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TEENS KEEN ON BIG SCREEN
YOUNGSTERS WANT TO GET BACK TO CINEMAS
BBFC: PUBLIC NEEDS PROPER RATINGS…
…NOT ‘CAUTION’ OR GUIDANCE’
LITTLE THINGS THINKS BIG
UNITED WE STAND
I’M MANDY, TRY ME
101 HEADS TO HMV…
…AND PLANS A NIGHT IN HELL
DRAGONS RISE
MOVE OVER DAHLING
EUREKA UNVEILS AUGUST TRIO…
…MAKES A SUMMER PROPHECY
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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It’s been a Peter Rabbit and Spiral kind of week, as the family sequel and the rebirth of the Saw horror franchise have helped welcome audiences back to cinemas and, as noted here last week, kicking off a product flow that will bolster the Q3 and Q4 line-ups for the home entertainment market. And there’s been more research published this week about audiences and their relationship with cinemas and films, this time from the BBFC. The study showed that cinema was the most missed entertainment activity by 13 to 18-year-olds during lockdown, with almost two thirds saying they’d missed going to the pictures. This was well ahead of visiting cafes or restaurants (18 per cent), going to gigs (14 per cent) or visiting a theme park (four per cent). And more than nine out of 10 – 92 per cent – said they’d be returning to a cinema soon. A similar amount – 88 per cent – said they felt safe returning to cinemas, while 83 per cent said they’d missed going to the cinema, more than half had missed the shared experience of going with friends and family, almost half similarly missed chatting about new releases with pals. A quarter missed seeing the trailers, while 14 per cent even missed the pick ’n' mix. The survey also discussed teens’ attitudes towards classification and noted: “[More than] eight in ten (82 per cent) teens think it’s important for films to have age ratings, to help protect younger children (57 per cent), so they know what a film contains (47 per cent), and so they can make informed decisions (37 per cent).” Trailers were the most important factor in deciding what to see, cited by around three quarters of teens questioned, more than half were swayed by reviews, and 41 per cent chose social media.
Comment on the BBFC report came from Sarah Peacock, compliance and education manager at the BBFC, who said: “For decades, generations of teens have loved going to the cinema to see the latest release on the big screen, and Gen-Z is no different. Cinema going was the thing that 13-18 year olds told us they missed most during lockdown, and who can blame them! The silver screen has always had that extra special bit of magic, and we’re so pleased to see cinemas slowly start to open up again for everyone to enjoy. It’s very encouraging to see that teens think age ratings are an important tool, that helps protect their younger siblings and encourages them to choose well. If you’re heading back to the cinema in the next couple of months - whether you’re planning on watching Peter Rabbit 2, Spiral - From The Book of Saw, Black Widow or Cruella - make sure to check out the age rating and ratings info on our website or free app, so you can view what’s right for you.” Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, added: "As UK cinema operators look forward to being able once again to welcome customers back over the coming weeks, the findings from this research are of course hugely welcome, but also confirm our own surveys which show a huge appetite amongst the UK public to return to the cinema as soon as they can.The focus of the BBFC research on young people is particularly interesting given the extent to which this group forms a core of the audience for many of our members’ venues. We’re delighted that after months of only being able to watch films at home or on mobile devices, this seems to have strengthened their desire to see movies on the big screen. The fact that teens equally recognise the huge efforts we have made to ensure that the experience is a safe as well as enjoyable one is also a major plus.”
The report came hot on the heels of more interesting research from the BBFC about age ratings on streaming services. It showed that parents want UK ratings on their streaming services – more than eight out of 10 wanted to see BBFC ratings rather than generic European or global ratings applied by some. They noted that the BBFC’s ratings better reflected their concerns over issues such as “sex, drug misuse, eating disorders, sexual violence and injury detail”. The survey covered svod services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+ rather than catch-up services such as the BBC iPlayer. As part of the research, parents were shown five clips from films and were asked whether they agreed with two alternative age ratings, one from the BBFC and the other by a European regulator. They overwhelmingly (between 74 and 94 per cent) agreed with the BBFC rather than the other age rating. More than half were concerned about arbitrary age ratings from other sources rather than the BBFC, while 21 per cent were angry, 16 per cent nervous and 15 per cent confused. Most notably, nine out of 10 parents wanted to see the same age ratings as on Blu-ray or DVD and at cinemas being applied to streaming service selections. What’s more, woolly terms such as “guidance” or “caution” led to further confusion, with few parents knowing what age was appropriate to view items given those labels.
Comment came from the BBFC’s David Austin, who said: “It’s very clear from this research that parents in the UK want BBFC age ratings on streaming services to reflect standards that they know and trust. The UK public without prior knowledge instinctively agreed with the BBFC ratings in our research rather than those of another European regulator - be that because of concerns about sexual violence, content around anorexia or drug misuse. This result is predictable and understandable and reflects the fact BBFC ratings are based on UK public attitudes to harm and offence which inevitably differ to those in other countries. People trust and understand our ratings, which is important for child protection - and for parents’ peace of mind. But as cinema, DVD and streaming services increasingly converge it is important that the standards on which ratings are based are applied as consistently and comprehensively online as they are offline. Parents have told us time and time again that generic age labels on subscription streaming services - like ‘caution’ and ‘guidance’ - are just not good enough, and that online ratings must align with the ratings they know and trust in cinemas and on DVD. We are calling on streaming platforms to give their UK customers what they want - BBFC age ratings on all content available. We are ready and willing to work with them.” Further comment came from Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said: “With the wide range of media platforms and services available today, it is more important than ever that we have a robust system of verifying that children are not exposed to unsuitable and unsafe content. Samaritans has worked closely with media and the regulators for many years to offer advice and support and the BBFC age-rating system, including signposting sources of support, is an important way of protecting audiences. The Government has recommended that all streaming services operating within the UK should adopt the BBFC system and Samaritans would like to see this happen as soon as possible.” Marjun Ziarati at Parent Zone said: “We know that parents can feel overwhelmed at not only the amount of streaming services available, but also the variety of different age labelling systems currently in use. Many parents recognise and trust BBFC age ratings, so families can make better informed choices about what their children are watching.”
Chart news from the Official Film Chart and with a new entry at number one in the shape of The Little Things, starring Denzel Washington, and another at number four from Justice Society World War II, Warner has bagged the top four places in the listing, with Wonder Woman 1984 and Zack Snyder’s Justice League sandwiched between them. Other new entries include Lionsgate’s The Virtuoso, featured here recently, and Dazzler Media’s The United Way, at number seven (for more on that see below). The return of Peter Rabbit to the top 10 on the back of the reopening of cinemas and theatrical release for the sequel, show the importance of theatrical to the home entertainment market in drafting terms.
Back to The United Way and the Eric Cantona-hosted documentary about the storied club has shown the fans’ fervour is showing no sign of dimming, despite the ongoing protests about its ownership. As Dazzler Media’s Paul Holland noted: “It’s been an interesting few weeks for the politics of football and an opportune time to release Eric Cantona's feature length story of his love affair with Manchester United. It was great to send this into the Top 10 (Dazzler's sixth top 10 entry in six weeks) and let the fans recall the days before the Glazers, when the history of the club was being made. If you love the club, I highly recommend you go and buy yourself a copy in your format of choice.”
Sticking with Dazzler and Monday sees the release of the company’s entry into the limited edition release market with a new added value package for Nic Cage starrer Mandy, one of the past decade’s finest horror films. Commenting on the release, Paul Holland said: “Mandy is a modern cult classic and we are very excited to be giving it a limited edition release which we hope fans and collectors will love. Not only is the film a psychedelic horror masterpiece, it also features Nicolas Cage at his all-time best. Alongside the Blu-ray extras, including featurettes and extended and deleted scenes, the Limited Edition package contains physical extras inspired by the visuals of the film, including a classic artwork poster, a new 40-page soft cover book with essays by The Raygun’s Tim Murray, all housed in a stunning rigid slipcase featuring the film's iconic art."
Over to hmv and things are getting back to normal for the retailer as the lockdown continues to ease and, slowly but surely, things move back to some semblance of normal. One of the highlights at the retailer has been the return of big promotions to bolster its catalogue and new release business. Latest on the shelves and online is with 101 Films, a particularly fitting promotion given that two of 101’s executives are former long-term hmv staffers (Steve Davey and Tim Scaping). Comment came from Scaping, who said: “As someone who spent many years with the company, it was especially pleasing to see hmv stores reopen recently, and the new 101 Films campaign is off to a flyer. There are great offers across our catalogue, and hmv stores are doing what they do best in terms of merchandising and social media - they've really got behind it at store level. All of us at 101 Films wish hmv every success as things return to normal and customers return to the high street."
Sticking with 101 Films and the company has this week announced another edition to its premium, bespoke boutique Black Label. The next title is Hell Night, which, as Tim Scaping explained: "Following the huge success of our recent release of Spookies, we're excited to be bringing another 80s cult horror to UK Blu-ray for the first time in 1981's Hell Night. Starring Linda Blair, it combines elements of slasher and haunted house movies to extremely entertaining effect. Our release features a booklet with new writing on the film, along with interviews with cast and crew, and day 1 pre-orders were very strong.”
Back to Monday releases and Universal has a brace of titles due in stores, both having aired as Sky Originals. First up is Dragon Rider, a fantasy adventure starring Thomas Brodie Sangster, Felicity Jones, Freddie Highmore and a dragon-eating villain played by Patrick Stewart, alongside plenty of dragons too, in a film the Telegraph described as “a charming tale” and was given 4 stars from The Times. It landed on EST on May 17 and DVD on May 24 in time for half term. Commenting on the support for the title, Universal’s senior product manager Emily Evans said: “For the physical release we are focusing on in-store set-up to encourage impulse purchase. We have some great bonus features of the voice cast in their recording sessions. The release is also being supported by an organic social campaign and we have a competition running on HeyUGuys.”
Arriving on the same day, comes To Olivia, a touching drama looking at the relationship between a young Roald Dahl (Hugh Bonneville) and his wife, Patricia Neal (Keeley Hawes), a glamorous Hollywood movie star, and the effect of a tragic event on their lives. It’s due on EST, Blu-ray and DVD on Monday and senior product manager Emily Evans said: “Again we are focusing on in-store set-up for this one as well as an organic social campaign which also involves the cast posting about the release on their social channels. Bonus features include BTS interviews with some of the cast. We also have a competition running on HeyUGuys where consumers can win a copy of the film.”
Eureka has announced its slate for the month of August, pressing ahead with announcements and another strong slate of product. Here’s the company’s national accounts manager Marcus Garwood outlining the company’s titles. He said: “The month of August sees us releasing a title on each of our label entities, namely The Masters Of Cinema Series, Eureka Classics and Montage Pictures. For Masters Of Cinema, it’s a sumptuous two Blu-ray disc set entitled Early Universal Vol 1. As the name suggests this set presents three early silent films produced by Universal Pictures back in the 1920s. The films included are William A. Seiter’s 1926 Skinner’s Dress Suit (4K restoration), Emory Johnson’s 1927 The Shield of Honor (2K restoration) and William Wyler’s 1929 The Shakedown (4K restoration). The first print run will be limited to 2000 units, all of which will be enrobed by a limited edition O-card slipcase. Extras will include music scores for all three films, audio commentary for all three films, plus a collection of additional materials from the early era of Universal Pictures, with complementary analysis by silent film experts and historians. Eureka Classics next and it's environmental horror time as John Frankenheimer’s graphically violent 1979 gem Prophecy comes to Blu-ray for the first time ever in the UK. Starring Robert Foxworth (Transformers) and Talia Shire (Rocky, The Godfather) Prophecy sees the films two lead characters investigating a series of mysterious events involving ecological freaks of nature and grisly human deaths as something unimaginable waits in the woods. The initial print run will be a limited edition including an O-card slipcase featuring brand new artwork by Darren Wheeling, plus a collector's booklet including new writing by Craig Ian Mann.”
Rounding off Eureka’s line up for August and a title from its Montage Pictures imprint, as outlined here by national accounts manager Marcus Garwood, who said: “Our trio of August releases is concluded with Montage Pictures and a debut film by Jan Philipp Weyl entitled Running Against The Wind. In true Montage Pictures style Running Against The Wind is a superb example of modern world cinema from fresh new talent. Set in Ethiopia the film follows the coming-of-age paths of two boys who (after growing up in a poverty-stricken village) experience the highs & lows of life in two very different environments before fate brings them back together. The film was selected as the Ethiopian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards & will have a PVOD release on the 11th June ahead of its physical release in August. The initial print run will a Limited Edition Collector’s Booklet.
AT THE MOVIES
Big news from Studiocanal and assorted partners as the 10th anniversary of the release of Attack The Block, Joe Cornish’s breakthrough film as a director and the one that introduced John Boyega to the world, saw it announce that a sequel is in the works. And what’s more, Cornish will once again write and direct and Boyega will reprise his role as Moses. Little else is known about the plot, but this is enough for fans of the sci-fi horror set in London. Cornish said:“I’m thrilled we’re officially announcing our return to the world of Attack The Block on the 10th anniversary of the film’s release. I can’t wait to work alongside John again, bringing audiences an even bigger slice of inner-city alien action.” Boyega added: “It’s been a decade since Attack The Block was released and so much has changed since then. I’m excited to see this heightened story return to the streets of London. Moses has remained one of my favourite characters to play and bringing him back is a huge honour.”
Disney’s sequel for Hocus Pocus, the 1993 comedy that has had a remarkably long tail and continues to sell each year around Halloween, has moved up a gear as it’s been announced that the original cast will be returning. The second film will see Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles as the witching trio. The film will air exclusively on Disney+. Anne Fletcher has moved into the director’s chair after original helmer Adam Shankman exited to work on Disenchanted and recommended her. She said: “Now more than ever, people need to laugh. We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film. I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special. This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Get ready for the latest music biopic following hot on the heels of the likes of Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody… and it’s about the life of Cher. The songstress announced that previous collaborators Judy Cramer, Gary Goetzman and Eric Roth (the first two produced the Mamma Mia films starring Cher, the latter penned the script for Suspect, also starring Cher) are working on the film, which will be released by Universal. Cramer said: ““Gary and I are thrilled to be working with Cher again and this time bringing her empowering and true life odyssey to the big screen. One cannot help but be drawn to and inspired by Cher’s larger than life talent, fortitude, unique wit, warmth and vision. Her unparalleled success in music film and TV have inspired generations. We could not be happier to tell her story to cinema audiences.”
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun…
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Big musical alert…
Still hope they lose…
Broomfield’s back…
Due in July from Warner…
THE OBLIGATORY GDPR BIT
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