|
CINEMAS REOPENING STARTS PRODUCT FLOWING AGAIN
BIG RELEASES “A DELIGHFUL PROSPECT FOR Q3”…
…BASE WELCOMES THEATRICAL RETURN
HMV EXPECTS PENT-UP DEMAND…
…AND PLANS SPECIAL HOME ENT RELEASES FOR CENTENARY
AVERAGE ADULT WATCHED 36 FILMS IN 2020
TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS AND FAMILIES FIRST TO RETURN
SHOWCASE’S LEMON TEST
HMV’S ANNOUNCES 100TH BIRTHDAY VINYL PLANS…
…AND ENJOYS BRITS BOOST
MEGA MOVIES WEEK HEADS TO GERMANY
LONE ‘SWORDSMAN’ IN STORES
UK CINEMA ASSOCIATION: INDUSTRY IS “RESILIENT”
“POSITIVITY AROUND FUTURE OF THE SECTOR”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
If you can't read this newsletter or see the ads, please click here.
Monday May 17 may not the biggest day of the year in terms of home entertainment releases, but the attention for our industry, as well as that of our theatrical colleagues around the business, will be focused on cinemas. For as the latest lockdown easing – the latest strain notwithstanding – comes in to play, multiplexes and independent cinemas will be throwing open their doors to customers once again, in a similar situation to last year’s cinema reopening, with social distancing and pandemic measures in place. But the difference this time looks like being the number of releases locked in and ready to roll out, including a raft of blockbusters missing from last year’s staggered (and spluttering) reopening. What’s more, with fewer releases out there now in home ent terms, compared with pre-pandemic, it’s clear the home entertainment industry needs a fresh influx of big, theatrical hits, blockbusters and smaller films given a theatrical platform, to join the smartly released digital titles and classic 4K and catalogue titles currently making up the biggest sellers on the feature film side. So this week’s Raygun newsletter looks at reaction to the reopening of cinemas, with fingers crossed that there’ll be no further hiccups and this time the cinemas won’t have to close again…
Trade organisation BASE, the British Association for Screen Entertainment, was among those welcoming the return of cinemas and the product which will now flow into the home entertainment business as a result. The organisation’s chief executive Liz Bales said: "As many cinemas across the UK are given the green light to reopen, it’s brilliant to see a broad range of fantastic titles being available - from the family fun of Peter Rabbit 2 to award-winner Nomadland, meaning there truly is something for everyone. Furthermore, the flow of new release content entering the home entertainment window in Q3 is a delightful prospect for BASE members and their physical and digital retail partners. With record levels of EST transaction in 2020 and new research indicating that audiences are excited to return to cinemas, we sense a new level of optimism and excitement around the category.”
More comment came from BASE vice chair Kevin Dersley, md at Elevation Sales, which, with Paramount (first big release at cinemas A Quiet Place Part II), Lionsgate (first big release the multi-award-winning The Father) and Studiocanal (forthcoming biggies include Oscar winner Another Round) as well as a raft of other labels releasing titles at cinemas among those it looks after, is as eager as anyone to get big, big titles back into stores. He said: “We've been plenty busy enough at Elevation over the last year, with the usual eclectic schedule our amazing label partners bring us quarter after quarter - but May 17 has been a key date in all our diaries for months now. Consumers have been well served with content through the various lockdowns but we can't wait to be able to bring theatrical content to our retail partners, along with the associated halo effect of drafting and impulse attachment. I have no doubt that consumers will want to experience the big screen again as well as the opportunity to own the content when it releases, physically or digitally. Good luck to the exhibitors and labels over the coming weeks and we look forward to engaging our retail colleagues with the full array of Home Ent content again!”
Retailer hmv has been chief among those hoping for the return of cinemas which will start to ensure more titles arrive in its stores and online, as well as giving profile to new releases. And, with its stores now open and customers getting back into the habit, is chomping at the bit to get more product flowing through, it too is welcoming the return of cinemas and the benefits this will bring. The company’s John Delany, head of film and TV at hmv, said: “This has been a tough year for cinemas, and we’re delighted that they’ll be reopening safely on Monday. There are some highly anticipated new films such as A Quiet Place Part II and recent Oscar winners such as Nomadland ready for the big screen that we’re expecting to be bestsellers when it comes to their home entertainment releases later in the year. Film fans’ passion for seeing the movies they love on the big screen and in 4K Ultra HD at home remains undimmed, and after more than a year of pent-up demand for major releases we’re expecting even greater enthusiasm amongst the public. This year, to celebrate hmv’s 100th birthday, we’ll be running special promotions that introduce even more shoppers across more than 100 stores and our online platform to the best film releases of the past century.”
Meanwhile, assorted cinema chains and other interested parties have been on a PR drive highlighting the magic of the movies and the positive benefits of cinema-going. As well as reams of research aimed at gaining column inches on their return. These range from the sublime to the ridiculous, from the BFI to Keith Lemon. Many suggest that audiences are more keen to return to the big screen and their local picture palace than they were after the first lockdown ended last summer. Starting with the former, and the BFI has released its own audience research with some fascinating results about pandemic viewing. It suggested that among cinema goers, almost two thirds were more comfortable about returning to cinemas now than they were last summer. It also showed that 92 percent of adults had watched at least one film in 2020, with the average adult watching 36 films across the year. A third saw a film in cinemas. More than half of all film viewing – 54 per cent – was on streaming services, a steep rise from 40 per cent in pre-pandemic 2019. Svod services made up the largest share of film viewing overtaking broadcast TV (42 versus 34 per cent) and audiences viewing on streaming services were larger than broadcast TV too (63 versus 54 per cent). Eleven per cent of people watch films exclusively on either tv or streaming services. Oh, and two per cent of people aren’t interested in film at all. Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive said: “Understanding audiences during the disruption of the pandemic has been important for cinemas as they get ready to welcome them back. Over the past 12 months we can see that people across the UK have loved watching films but are now feeling more confident than ever about returning to that big screen communal experience that makes cinema-going so special. Often the only form of culture within their communities, the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund has been a life-raft for independent cinemas in saving them from going under and being able to reopen again for their audiences.“
There was similar research from industry initiative Cinema First, which released its own survey and research to show that audiences were more eager than ever to return to cinemas. It suggested that 38 per cent of respondents were ready to return to cinemas within the first four weeks of the May 17 reopening, and a further 34 per cent would go within the first few months. The report added: “The survey, which has repeatedly flagged cinema-going as the most missed out-of-home entertainment activity, also confirms that teens, young adults, and families will be amongst the first to return, re-engaging with the immersive and thrilling experience that only comes from watching the latest films on the big screen. Over 59 per cent of audience members surveyed agreed that the cinema experience cannot be recreated at home, citing spectacular visuals and immersive sound and the unique atmosphere that only the cinema can provide.” Cinema First further highlighted the strength of titles airing at cinemas in the coming days, weeks and months, while also noting how safe those who’d returned in 2020 found the exerience, adding: “The recent research also confirmed cinemas as being seen as safer than other indoor environments such as theatres and music venues, with UK venues receiving praise for their response to the pandemic last year and the subsequent implementation of wide-ranging safety measures, all put in place to protect the health and safety of audiences and staff. 93 per cent of cinemagoers who returned last year would recommend the experience to others, and 99 per cent were satisfied with the health and safety measures at their local cinema.”
Showcase Cinemas went to the other end of the spectrum, hooking up television personality Keith Lemon to assorted contraptions and employed boffins to see which had the greatest impact, cinema or a TV. Of course, the big screen won out over its smaller rival, with a greater heart rate suggesting greater excitement for the former and more distraction and less engagement for the latter. Mark Barlow, general manager, Showcase Cinemas UK, said: “We wanted to truly test the power of the big screen versus watching a movie on a standard TV set. So, we employed a team of scientists to carry out a biometric study using our friend Keith Lemon as the subject. It’s great to see that science underlines what many of us who work in the industry already knew - that there is really nothing to compare to watching a film on the big screen. It’s more exciting in every sense, as this scientific study has shown. We’re also delighted that our pre-booking numbers are significantly above where they were in July last year when we were able to reopen after the first lockdown - it proves that the British public really can’t wait to celebrate that the big screen is back by saying goodbye to their sofa and coming along to the cinema again on Monday. We really can’t wait to welcome everybody back!”
Back to hmv and the retailer has had a busy period, what with the Brits taking place as well as announcing more plans for its 100th anniversary. Head of film and TV John Delany has teased information about forthcoming physical home ent titles joining in the centenary celebrations (ee above), while the retailer has unveiled some of its music plans in the shape of a range of special exclusive vinyl releases under the banner of 1921 Centenary Series. The exclusives will be selected from hmv’s favourites over the past 100 years and come in special packaging. Some 30 titles are due for release on July 24, with more set to follow. The titles will be announced in the coming weeks. hmv md Phil Halliday said: “Vinyl is no longer a niche interest: we’re seeing more and more shoppers of all ages investing in vinyl records across multiple genres. Both new vinyl collectors and long-time vinyl fans will be delighted by the exclusives we’ve managed to secure for later in the year as part of our exciting 100th birthday celebrations.”
And this week’s Brits event brought a sales fillip for the retailer. Little Mix, winners of the best group gong, witnessed sales of their album Confetti at hmv soaring by 900 per cent following the ceremony. Elton John’s Diamonds saw sales increase by 700 per cent, Pet Shop Boys grew fivefold, Bicep by a similar amount and Haim by 700 per cent. hmv’s Phil Halliday said: “Little Mix’s Confetti proved to be a huge hit over Christmas and into the new year, and thanks to the BRITs the band are attracting new fans in their thousands. Elton John and Olly Alexander’s performance clearly struck a chord with viewers, who’ve been buying up best-of albums in their droves. Each year we see the BRITs introduce new music to viewers who might not have thought to try out a certain genre or artist before, and this year we’ve seen a particularly big leap in sales for the winning acts and performers.”
It’s good to see the Mega Movies Week idea spawned and developed in the UK has spread further afield to European shores, following its Nordic move by kicking off in Germany. The promotion started on May 10 and ran until Saturday May 16, with the Digital Entertainment Group International working on the activity alongside The Federal Association for Audiovisual Media (Der Bundesverband für Audiovisuelle Medien e.V. / BVV) and The Society for the Promotion of Audiovisual Media (Die Gesellschaft zur Förderung audiovisueller Medien mbH / FAM). It pooled the resources of 16 different distributors across 11 digital platforms and used marketing and PR activity to push more than 200 different titles to consumers. As the announcement noted: “The flexible and adaptable campaign model drives awareness, engagement and transaction by educating new consumers on the benefits of the EST format and encouraging trial and participation in the category.”
Releases due on Monday May 17 in stores include a treat from Trinity Cine Asia in the shape of The Swordsman, which comes swinging on to DVD and digital, with the Blu-ray bowing a week later on May 24. Here’s Trinity’s Cedric Behrel on the release, he said: “"We are delighted to be bringing The Swordsman to audiences. We unveiled the film in the UK at the Glasgow Film Festival and the response has been brilliant. With incredible, exhilarating action and a top level cast and performances, the film has been earning rave reviews from critics and we're excited for fans to own this release. The response has been very enthusiastic from grocers and specialists alike. To cater to both markets and make the Home Entertainment release extra special, we created two different versions of the artwork for DVD and Blu-ray, the latter being a limited pressing in a full-frame, clear case with exclusive behind-the-scenes.”
The UK Cinema Association published its annual report on Friday May 15 – we’ll have more next week after having a good read through it, but in the meantime, a quick peruse reveals the key word to be “resilience”. And as UK Cinema Association chief Phil Clapp noted: :It’s entirely appropriate I think that our 2020 Annual Report is published today, just as many cinemas are looking forward to re-opening following the most recent – and we hope last – COVID-19 lockdown. While proud of the resilience shown by the sector during the year, everyone is I think [ready] to draw a line under 2020 and look forward to what we all hope will be a hugely less challenging and successful 2021.”
In its opening statement, the UK Cinema Association report said: “It would be difficult to exaggerate the challenges that 2020 brought to everyone working in the UK cinema sector. A year which began with rich promise on the back of exceptionally strong admissions in 2018 and 2019 instead became one where the main – and perhaps the only story – was that of successive lockdowns and re-openings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the focus of the UK Cinema Association during these times was to support members through unprecedented challenges, many of those impacts reflected the global nature of COVID-19, nowhere more so than in decisions taken by the US major studios around the release of key film titles. This report inevitably only tells part of that story, with the impacts of COVID-19 still being very much felt as the year ended and inevitably continuing into 2021 and quite conceivably for months and maybe even years to come. The irony perhaps is that until COVID-19 hit in late March, the performance of the UK sector exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations, with both box office and admissions running over 20 per cent ahead of the same point in 2019. The requirement that sites across the UK close, and the resultant impact on the jobs of the many thousands of those whose livelihoods depend directly and indirectly on the sector, brought that positivity though to a juddering halt. But what undoubtedly shone through in the testing weeks and months that followed was the determination shown not just by cinema operators but also others working in the sector to deliver a safe and enjoyable big screen experience. The commitment shown by all during this time, and the support that cinemas received from audiences when they were able to open briefly during the Summer, added to a huge sense of positivity around the future of the sector, a mood underlined by the decision of many film distributors and directors to hold their films back until such time as they could receive the big screen release those titles deserved.”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages I’ve got the mic drop announcement of all mic drop announcements… As you guys know, July 30 this summer, the epic adventure event of the summer that you have been waiting for, Disney’s Jungle Cruise is coming to you guys around the world. You’ll be able to see Jungle Cruise in theatres around the world as safely as you can possibly be. But at the same time on the same day, we are going to give you the opportunity to watch Disney’s Jungle Cruise at home with your family and loved ones. You can watch the film however you want to watch it. Now we are coming out of Covid we’ve got to own this rebound. We’ve got to get out there in theatres watch our movies as safe as possible movies but also Jungle Cruise is a unique experience it gives us a unique opportunity to allow everyone around the world to watch the movie how they want to watch the movie. That’s going to be in theatres and on the same day you can watch it at home in your living room with your family and loved ones with Disney+ with Premier Access. They don’t call me the people’s champ for nothing. It’s a special day.
Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, announces Jungle Cruise release strategy via Instagram…
AT THE MOVIES
Who would have thought, more than a quarter of a century ago when Riverdance became a bona fide video phenomenon, courtesy of VCI, which did more to spread the word than almost anyone else, that it would end up as an animated adventure? That’s just what’s happened with the feature length Riverdance: The Animated Adventure, unveiled as the latest big Sky Original title due to land on the service. It will air from May 28 and Zai Bennett, md of content at Sky UK & Ireland comments: “Riverdance has been a cultural phenomenon across the world for more than twenty-five years. This magical animated adventure brings the spirit of Riverdance to life for a new generation and Sky Cinema customers are going to love it!” Dave Rosenbaum, Director of Riverdance: The Animated Adventure adds: “This transcendent entertainment is what makes Riverdance a unique and exciting source for an animated feature. Our film celebrates the power of music and dance in new, unexpected ways. It illustrates the richness of Ireland’s history, nature and people. And it brings to the screen an original world full of comedy and drama, drawn from our imagination.” Moya Doherty, who produced alongside Peter and Adam Nagle, explains: “This beautiful story brings Riverdance into a new and exciting phase, one which will allow families to enjoy the spectacle together. It reinforces the deep connection of Riverdance to Irish culture both at home and across the globe, and one which introduces Riverdance to a new, young audience many of whom will be experiencing Riverdance for the first time.”
Joel Coen, one half of the sibling duo who have been consistently at the top of their game right back to such early 80s gems as Blood Simple, right through a raft of Oscar winners, is involved in his first ever feature film project without his brother Ethan. And The Tragedy Of Macbeth, the Shakespearian tale of the Scottish king, its heading to AppleTV+, it has been announced this week. The film, being produced by indie powerhouse A24, will arrive on Apple’s svod service after debuting at cinemas later this year. The film will star Denzel Washington alongside Frances McDormand…
Back to current favourite topic du jour Knives Out 2 and the ever-swelling cast list for the Rian Johnson helmed sequel, which will see the return of Daniel Craig's wonderfully accented detective Benoit Blanc, albeit this time at Netflix rather than Lionsgate. And there’s been further announcements this week, with the likes of Kathryn Hahn, fresh from her scene-stealing turn in Disney+ series WandaVision, joining Dave Bautista, Ed Norton and Janelle Monae…
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun…
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
The Purge goes on forever…
https://youtu.be/rzeQy5646lA
Surge, not Purge…
Mickey Rourke latest…
Not the band in Almost Famous…
THE OBLIGATORY GDPR BIT
You're on The Raygun newsletter mailing list, which has been running for eight years, because you requested it, have been recommended to us or sent us emails. You can unsubscribe at any time, if you're daft, using the link elsewhere or by emailing as below. But of course, you don't want to do that, do you? We don't share your information with anyone else, we don't like cookies and we're the good guys. We care because you do…
To subscribe to The Raygun newsletter, please email info@theraygun.co.uk
with subscribe in the subject matter
To unsubscribe, email info@theraygun.co.uk with unsubscribe in the subject
line
For editorial or advertising queries, contact tim@theraygun.co.uk
The Raygun
7 Lightcliffe Road
London N13 5HD
|
 | Powered by YMLP.com | |
| | ||