Boxoffice Podcast

In this week’s episode, Russ and Rebecca talk about Cinemark’s Q3 earnings call, the future of title by title negotiations, and updates on Disney’s release schedule.

Rich Daughtridge, President and CEO of Warehouse Cinemas, joins Daniel and Rebecca to discuss opening in the theater in the midst of a global pandemic; how their SkyVUE concept changes the moviegoing experience; the theater’s visuals, designs, and restaurant-like food selection; and reaching out to audiences through social media marketing. 

Give us your feedback! Survey: https://forms.gle/CcuvaXCEpgPLQ6d18 

What to Listen For

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:56 Check out our survey!
• 01:20 Cinemark earnings call - dynamic theatrical windows
• 04:19 The future of title by title negotiations 
• 07:17 Additional Disney release schedule changes
• 09:40 Let's meet Rich Daughtridge of Warehouse Cinemas
• 11:05 Why Warehouse Cinemas opened during Covd
• 13:42 The Everyday Hero brand for warehouse Cinemas
• 16:20 What's the SkyVUE concept?
• 22:32 The Movie-Matters marketing movement
• 25:08 The special drink for Unhinged movie screening
• 27:23 Convincing the Department of Commerce that movie going is safe
• 30:06 Attendance arc at Maryland theater 
• 31:35 Visuals and design feels like a slick restaurant
• 33:22 Information sharing and best practices in catering moviegoers
• 38:21 Free Independent Cinema Alliance (ICA) membership for six months
• 39:40 Don't forget to check out our quick survey!

In this week’s episode, Daniel and Rebecca discuss the latest updates from Q3 earnings calls, including AMC Theatres, Marcus Theatres, IMAX, and Kinepolis.

Laura Houlgatte Abbott, CEO of UNIC, Europe’s cinema trade association, joins the podcast to talk about the second round of closures across the continent.

Give us your feedback! Survey: https://forms.gle/CcuvaXCEpgPLQ6d18 

What to Listen For

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:51 Answer the survey and leave us a feedback
• 02:43 Q3 recap 
• 04:10 Many AMC locations in the US are on weekend-only schedule
• 07:05 Marcus Theatres reports Q3 figures
• 08:46 Q3 earnings call for IMAX
• 12:28 Kinepolis Q3 earnings call
• 14:04 Which markets under UNIC are closing?
• 15:25 Has the situation escalated to full closure?
• 16:34 The second cycle of closure in Europe
• 18:10 A deadline should be set for reviewing the safety measures 
• 20:06 What's the impact on local studios ordered to shut down?
• 21:38 What has the European section learned from the initial shut down?
• 24:02 Some territories, with available new titles, are more successful than others
• 27:42 European state aid is making a difference

In this week’s episode, Rebecca, Russ, and Shawn touch on Studio Movie Grill’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy announcement, new restrictions—including, in some cases, closures—among European cinemas and what the slate holds for Q4 2020.

Rebecca and Russ talk to Lela Meadow-Conner, the Executive Director of the Film Festival Alliance (FFA) — a collaborative global community for mission-driven film festivals, about the effect of the shutdown on the fall festival scene, virtual programmings of local festivals, and how festivals can work together with their exhibitor partners.

Give us your feedback! Survey: https://forms.gle/CcuvaXCEpgPLQ6d18 

What to Listen For

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:42 Don't forget to take the survey!
• 01:03 What we will discuss today
• 01:29 Studio Movie Grill announced Chapter 11 bankruptcy
• 04:04 Some European cinemas face closure
• 05:19 Other regions in Europe are dealing with restrictions, some are enforcing curfews
• 07:32 Freaky and Croods are the major releases until December
• 10:28 Ghostbusters pushed to June next year
• 11:19 Christmas time still packed with movie releases
• 13:46 Who's excited to see Wonder Woman?
• 15:04 Regional film festivals are still promoting movies
• 16:02 The effect of COVID shutdown on the fall festival circuit
• 17:32 The innovations by the festival circuit
• 19:51 The importance of the audience as a stakeholder in festivals
• 21:19 Volunteers make up the core of every film festivals
• 24:39 The future of relationships between festivals, physical theaters, and distributors
• 27:31 What's the point of festivals for filmmakers?
• 29:39 Film festivals have this trusted curatorial voice
• 31:32 Marketing timeline has changed, catching people's attention is the key
• 33:58 A lot of festivals still have good programming
• 35:44 Inviting everyone to join the quick survey!

In this week’s episode, Daniel, Rebecca, and Jesse Rifkin, Boxoffice Pro analyst, discuss the top 5 films in this week’s box office, Two Hearts’ massive YouTube trailer views, and New York state's new reopening guidelines.

Rebecca and Daniel talk to Joe Masher, the current National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Treasurer and COO of Bow Tie Cinemas -- the oldest theater circuit in North America, about the political conflict hindering the reopening of theaters in New York city and the guidelines set for some theaters to open in New York state.  

Join us to find out more about the developing NATO appeal for cinemas to finally re-open.

Give us your feedback! Survey: https://forms.gle/CcuvaXCEpgPLQ6d18 

What to Listen For

• [00:00:50] Movie theaters to reopen in New York state, except NY city area
• [00:04:20] This week's Top 5 box office
• [00:06:20] Two Hearts film ranked 6th place
• [00:07:26] Chris Charalambous on acquiring titles and deciding the release dates
• [00:09:28] Two Hearts' YouTube trailer views
• [00:10:57] Loren Schwartz on marketing a movie in this pandemic
• [00:12:59] The importance of a diverse film calendar
• [00:14:20] How attainable it is to adapt to safety standards
• [00:18:10] Theaters can reopen in counties with 2% or less infection rate
• [00:18:49] Strict air filtration upgrades in theaters
• [00:21:00] Complicated and complex air handling guidelines
• [00:22:46] Instead of regional, reopening should be based on county numbers  
• [00:26:18] You can't close down borders between the boroughs
• [00:27:31] The Aurora theater in East Aurora, New York
• [00:29:54] New York city lost most of its Art Houses
• [00:31:10] Lawsuits and the continued closure of theaters in other states
• [00:34:24] When is New York city going to reopen?
• [00:36:32] There must be a good list of titles for theaters to remain open

Inclusivity Initiatives Hispanic Heritage Month, Disney on New Streaming Ecosystem

In this week’s episode, Russ and Daniel analyze a dramatic week in the cinema industry, going over the role major studios and exhibition circuits are playing amidst a major shift in the theatrical distribution model. 

Daniel talks to Rolando Rodriguez, CEO of Marcus Theatres––the fourth-largest cinema chain in the United States––and the new Chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners, about the importance of embracing diverse audiences on the occasion of Hispanic Heritage month. 

Join us to find out about the latest developments affecting the movie theater industry, and how cinemas are navigating the financial fall-out from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Give us your feedback! Survey: https://forms.gle/CcuvaXCEpgPLQ6d18 

What to Listen For

• [00:01:09] No Time to Die is pushed to 2021.
• [00:03:02] Cineworld closed all their screens.
• [00:07:40] When Universal dropped Trolls World Tour to PVOD
• [00:12:23] Disney's new streaming ecosystem  
• [00:15:16] VUE International shows flexibility on windows
• [00:16:00] Rolando Rodriguez on theatrical exclusivity
• [00:17:41] Is Disney totally out of theatrical exhibition?
• [00:21:36] Keeping up with cinematic universes
• [00:23:17] Meet Rolando Rodriguez, CEO of Marcus Theaters & NATO Chairman
• [00:24:54] What role do Latin American audiences play in the industry?
• [00:27:54] 26% of frequent moviegoers are Hispanic
• [00:32:02] How to see more diversity within the exhibition industry? 
• [00:39:05] The enthusiasm of Hispanic audiences
• [00:40:40] Hispanic consumers: a regional or national conversation?
• [00:43:25] The importance of Hispanic consumers to the economy
• [00:46:18] Diverse audiences engage with diverse content
• [00:50:13] Reinforcing existing habits and customs into the US market
• [00:52:14] Affordable entertainment for underserved communities 
• [00:53:52] Reconnecting with a lost audience 
• [00:54:49] The lack of product while theaters are open 
• [00:56:14] Underserved communities lack an outlet or any form of entertainment 

The Karo Film Group is a leading motion picture exhibition company owning and operating 31 modern movie theatres comprising of 197 screens in Moscow, the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, Samara, Kazan, Kaliningrad and Surgut and serves nearly 12 million visitors per year.

In today’s episode, Rebecca and Daniel sit down with Olga Zinyakova, President of Karo Films and Paul Heth, Karo’s Executive Chairman & CEO. They talk about the introduction of modern style cinemas in Russia, smart programming films to drive viewership, Karo's plans for 2021, and Cineworld's temporary closure.   

Listen to how the film industry is booming in Russia!

What to Listen For

• [00:00:44] No Time to Die release date delayed
• [00:01:55] Cineworld to temporarily suspend operations beginning October 8th 
• [00:04:57] Other exhibitors might announce temporary closure too
• [00:07:25] One movie isn't enough to bring people back in cinemas  
• [00:09:41] Visit boxofficepro.com for the latest update 
• [00:10:07] The Russian market in the exhibition industry
• [00:11:37:] Paul Heth: How he revived the Russian film industry 
• [00:15:21] The partnership with Ikea
• [00:18:49] Update on Russian cinema status after reopening 
• [00:21:45] What happened right after the Russsion market reopened? 
• [00:26:23] Smart programming of films drive more viewership 
• [00:28:48] The KARO Black Premium offers
• [00:31:00] KARO Art: bringing first-time filmmakers festival products
• [00:32:55] Many city cinemas have poor movie-going experience  
• [00:37:43] The effect of movie schedule changes in the Russian market
• [00:42:03] Disney booked dates for their products until 2028

We Are Parable started out as an intention to screen their favorite film in their local cinema. Seven years later, the husband and wife tandem created an avenue of cinematic events focused on creating unique film viewing experiences for Black audiences in the UK.

In today’s episode, Rebecca, Russ, and Shawn talk to Anthony Andrews, the Co-Founder of We Are Parable. They uncover how the company started out, award-winning director Spike Lee’s involvement with them forming key relationships within the industry, attracting vulnerable and targeted audiences to visit cinemas again, and a little bit on Disney’s update of new movie releases. 

Listen to how independent cinemas are performing in the UK!

>>> Give us your feedback! Survey: https://forms.gle/CcuvaXCEpgPLQ6d18 Thank you!<<<

What to Listen For

• [00:00:50] Take part in the Boxoffice Podcast survey.
• [00:01:22] Fourth weekend of Tenet's release.
• [00:03:20] List of the latest movie release dates. 
• [00:04:29] Reaching $100 million for the next four to six weeks domestically may not happen.
• [00:06:38] From no new release to multiple product releases into the Thanksgiving weekend. 
• [00:08:54] How Death of the Nile will perform?
• [00:10:12] Disney's strategy this year.
• [00:12:22] Soul didn't get pushed to Disney Plus.
• [00:14:00] Reception of the BTS (South Korean boyband) movie 
• [00:15:04] There are a couple of big film anniversaries this year.
• [00:16:23] Get to know We Are Parable.
• [00:18:26] What We Are Parable does to sell screenings as events?
• [00:22:02] Do the same audiences return to every event?
• [00:23:36] What convinced you to create events around black cinema as a viable business?
• [00:27:33] The next event with Spike Lee was held in a 400-seat cinema planned within 3 days. 
• [00:30:00] We Are Parable has formed key relationships after the Spike Lee event.  
• [00:34:20] Distributors are reaching out to organizations to reach particular target audiences. 
• [00:36:06] How distributors will attract specific and vulnerable audiences to come watch in cinemas again.
• [00:40:25] How did the We Are Parable first in-person screening after shutdown go?
• [00:44:32] We try to communicate and alleviate some concerns of the audience.
• [00:47:32] Take a look at the Boxoffice Podcast survey! 

In today’s episode, Rebecca, Daniel, and Shawn talk to Tori Baker, Salt Lake Film Society (SLFS) President and CEO. They discuss the @homeArts initiative, maintaining audience loyalty to local art houses, the importance of reinforcing theatrical behavior, and what state virtual screening is currently at.  

Tune in and listen to the long-term potential of virtual screening!

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What to Listen For

[00:01:20] Tenet is at a 35% drop from last week with a little over $25 million worldwide.
[00:03:00] Tenet successfully opened in Japan at 50% theater capacity, less  than a million in Mexico with 88% seating capacity. 
[00:04:57] The current number one movie only made under $5 million domestically.  
[00:06:22] Drive-ins' domestic market share for Tenet.
[00:08:18] New Mutants showed some staying power, down just 22% from last weekend.
[00:10:43] The Salt lake Film Society launched SLFS@Home program. 
[00:11:55] Where does virtual theatrical go?
[00:13:11] Immediate Accelerator studio: reinforcing theatrical.  
[00:16:51] Launching was delayed because tests were being done, booking power of the technology was also increased. 
[00:20:08] With virtual theatrical, theaters should maintain their brand and audience. 
[00:21:00] Audiences are loyal to the independent and art house local to their community. 
[00:22:31] The importance of reinforcing theatrical behaviors.
[00:25:01] People will donate above and beyond if you're the home of a certain cause they support. 
[00:27:15] The underserved audiences can enjoy these virtual screens. 
[00:32:33] The exclusivity of appointment viewing. 
[00:36:38] The power of cinemas in local communities. 

In today’s episode, Russ, Shawn, and Rebecca discuss Tenet’s gross on its second weekend, list of major films to open in November and December, and counterprogramming that can potentially reel in more people into theaters.  

Listen in for updates on what film to watch in theaters nearest you!

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What to Listen For

• [00:01:11] Tenet dropped to $6 million on the second weekend, from a little over $9 million the previous week.  
• [00:04:30] Tenet's real gross income with US and Canada openings combined.
• [00:06:06] Studios and exhibitors are still too dependent on detailed release figures.
• [00:08:29] Wonder Woman 1984 release date has been pushed in December.
• [00:09:53] List of movies set to come out in late September and towards the end of the fourth quarter.
• [00:14:21] Black Widow's delayed release will affect the release of future Marvel movies. 
• [00:16:04] Freaky and Connected movies might help bring some people back in theaters.
• [00:18:37] Contenders are lining up in time for the festival and award season. 
• [00:19:27] New film releases are more of a symbolic solidarity with exhibition types of releases.
• [00:22:21] We will need more than just one movie to pull everybody back to theaters.
• [00:24:30] What horror films to expect in October?
• [00:25:15] Other interesting films that have huge potential to bring people in theaters before 2020 ends.
• [00:26:55] Mulan reaches $23 million gross in China.
• [00:29:02] Free Guy and The Croods: New Age will open in December.
• [00:31:28] What movies are you eager to see in the theaters?
• [00:33:55] Tenet has grossed over $200 million globally.

In today’s episode, Russ, Daniel, and Shawn discuss Tenet’s opening week in local theaters, controversy surrounding Disney’s Mulan, and why new wide releases are important to the industry’s recovery efforts.

Tune in to see how Tenet’s release is impacting the industry!

Subscribe to the Boxoffice Pro Magazine

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What to Listen For

• [00:01:09] How was your movie going experience?
• [00:01:39] Casinos are operating at reduced capacity in New York, no regular basic timeframe for cinemas to reopen.
• [00:02:20] Tenet is nearing a $115 million benchmark after two weekends in the global box office.
• [00:06:23] The directing style and artistry of Christopher Nolan.
• [00:07:43] Mulan released on Disney Plus.
• [00:09:10] Tenet might become a blueprint for Wonder Woman and many other movies in the future. 
• [00:12:08] Tenet can't play in drive-ins where indoor theaters aren't open.
• [00:13:58] Nolan's films do well with adults about 25 years old and older.
• [00:15:13] The impact of COVID-19 to the entertainment and media industry.
• [00:17:28] The controversy surrounding Mulan and its lead star.
• [00:20:30] Mulan will open on China and Russia, Tenet is nearing its third weekend globally.
• [00:21:35] One more new wide release in the US market to further help the industry recover.
• [00:23:05] Communicating to audiences that theaters are already opening remains a challenge.
• [00:24:20] The future of theaters isn't dependent on how Tenet performs.
• [00:25:40] Lesser promotional ads for new movies play a big part in the effectiveness of word-of-mouth and audience outreach.