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UK BOX OFFICE DOWN BY 76 PER CENT IN 2020
WEVU LAUNCHES DIGITAL FILM GIFTING OFFER
COMMENT ON INITIATIVE IN TESCO STORES
IAN SADLER RIP…
…EUREKA PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER SALES CHIEF
A RELIC TO KEEP
COLLECTIVE LANDS WITH AWARDS NOMS
MURDERS DRAW ITV’S BIGGEST FIGURES FOR YEARS
CLOUD FORECAST FOR MONDAY
101 FEELS THE FORCE
HOST HITS NEW HIGHS
NETWORK ADDS DOUBLE BULLS
BBFC LAUNCHES TEEN PANELS
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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More year-end business following last week’s headline figures from the home entertainment and music and games sectors. Perhaps the grimmest of all were the statistics issued by the UK Cinema Association, which highlighted just how much the whole film industry has been rocked by the pandemic. Box office for 2020 was just shy of £297 million, down a whopping 76 per cent on the previous year. What’s more, the figure was the first time in a decade that total receipts dipped below the £1 billion mark. Total 2019 revenue at cinemas was £1.252 billion. Commenting on the box office figures, UK Cinema Association chief executive Phil Clapp said: “‘No one would present these numbers as anything other than hugely disappointing, but they very much reflect the challenges that 2020 presented to UK cinema operators, as it did to so many other leisure, retail and hospitality sectors.The irony is that the early weeks and months of the year saw the sector outperform both 2018 and 2019, which were themselves the two most successful years for UK cinema-going since 1970. And when cinemas were able to open over the late Summer months and into the Autumn, the feedback from returning audiences both on the safety but also the enjoyment of the experience was hugely positive. This pays testament to all of the hard work that our members put into delivering the rigorous safeguarding measures agreed with government, something which I know will stand us in good stead when cinemas are able to re-open in the coming months. During this current time, all cinemas will require ongoing financial support from Government, a point made clearly in our ‘Keep the Magic Alive’ campaign, something which has clearly struck a chord with so many cinema-goers. But the determination shown during the year by those working in the sector, and the support of the cinema-going public in all manner of ways throughout these challenging times,, reinforces our optimism that when recovery comes, audiences will again eagerly embrace the unique experience that only the big screen can offer.”
Meanwhile, lost in the pre-Christmas rush and post-Christmas stats breakdown was the news that a new film service has launched and is up and running in more than 450 Tesco stores in partnership with the retailer. In a bold claim, wevu said it was “aiming to disrupt” the home entertainment business and change the way consumers watch, gift and buy films. They can buy films on wevu movie cards which then enable them to go digital and watch films from participating distributors such as Paramount Pictures, Sony, Walt Disney, NBC Universal, Signature, Lionsgate and Warner Bros. Aimed as an alternative to gifting physical media, the launch statement said: “The wevu movie cards are an alternative to DVDs. At checkout, customers are given a code. This can be used to redeem, watch and own films at wevumovies.com or via smart TVs and devices. The cards are designed to be simple to use for those who have not yet embraced online streaming.”
Comment on the launch came from wevu md Carl Oxley who said: “We’ve created wevu predominately for people who either haven’t yet fully embraced online streaming or who want to gift movies more easily. The brand new wevu movie cards also make an ideal gift. Increasingly, people feel less sure about gifting physical DVDs due to the move to online streaming. The great thing about wevu is that people can gift a wevu card with confidence that their loved ones will be able to access them online.” A Tesco spokesperson said: “wevu builds out our in-store entertainment offering even further, providing a new viewing alternative for our customers, as well as differentiating our proposition in the marketplace. With 16 million active Tesco Clubcard users and a universe that captures 87 per cent of all UK consumers every year, we are the final piece in the wevu jigsaw. I look forward to seeing the reaction to wevu and watching its ascent.” 
New release news and one of 2020’s biggies from the more genre-based side of the business arrives on Monday courtesy of Signature. Relic is the latest horror sensation to cross over to a more mainstream audience, like Hereditary and Midsummer and, more recently, St Maud. Commenting on the brilliantly reviewed film, Signature’s Emilie Barra said: “We are delighted that RELIC - one of the most talked about genre films of 2020 , that graced many a Top 10 of 2020 list - is finally hitting shelves with a release on Monday! Natalie Erika James's impressive debut is receiving a well-deserved and packed Blu-Ray too with some great extras including her LFF Q&A and some eye-opening behind the scenes footage.”
Off the back of three London Critics' Circle nominations - including Film of the Year - comes Romanian docu-thriller Collective, on DVD and Blu-ray Monday (January 18) courtesy of Dogwoof. Directed by Alexander Nanau and hotly-tipped ahead of the 2021 awards season, the film follows a team of investigative journalists as they uncover massive fraud in the Romanian health care system, and has been compared to the likes of Spotlight and All the President's Men. Commenting on the release, Dogwoof's head of home entertainment Daniel Green said: "We started the year with a bang thanks to some chart-topping numbers from David Byrne's American Utopia this week, and we're now heading into darker territory with Alexander Nanau's Collective. We first saw the film at IDFA in 2019 and had no doubts that it would end up vying for the top awards upon release. Its theatrical run was sadly cut short last year but we hope to bring it back to UK and Irish cinemas once they reopen, while at the same time offering audiences at home the chance to experience this gripping - and enraging - doc for themselves.”
The first big television hit of 2021 landed this week with the transmission of a three-part true crime drama from ITV. The Pembrokeshire Murders was event TV done properly, airing over three consecutive nights on the channel, boasting a strong cast of Brit talent headed up by Luke Evans and Keith Allen and reliving the brutal slayings and crimes committed in Wales in the 1980s and 90s. What’s more, it succeeded too – the programme drew ITV’s biggest overnight audience average for seven years over the three nights, with its concluding part having the highest overnight audience for the channel since 2017. All three drew an average of 6.3 million viewers, representing 33 per cent audience share, with the final episode pulling in 6.6 million, with a share of 36 per cent. It also scored big among 16 to 34-year-olds. Its success bodes well for ITV’s release - the title is due on DVD from Monday January 18 from ITV via Spirit. Commenting on the release, Spirit’s Tracy Niland said: “Here at Spirit we love a good true crime drama (who doesn't?) and couldn't be more excited to release The Pembrokeshire Murders on behalf of ITV. The true story of how the dogged determination from DCI Steve Wilkins and his specialist team finally managed to snare The Bullseye Killer solving two double murder cases that had remained open since the 80s. This could only have been released by ITV - it was them in their guise of Central who produced everyone's favourite darts quiz show Bullseye. The killer appeared as a contestant on the show just a month prior to committing one of the double murders. This in turn meant that he could be identified as the killer from an artist's impression of the killer which led to crucial evidence being discovered to convict John Cooper of both double murders. The success of this genre on DVD is well documented which when combined with the awareness generated by the broadcast publicity, we would expect a tremendous level of sales.”
Also due in stores on Monday is a release from (Yet) Another Distribution Company via the 101 Films set-up. The sci-fi actioner is currently benefiting from strong PR coverage garnering plenty of attention. Commenting on the release, 101 Films’ Tim Scaping said: “We are excited to be releasing The Intergalactic Adventures of Max Cloud on Monday January 18, in conjunction with (Yet) Another Distribution Company. A rip-roaring sci-fi comedy adventure that is at once retro and fresh, the film benefits from an incredibly strong British cast led by Scott Adkins in the eponymous role, including No Time to Die's Lashana Lynch, Sons of Anarchy's Tommy Flanagan and John Hannah as Max Cloud's adversary Revengor. It's action packed and great fun, and available on DVD and Blu-ray in addition to the usual digital platforms.”
Independent 101 Films has also revealed a title for further down the line this week, announcing the release of another slice of old VHS magic brought to life on Blu-ray. Here’s the company’s Tim Scaping again on the release. He said: “An ideal pairing with Tammy and the T-Rex as part of our catalogue slate for February, Raw Force is a sleazy, early 80s gem - only previously available on VHS in the UK. A crazy, over-the-top mix of martial arts and horror, it features everything from zombies to cannibal monks. The recent restoration for Blu-ray looks fantastic, and our release includes a brand-new commentary. A must for fans of exploitation cinema.”
Due out next month is one of the horror hits of the past 12 months and now, thanks to its appearance on plenty of year-end charts, Host is building up a head of steam ahead of its physical release from Second Sight on February 22. As noted here previously, the film has taken a circuitous route to its Blu-ray bow, starting off life as a low budget Zoom-based feature screening on horror-based subscription video on demand channel Shudder, then heading to theatrical via Vertigo and now physical from Second Sight. Its reputation has been further enhanced at each stage, with plenty of fans discovering it at each turn. With director Rob Savage and his team now much in demand, it can only grow. Commenting on the release, Second Sight’s Chris Holden said: “We’re really thrilled to be handling the physical release of one of the most talked about films of 2020. Director Rob Savage and the whole team have been fantastic with their support and we’ve got a great line-up of bonus material included. Host is a phenomenal film, already being included in 'greatest horrors of all time' lists and we’re incredibly proud to add it to the Second Sight lineup.”
Network Distributing continues to push its video on demand offering at networkonair.com, moving into the new year by pushing its double bills once more. It ties in with the company’s Brit-friendly film offering and marks back to the day when cinemagoers had not one but two main features on offer as part of the same programme. The two for the price of one offer included other titbits between the two features. Current Network recommendations for fans include the thriller pairing of Ring Of Spies and Seance On A Wet Afternoon as well as a brace from the ITC stable, the excellent Brit fantasy Hawk The Slayer alongside The Medusa Touch.
If you fancy letting us know your best of 2020, as well as your hopes and fears for this year, then here's your last chance. Yes, it’s our annual survey looking at the best and worst of the 12 months just gone, as well as looking ahead to the 2021. Here are the all important questions – answer them and send via email to tim@theraygun.co.uk
Favourite three releases of the year:
Highlight of 2020:
Lowpoint of 2020:
Event of the year:
Biggest challenge in 2021:
What I’m most looking forward to in 2021:
It is with great sadness that The Raygun reports the death of former Eureka sales chief Ian Sadler just before Christmas. Sadler had been suffering from long-term illness and finally succumbed in December. He had been instrumental in the company’s growth, cementing the sales success of the Masters Of Cinema imprint under Eureka founder the late Ron Benson and had also helped it diversify into other genres and categories, including moving into theatrical releasing and the launch of the Montage Pictures imprint. Paying tribute to Sadler, Eureka’s Ruth Schofield said: “Ian was a big part of Eureka, joining not long after my father Ron Benson started the company. He was very dedicated and loved working in the entertainment industry. When I became managing director, following Ron’s passing, he was very supportive, helping to build on what Ron had created. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family. If any one would like to make a donation in Ian’s memory, his family have requested any donations are made to Severn Hospice, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HS https://www.severnhospice.org.uk
Further tributes to Ian Sadler came from Eureka national accounts manager Marcus Garwood, who said: “Myself and Ian worked alongside each other for a number of years. As well as being an accomplished businessman with a good head for figures and a genuine passion for the entertainment Industry, he also loved a good natter, especially about music. I'm sure people who knew Ian will know about his love for music. In his office there was always a guitar or a mandolin within easy reach and he never needed much encouragement to enthuse about artists like Dylan, Emmylou Harris, or one of the many festivals he would often attend. These music conversation diversions would often occur without warning, sometimes in the middle of a meeting, before suddenly snapping back into business mode to get the job done. But that was Ian and I, for one, will miss those conversations with him.” Richard Leon from Richard Leon PR added: “I was so saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Ian Sadler. Ian was a remarkable and courageous man. Ian was incredibly kind with a wonderful sense of humour. I was humbled by his belief in my PR services and I so enjoyed working with him. My thoughts and condolences goes out to his family at this very difficult time. The home entertainment industry has lost a wonderful and unique visionary. Thank you Ian.”
We’ll end with the BBFC and the organisation is furthering its youth work with the announcement it is setting up a new scheme aimed at 16 to 19 year olds. The new youth panel will help the teens help shape classification policy and gain life skills and experience themselves. The BBFC hopes their involvement will ensure young voices are heard and represented when it comes to classification and the panel will advise on aspects of its work. Sarah Peacock, Compliance and Education Manager at the BBFC, said: “Over the last year we’ve all spent more time in the digital world than ever before. Choosing content well, and staying safe online, are vital skills to develop as a teen or young person. That’s one of the reasons why we’re launching our brand new Youth Panel this year - to ensure that we continue to reflect the opinions of the younger generation in our everyday work. We know that teens and young people have been particularly hit hard by the pandemic. The world has shrunk for so many, and there are now fewer educational and extracurricular opportunities available. We now find ourselves in another lockdown, with homeschooling the norm once again. We want our Youth Panel to give members - who have missed out on so much over the last year - a chance to develop skills, make connections, have their voice heard, and influence policy.” More details here.
“We’re pivoting to be able to adjust to the environment we live in. I have some amazing movies that I would like the public to be able to see. We needed an alternative. Remember, this is a global theatrical release and HBO Max is only in the US. Sixty percent of theatres are closed in the U.S. and Europe,” she said. “We needed an alternative platform to theatres and decided to have fans watch Wonder Woman 84 and the entire 2021 slate on HBO Max.
“[Opening weekend box office] is a proxy for success. In the streaming world, it’s a completely different set of criteria, like subscriber numbers and churn. The eyeballs are less relevant than the overall service, and the industry isn’t geared to measure it. But everyone wants a barometer, and things will shift over time.”
WarnerMedia chief Ann Sarnoff at CES on the studio’s current strategy…
AT THE MOVIES
It was only a trailer, but Netflix’s preview of its films for 2021 set tongues wagging, not least thanks to the massive cast list. And it sees Netflix throwing down the gauntlet for the year ahead, pledging more than 70 features in total, adding up to at least one new movie a week. Names involved read like a genuine who's who in films, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba, Meryl Streep, Zendaya, Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Gal Gadot, Dave Bautista, Naomi Watts, Jake Gyllenhaal, John David Washington and Octavia Spencer. Directors involved include names such as Zack Snyder, Nora Fingscheidt, Joe Wright, Antoine Fuqua, Shawn Levy, Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman and the directorial debuts from Halle Berry and Lin-Manuel Miranda alongside awards winners such as Jame Campion, Paolo Sorrentino and Adam McKay. You can see the trailer below…
Strangest rumour of the week, or at least the most unexpected one, could see Chris Evans picking up the Captain America shield once more and returning to big budget Marvel films. It sees reality – in the shape of contract negotiations between Marvel and the actor – meets the fantasy world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Evans exited the films at the end of Avengers Endgame. Now, according to Deadline, the star is in talks to return to the superhero franchise. Given he’s handed over his shield to the Falcon, we’re not sure how the logistics will work, but we’re sure you can head to any film site and see thousands of words of speculation about what’s going to happen and what it means…
Old punk rocker news of the week and Danny Boyle is working on a new project, a TV series charting the rise and fall and everything in between involving the Sex Pistols. Pistol will be based on guitarist Steve Jones’ autobiography. Frank Cottrell Boyce will pen the script, the cast includes Maisie Williams as scenester Jordan. Boyle said: "Imagine breaking into the world of The Crown and Downton Abbey with your mates and screaming your songs and your fury at all they represent. This is the moment that British society and culture changed forever. It is the detonation point for British street culture... where ordinary young people had the stage and vented their fury and their fashion... and everyone had to watch and listen... and everyone feared them or followed them. The Sex Pistols. At its centre was a young charming illiterate kleptomaniac – a hero for the times – Steve Jones, who became in his own words, the 94th greatest guitarist of all time. This is how he got there.”
TWEET OF THE WEEK
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TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
That Netflix trailer in full…
Cherry on top
From the team behind Bridesmaids…
https://youtu.be/WN3rzUvMiB0 Defecting soon…
THE OBLIGATORY GDPR BIT
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