Boomers vs Millennials: Maybe They Aren't That Different

In this corner, the Baby Boomers: older, perhaps wiser, richer, and out for fun (Pub Happy Hours are huge). In the opposite corner, the Millennials: younger, more flexible and accepting, poorer. Hmmm, a marketing dilemma ?  No way. For a company, particularly in entertainment or hospitality, you have to go with the Boomers.

Why, because they play all the same games as their younger offspring and their grandchildren.  Social media has nothing over the Boomers. I don't buy into the notion that younger folks have all the tech savvy and "grew-up with computers and cells" making them better tech 'users' and, by extension, better and more informed 'consumers'. That advantage, if it ever existed, is now gone. Look at the Presidential race: all Boomers, their advisers, mainly Boomers, Boomers rule (for now).

In many instances the interests and needs of the Boomers and Millennials are polar opposites which only makes the job of a service provider, ie cinema operator, all the more difficult when it comes to both anticipating and satisfying their needs and wants. Knowing this, you began to understand the gravity of a cinema's undertaking and how difficult it is to improve a moviegoer's experience.

But, there are certain things that transcend the age-gap and are universal traits every single company dealing with the public must foster. One thing I have noticed and is irrefutable is that no matter what the generation, they all want to be well served and are growing increasingly unforgiving of service miscues. Take cleanliness. Having a clean establishment is not only a priority but a requisite.  But, cleanliness is more than just being clean.  A cinema's condition is also a component of cleanliness. A tear is an auditorium's soundfold, a cracked floor tile, dinged and marred wood work, worn fabrics and especially a worn carpet are all perceived by moviegoers to be an indication of cleanliness or a lack thereof.

Just as important as cleanliness is responsiveness to needs.  Every interaction with a patron requiring additional assistance or service of any kind must be time bound - and always under promised and over delivered.  The worst thing is to acknowledge a patron request and do nothing about it.

Are Boomers and Millennials very different in their wants and needs, yes! Are they the same, however, in many respects, yes! Get used to serving all of their needs and wants.

Best
Jim

A 'Golden' Opportunity

Cinemas should always be looking for good promotions and business enhancers. One of the best and unique promotions I've come across recently is from an independent theater client (who wished to remain anonymous) which can be implemented by any cinema - regardless of size or customer make-up.

The promotion includes running a week-long retrospective of great films starring one actor (take your pick). Along with the films comes a chance for any moviegoer an opportunity to win a 'Golden Ticket' prize.

Here's how it works: Five Golden Tickets are scattered throughout random large-sized popcorn purchases each evening during the retrospective.  One of the prizes each evening being a voucher for free popcorn for a year.  The four other winners each win a voucher that includes a free movie and large popcorn. The 'Golden Tickets' are only available in large-sized popcorn purchases.

The best part of this promotion is the use of social media. Winners and losers are urged to share their photos of the Golden Ticket experience on social media sites. Additionally, photos of all the winners and their comments are posted on the Theater's social channels.

So, think about screening a retrospective of classic, cult, or hidden gem movies.  Be creative, request moviegoers to suggest what films or actors they would like to see - remember, most films are available on disc and hook-up of a BluRay player to your D-Cinema projection system is easy.

Oh, is your cinema having a Holloween Costume Party? If not, plan one.

Jim

Movies For Grownups

On October 3rd, I posted "Boomers Find The Cinema", which spoke to the increasing cinema attendance by baby boomers and how movie exhibitors should be catering to this demographic.

It seems that Variety (the entertainment trade journal) and the AARP (American Association of Retired People) have now joined forces and are sponsoring the 'GrownUps Screening Series' of films.
The 'GrownUps Screening Series' features films for the 50+ age group and focuses on dramas with adult themes.  Each screening is followed by a Q&A session with the film's director, writers, producers, and cast members.

The AARP is a nonprofit organization with over 38 million members in the U.S all over the age of 50. The screenings will take place at the ArcLight Theater in Hollywood.

The films to be screened are those anticipated to be considered for an award during the 2017 film awards season. The screenings are open to voting industry guild members, AARP members, and special guests in the entertainment community. 'A Monster Calls', 'Loving', and 'Nocturnal Animals' are all scheduled to be screened - other films will be announced shortly.

CMG hopes that in the GrownUps Series will be available for all cinemas to exhibit in the future via either live internet connection/broadcast or hard-drive format.

Jim

Netflix Day-and-Date With Cinema Screenings

There was a lot of negative press regarding the deal inked between Netflix and iPic Entertainment ,the small, up-scale, and pricey theater chain that offers luxury seating with gourmet food and alcoholic drinks (if preferred) while you watch a movie. But, I see it differently.

I see no difference between an original movie from Netflix vs. one released from any other major studio.  I stated, long ago, that internet streamers would eventually run day-and-date product with cinemas and that the exclusive theatrical release window would eventually cease to exist. A step in that direction has now taken place.

The studios and large cinema chains (who naturally are against this) have no one to blame but themselves.  The major Hollywood studios, along with Regal, AMC, and Cinemark have been playing the 'clearance' game for years (see CMG post, "Fox Eliminates Practice of Exhibitor Clearances" posted on April 2, 2016) to the detriment of the small, independent exhibitor and now they will have to contend with their sins.

The Netflix/iPic deal calls for iPic to screen up to 10 Netflix original movies at the same time as those films are streamed on Netflix. iPic currently has 105 screen across the U.S. but is expanding with 20 new locations (typically 6-8 screens per location) in the works.

The National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) the movie exhibitor lobby group which for the most part works on behalf of the large cinema chains is adamantly opposed to the Netflix/iPic deal but ironically was closed-mouth, stating "it was not NATO's business to comment on the clearance deals" that has been negatively impacting the small, independent theaters for years.

Actually, this deal is good for the independent cinema operator.  Although the particulars of the deal between Netflix and iPic were not divulged, my guess, is that iPic is getting a better deal on gross revenue sharing with Netflix than they are with the Hollywood studios. Additionally, more good product for the independent to choose from, can't be bad.

This deal represents a crack in the dike and I predict the dike will eventually fall.

Best
Jim

Boomers Find The Cinema

Any service or hospitality company that ignores the 'older crowd' does so at their financial peril. So, it should be no surprise that cinemas need to cater to the needs of the baby boomer generation.

Boomers are turning out in large numbers. In the U.S. a full 15% of seniors (60 and over) are classified as "frequent moviegoers" by the Motion Picture Association of America. Boomers grew up with great films, the 50s, 60s, are often referred to as  the 'golden age of the cinema', now these seniors are searching for good films.  Dramas, comedies, westerns, with mature actors are huge hits with older viewers.

Boomers look not only for good films but an experience. Alternative content, so-called 'cinema events', such as live streaming of the ballet, opera, or theater productions are very popular as well. Also luring in the oldsters is more comfort.  Larger seats and assisted listening services are now the norm in cinemas.  The new mantra for cinemas, both independents and chains, is comfort over capacity. Cinemas need to create a welcoming environment for older folks by making sure their sound systems are adequate and serviced regularly to ensure peak-performance.

In the concession area, seniors will buy but look for value and variety.  Don't forget, these people grew up going to the local cinema and are accustomed to buying concession (unlike the depression-era folks before them). They seek choice and are willing to pay for it.

It's a fact that many boomers are opting away from sea-side and planned community living and instead are relocating to cities and towns where they can continue to be active. Wealthy pensioners are increasingly living in urban hubs - where going to the cinema has never been easier.  This is good news for the independent and art cinemas as the boomers are leaving the suburbs and relocating to city-centers.

Younger people are going to the cinema less, particularly those in the 15 to 24 age group but that slack can and should be taken up by boomers.  It is incumbent upon cinemas to make the changes necessary with regard to auditorium comfort, food,  and convenience to encourage mature audiences to attend their presentations. Keep in mind that many boomers haven't gone to the movies in a long time, but they are now ready to do so. Cinemas need to be ready for them.

Hollywood Will Kowtow to China

Over the last several years I've posted that Hollywood was in for big changes when it comes to the making of movies. H'wood's political correctness will become passe'.  Nudity, sexual preferences, and gender equality will take a backseat as Chinese cultural norms set the tone for movies.

In movie-speak, China is the future.  The era of the Western domination of moviemaking is rapidly drawing to a close, as Asia, particularly China, is where the money in cinema is.  The Chinese boxoffice is expected to outgross the U.S.'s next year.  Additionally, China has been buying Hollywood, up and down the food-chain: studios, post-houses, cinema exhibition chains. etc. as well as building studios and production facilities at home.

China currently has a quota on how many foreign movies can enter the Chinese market (it now is 34 per year).  This has forced the U.S. studios to do an end-run around the quota system by entering into co-production deals with Chinese film makers.  These co-productions cater to the cinema tastes of the Chinese and kowtow to the censors.

Co-productions follow strict rules. for example, half of the cast and crew must be Chinese and story-lines must follow censorship guidelines - crime stories cannot have too many details, stories about corruption must end with the perpetrators behind bars. There can be no ghosts, religion, nudity, or politics.  Movies must be made so that a five year-old child can watch it without being scared. Too much blood and gore, no way.

What trumps political correctness is money.

Another consideration is the Chinese consumers tastes in films.  What they like, and flock to the cinema to view, are romance and romcoms, and big epic productions with loads of special-effects.
Horror and 'message' films are forbidden and wouldn't screen well, regardless.

Obviously, this is limiting creativity but a good argument can be made regarding the numerous crap films and marquee fodder H'wood spews out every year.  So, filmmakers are presented with a dilemma but one which is easily decided: to go with the Chinese flow and accept the 'way', or not.

Comprise is the new normal for Hollywood, the alternative - no movie in China.  The global movie industry from Hollywood to Bollywood must woo and kowtow to China's film norms and restrictions as the revenue source is huge and booming.  Today, to hit it big globally, a film must pass the Chinese censor gauntlet, as well as, cater to Chinese film tastes. This fact tests the range of what films can be produced.

This scenario may not be a bad thing.  What will happen is that China will, over time, loosen its censorship rules while at the same time, H'wood moves away from its over-bearing infatuation with politically correct viewpoints.  For me, that's a win - win.

Best
Jim

Hottest Film Genre: The Action Sports Film

Once just the one-off surfing or ski docu the action sports film has come into its own.  Extreme sports entertainment is now the hot genre for the movie industry.

This is Travis Rice in 'The Fourth Phase'

Spurred on by the use of GoPro cameras and production companies like, Red Bull Media House, the genre has emerged as a viable audience generator.  Fast-paced action content is the norm for video gamers and the millions that frequent social media sites - paving the way for live action sports films to go mainstream.

Savage Cinema, is the prime-mover and distributor of the genre and has released a number of highly acclaimed features.  It's films include: 'Surfer's Blood', a documentary which delves into the lives of people with very diverse professions and life styles but share the common bond of a love for surfing.
Other projects include bio-documentaries that are character-driven and lace the action with the lives of extreme sport enthusiasts.

No longer working on shoe-string budgets the new action sport films are full-blown productions with lots of backing from the likes of Red Bull and other companies wanting to latch-on to the increasing popularity of the genre.

Other live action sport films to look for at you local cinema: 'Bunker 77', which chronicles the life of Bunker Spreckles, the ultra-wealthy surfer, who in the 1970s ran the social gamut and died at the age of 27.  Ten years in the making by Takuji Masuda, this film has been given high acclaim.

'The Fourth Phase', which follows the adventures of Travis Rice, who is arguably the world's best snowboarder.  'Let's Be Frank', which depicts the life of Frank Solomon, one of the world's top big wave surfers.  Only a very small number, four or five, people make a decent living out of big wave surfing, and Solomon is one of them.  The photography of this film is absolutely astounding.

  

Hi-Tech and the Cinema

Tech moves fast and we need to keep up with the latest trends and developments which impact the cinema. Here we go.

Echo Dot

Echo Dot

Amazon set the price for its Alexa personal assistant device at a mere $50.  What the Dot does is listen to voice commands and acts upon them via wireless connection.  Alexa can be asked to play news programs, set reminders, provide weather reports, etc. - but you can also order items available for sale on Amazon's website.

Amazon offers a larger version of the Dot, called Echo which can play music and in the future retrieve movies.  Both the Echo and Echo Dot can be connected via Bluetooth to a remote audio system for music playback.

Priced so multiple units can be purchased for various rooms in the home, the Dot has a lot to offer for $50.

Delivery Agent - It Will Survive!

A company manufacturing a device which enables consumers to buy products they view on TV is going bust - or sort of.  Delivery Agent, the San Francisco based company that developed the on-screen purchasing system currently has contracts with dozens of TV networks and pay-TV source providers, which look to Delivery Agent as a way to create a new revenue stream by allowing viewers to purchase merchandise related to what they are viewing.  Problem is the system is so new, consumers have to catch-up with the concept and start using it.

Delivery Agent's platform, called ShopTV, is embedded into over 50 million devices from the likes of Sony, Roku, Samsung, and LG. While its media clients include: Fox, CBS, HBO, Showtime, and Disney. What Delivery Agent needs is marketing, so people will know it exists!  Point-of-sale and instant gratification are what drives purchases.  Impulse buying is what Delivery Agent is about but people need to know what it does and how to use it.

The impact on the cinema from a product like ShopTV could be significant.  People may opt to stay at home and watch a film with the intention of purchasing a product from their favorite film or TV show. On the other hand this technology may be adapted for use within cinemas, where a viewer would order up products that appear in the latest feature film.

I have no doubt that Delivery Agent will get the funding it needs to move forward, there is just too much opportunity for all of the players involved: the consumer (buyer), product providers (sellers), media providers (networks and studios), and internet providers (TV cable, on-line streamers).

Twitter: Finally Streaming

The long awaited time when Twitter would start streaming live action has finally come and it can be viewed on TV or cinema screens.  Twitter launched its new app for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Microsoft XBox One with the first live stream of last Thursday night's NFL football game. Twitter struck a deal with the NFL to stream 10 Thursday night games. It has also inked deals with the MLB (Major League Baseball), the NBA (Natl' Basketball Assoc.), and PAC 12 Networks (college football).

The viewer will be able to watch the live stream while Tweeting at the same time, which will be a big plus for avid sports fans.  The use of large screens is a big deal for Twitter's future growth as more and more consumers are cord-cutting and leaving their cable TV providers.  Twitter emphasized that there new streaming service is free of charge - their revenue coming from the ads viewers will see during the live feeds.

Cinema operators should view this as a huge opportunity for alternative content. Turning a normally slow Thursday night into a big audience magnet.  Get on it!.

Cheddar - But Not Cheese

For those of you who only think of cheddar as a tangy-bite on a cracker - think again. Cheddar is the latest digital financial-news network geared toward younger audiences.  And what better way to reach this younger demographic - aha, Twitter (which inked a deal with Cheddar last week).

Partnering with Cheddar will allow Twitter users access to the day's top news stories and other information 'live' via a free platform.  Similar to the deal Twitter struck with Bloomberg Media, the Cheddar deal calls for live broadcast streaming which can be viewed on a large screen.

Cinemas should be encouraged to use the Cheddar/Twitter content for pre-show. It would be lots better and much more relevant than the insipid (and normally months' old) pre-show 'stuff' now screened in theaters and the best part - it's free!


Best
Jim

Metrograph: Doing It Right

The unassuming Metrograph

On the lower East Side of Manhattan is the Metrograph - an independent cinema that has created a special niche to fill the ever demanding entertainment needs of its patrons.

Screening all types of films, from archival prints (in 35mm) to first-run Hollywood fare, to independent and documentary films, to film-noir specials, the two-screen Metrograph mixes movies, with a cafe, bookstore, candy shop, and lounge to cater to a wide spectrum of audiences.

Event films and film series also play a big part in the film-menu, complemented by a cafe, The Commissary. Comprised of a sit-down cafe, bar, and private dining area the cafe currently serves brunch, dinner, and late-night fare.

Metrograph's self-serve movie concession

Complementing the cafe is The Bookstore, a place where the screen meets the page.  Its book collection is centered around the 'motion-picture' - from first-edition biographies to the latest issues of entertainment magazines. Next to the bookstore is The Candy Shop.

In the relentless battle against home-viewing and other entertainment distractions, movie theaters must work tirelessly to keep old and generate new patrons.  This is particularly important to the independent cinema operator.

Currently, a cinema has to be more than just a venue that screens new Hollywood films. It has to draw in those that really value viewing a movie as it should be viewed - with great image and sound. In addition, a cinema must also vary its programming to include a variety of old, new, and classic films.

The Commissary Cafe

Consumers have two choices when viewing a movie: stay at home or go to the cinema.  The cinema experience can't be replicated at home but that experience must be top-notch. The cinema must be comfortable - a place where you can spend an afternoon or evening.  A place where all of the bits and pieces that make for a very enjoyable time are put together.  The trick is to make the pieces separate, keeping, for example, the cinema concession stand separate from the cafe and not offering an extensive menu of "finger foods" for cinema viewing - this trend is now passe.  Each experience should be kept separate and not dilute the various experiences being offered. Patrons may just want to have a drink or coffee with a sandwich and not attend a movie. They may just want to browse the bookshop and peruse a magazine. Or view a movie and have a meal afterwards.


The various areas do not need a lot of space but they must serve-up top-quality and comfort. What happens is that the various activities will feed each other - serving patrons in several different ways. Not every cinema has the capacity or space to run as the Metrograph but scaled-down versions can be accomplished by any cinema.

The Metrograph is a huge success because it has the right formula for success. It's clean, simple, un-cluttered, relaxed, and friendly - a place to be entertained in comfort - a cinema-plus.

Jim

CINEMA BUZZ

Bond Is Back

With all the buzz about who would star as the next James Bond, it now appears that Daniel Craig will continue in the role for the next two Bond films.

Craig has starred in four Bond movies and there was wide speculation (spurred on by Craig himself) that he was tired of the role and wanted to move on.  However, it now appears that Sony and Craig have come to terms and apparently have worked-up a two-film deal for a reported $150 million.  The two films will be shot back-to-back.

The Bond franchise is one of the top in terms of box office revenue and longevity.  Producer Barbara Broccoli (who has the rights to the Bond franchise, which she inherited from her father Albert) will have the final say regarding the Craig deal. It's rumored that she likes the idea of the two-film scenario with Craig continuing in the role.

No matter what, the Bond saga will continue and we look forward to viewing two new back-to-back features.

Betting More On Fewer Films

2016's Biggest Blockbuster Flop

The major studios have painted themselves into a corner as they are producing fewer but more expensive blockbusters.  Now days, a blockbuster flop is a really big error and a very costly one.

This summer the problem was witnessed straight-up, as the big, box office bruisers failed to perform. From Captain America, to Ben Hur, every 'biggie' for 2016 didn't muster-up to would-be expectations.

Many of this summers bruisers started off very well, opening to big first week-end grosses but had huge fall-offs (these were the lucky ones) others just fell flat from the get-go, such as, Independence Day, Alice in Wonderland, and Tarzan.  Ben Hur was the biggest disappoint. The $200 million remake epic opened with a pittance of $11 million and is on target to lose $100 million.

It appears that a major marketing and promotion campaign can get good opening numbers but word travels fast and sustaining good box office in the face of bad social media just can't happen any longer. 

Hollywood has no-one to blame but themselves.  Storylines have gotten to the point of absurdity and it's the same old faces in the same old roles.  Focusing more money on fewer titles seems to be the trend so more is riding on the success of each release - and 2016's roster of movies just didn't catch on.

Today's cinema, like music, books, TV, and radio is very fragmented. So, to attract wide moviegoer attention an over-the-top film is required, and these mega-movies require mega-bucks but with no assurance of success.

DVD sales, which were once a buffer against a poor box office have fallen off a cliff, replaced by VOD.  It's the 18-35 year-old male that is missing.  They have become much more selective in their viewing.  Movies must now be visually superior,  have sound great and believable storylines. The average moviegoer has become very discriminating and can smell a bad movie right-off.               

Pancake Man - The Next Big Superhero?

Superheroes are an American derived phenomena.  The rest of the world is now catching up and developing homegrown superheroes of their own.

'Pancake Man' Super spoof

Japan has had super-monsters since the 1950s with Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra etc. but no real superheroes in the Super-sense. Now, however, the rest of the world is determined to best the U.S. film industry at their own game.

Russia, for example has produced the 'Zaschitniki' (Guardians) series of movies.  The Zaschiniki are a group of men and women from various parts of the former Soviet Union who have been subjected to a DNA enhancing program that gives them special powers - such as a machine-gun welding bear.
'The Zaschiniki', spawned from the mind of Armenian director Sarik Andreasyan, is hoping to copy the success of U.S. conceived 'Avengers'. An make no mistake, not only is Russia, but India, Japan, and China are all up to speed on special effects, big-picture graphics, makeup and action-based camera techniques.

Mumbai-based Graphic India has a live-action movie entitled 'Chakra the Invincible' in the works. Chakra is a superhero that harnesses the power of energy nodes to fight crime.  They have gone so far as to invite comic superhero guru Stan Lee to assist in the marking of the Chakra movie. "I'm a fan of Bollywood films and am really excited about launching 'Chakra the Invincible' as my first Bollywood superhero movie.  I have no doubt the Chakra film will be a big hit in India and around the world. I hope my cameo in the film isn't edited out" says Lee.

One of 'Zaschitniki' in Russian superhero film

Of course, the gorilla in the superhero room is China. Their box office is predicted to overtake the U.S. by next year and there is lots of room for cinema growth. There, Marvel Comics recently announced plans to produce a Chinese superhero movie entitled 'Hero's Awakening'.  The film will be shot in Mandarin and be made specially for the Chinese market. Other than this film, the Chinese are hard-pressed at inventing any home-grown superheroes. Last year, 'Pancake Man', a comedy about a poor street vendor given special powers thanks to his excellent snacks, made mega-box office but one gets the feeling that the Chinese don't take the superhero genre very seriously,

Hmm.... but the Chinese may be on to something.  Moviegoers do have superhero fatigue and are looking for something different. Perhaps comedic superheroes are the answer.  Pancake Man, with his spatula skill-set, may be just what we need.

Giving The Boot to the Re-boot

'Ghostbusters' 2016's Worst Re-boot

Hollywood seems to be scrounging to find other names besides 're-boot' and 're-make' to describe cloned films. Re-boots and re-makes are common fare in filmdom.  Every other movie seems to be an up-dated copy of a prior product and, in most cases, turns out to be a degradation from the original.
'True Grit' comes to mind as a very poor re-make that doesn't measure up to the original in script or acting.

The studios have now deemed that the monikers 're-make' and 're-boot' are verboten and don't describe a film's true value - as the terms invoke the idea of copy or clone, the un-new. In contrast, a sequel is a continuation of a story. A prequel, about what happened before. There are many sequels but prequels are used sparingly by studios. The most famous being the 'Star Wars' saga (which can be somewhat confusing after 8 or them). Sequels and prequels must have good continuity. Re-makes, however must provide an improved script, better surroundings and special-effects, and better acting - and why not, they have the original to improve upon.

Some films have been re-booted twice or even three times, ala 'Spider-Man' and 'The Hulk'. Hollywood is quick to point out that re-boots are not copies but fresh and improved versions, like the 'Ben Hur' re-boot currently in release - it was marketed as a "re-work". Semantics? Perhaps 're-hash' is a better term.

Audiences are getting fed-up and really tired with film-makers throwing-up old content and re-packaging it in worse form than the original.  A well constructed and scripted/acted re-boot can make for a great film but simply providing cosmetic changes to an old dog never works.

For now, it appears that Hollywood is intent upon dishing-out a continuous stream of cloned, and in many cases, inferior copies of prior films.  They can call it a 're-work' or a 're-new' but audiences are smart and they are 're-assigning' their entertainment priorities away from the 're-boot'.    

THE BIG LIE

People lie. All people lie. All people lie everyday! In fact, people not only lie to others they lie to themselves.  Termed 'positive self-deception', people lie to themselves principally regarding three
things:
- having a positive self-view and believing they are more talented and intelligent than they are
- believing they have much more control over their lives than they really do
- believing their future will be better than the present or past

True lying begins around age three and by seven or eight becomes commonplace. Certain realities are lied about more than others.  Age, for instance, is lied about quite often. Young people lie about being older, while older people lie about being younger. Some professions lie more than others.  Politicians publicly lie flat-out; others, like lawyers, are more discreet about their lying.

Hmm ........ many movies are about lies and lying.  Lies and double-crosses are very common themes in films and have been since the very inception of the cinema. Some of my favorite lying-films are:

- 'Pinocchino' - yes, the all time greatest story about lying
- 'Mrs. Doubtfire' - a film based on complete deception, as is 'Tootsie'
- 'Arthur' - lies upon lies by Dudley Moore to almost everyone in the movie
- 'Easy Money' with Rodney Dangerfield lying about everything
- 'Heist' - with Gene Hackman in a triple-cross
- 'Liar Liar' - not having the ability to lie gets you into all sorts of trouble

What is your favorite lying-film? You'd be lying if you say you didn't have one.

In all honesty,
Jim

Crude Entertainment

As the price of crude oil drops, oil-rich countries are turning to entertainment to fill the short-fall and diversify for the future - cinemas and theme parks are their preferred venues.

Aerial view of IMG Worlds of Adventure

Giving Universal and Disney a run for their money the Persian Gulf states are dialing-up their entertainment investments in a big way.  This month the Galadari family is opening a theme park in Dubai.  The park will feature Marvel comics Spider-Man and The Hulk and other ventures that are aimed at keeping their thrill-seeking brethren at home, as well as, lure-in foreign tourists.

Called IMG Worlds of Adventure, the park is equal in size to 28 football fields and sits in the middle of the desert - but the park is totally enclosed!  In addition to the superhero attractions will be 69 life-sized robotic dinosaurs and a complete haunted hotel (where guests can stay). "Because virtually the entire park is indoors really gives us a competitive edge as we can run 12 months out of the year without weather issues", Leonard Francois Otto, CEO of IMG World told CMG.

Gulf countries from Saudi Arabia to Dubai are betting big on entertainment and tourism as a hedge against the the uncertainties of oil revenues. Dubai expects to attract 20 million tourists a year by 2020, the year in which it will sponsor the World Expo.  They are targeting Gulf and Indian visitors as there is a significant absence of entertainment destinations in the Gulf region and Indian subcontinent.

U.S. based companies such as Six Flags and Disney are lending their expertise. The world's fastest roller coaster is currently located in Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi.  The park is entirely centered around the Italian luxury car.  Also in Abu Dhabi is the on-going construction of a Warner Brothers park which will be based upon the studio's best-known characters, including: Superman, Batman, and Bugs Bunny.

Sound like a good bet for the Gulf states as everyone likes to be amused and entertained and it can all happen in a cool, air-conditioned space.

Too Much Technology?

In yesterday's post, Seymour paid homage to the sciences and technology and how they 'push forward' the realism of movie viewing.  To that end, the science of film-making always leaps ahead of the day-to-day duty of film exhibition.

A perfect case is the latest movie from director, Ang Lee entitled 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk'. The film, about an American war hero, is being touted as a cinematic first because of the digitally radical way it was filmed.  Problem: few cinemas will be able to exhibit the film because the normal digital projection systems are not technologically advanced enough to screen the film as intended.

The movie will premiere on October 14th at the New York Film Festival, at an especially outfitted auditorium at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.  The film will be exhibited in 3-D, 4K ultra-high definition at a speed of 120 frames per second.  No film has ever been exhibited to the public using this format. Movies are normally screened at 24 frames per second, although higher rates have been used and most digital projection systems in the field can handle higher rates, such as 48fps.

At a cost of $48 million, Sony Pictures isn't risking much but the vast majority of the audience will view the film in regular 3D or 2D and not as it was intended to be seen.  IMAX, for example, can exhibit 3D films at a maximum of 60fps.

Those lucky enough to view 'Billy Lynn' at the AMC Lincoln will see the sharpest, most vivid, most realistic on-screen image they have ever seen - at a cinema or at home. The 110 minute feature stars Joe Alwyn, Kristen Stewart, Van Diesel, Steve Martin, and Chris Tucker. It will open in wide release on November 16th.

What's UP At The Movies - by Seymour Flix

Alibaba Gets Into Movies

Alibaba, the Amazon of China, started producing movies some time ago but the latest news is that it is going to build cinemas in which to screen them. Alibaba Pictures Group, a subsidiary of the Chinese e-commerce giant, will now be film producer, distributor, and exhibitor.

Although the box office growth within China has slowed, Alibaba, as well as, the Wanda Group (the large Chinese real estate developer and owner of the U.S. based AMC Cinemas chain and Legendary Studios) are betting that the Chinese theatrical box office will resume its rapid growth.

At the end of 2015 China had 31,600 cinema screens,  By the end of this year that number is expected to reach 40,000 - about equal to the U.S/Canada count but with 4X the population and lots of room for expansion.

Alibaba Pictures Group, CEO Zhang Qiang told CMG, "The company plans to build an integrated platform in the movie business and cinemas play a integral part in that."  To that end Alibaba recently set up a $300 million cinema investment fund.

Hollywood on the Chinese Menu

Speaking of the Wanda Group, they have been on in entertainment industry buying spree and there seems to be no let-up in sight.

Wanda Chairman, Wang Jianlin even stated, "My goal is to buy Hollywood companies and bring their technology and capability to China."  Although not forthcoming on the next acquisitions, a stake in scandal-ridden and ill-managed Paramount Pictures could be in the making.  "We are interested not only in Paramount, but all of them.  If one of the big six would be willing to be sold to us, we would be interested. Only the six are real film companies."

In addition to the $3.5 billion Legendary purchase, Wanda, this year, paid $3.4 billion for an 'entertainment' development in Paris, a $10 billion investment in an industrial/entertainment park in Haryana, India,  the $1.1 billion  purchase of European cinema chain Odean/UCI, and the pending purchase of U.S. chain Carmike Cinemas.

CMG has often written on the changing face of the global entertainment industry, particularly the cinema sector, and it is becoming reality.  Pouring billions into cinema related entities bodes well for the future of the cinema but these investments haven't seen any real return.  The Chinese are astute investors but it is the creative community that drives the cinema business.

Science and the Cinema

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences puts emphasis on the Arts and the Sciences goes virtually unnoticed by moviegoers; however, it's the Sciences that push the industry forward. This year there are 12 science and technology categories which will be considered for Awards:

- High Resolution D-Cinema Cameras
- Motion Control Software 
- New Wireless Microphone Technology
- Computer printed, seamless Screen Backdrops
- Camera Flange Depth Measurement Devices
- Programming Language for Production Rendering
- Physically-based Shading and Light Transport
- Real-time Drawing Tools for Sketching and Makeup in Film Production
- Fast-reset Bullet Kit for Live-action Production
- On-set, Real-time Camera Tracking
- Electrode-less Plasma Arc Lamps
- Renderable, Life-sized Animatronic Horses

The final Awards will be presented on February 11, 2017.

 If it's all Greek to you don't worry, but keep in mind that it's the science and technology of film-making that is responsible for today's high-tech, action-based blockbusters.

Best,
S. Flix

Animation to Live-action Films

The last few posts to CMG covered several trends regarding animated movies, and I wanted to talk about another - the industry's trend of turning animated assets into live-action remakes.  Disney, for example, has 'converted' or 'remade' 'The Jungle Book', 'Maleficent' and has several, such as, 'Beauty and the Beast', 'The Little Mermaid', and 'Dumbo' in the remake-works.


The studios have a huge reservoir of animated assets going back decades, providing excellent, ready-made story-lines which are known by consumers across the globe. In fact, Variety conducted a survey which asked which animated movies deserved a live-action remake. The results:

1. The Lion King
2. Other
3. How I Trained My Dragon
4. Spirited Away
5. Shrek
6. Fantastic Mr. Fox

If your favorite wasn't listed don't fret, the animated remake is here to stay and there are plenty of outstanding films that beg for a live 'convert'.

'R' Rated Animation and It's Big Future

'Sausage Party' had a very difficult time getting distribution.  At a cost of $19 million, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, owners of Point Grey Pictures, finally got Sony Pictures to co-produce and distribute. With an opening weekend of $33.6 million and a total gross of $43.6 million after its first week, this film has good legs and should stay strong throughout August.

What the adult animated movie does is fill a void in the cinema market. As is often stated in CMG, audiences are yearning for a fresh cinema - movies that are creative and innovative.

'Sausage Party' is a rare film in that there have not been many adult animations.  'South Park:Bigger, Longer, & Uncut' (1999) was the most successful of this rare breed and grossed over $83 million! Unfortunately, the major studios (which produce virtually all of the animated films) use the genre as family-friendly.  With huge production budgets the studios go for 'G', 'PG', with a rare 'PG-13 rating'. For the most part, animation equates to Disney. The issue is that 'R' rated animation must be marketed heavily as adult entertainment so it's not mistaken as a kid's film.

This summer saw another adult animated film, 'Batman: The Killing Joke'. Green-lit by Warner Bros. as a direct to video product it did get a very limited theatrical release (two days) but grossed a whopping $3.8 million!. This box office success did not go unnoticed at WB and other projects are now in the works.

Point of fact, the movie studios are behind the curve when it comes to adult animation.  This form of entertainment is thriving with the internet streamers.  Netflix has been capitalizing with a very loyal audience following for its 'Bojack Horseman', or FX's 'Archer', or the Cartoon Network's 'Adult Swim' are all very successful shows.

The big plus for the producers is that every animator wants to work in 'adult', be it at Warners, Disney, Sony or any other studio.  For decades the animation community was told what they could or couldn't do - now they can have full creative freedom and they all want it.

2nd Class Superheroes

How Superheroes rank

Akin to 'A' list and 'B' list actors, superheroes have reached a point where their swelling numbers demand a ranking.  Ironman and Captain America from the Marvel stable of heroes and Superman and Batman from DC Comics are at the top of the heap - garnering the most fans and biggest box office, these superheroes have carved a huge hole in the super genre.

Superman and Batman have been around for some time and are known to moviegoers - young and old alike. Superman first appeared on the big screen in 1978, with Christopher Reeve. Batman in 1989 with Michael Keaton.  Ironman first appeared in 2008 and Captain America in 2011. Other big superhero names include X-Men (2000), which spun-off Wolverine and Deadpool and, of course Spiderman (2002).

Many others have come and gone (or are dormant) such as: The Shadow, Blade, Spawn, Green Lantern, Ghost Rider, Catwoman, Daredevil, Hellboy, The Crow, The Punisher, and Green Hornet. While others have become 'B' listers: The Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man, Flash and the Fantastic Four.

Up-and-comers will be the reconstituted Wonder Woman, Dr. Strange, and the new Black Panther, and Captain Marvel.  Others are on the cusp, let's call them B+ers: Mutant Turtles, Watchmen, and the Avengers.  The newly screened Suicide Squad has hit it big at the box office but a sequel will tell whether or not it will be an 'A' lister.

Now there have been superheroes themes that were thrown against the wall but didn't stick, such as:

Middle-Aged Man, who has the power to jump-start cars and comprehend mortgages.

Mystery Men, a-la the Avengers or X-Men but includes: Blue Raja, who throws cutlery, Shoveler, who carries a shovel, and Captain Amazing, who knows what he/she does.

 and, Apathy Man, who has all the powers of Superman but can't be bothered to use them.

Best
Jim

What's Up At The Movies - by Seymour Flix

Art House Theater Day

Saturday, September 24th will be the debut of Art House Theater Day which will celebrate the independent, community-based movie theater.  It is a day that recognizes the contribution that the art house cinema has, and continues, to make to film, filmmakers, and film-goers.

A global event, over 160 U.S. art house theaters are participating, as well as, theaters in Canada, Australia, and Estonia.  Several film distributors are offering exclusive programs that can only be viewed at a participating art house.

Art house theaters are unique in their approach to movie exhibition in that they support films which otherwise would never be seen by the public. They represent the counter-culture to mainstream cinema and have a loyal following of patrons that love dramas, documentaries, and films covering social topics which are not screened elsewhere.  If you are lucky enough to have an art house theater in your area I urge you to support it and recognize that it is providing an entertainment alternative that, in most cases, expands the bounderies of film-making.

Redford At 80

Redford at 80, still going strong

Sticking with the art house theater theme, Robert Redford (dubbed the 'Godfather of the Indie') will be turning 80 next week. The two time Oscar winner and founder of the Sundance Film Festival has been in the movie business for over 50 years.

In a recent interview, Redford expressed his opinions regarding current issues facing the industry. On Oscar diversity, "I'm not into Oscars.  I'm not into that. I'm not focused on that. For me it's about the work. Diversity comes out of the word independence.  We don't take a position on advocacy. It's tough for films in general.  There are all sorts of threats to distribution."

Redford founded the Sundance Festival (now one of the world's largest and best) in 1981 and says, "My goal for Sundance was for it to serve as a platform to elevate documentaries. Independent films survive because of their value and because there are independent theaters that keep that survival going."

Starring in the just released Disney film 'Pete's Dragon' Redford says the film "bucks the trend in fantasy films" in that it is a story based on magic and imagination, both of which are sorely lacking in the current superhero movies.  Redford has starred in 43 films, directed 9, and narrated 26 others.

Happy Birthday Bob!

Under The Radar

Gibson in 'Blood Father'

The new Mel Gibson film, 'Blood Father' could (should) be a real sleeper and is a box office gem. The film is really very good and is in the genre of a 'Taken'.  Gibson plays an aging ex-con who makes a living as a tattoo artist.  When his daughter gets into trouble, it's Dad to the rescue.

Gibson is at his best in this film - that maniac facade a-la 'Lethal Weapon' coupled with the fatalistic demeanor of "Mad Max' or 'Payback'. Now in limited release, watch for it as it may become the next cult classic.

BACK IN BLACK

Last month I posted that, thus far, the summer of 2016 was a box office flop but that it would make a comeback - and as predicted, the box office has roared back.

Coming off a $120+ million week, with the opening of  'Jason Bourne', it was followed up with the staggering opening of 'Suicide Squad' at $135 million - which has set the stage for a very good summer box office.

Although 'Suicide Squad' received very bad critical reviews, moviegoers were undaunted.  There was a real disconnect between the critics and audiences - which loved the film and gave it an overall B+ rating.  Those under 18 gave it an A rating.

At a cost of $175 million, Warner Bros. has a big hit but now needs to figure out if the DC Comics sourced film can match-up against Disney/Marvel franchises like Batman or Superman.  With 'Suicide's' gross, Warner Bros. crossed the $1 billion domestic box office mark for 2016 - the only studio to accomplish this 16 years in a row.

The 'Suicide Squad' is a team of super villains which do good for money, and it appears that they have struck the right cord with moviegoers.  54% of the audience were men, with over 50% of these under age 25.  The film was released on 4,255 screens and 381 IMAX locations. 'Jason Bourne' finish 2nd last week at $22 million, with 'Bad Moms' taking 3rd with $14.2 million.

For 2016, the dog days of summer are turning out to be manna from heaven as this weekend's domestic gross topped $230 million. People love going to the movies but they need a reason to visit - this week the reason was 'Suicide Squad'.   For the remainder of the summer the reasons will be: 'Pete's Dragon', 'Sausage Party', 'Ben Hur', 'Kubo and the Two Strings', and 'Don't Breathe' .

See you at the cinema.
Jim 

Concissions - Concessions - Concessions

Frappa-whatevers are very popular

In real estate it's all about Location. For cinemas it's all about Concessions. Now, more than ever, food and food related topics are everywhere. Today it's not just about eating but eating different. Food has entered the fast changing world of trends - organic, gluten-free, zero calorie, free-range, whole grain, locally sourced, etc. and cinema concession is no exception.

What food items cinemas sell and how they are marketed is critical to maintaining and boosting concession profits.  What was a big seller yesterday may no longer be in vogue today.  We all know that traditional sodas have been on the decline for sometime, being replaced by energy drinks, flavored smart waters, tea-based beverages, and caffeinated drinks - such as cold-brewed coffee and frappa-whatevers.  For better or worse consumers' tastes and preferences change and cinemas must embrace these changes (which run through all age groups: from baby-boomers to generation Z'ers). Resisting change not only hurts sales but leaves the impression that your cinema is 'dated and out-of-touch'.

Popcorn sales are a cinema's main concession profit-generator and will remain so; however, all other concession items should be reassessed and eliminated/substituted if warranted.  The introduction of new products is essential and it is easy to determine which new products are winners and any concession item that doesn't sell must be dropped!

Like beverages, tastes in candy has also changed.  A significant segment of consumers have tired of the same old candy selection mix and have moved up-stream to the likes of Dove and Godiva.  While, nuts and dried fruits have become go-to candy substitutes and gelato the ice cream alternative.

Very cinema should take a hard look at their concession product mix. Analyze per-cap sales and compare it to prior years.  Even if the per-cap is increasing changing the mix may generate even more revenue.  Be critical.  Get staff input.  Query patrons on what products they would like to see made available and would purchase.  Concessions are the life-blood of any cinema so a great deal of time and effort must be placed on getting the mix right, introducing new products, and keeping your patrons happy and eating.

They Can't Win For Trying

Landsbury, now 90, never won a major award

With all of the squabbling about Oscar diversity, one thing is clear - there's certainly diversity in those actors who have never won either an Oscar or Emmy and which come first to mind when discussing Hollywood's finest.  Representing some of the hardest-working, dedicated, and very well known actors whose films have generated mega-box office bucks.  Here's the surprising list:

Tom Cruise: 3 Oscar Noms. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Angela Lansbury: 3 Oscar Noms. / 18 Emmy Noms.
Brad Pitt: 3 Oscar Noms. / 1 Emmy Nom.
Scarlett Johansson: 0 Oscar Noms. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Harrison Ford: 1 Oscar Nom. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Will Smith: 2 Oscar Noms. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Gary Oldman: 1 Oscar Nom. / 1 Emmy Nom.
Johnny Depp: 3 Oscar Noms. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Samuel L. Jackson: 1 Oscar Nom. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Amy Adams: 5 Oscar Noms. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Max von Sydow: 2 Oscar Noms. / 2 Emmy Noms.
Sigourney Weaver: 3 Oscar Noms. / 3 Emmy Noms.
Edward Norton: 3 Oscar Noms. / 0 Emmy Noms.
Steve Buscemi: 0 Oscar Noms. / 6 Emmy Noms.

The actors on this list have pretty much done it all and played a huge diversity of roles - they just don't seem to be well liked by the awards folks.  Critics, the press, and fellow actors should stop grumbling about awards diversity and why so-and-so didn't get such-and-such and reflect on this list of non-winners.