentin Tarantino Hateful Eight Script". This notice was accompanied by a link to the 146 page screenplay.  Reports say that Tarantino was furious, saying, "I am very, very depressed" and quickly had a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against Gawker.  Although it is not known, at this time, who leaked the script, Tarantino hinted that it may have been the talent agent of either Mike Madsen or Bruce Dern - who were set for roles in the new movie.

The lawsuit, in part, reads "Gawker Media has made a business of predatory journalism, violating peoples rights to make a buck,  This time they went too far.  Rather than merely publishing a news story, reporting that Plaintiff's screenplay may have been circulating in Hollywood, without his permission, Gawker Media crossed the journalistic line by resenting itself as the first source to read and disseminate the entire Screenplay illegally".  The premise of  'The Hateful Eight' centers around bounty hunters transporting prisoners through 19th century Wyoming.

Tarantino's movie repertoire is short but all of his films have become classic/cult features: 'Reservoir Dogs' (1993), 'Pulp Fiction' (1994), 'Jackie Brown' (1997), 'Kill Bill-1' (2004), 'Kill Bill-2' (2005), 'Death Proof' (2007), 'Inglorious Bastards' (2010), and 'Django Unchained' (2013).  It can be said that Tarantino is one of the best film makers of this generation - who, at 50, has a long way to go. I hope 'The Hateful Eight' makes it to the big screen.

Will Cinemas Ban Google Glass Wearers?

AMC Theaters, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently joined forces to nab an Ohio moviegoer who was wearing a pair of prescription Google Glasses while watching a movie.

Pulled out of his seat while the movie was playing, the stunned patron was detained and interrogated by DHS agents.  A spokesperson for AMC told the Hollywood Reporter that the theater Manager contacted the MPAA, which, in turn, contacted the DHS.  The victim told DHS agents that his Google Glass was off but he needed to wear them as they were prescription glasses.  After questioning the hapless moviegoer it was found that he had not been trying to pirate the movie.

A statement issued by the MPAA stated, "it seems that in this particular case no such activity was discovered".  Seems?  The DHS also issued a statement, "we briefly interviewed a man suspected of using an electronic recording device at the AMC Theater in Columbus, Ohio. It was confirmed that the suspected device was also a pair of prescription eye glasses in which the recording function had been inactive."  The moviegoer-victim (whose name was withheld) was given 4 AMC movie passes for his trouble.

CMG's TAKE

AMC (Dumb), MPAA (Dumber), DHS (Dumbest).  What are these people doing?  This whole, three stooge farce must have set a new record as the fastest time a business, trade association, and government agency ever worked together.  Where they waiting around, with nothing to do, until they got a call that some mastermind was trying to record a movie using a pair of Google Glasses? Doesn't the DHS have anything better to do?  Anyone with an ounce of sense should know that downloading a first-run movie via YouTube would be tagged and automatically closed-down by Google.

NATO Says Movie Trailers Too Long

The National Association of Theater Owners released guidelines calling for movie trailers to be no longer than two minutes (or 30 seconds shorter than the current average trailer).  The guidelines also stipulate that a trailer can not be shown more than five months prior to the release of a movie and that marketing materials, such as movie posters, stand-ups, etc, will not be displayed inside a cinema more than four months prior to a film's release.  NATO wants these guidelines to be implemented starting October 1st of this year.

These new rules are NATO's effort to give cinema operators more control over how Hollywood markets movies. NATO has concluded that many exhibs believe trailers are too long and give away too much of the film's plot.  However, the studios believe that trailers are a major marketing tool for pitching movies and firmly think a two and a half minute trailer is not too long. While it is not uncommon for cinemas to run 5 to 8 pre-feature trailers or 15-20 minutes worth, in addition, to any in-house advertising, I believe, moviegoers like viewing trailers.

CMG's TAKE

NATO has no power over the studios. Fact is, the trailer guidelines put forth are voluntary, in addition to being a really bad idea.  Movie exhibitors gain as much from the trailers as the studios and there is currently nothing to prevent an exhib from running trailers or not!  Shaving 30 seconds off trailer time for a movie which has potential for 'huge audience draw' would be self-destructive. In fact, in the post that follows, I detail the relevance of trailers to moviegoers.  Simply put - the NATO proposal has no merit.

In-Cinema Previews: Best Movie Promotion

Movie trailers for the upcoming summer blockbusters have already hit the Internet - and people view them in droves.  According to a study by YouGov, an internet website that follows trends in entertainment, 50% of American moviegoers indicated that movie trailers "probably" gave away too much plot; however, only 19% said trailers deterred them from wanting to see the movie, and a whopping 24% responded that in-theater trailers made them want to see the movie more!

The study further found that trailers remain very important to audiences - playing the largest role (48%) in motivating people to see a movie, followed closely by personal recommendations (46%).  There was no correlation found between length of trailer time and moviegoers decision to see a film.  Simply, moviegoers want to experience a good film.  77% want good plot or storyline, 45% rely on casting, 22% on genre, 20% on director, and 15% on book or play a movie is based on.

So there you have it.  Movie trailers are a big part of moviegoing and a significant tool for marketing a movie. Why the NATO group wants to mess with reducing a trailer time is all about the large cinema circuits wanting to have more time for pre-feature, non-movie related paid promotions and product advertising.  If that is the case they should say so and not feed us a bogus story about moviegoers wanting shorter trailers that reveal too much plot.

Best
Jim Lavorato

VFX Artists To Protest During Oscars

Hollywood celebs boast about their charitable and humanitarian good works - apparently that do-gooder feeling doesn't apply to fellow movie industry co-workers.

As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences readies for their annual 'big show' on March 2nd - preparing song and dance routines, guest appearances, award presenters' cue cards, banquets, pre and post parties, and mega-dollar swag bags, their fellow visual effects artists will be protesting within a stone's throw from the red carpet.

Over 500 visual effects artists (VFX) will be protesting against Hollywood's treatment of their members, and my guess is that any mention of this, if at all, by the press will be cursory and there certainly won't be one utterance from any of the attending glitterati. According to the Association of Digital Artists, Professionals, and Technicians (ADAPT) the VFX is "trying to bring attention and awareness and show support for our effort to levy duties against VFX subsidies by other countries".

As an example, last year  Rhythm & Hues, the VFX company that won the Oscar for best visual effects for the movie 'Life of Pi', was in bankruptcy at the time it won the award.  The problem is that non-U.S. VFX firms receive tax subsidies from their governments allowing them to price their services at a fraction of the cost of what a U.S. based VFX company must charge.  The U.K., Canada, and New Zealand are the worst offenders.  "We're trying to focus on the destructive impact of these subsidies", Dan Lay, spokeman for ADAPT told CMG. Adding, "It's great that there are Oscar parties going on, but a lot of us are being hurt by this and we get no support from Hollywood."

ADAPT wants a levy charged to movies that benefit from foreign country tax subsidies. According to Lay, "we don't want to be disruptive or disrespectful to the Oscars. We want and need our voice to be heard.  Basically, all of our jobs in LA have left, so that issue is moot, unless we can bring the industry back."

What the VFX artists need is for actors, directors, and others in the cinema industry to voice and show their support by stating they will not commit or be associated with movies made by studios in countries where heavy subsidies are the norm.

CMG's TAKE

The studios will utilize special effects artists where they can get them at the least cost. The actors, I don't believe, care about their fellow movie co-workers so long as they get their paying roles. VFX artists - continue to fight the good fight but you are going to be fighting alone.

Best
Jim Lavorato

37 Years Out

Harrison Ford & Mark Hamill rehearse lines for 'Star Wars;

Carrie Fisher jokes with her stunt double on set

Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, recently released behind-the-scenes photos of the cast.  It is now 37 years since the first film in the Star Wars movie saga which is considered, by many, to be the greatest film franchise in the history of moviemaking.

Kenny Baker, R2D2 out of 'uniform;

Update From The Living Room

3D-TV, like 3D movies is pretty much in a stall.. For the last three years the A/V industry tried, in vein, to sell 3D as the next coming in TV viewing.- but consumers wouldn't have it.  Now it's all about Ultra High Definition (UHD-TV) with 4k resolution.  However, the improved resolution of UHD-TV is only discernable on sets above 50 inches and up in size. 

4k has four times the resolution of current high definition TVs and as you have already figured requires more bandwidth to stream or download, but Google and Netflix have gone on record as stating that the bandwidth will not be a concern. In fact, the Consumer Electronics Association predicts that sales of UHD-4k Tvs will reach 8.7 million units worldwide this year - of which only 600,000 will be sold in the U.S., with U.S. sales reaching 2.6 million by 2017.

Another twist is that the new UHD-TVs will, in many cases, be curved instead of flat. A curved screen offers improved viewing - reducing glare and increasing the viewing angles providing a more immersive experience.

Samsung, LG, and Sony are all betting heavily on UHD-TV.  At the high end both Samsung and LG have introduced sets up to 105 inches.  On the low end, Sony (Vizio) is offering a 50 inch UHD-TV for only $999, with a 70 inch model at $2599.

Getting back to the lack of 4k content currently available, the TV manufacturers are working with both the internet streamers, like Google, Amazon, and Netflix, as well as, the movie studios (recently inking deals with Warner Bros., Lionsgate, and Fox).  Universal, owned by Comcast, is also on board and even has plans to broadcast coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics in UHD-4k.

UP-Converting

The newest UHD-4K TVs are capable of upconverting regular HD signals. Tests have shown that upconverted 1080p video (current HD resolution) on an UHD-4k set looks far superior than the same picture on a regular HD set.  So, upconverting provides a consumer an excuse to purchase an UHD-TV before a lot of 4k content is available.

Bend It Like LG & Samsung

Really pushing the envelope, both LG and Samsung will be offering TVs that bend at the touch of a remote button.  Details on the price or availability on these sets hasn't been released but both South Korean rivals want to make sure consumers have the option.  It seems that, as tests have shown, consumers can't resists the joy of watching a razor-thin TV curve inward for a 'more immersive viewing experience'.

CMG's Take

It's time for cinemas to realize and address the competition.The battle for viewers is only going to get fiercer. Those cinemas that heeded our warnings and prepared for the future by purchasing digital cinema projection systems that are currently producing twice the resolution of HD TVs and twice the brightness of their prior 35mm film projectors are going to stave off the relentless assault from in-the-home viewing.

Hatchet Job Awards - Russia Goes Big On Home-grown Movies

A&E Awards Abound, and We Want One




The Arts & Entertainment arena has the distinction of doling-out all sorts of awards - from the Oscars to Sundance.  Needless to say, I'm envious.  Why should only the Hollywood hoi polloi and glitterati be recipients and take their strolls down red carpets - we all need that experience too.




So, I've decided that CMG will be going after a coveted 'Hatchet Job Award'.  Only in its third year, the Hatchet Job Award is given to critics who have written the best, most unflattering, most scathing entertainment critiques over the last year.  Awarded each January, I can only look on with unadulterated envy and vanity at this year's winners.




Being nasty about Hollywood celebs comes ...... well, naturally to me - it's fun.  Sometimes I do go a tad overboard but by-and-large the critiques are deserving.  To my credit, in proper bombastic form I use the rifle vs. shotgun approach and select my prey judiciously - it's not personal, it's business.




Now, it can be argued that the Hatchet Job Award encourages writers/bloggers to look for the bad in celebs; however, my feeling is that normal press coverage of celebs is beyond good and positive and borders on worship. In the world of star/celeb press coverage (both written and on TV) there isn't an apple that won't be polished nor a boot that won't be licked.




Terming it the Award for 'the lowest and noblest of writings' the Hatchet Job has taken its rightful place in the A&E arena.  It has as much right to be present as the Golden Globes, SAG, or Academy Awards.  So, it's three cheers for the Hatchet Job and wish me all the best for a win this next year.


Russia Get Rough With Hollywood


Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's Minister of Culture, indicated last week that he was considering putting a cap on the number of movies imported each year, stating that
"without a cap, it is impossible to help the Russian film sector".


Medinsky did not state what the quota would be in terms of numbers, but he has stated that the number of home grown films should be "20% of the total exhibited".  His statements come on the heels of Russia's growth in the cinema over the last 5 years. Currently, on a percentage basis, the Russian box office leads the world (it grew by 19% last year which even exceeded the growth of the Chinese box office). But no Russian made films were even close to the top box office earners, and the Russian government wants to change that.


In 2012, the government restructured the Russian Cinema Fund, the independent body that funds movies.  The Fund currently receives $170 million per year to promote films within and outside of Russia.  By 2017, the Cultural Ministry intends to double the amount given in state subsidies to film makers.  The government gets back a portion of the box office in fees which is reinvested into the film industry. The strategy is that Russian film makers will gravitate towards making the commercial films which dominate the current box office.


Best
Jim Lavorato

Improving Your Cinema's Operation & Profits

At the start of each year, CMG takes the opportunity to recommend a number of ways cinema operators can improve upon their patrons' moviegoing experience.  These recommendations also serve, in many cases, to increase revenues while enhancing a cinema's brand and helping cement their relationship with the local community.

Update & Rejuvenate Website

Make your cinema's website fun to use but also 'valuable' to the customer. Not only offering on-line admissions but on-line concession purchases.  It's a proven fact that on-line concession purchases are, on average, 60% higher than in-cinema food purchases.

Also offer coupons and special discounts through the website, which are unavailable at the box office. Doing this motivates your patrons to use the site and provides email addresses for future promotions and marketing.

Upgrade & Add New Concession Items

Come up with a new, but simple, concession item and private label it. For example, popcorn popped in duck fat.  Provide this item in a special container with the cinema's name on it - take ownership of this item.

We spoke of providing on-line concession coupons but also think of providing sample concession items while patrons are waiting in the concession line. Samples of a new candy now being sold, or pretzel nuggets this small gesture goes a long way to improving customer relations but also sales.

Improve Service Without Increasing Expense

If you take credit cards for admission and concession purchases great. If you don't or if you want to enhance the process use the new smart phone payment system - 'Square'.

Square simply uses a cell phone to process credit card sales and its charge is only 2% of each sales -  well below bank credit card transaction fees and Square accepts Visa, Master Card, and AMEX cards.

Offer WiFi in your cinema. It is an extremely inexpensive way of offering a service that will be appreciated by patrons. If nothing else they can use it to purchase tickets and concession on-line while at the cinema or, better still, at the cafe' area set up in the cinema's lobby to serve as a 'hang out' before and/or after a movie.

Have in-lobby and pre-feature entertainment. Go local. Advertise local up-coming events and news. Solicit local stores and restaurants to advertise at your cinema. In-theatre advertising is one of the best ways for them to advertise to the local community - it's a win/win.

Operational Improvements & Service

If you haven't already, purchase new bookkeeping software. This will improve and streamline you back-office operations and the new software packages for small/mid-sized businesses are very inexpensive but very capable. Look into software: Lemon, Expensify, and Shoeboxed, in additions to the old, reliable Quicken.

Think of having a Door Greeter.  This goes a long way to improving customer relations and perhaps incorporating it with the suggestion of offering food samples.

Advertise your cinema's sound system! Run pre-feature Dolby promo trailers. Keep reinforcing the fact that a cinema's sound cannot be replicated in the home.

Mix up your content. Don't run just the big, first run films. Exhibit art films on occasion or documentaries.  Investigate partnering with one or more of the non-Hollywood content distributors such as the Metropolitan Opera Company, National Geographic Society, or National Theatre Company for their programming.

Let it be known that an auditorium is available to any local community group desiring a place to meet.  Offer this during cinema 'off' nights of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Have appropriate concession available, like coffee, cookies, etc.

Upgrade the facility. Cosmetic changes/improvements like a fresh coat of paint, upgrading of restrooms, new signage, steam cleaning of seats, floors, and carpets, new concession lighting and signage, a lobby refresh, etc. all go a long way to improving service.

Meryl Streep Labels Late Walt Disney "Bigot and Sexist"

Calling Walt Disney a "gender bigot and anti-Semite" Meryl Streep got on a tirade and ruined what would otherwise have been a festive evening honoring Emma Thompson for her role in the recent movie 'Saving Mr. Banks'.

To the attendees' shock and awe, Streep, a guest speaker, used the gala occasion as a soapbox, to rant on Disney, who died in 1966. Calling Disney "a gender bigot and member of an anti-Semitic lobbying organization", Streep launched into a diatribe on the iconic Disney, who is considered one of the founding fathers of Hollywood.

 A note, which Streep contends was written by Disney and is the basis for her criticisms, states the following, "Women do not do any creative work in connection with preparing the cartoons for the screen, as that task is performed entirely by young men."  Even if this note was written by Disney, Streep didn't elaborate on when or in what context it was written.  As far as the anti-Semitic lobbying organization, no name was forthcoming.

CMG's TAKE

Although Streep has had great screen success and is considered by many to be the best living actress her best performances are behind her.  Since Doubt, released in 2008, she seems to be playing the same character over and over only with different accents. Fact of the matter - her linguistics coach should receive an award.  Streep's outburst against Disney was planned and obviously ruined the moment for Emma Thompson and the other party attendees, demonstrating Streep's 'real life' persona which lacks taste and character.