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Commentary
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February 8, 2012
Programming downsides in Michigan town
JACKSON, MI — In a commentary in the Jackson Citizen Patriot, a local woman is frustrated with the lack of options at her local theaters. Both of the town’s theaters feature very similar bookings. While she makes a point, some of the comments point towards it being just the byproduct of good business.
Are theaters in cities like this attempting to broaden their fare and finding poor results or not even trying?
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October 21, 2011
Happy 50th, “West Side Story”
HAPPY 50th, “WEST SIDE STORY” — THE ROADSHOW ENGAGEMENTS
Compiled by Michael Coate
Presented here to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the premiere of WEST SIDE STORY is a list of (most of) the classic, award-winning film’s North American reserved-seat “roadshow” engagements. These were the cities and theaters that exclusively played the film before it was given a general release. The majority of these roadshow engagements were presented in 70-millimeter and six-track stereophonic sound.
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August 27, 2011
Bad Ideas from the 1970s: Jerry Lewis Cinema Franchises Were a Nutty Disaster
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August 26, 2011
Defining ‘independent film’
IOWA CITY, IA — With the Landlocked Film Festival opening at the Englert Theatre, its director, Mary Blackwood, looks at the origins of independent film and how we can define it today.
That said, are all movies created equal? Not at all. Some are “independent.” Landlocked is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2011, and like most film festivals, we focus on showing independent films.
OK, but what does that mean?
(photo by Landlocked Film Festival)
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August 11, 2011
Trying new theaters while traveling
In Widescreen Warrior, the blogger discusses the fun of testing out the local theaters in one’s travel destination. They look into not just the theater but how the moviegoing experience varies from place to place.
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July 13, 2011
Bruce Trinz: Everyday a Film (Roger Ebert)
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July 8, 2011
Theater owners too obsessed with home viewing?
In Tech Dirt, they put out the idea that it’s the big theaters' fault for a declining box office. They claim that their preoccupation with tightening of the home release window instead of enhancement of their services is holding things back.
I’m constantly reading stories about the major chains opening up new glossy theaters so I feel there is still a trend to issue a better product to consumers. However, I think this writer does hit the nail on the head with the argument that people are also looking for a special experience.
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The Rialto: Where Do We Go From Here? (Video) (South Pasadena Patch)
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July 1, 2011
David Poland Blogs about Memorable Moviegoing Experiences; Come for the David, stay for the many user comments and memories that follow
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Film Vet Offers Advice for Rejuvenating the Industry
Industry Veteran Michael Williams-Jones has written an op-ed addressed to film producers, distributors, and exhibitors in an effort to shake up what he sees as a short-sighted, complacent business.
“Cinemas around the world with notable exceptions are yet again beginning to look tired and somewhat unloved,” he writes in Screen Daily. “Take a really close look the next time you go to the movies….band-aid remedies have replaced grand imaginative cinema projects.”
He doesn’t spare the studios either for churning out the same “sequels, prequels, CGI extravaganzas, remakes, [and] teen fare” while making the “older audience … all too often overlooked or ignored.” Williams-Jones urges the industry to stop thinking in the short term and strategize about “who your audience is and perhaps more importantly who it could potentially be.”
Is targeting primarily those below 25 years old a sustainable business model?