Clare Binns, managing director of Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment, is to be presented with Unic’s 2024 achievement award for her dedication to the exhibition of European cinema.
The International Union of Cinemas (Unic) will present the award during the CineEurope awards ceremony on June 20 at the International Barcelona Convention Centre.
Phil Clapp, president of Unic and chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, said: “Clare’s contribution to cinema programming and audience development have been widely recognised, and her leadership continues to shape the industry. The award recognises her incredible passion for the big screen, her outstanding career and...
The International Union of Cinemas (Unic) will present the award during the CineEurope awards ceremony on June 20 at the International Barcelona Convention Centre.
Phil Clapp, president of Unic and chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, said: “Clare’s contribution to cinema programming and audience development have been widely recognised, and her leadership continues to shape the industry. The award recognises her incredible passion for the big screen, her outstanding career and...
- 4/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Kailash ‘Kc’ Suri, founder of the independent cinema chain Reel Cinemas, has died aged 68.
Suri’s family has confirmed he passed away peacefully on March 31 after an extended period of living with cancer.
He was born in India, where he qualified as a engineer, and arrived in the UK in 1981. His first job was picking strawberries on a farm, with an entrepreneurial streak that saw him move into the business of residential and commercial property. In 2001, Reel Cinemas was established through his acquisition of the then Curzon Loughborough.
Reel has grown to a circuit of 16 sites across the UK, most...
Suri’s family has confirmed he passed away peacefully on March 31 after an extended period of living with cancer.
He was born in India, where he qualified as a engineer, and arrived in the UK in 1981. His first job was picking strawberries on a farm, with an entrepreneurial streak that saw him move into the business of residential and commercial property. In 2001, Reel Cinemas was established through his acquisition of the then Curzon Loughborough.
Reel has grown to a circuit of 16 sites across the UK, most...
- 4/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
There are greenshoots of recovery sprouting in the UK exhibitor sector, said distributors and exhibitors on the first day of the annual UK Cinema Association (Ukca) conference on March 5.
This is despite a light-looking release schedule thus far in 2024.
The 400-strong attendance included representatives ranging from nationwide chains such as Everyman, Picturehouse, Vue, Cineworld and Odeon, to independents such as the Strand Arts Centre in Belfast and the Exeter Phoenix, as well as distributors including Disney, Altitude, We Are Parable and Warner Bros, plus TikTok.
They gathered at London’s BFI Southbank Centre for the two-day conference, spearheaded by Phil Clapp,...
This is despite a light-looking release schedule thus far in 2024.
The 400-strong attendance included representatives ranging from nationwide chains such as Everyman, Picturehouse, Vue, Cineworld and Odeon, to independents such as the Strand Arts Centre in Belfast and the Exeter Phoenix, as well as distributors including Disney, Altitude, We Are Parable and Warner Bros, plus TikTok.
They gathered at London’s BFI Southbank Centre for the two-day conference, spearheaded by Phil Clapp,...
- 3/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
It’s been three months since Hollywood’s dual strikes finally ended, with SAG-AFTRA reaching a deal some six weeks after their WGA counterparts, but the reverberations are continuing across the pond.
As producer John McVey told a Parliamentary inquiry into the state of the U.K.’s screen industry last month: “If America sneezes, we often catch a cold when it comes to things like strikes.”
Nowhere was that more clear than in the British Film Institute’s annual report, unveiled last week. It revealed that spending on film and high-end television production in the U.K. had dropped by an unprecedented 35% in 2023, largely due to the U.S. strikes. Among the films that were forced to delay production were Universal’s live-action adaptation of “How To Train Your Dragon” and Plan B’s “Hedda.”
Unlike the post-covid boom, which saw a glut of projects spring back into production...
As producer John McVey told a Parliamentary inquiry into the state of the U.K.’s screen industry last month: “If America sneezes, we often catch a cold when it comes to things like strikes.”
Nowhere was that more clear than in the British Film Institute’s annual report, unveiled last week. It revealed that spending on film and high-end television production in the U.K. had dropped by an unprecedented 35% in 2023, largely due to the U.S. strikes. Among the films that were forced to delay production were Universal’s live-action adaptation of “How To Train Your Dragon” and Plan B’s “Hedda.”
Unlike the post-covid boom, which saw a glut of projects spring back into production...
- 2/7/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly half of all film and TV workers have said that they are finding it difficult to manage financially, according to a major Film and TV Charity study.
More than 2,000 people took part in the Ftvc Money Matters financial survey, which also found that one in four respondents were “very pessimistic” about their future in the TV and film industry.
According to the survey, which was conducted in October and November last year, when asked ‘how well are you managing financially?’ less than one in four (24%) of all film and TV workers surveyed were either ‘living comfortably’ or ‘doing all right’.
In contrast,...
More than 2,000 people took part in the Ftvc Money Matters financial survey, which also found that one in four respondents were “very pessimistic” about their future in the TV and film industry.
According to the survey, which was conducted in October and November last year, when asked ‘how well are you managing financially?’ less than one in four (24%) of all film and TV workers surveyed were either ‘living comfortably’ or ‘doing all right’.
In contrast,...
- 1/30/2024
- ScreenDaily
Boutique UK cinema chain Everyman Media Group saw profits rise in 2023 by 19%, despite myriad challenges such as the Hollywood strikes derailing the release schedule, a cost-of-living crisis impacting customer behaviour and rising business costs.
Profits rose up 19.1% to around £16.2m, from £13.6m in 2022 (a year which benefitted from a temporarily reduced rate of Vat).
Group revenue was up 16.7% in 2023 to approximately £90.9m from £77.9m in the previous year. Market share increased to 4.8% from 4.5% in 2022.
“We have delivered robust, double-digit growth in both revenue and Ebitda [sarnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] against a challenging economic backdrop, delays to new openings and both writers’ and actors’ strikes,...
Profits rose up 19.1% to around £16.2m, from £13.6m in 2022 (a year which benefitted from a temporarily reduced rate of Vat).
Group revenue was up 16.7% in 2023 to approximately £90.9m from £77.9m in the previous year. Market share increased to 4.8% from 4.5% in 2022.
“We have delivered robust, double-digit growth in both revenue and Ebitda [sarnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] against a challenging economic backdrop, delays to new openings and both writers’ and actors’ strikes,...
- 1/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
Argentina’s newly elected president Javier Milei has appeared to backpedalled on proposed cuts to the country’s film and TV body Incaa in the wake of an industry protest.
Right-wing premier Milei wanted to slash Incaa’s funding and had proposed to eliminate film schools as part of wide reforms to ignite the country’s stricken economy, which saw annual inflation reach 211% in December.
A bill before congress would have defunded Incaa, which for many years has been a significant champion of one of the most productive film and TV regions in South America.
However following a statement decrying...
Right-wing premier Milei wanted to slash Incaa’s funding and had proposed to eliminate film schools as part of wide reforms to ignite the country’s stricken economy, which saw annual inflation reach 211% in December.
A bill before congress would have defunded Incaa, which for many years has been a significant champion of one of the most productive film and TV regions in South America.
However following a statement decrying...
- 1/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
A perceived lack of quality UK independent cinema to feed the content pipeline was a key concern for UK Cinema Association (Ukca) head Phil Clapp, Andy Leyshon, chief executive of the Film Distributors’ Association (Fda) and Pact’s chief exec John McVay, as they gave evidence at the UK Parliament’s cross-party Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) Committee on Tuesday (January 23).
Clapp acknowledged while ’Barbenheimer’’s 2023 boost to the cinema sector was welcomed, “It’s the performance of everything else” that was his concern.
He said of the members of the Ukca, that represents a broad church of independent exhibitors...
Clapp acknowledged while ’Barbenheimer’’s 2023 boost to the cinema sector was welcomed, “It’s the performance of everything else” that was his concern.
He said of the members of the Ukca, that represents a broad church of independent exhibitors...
- 1/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
A perceived lack of quality UK independent cinema to feed the content pipeline was a key concern for UK Cinema Association (Ukca) head Phil Clapp, Andy Leyshon, chief executive of the Film Distributors’ Association (Fda) and Pact’s chief exec John McVay, as they gave evidence at the UK Parliament’s cross-party Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) Committee on Tuesday (January 23).
Clapp acknowledged while ’Barbenheimer’’s 2023 boost to the cinema sector was welcomed, “It’s the performance of everything else” that was his concern.
He said of the members of the Ukca, that represents a broad church of independent exhibitors...
Clapp acknowledged while ’Barbenheimer’’s 2023 boost to the cinema sector was welcomed, “It’s the performance of everything else” that was his concern.
He said of the members of the Ukca, that represents a broad church of independent exhibitors...
- 1/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
The boss of the UK Cinema Association (Ukca) has said that British cinemagoers are not being fed enough quality local movies to get them back to movie theaters with the frequency of the pre-Covid era.
According to Phil Clapp, most pre-Covid cinemagoers are now happy to check out movies at their local theater from time to time, but frequency is the issue. If an average person was going to the cinema six times per year before the pandemic, Clapp floated the notion that they would now be going three to four times.
He placed the blame on a lack of quality local fare amidst a tough time for indie cinema.
“This is because there is nothing we’re putting in front of [cinemagoers] that encourages them to get out,” Clapp told the opening day of the British Film and High-End Television inquiry. “There are cost of living issues within that and...
According to Phil Clapp, most pre-Covid cinemagoers are now happy to check out movies at their local theater from time to time, but frequency is the issue. If an average person was going to the cinema six times per year before the pandemic, Clapp floated the notion that they would now be going three to four times.
He placed the blame on a lack of quality local fare amidst a tough time for indie cinema.
“This is because there is nothing we’re putting in front of [cinemagoers] that encourages them to get out,” Clapp told the opening day of the British Film and High-End Television inquiry. “There are cost of living issues within that and...
- 1/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV+ European creative director Jay Hunt is the first streamer executive to take up the mantle.
There has been a mixed reaction to the appointment of Jay Hunt, Apple TV+ European creative director, as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI), at a time when the independent UK film community is grappling with acute challenges, from a dampening of production funding options to soaring costs impacting both filmmaking and exhibition.
Calls for the introduction of a levy of some kind on the US streamers to invest in the homegrown independent sector have been growing louder due to...
There has been a mixed reaction to the appointment of Jay Hunt, Apple TV+ European creative director, as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI), at a time when the independent UK film community is grappling with acute challenges, from a dampening of production funding options to soaring costs impacting both filmmaking and exhibition.
Calls for the introduction of a levy of some kind on the US streamers to invest in the homegrown independent sector have been growing louder due to...
- 1/12/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Total box office crosses £1bn for first time since pandemic.
Total box office for 2023 in the UK and Ireland increased 8% compared with 2022; with the year-end takings crossing £1bn for the first time since the pandemic.
The final 2023 box office came in at £1,062,047,498, according to figures released by Comscore. That is up from £980,516,136 in 2022 – an increase of 8.3%.
It is the first time annual box office has crossed £1bn since 2019, when it was £1.35bn; with £1.38bn in both 2018 and 2017.
Republic of Ireland showed the strongest year-on-year growth in 2023, up 13%; with Wales up 10%, Northern Ireland up 9% and England and Scotland both up 8%.
The number of new releases increased,...
Total box office for 2023 in the UK and Ireland increased 8% compared with 2022; with the year-end takings crossing £1bn for the first time since the pandemic.
The final 2023 box office came in at £1,062,047,498, according to figures released by Comscore. That is up from £980,516,136 in 2022 – an increase of 8.3%.
It is the first time annual box office has crossed £1bn since 2019, when it was £1.35bn; with £1.38bn in both 2018 and 2017.
Republic of Ireland showed the strongest year-on-year growth in 2023, up 13%; with Wales up 10%, Northern Ireland up 9% and England and Scotland both up 8%.
The number of new releases increased,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The U.K. and Ireland box office revenue improved 8.3% from £980.5 million ($1.25 billion) in 2022 to £1.06 billion ($1.35 billion) in 2023, according to numbers released by Comscore. However, the number was 23.5% below the 2019 pre-pandemic total of £1.35 billion ($1.72 billion).
2023, the first full year since 2019 without any Covid-19 restrictions, marked the first post-pandemic year to achieve over £1 billion. Prior to the pandemic, annual box office had exceeded £1.3 billion in each of the five years through 2019.
Of the five nations and regions making up the U.K. and Ireland territory, the Republic of Ireland had the strongest year-on-year growth, with box office 13% higher than 2022. Box office in Wales rose by 10%, with Northern Ireland up 9% and England and Scotland both rising by 8%.
The number of new releases in 2023 soared to 1,013 up from 929 in 2022 and 938 in 2019.
2023 saw an improvement in the number of blockbuster releases, as Covid-driven production delays receded. The number of saturation releases (films playing in more...
2023, the first full year since 2019 without any Covid-19 restrictions, marked the first post-pandemic year to achieve over £1 billion. Prior to the pandemic, annual box office had exceeded £1.3 billion in each of the five years through 2019.
Of the five nations and regions making up the U.K. and Ireland territory, the Republic of Ireland had the strongest year-on-year growth, with box office 13% higher than 2022. Box office in Wales rose by 10%, with Northern Ireland up 9% and England and Scotland both rising by 8%.
The number of new releases in 2023 soared to 1,013 up from 929 in 2022 and 938 in 2019.
2023 saw an improvement in the number of blockbuster releases, as Covid-driven production delays receded. The number of saturation releases (films playing in more...
- 1/5/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Rule change could vastly reduce number of eligible titles – and impact streamer release strategy
The number of films competing for the best film category at the Bafta Film Awards is set to fall from 2025 following a rule announced today that will also likely see a change in the scale of release for streamer titles seeking eligibility in the awards.
From next year, titles competing for best film must achieve a significantly wider release – five times the current requirement.
From the 2025 awards onwards, films must be theatrically exhibited publicly for the first time to a paying audience on at least 50 commercial...
The number of films competing for the best film category at the Bafta Film Awards is set to fall from 2025 following a rule announced today that will also likely see a change in the scale of release for streamer titles seeking eligibility in the awards.
From next year, titles competing for best film must achieve a significantly wider release – five times the current requirement.
From the 2025 awards onwards, films must be theatrically exhibited publicly for the first time to a paying audience on at least 50 commercial...
- 12/20/2023
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
A new ScreenSkills exhibition and distribution group has also formed, featuring UK Cinema Association’s Phil Clapp and Film Export UK’s Charlie Bloye.
UK training body ScreenSkills has unveiled the 11 new members of its Film Skills Council, including Neon Films’ Nicky Bentham and Working Title Films’ head of production Sarah-Jane Wright.
They are joined by producers Ameenah Ayub Allen; Ciara Barry and Rosie Crerar of barry crerar; Jennifer Monks of The Fold; Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures; Story Compound’s Tolu Stedford; and Delta Pictures’ Adam Partridge.
Also new to the council is BBC Film’s head of production...
UK training body ScreenSkills has unveiled the 11 new members of its Film Skills Council, including Neon Films’ Nicky Bentham and Working Title Films’ head of production Sarah-Jane Wright.
They are joined by producers Ameenah Ayub Allen; Ciara Barry and Rosie Crerar of barry crerar; Jennifer Monks of The Fold; Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures; Story Compound’s Tolu Stedford; and Delta Pictures’ Adam Partridge.
Also new to the council is BBC Film’s head of production...
- 9/13/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Could the Academy’s best picture eligibility shakeup have a ripple effect across the pond?
In recent years, the Oscars and BAFTAs have tried to align as closely as possible on key industry issues, such as a diversified voting body and a representative nominees pool. But when it comes to theatrical release requirements for best picture, there could be a divergence of thought.
Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed a host of new theatrical release requirements for movies to qualify as best picture nominees for the 2025 Oscars. In addition to the standard one-week run in one of six U.S. markets, films released in 2024 will also require an expanded theatrical run of seven days, consecutive or non-consecutive, in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets, no later than 45 days after its initial release.
The Academy’s rationale is to promote a healthy theatrical environment and improve...
In recent years, the Oscars and BAFTAs have tried to align as closely as possible on key industry issues, such as a diversified voting body and a representative nominees pool. But when it comes to theatrical release requirements for best picture, there could be a divergence of thought.
Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed a host of new theatrical release requirements for movies to qualify as best picture nominees for the 2025 Oscars. In addition to the standard one-week run in one of six U.S. markets, films released in 2024 will also require an expanded theatrical run of seven days, consecutive or non-consecutive, in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets, no later than 45 days after its initial release.
The Academy’s rationale is to promote a healthy theatrical environment and improve...
- 6/30/2023
- by Manori Ravindran and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Steve Knibbs, group managing director and deputy CEO of cinema chain Vue International, is set to retire.
Knibbs will be stepping down on Aug. 31, bringing an end to his 36-year career in the cinema industry that includes a tenure of two decades at Vue International. Knibbs reflected on his journey, stating: “When I first entered AMC Cinemas at The Point in Milton Keynes in 1987, little did I know that it would shape my working life for the next 36 years. Now, as I prepare for retirement, I can say that I have had the privilege of experiencing the best moments of my career alongside countless exceptional individuals and teams across the U.K. and Europe.”
Knibbs went on to highlight the significant transformations witnessed in the cinema industry since 1987, including the shift from 35mm film prints to digital projection, the rise of online platforms, the introduction of recliner seats and the...
Knibbs will be stepping down on Aug. 31, bringing an end to his 36-year career in the cinema industry that includes a tenure of two decades at Vue International. Knibbs reflected on his journey, stating: “When I first entered AMC Cinemas at The Point in Milton Keynes in 1987, little did I know that it would shape my working life for the next 36 years. Now, as I prepare for retirement, I can say that I have had the privilege of experiencing the best moments of my career alongside countless exceptional individuals and teams across the U.K. and Europe.”
Knibbs went on to highlight the significant transformations witnessed in the cinema industry since 1987, including the shift from 35mm film prints to digital projection, the rise of online platforms, the introduction of recliner seats and the...
- 6/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The global box office jumped by 27% in the first quarter of 2023, according to a new report by the International Union of Cinemas released during the CineEurope exhibition conference in Barcelona.
Unic, which covers 43,000 screens across 39 territories, is predicting a 23-percent growth at the global B.O. over the course of 2023.
Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Emea) saw the largest spike in B.O., with a 32-percent year-on increase during the first quarter of the year.
Several European and international titles managed to break box office records between 2022 and the first half of 2023; for instance, James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” became the highest grossing film of all time in the Emea region with almost $800 million at the B.O., while Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness” grossed over $25 million from 40 international markets.
The study also highlighted that younger age groups are steadily returning to cinemas,...
Unic, which covers 43,000 screens across 39 territories, is predicting a 23-percent growth at the global B.O. over the course of 2023.
Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Emea) saw the largest spike in B.O., with a 32-percent year-on increase during the first quarter of the year.
Several European and international titles managed to break box office records between 2022 and the first half of 2023; for instance, James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” became the highest grossing film of all time in the Emea region with almost $800 million at the B.O., while Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness” grossed over $25 million from 40 international markets.
The study also highlighted that younger age groups are steadily returning to cinemas,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The 2022 U.K. and Ireland box office experienced a major increase from the two pandemic-hit years of 2021 and 2020, but still lagged significantly behind pre-covid levels.
According to newly released figures from Comscore, total figures topped £978 million (1.18 billion) last year, up a dramatic 64 percent on 2021’s total of 597 million (720 million). However, the box office is yet to reach the £1.3 billion (1.57 billion) that it surpassed in each of the five years up to 2019. Comscore suggests a full recovery will be reached by 2024.
“While there remain challenges ahead, 2022 represented for our members a significant further step on the road to recovery after the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association. “The response of audiences to a broad range of titles, the support of distribution colleagues and the strong slate already in prospect for 2023 and beyond mean that we can all look to the future with renewed confidence.
According to newly released figures from Comscore, total figures topped £978 million (1.18 billion) last year, up a dramatic 64 percent on 2021’s total of 597 million (720 million). However, the box office is yet to reach the £1.3 billion (1.57 billion) that it surpassed in each of the five years up to 2019. Comscore suggests a full recovery will be reached by 2024.
“While there remain challenges ahead, 2022 represented for our members a significant further step on the road to recovery after the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association. “The response of audiences to a broad range of titles, the support of distribution colleagues and the strong slate already in prospect for 2023 and beyond mean that we can all look to the future with renewed confidence.
- 1/6/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Total box office revenue across the U.K. and Ireland in 2022 was £978. 5 million (1.17 billion), an increase of 64 versus 2021’s total of £597 million (719.8 million), according to Comscore Movies’ review of the year.
Prior to the pandemic, annual box office in the territory had exceeded £1.3 billion in each of the five years up to and including 2019. The review anticipates a full recovery by 2024.
A total of 911 new titles were released theatrically in 2022, up from 503 in 2021 and almost returning to the peak of 938 in 2019. However, there remains a marked reduction in blockbuster releases due to production delays, the review notes. 2019 saw 186 ‘saturation’ releases i.e. films opening in 250+ cinemas, which dropped in 2022 to 135. As the average revenue for each saturation release was £6.4 million in 2022 and £6.9 million in 2019, the review estimates that a return to 2019 levels of saturation releases could add £325–£350 million to annual box office totals.
Final 2022 admission figures are not yet available...
Prior to the pandemic, annual box office in the territory had exceeded £1.3 billion in each of the five years up to and including 2019. The review anticipates a full recovery by 2024.
A total of 911 new titles were released theatrically in 2022, up from 503 in 2021 and almost returning to the peak of 938 in 2019. However, there remains a marked reduction in blockbuster releases due to production delays, the review notes. 2019 saw 186 ‘saturation’ releases i.e. films opening in 250+ cinemas, which dropped in 2022 to 135. As the average revenue for each saturation release was £6.4 million in 2022 and £6.9 million in 2019, the review estimates that a return to 2019 levels of saturation releases could add £325–£350 million to annual box office totals.
Final 2022 admission figures are not yet available...
- 1/6/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
£979m total across full year, from 911 new releases.
Total box office revenue for the UK and Ireland in 2022 was up 64 on 2021 to £978m; but still 28 down on the £1.35bn total from 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year.
In a promising sign of the theatrical recovery, 911 new releases played in cinemas last year – up on 503 from 2021, and returning towards the peak of 938 in 2019.
However, blockbuster numbers are still down, in large part due to production delays caused by the pandemic. There were 135 wide releases (defined as opening in 250+ cinemas) in 2022, down from 186 in 2019. Average revenue for each wide release was £6.4m in...
Total box office revenue for the UK and Ireland in 2022 was up 64 on 2021 to £978m; but still 28 down on the £1.35bn total from 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year.
In a promising sign of the theatrical recovery, 911 new releases played in cinemas last year – up on 503 from 2021, and returning towards the peak of 938 in 2019.
However, blockbuster numbers are still down, in large part due to production delays caused by the pandemic. There were 135 wide releases (defined as opening in 250+ cinemas) in 2022, down from 186 in 2019. Average revenue for each wide release was £6.4m in...
- 1/6/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The majority of the UK’s cinema chains will close on Monday in light of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Others, meanwhile, are offering to screen the event for free.
Odeon, Cineworld, Picturehouse, Showcase and The Light will be closing their theatres for all of Monday, they’ve said.
Other cinema chains including Curzon and Arc have chosen to screen the funeral for free while cancelling the rest of their programming that day.
Arc said in a statement on Twitter: “We have to decided to screen Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral on Bank Holiday Monday 19th September at 11am.
“This is a free event but pre-booking your seat is essential. There will be no other shows taking place while the funeral is broadcast.”
pic.twitter.com/VDyTjlgyIM
— Cineworld (@cineworld) September 13, 2022
Vue, meanwhile, said it had cancelled its scheduled screenings across Monday but would open a select number...
Others, meanwhile, are offering to screen the event for free.
Odeon, Cineworld, Picturehouse, Showcase and The Light will be closing their theatres for all of Monday, they’ve said.
Other cinema chains including Curzon and Arc have chosen to screen the funeral for free while cancelling the rest of their programming that day.
Arc said in a statement on Twitter: “We have to decided to screen Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral on Bank Holiday Monday 19th September at 11am.
“This is a free event but pre-booking your seat is essential. There will be no other shows taking place while the funeral is broadcast.”
pic.twitter.com/VDyTjlgyIM
— Cineworld (@cineworld) September 13, 2022
Vue, meanwhile, said it had cancelled its scheduled screenings across Monday but would open a select number...
- 9/13/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Most of the major U.K. cinema chains will remain closed on Monday, Sept. 19, as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II, whose funeral it is on that day, while others have chosen to remain open to screen the funeral to the public for free.
Most cinemas, including the larger operators such as Odeon, Cineworld, Picturehouse, Showcase and The Light will be closing their sites for all of Monday. The BFI cinema sites, including BFI Southbank and BFI Imax, will also remain closed.
However there are others such as Vue, Curzon as well as the smaller chains Reel, Savoy, Arc and Picturedrome and a significant number of smaller venues, that plan to screen the funeral for free to people who wish to come along.
Variety understands that around 150 U.K. cinema sites plan to screen the funeral.
“Clearly all U.K. cinema operators are sensitive to the public mood...
Most cinemas, including the larger operators such as Odeon, Cineworld, Picturehouse, Showcase and The Light will be closing their sites for all of Monday. The BFI cinema sites, including BFI Southbank and BFI Imax, will also remain closed.
However there are others such as Vue, Curzon as well as the smaller chains Reel, Savoy, Arc and Picturedrome and a significant number of smaller venues, that plan to screen the funeral for free to people who wish to come along.
Variety understands that around 150 U.K. cinema sites plan to screen the funeral.
“Clearly all U.K. cinema operators are sensitive to the public mood...
- 9/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
All of the 560 participating venues will offer tickets for all screenings for just £3.
UK cinemas are coming together to celebrate and boost cinema attendance with a special event under the banner of ‘National Cinema Day’, taking place on Saturday, September 3.
The one-day event will see over 560 participating venues – about two thirds of UK cinemas – from all four regions offer reduced price tickets for all screenings, costing just £3.
It is being organised by the cross-industry body Cinema First, which was founded in 2001, the core constituents of which are the Film Distributors’ Association and the UK Cinema Association. Participants in National Cinema...
UK cinemas are coming together to celebrate and boost cinema attendance with a special event under the banner of ‘National Cinema Day’, taking place on Saturday, September 3.
The one-day event will see over 560 participating venues – about two thirds of UK cinemas – from all four regions offer reduced price tickets for all screenings, costing just £3.
It is being organised by the cross-industry body Cinema First, which was founded in 2001, the core constituents of which are the Film Distributors’ Association and the UK Cinema Association. Participants in National Cinema...
- 8/27/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
International Union of Cinemas calculates cost of Covid-19 lockdowns for European operators.
European cinemas lost an estimated €19bn in revenues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in the years 2020 and 2021, according to International Union of Cinemas (Unic) figures.
In its 2022 annual report, the European cinema trade associations body weighed up the impact of enforced cinema closures during European lockdowns and curfews. It calculated that, compared to 2019, box office results for the past two years were down €6.2bn in 2020 and another €5.1bn in 2021.
Unic estimates that a further €4.5bn was forfeited in 2020 and €3bn in 2021 as a result of lost in-theatre sales,...
European cinemas lost an estimated €19bn in revenues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in the years 2020 and 2021, according to International Union of Cinemas (Unic) figures.
In its 2022 annual report, the European cinema trade associations body weighed up the impact of enforced cinema closures during European lockdowns and curfews. It calculated that, compared to 2019, box office results for the past two years were down €6.2bn in 2020 and another €5.1bn in 2021.
Unic estimates that a further €4.5bn was forfeited in 2020 and €3bn in 2021 as a result of lost in-theatre sales,...
- 6/21/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
CineEurope runs from June 20-23 in Barcelona.
The theatrical experience and the theatrical window are vital for the recovery of the film market - this was the strongest message heard on panels and product presentations on the first day of CineEurope (June 20-23) in Barcelona.
The three highest-grossing films of 2021 were released in cinemas first and exclusively. And the three most pirated films of 2021 were released simultaneously on VoD and in cinemas. Those two statements were projected onto the screen as Phil Clapp and Laura Houlgatte — respectively president and CEO of the International Union of Cinemas (Unic) — welcomed delegates to...
The theatrical experience and the theatrical window are vital for the recovery of the film market - this was the strongest message heard on panels and product presentations on the first day of CineEurope (June 20-23) in Barcelona.
The three highest-grossing films of 2021 were released in cinemas first and exclusively. And the three most pirated films of 2021 were released simultaneously on VoD and in cinemas. Those two statements were projected onto the screen as Phil Clapp and Laura Houlgatte — respectively president and CEO of the International Union of Cinemas (Unic) — welcomed delegates to...
- 6/21/2022
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
European cinemas bounced back strongly in 2021 after a miserable Covid-hit 2020. They are capable of returning to 2019 levels, says the International Union of Cinemas (Unic) in its annual report, but they are not there yet.
Unic represents cinema trade associations and cinema operators in 39 countries in Europe and neighboring regions. Publication of its annual report was scheduled to coincide with the CineEurope convention of exhibitors and distributors now taking place in Barcelona, Spain.
European cinema admissions increased by an estimated 36 in 2021, with almost 590 million visits across the region. Box office reached €3.7 billion (3.92 billion), an increase of 41 on the previous year.
This was achieved when most screens across the region were shut for the first six months of the year and operated for the remainder under limited occupancy or other additional restrictions.
Across the EU countries, European films accounted for a 26.5 share of the market, fractionally up from the 25.7 figure in 2019, but...
Unic represents cinema trade associations and cinema operators in 39 countries in Europe and neighboring regions. Publication of its annual report was scheduled to coincide with the CineEurope convention of exhibitors and distributors now taking place in Barcelona, Spain.
European cinema admissions increased by an estimated 36 in 2021, with almost 590 million visits across the region. Box office reached €3.7 billion (3.92 billion), an increase of 41 on the previous year.
This was achieved when most screens across the region were shut for the first six months of the year and operated for the remainder under limited occupancy or other additional restrictions.
Across the EU countries, European films accounted for a 26.5 share of the market, fractionally up from the 25.7 figure in 2019, but...
- 6/21/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Talk
Emmy-nominated Michael Sheen (“Good Omens”) will join the upcoming TEDxSoho talk on May 30 at London’s Cambridge Theatre virtually via a pre-recorded session. The event will also feature an in-person talk from actor Ray Panthaki, recently BIFA-nominated for “Boiling Point,” while Brit and Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing.
Hosted by “The Battersea Poltergeist” podcast creator Danny Robins, the curated program of short inspirational talks features previously announced speakers including U.K Cinema Association CEO Phil Clapp, Variety international editor Manori Ravindran, author and computational biologist, autism advocate and winer of the 2020 Science Book Award, Dr. Camilla Pang, and a performance from ex-Razorlight guitarist David Ellis. Confirmed speakers also include Karl Lokko, a former gang leader turned activist, poet, public speaker, adventurer and personal advisor to Prince Harry; Professor Katy Shaw, author of a report into post-covid cultural recovery; restaurateur Paulo De Tarso; author and journalist Janet Wang; and art critic,...
Emmy-nominated Michael Sheen (“Good Omens”) will join the upcoming TEDxSoho talk on May 30 at London’s Cambridge Theatre virtually via a pre-recorded session. The event will also feature an in-person talk from actor Ray Panthaki, recently BIFA-nominated for “Boiling Point,” while Brit and Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing.
Hosted by “The Battersea Poltergeist” podcast creator Danny Robins, the curated program of short inspirational talks features previously announced speakers including U.K Cinema Association CEO Phil Clapp, Variety international editor Manori Ravindran, author and computational biologist, autism advocate and winer of the 2020 Science Book Award, Dr. Camilla Pang, and a performance from ex-Razorlight guitarist David Ellis. Confirmed speakers also include Karl Lokko, a former gang leader turned activist, poet, public speaker, adventurer and personal advisor to Prince Harry; Professor Katy Shaw, author of a report into post-covid cultural recovery; restaurateur Paulo De Tarso; author and journalist Janet Wang; and art critic,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Speakers at Ukca conference also called for more theatrical family films.
The UK cinema industry should resume its pre-pandemic target of 200 million yearly admissions, according to UK Cinema Association (Ukca) CEO Phil Clapp.
“[Prior to the pandemic] the ambition was to get to 200 million admissions a year – the ambition should be to get back there within five to 10 years,” said Clapp in his closing remarks at the trade organisation’s annual conference.
UK cinema admissions dropped to 44 million in 2020, with cinemas closed from mid-March until July then again for much of November and December. They rose to 74 million in 2021.
Prior to the pandemic, they...
The UK cinema industry should resume its pre-pandemic target of 200 million yearly admissions, according to UK Cinema Association (Ukca) CEO Phil Clapp.
“[Prior to the pandemic] the ambition was to get to 200 million admissions a year – the ambition should be to get back there within five to 10 years,” said Clapp in his closing remarks at the trade organisation’s annual conference.
UK cinema admissions dropped to 44 million in 2020, with cinemas closed from mid-March until July then again for much of November and December. They rose to 74 million in 2021.
Prior to the pandemic, they...
- 4/6/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Joint initiative between Ukca, Event Cinema Association and Powster.
The UK cinema exhibition sector is banding together to launch Cinemas for Ukraine, a fundraising appeal for counterparts and others affected by the war in Ukraine.
It is a joint initiative between the UK Cinema Association (Ukca), Event Cinema Association and digital agency Powster, and has been developed in discussion with the Union of Cinema Theatres of Ukraine, a trade body representing cinema operators in the war-afflicted territory.
The initiative was launched today at the Ukca’s 2022 conference in London, with an initial £5,000 target. The scheme is being promoted to the cinema sector,...
The UK cinema exhibition sector is banding together to launch Cinemas for Ukraine, a fundraising appeal for counterparts and others affected by the war in Ukraine.
It is a joint initiative between the UK Cinema Association (Ukca), Event Cinema Association and digital agency Powster, and has been developed in discussion with the Union of Cinema Theatres of Ukraine, a trade body representing cinema operators in the war-afflicted territory.
The initiative was launched today at the Ukca’s 2022 conference in London, with an initial £5,000 target. The scheme is being promoted to the cinema sector,...
- 4/5/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
But concern is high for freelancers in creative sector.
UK film exhibitors have broadly welcomed business rates changes that the UK government claims will save the average cinema nearly £25,000 a year.
According to the government’s Spring Statement, the average cinema, with a rateable value of £95,500, will now save £24,000 through a new temporary 50% business rates relief. Meanwhile, the business rates multiplier will be frozen in 2022-23, which, the government suggested. represents a tax cut for all ratepayers worth £4.6 billion over the next five years.
However, industry figurese have pointed out the headline figures are misleading.
“We would be wrong not to welcome [the support]. However,...
UK film exhibitors have broadly welcomed business rates changes that the UK government claims will save the average cinema nearly £25,000 a year.
According to the government’s Spring Statement, the average cinema, with a rateable value of £95,500, will now save £24,000 through a new temporary 50% business rates relief. Meanwhile, the business rates multiplier will be frozen in 2022-23, which, the government suggested. represents a tax cut for all ratepayers worth £4.6 billion over the next five years.
However, industry figurese have pointed out the headline figures are misleading.
“We would be wrong not to welcome [the support]. However,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Spin-off
BBC Three series “Munya and Filly Get Chilly,” a spin-off from BBC One‘s “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” produced by Hungry Bear Media, is set to offer a light-hearted take on the challenges of the main show, which will follow a group of celebrities facing a test of mental strength under the guidance of extreme athlete Wim Hof. In the spin-off, presenters, comedy stars Munya and Filly, will immerse themselves in sub-zero temperatures and take on Hof’s challenges, from breathing exercises to ice baths and beyond. It will be filmed within the tented village that the celebrities are inhabiting, alongside the filming of the BBC One series, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive access to the celebrities and hosts.
“Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” will be fronted by Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack and celebrities participating include musical theater practitioner Alfie Boe, songwriter and soccer player Chelcee Grimes,...
BBC Three series “Munya and Filly Get Chilly,” a spin-off from BBC One‘s “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” produced by Hungry Bear Media, is set to offer a light-hearted take on the challenges of the main show, which will follow a group of celebrities facing a test of mental strength under the guidance of extreme athlete Wim Hof. In the spin-off, presenters, comedy stars Munya and Filly, will immerse themselves in sub-zero temperatures and take on Hof’s challenges, from breathing exercises to ice baths and beyond. It will be filmed within the tented village that the celebrities are inhabiting, alongside the filming of the BBC One series, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive access to the celebrities and hosts.
“Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” will be fronted by Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack and celebrities participating include musical theater practitioner Alfie Boe, songwriter and soccer player Chelcee Grimes,...
- 3/11/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Total box office revenues in the U.K. and Ireland in 2021 rose 85% to £596.9 million ($811.1 million) from 2020’s total of £323.2 million ($439.3 million), according to the annual box office review released by Comscore. However, these numbers remain far below pre-pandemic levels when annual box office exceeded £1.3 billion in each of the five years up to 2019.
Cinemas were closed for the first 19 weeks of 2021 and allowed to reopen from May 17, but unlike 2020, which had repeated closures, 2021 did not witness any enforced closures since reopening.
The report reveals that 497 new titles were released in cinemas in 2021, up from 444 in 2020. Looking only at the period when cinemas were able to open, 2021 had just 20% fewer titles released mid-May to December than 2019, which had 625 releases in the equivalent period. Comscore expects 2022 to return to the usual volume, which peaked in 2019 at 938 new releases.
2020 saw a resurgence in drive-in cinemas, with 31 opened. Eight of these sites continued to...
Cinemas were closed for the first 19 weeks of 2021 and allowed to reopen from May 17, but unlike 2020, which had repeated closures, 2021 did not witness any enforced closures since reopening.
The report reveals that 497 new titles were released in cinemas in 2021, up from 444 in 2020. Looking only at the period when cinemas were able to open, 2021 had just 20% fewer titles released mid-May to December than 2019, which had 625 releases in the equivalent period. Comscore expects 2022 to return to the usual volume, which peaked in 2019 at 938 new releases.
2020 saw a resurgence in drive-in cinemas, with 31 opened. Eight of these sites continued to...
- 1/8/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The UK Cinema Association (Ukca) has strongly criticized plans set to be announced later today that will see cinemas in Wales require all customers to show a valid Covid pass to gain entry.
The regulation, which comes from the Welsh government is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that from November 15 cinemas, theaters and concert halls in Wales will mandate that audiences show a pass indicating they have been fully vaccinate, carry Covid antibodies, or have a recent negative lateral flow test.
“As a sector we have worked extremely hard to remain Covid-safe and there seems to be no evidence that our members’ sites are a source of transmission – we are aware of no instance of an outbreak of Covid being traced back to a cinema in Wales or indeed anywhere in the UK,” said Ukca Chief Executvie Phil Clapp in response to the move
“The success of...
The regulation, which comes from the Welsh government is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that from November 15 cinemas, theaters and concert halls in Wales will mandate that audiences show a pass indicating they have been fully vaccinate, carry Covid antibodies, or have a recent negative lateral flow test.
“As a sector we have worked extremely hard to remain Covid-safe and there seems to be no evidence that our members’ sites are a source of transmission – we are aware of no instance of an outbreak of Covid being traced back to a cinema in Wales or indeed anywhere in the UK,” said Ukca Chief Executvie Phil Clapp in response to the move
“The success of...
- 10/29/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Plans expected to come in from Monday, November 15.
Plans for the introduction of Covid passes from next month for cinemas in Wales have been described as “potentially hugely damaging” by Phil Clapp, CEO of the UK Cinema Association.
Mark Drakeford, First Minister for Wales, has today announced the intended extension of the country’s Covid pass to cinemas, as well as theatres and concert halls, from November 15.
“For cinemas to be singled out for this new measure seems not only illogical but also potentially hugely damaging,” said Clapp.
“As a sector we have worked extremely hard to remain Covid-safe and...
Plans for the introduction of Covid passes from next month for cinemas in Wales have been described as “potentially hugely damaging” by Phil Clapp, CEO of the UK Cinema Association.
Mark Drakeford, First Minister for Wales, has today announced the intended extension of the country’s Covid pass to cinemas, as well as theatres and concert halls, from November 15.
“For cinemas to be singled out for this new measure seems not only illogical but also potentially hugely damaging,” said Clapp.
“As a sector we have worked extremely hard to remain Covid-safe and...
- 10/29/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
After a year in which it was postponed and then canceled altogether due to the pandemic, the physical edition of the CineEurope trade show in Spain is back. Among the execs who will be hitting the halls of the Barcelona International Convention Centre in early October is Phil Clapp, a hugely respected figure who sits as head of the U.K. Cinema Association and president of Europe’s International Union of Cinemas. It’s been an almost indescribably tough 18 months for the exhibition world, but in discussing the U.K. experience since theaters reopened, Clapp offers a very welcome voice of ...
- 10/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
After a year in which it was postponed and then canceled altogether due to the pandemic, the physical edition of the CineEurope trade show in Spain is back. Among the execs who will be hitting the halls of the Barcelona International Convention Centre in early October is Phil Clapp, a hugely respected figure who sits as head of the U.K. Cinema Association and president of Europe’s International Union of Cinemas. It’s been an almost indescribably tough 18 months for the exhibition world, but in discussing the U.K. experience since theaters reopened, Clapp offers a very welcome voice of ...
- 10/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The sector is against the introduction of Covid passports.
UK exhibitors are bringing in agency workers and moving staff between sites to save cinemas from temporarily closing as an increasing number of employees are told to self-isolate as part of the UK government’s Covid-19 safety measures.
No cinemas have yet closed as a result of the so-called pingdemic, said Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association (Ukca). But it is possible some may have to reduce their opening hours.
The ‘pingdemic’ refers to the notification a person receives via an NHS app that means they must quarantine...
UK exhibitors are bringing in agency workers and moving staff between sites to save cinemas from temporarily closing as an increasing number of employees are told to self-isolate as part of the UK government’s Covid-19 safety measures.
No cinemas have yet closed as a result of the so-called pingdemic, said Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association (Ukca). But it is possible some may have to reduce their opening hours.
The ‘pingdemic’ refers to the notification a person receives via an NHS app that means they must quarantine...
- 7/27/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Several measures will remain in place despite the lifting of pandemic legal requirements.
Face coverings and various social distancing measures will remain in place at most of England’s cinemas from Monday, July 19, despite a change in the legal requirement to do so, confirm large and small operators.
Cinemas in England can return to 100% capacity screenings from July 19, but exhibitors remain cautious and will retain several measures in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Vue Cinemas - the third-largest chain in the UK, with 90 venues – said in a statement issued to Screen: “We have adjusted our protocols,...
Face coverings and various social distancing measures will remain in place at most of England’s cinemas from Monday, July 19, despite a change in the legal requirement to do so, confirm large and small operators.
Cinemas in England can return to 100% capacity screenings from July 19, but exhibitors remain cautious and will retain several measures in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Vue Cinemas - the third-largest chain in the UK, with 90 venues – said in a statement issued to Screen: “We have adjusted our protocols,...
- 7/16/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Social distancing, mask wearing also end from that date.
English cinemas will be permitted to resume 100% capacity screenings from July 19, following the UK government’s commitment to the final stage in its roadmap out of lockdown.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said he expected the final stage to go ahead as planned, with social distancing rules to be scrapped from that date, including for indoor entertainment venues.
The new rules are subject to a final review on July 12.
Mask-wearing will no longer be compulsory, meaning those attending cinemas will not have to wear one in any part of the building including foyers and screens.
English cinemas will be permitted to resume 100% capacity screenings from July 19, following the UK government’s commitment to the final stage in its roadmap out of lockdown.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said he expected the final stage to go ahead as planned, with social distancing rules to be scrapped from that date, including for indoor entertainment venues.
The new rules are subject to a final review on July 12.
Mask-wearing will no longer be compulsory, meaning those attending cinemas will not have to wear one in any part of the building including foyers and screens.
- 7/5/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
England’s cinemas and theaters are set to return to full capacity from July 19, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today.
Live sports events and concerts will be allowed to operate as in pre-Covid times, at full capacity, and social distancing rules will be scrapped.
In addition, people in England will no longer be legally required to wear masks, a move that has been criticized by some leading scientists.
Nightclubs will be able to reopen and pubs and restaurants will no longer require ordering with Qr codes. Meanwhile, working from home where possible will no longer be a government directive.
The plans are set to be finalized and confirmed next week, Johnson said.
Johnson admitted that the plan to re-open would result in more deaths. “This pandemic is far from over,” he said at the press conference. “It certainly won’t be over by the 19th, and we must reconcile...
Live sports events and concerts will be allowed to operate as in pre-Covid times, at full capacity, and social distancing rules will be scrapped.
In addition, people in England will no longer be legally required to wear masks, a move that has been criticized by some leading scientists.
Nightclubs will be able to reopen and pubs and restaurants will no longer require ordering with Qr codes. Meanwhile, working from home where possible will no longer be a government directive.
The plans are set to be finalized and confirmed next week, Johnson said.
Johnson admitted that the plan to re-open would result in more deaths. “This pandemic is far from over,” he said at the press conference. “It certainly won’t be over by the 19th, and we must reconcile...
- 7/5/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinemas and theaters across England will return to full capacity from July 19, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.
In addition, live events such as sports and concerts will be allowed to operate as in pre-covid times at capacity and the one meter social distancing rule will be scrapped. People in England will no longer be legally required to wear masks, including in crowded spaces, but the government will provide health and safety advice.
Nightclubs can reopen and pubs and restaurants are no longer required to serve only seated customers, who also don’t have to check in with their contact details before being seated. The government’s earlier directive on people working from home will no longer apply, but it is up to individual businesses to address the matter with their staff.
“This pandemic is far from over,” Johnson said, addressing a press conference. “It certainly won...
In addition, live events such as sports and concerts will be allowed to operate as in pre-covid times at capacity and the one meter social distancing rule will be scrapped. People in England will no longer be legally required to wear masks, including in crowded spaces, but the government will provide health and safety advice.
Nightclubs can reopen and pubs and restaurants are no longer required to serve only seated customers, who also don’t have to check in with their contact details before being seated. The government’s earlier directive on people working from home will no longer apply, but it is up to individual businesses to address the matter with their staff.
“This pandemic is far from over,” Johnson said, addressing a press conference. “It certainly won...
- 7/5/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The British Film Institute (BFI) has revealed a one-year fund worth £500,000 to support the U.K. distribution of international titles.
The funding comes by way of the National Lottery and will be administered by the BFI Audience Fund. It is aimed at supporting exhibitors and distributors in the wake of the pandemic and aims to bring in exciting, new films to British audiences.
The funding is intended to increase the number of films in cinemas now that audiences can attend again, including those supported by the U.K. Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Films that can potentially benefit from the fund must be independent, international and in a language other than English. Applicants applying to the fund will need to show how they meet the BFI Audience Fund’s objectives of improving audience choice and diversity in the U.K.
The money is the result of an underspend following the...
The funding comes by way of the National Lottery and will be administered by the BFI Audience Fund. It is aimed at supporting exhibitors and distributors in the wake of the pandemic and aims to bring in exciting, new films to British audiences.
The funding is intended to increase the number of films in cinemas now that audiences can attend again, including those supported by the U.K. Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Films that can potentially benefit from the fund must be independent, international and in a language other than English. Applicants applying to the fund will need to show how they meet the BFI Audience Fund’s objectives of improving audience choice and diversity in the U.K.
The money is the result of an underspend following the...
- 7/2/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The fund is one-year ring-fenced support administered by the Audience Fund.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has set out £500,000 in funding to support the distribution of international independent titles in the UK, to be administered by the BFI Audience Fund.
The distribution support is specifically for films not in the English language, and was developed in consultation with industry partners including the Film Distributors’ Association and the UK Cinema Association.
Financing for the one-year ring-fenced fund comes through an underspend as a result of the slowdown in international travel and physical market attendance during the pandemic.
Applications for the funding...
The British Film Institute (BFI) has set out £500,000 in funding to support the distribution of international independent titles in the UK, to be administered by the BFI Audience Fund.
The distribution support is specifically for films not in the English language, and was developed in consultation with industry partners including the Film Distributors’ Association and the UK Cinema Association.
Financing for the one-year ring-fenced fund comes through an underspend as a result of the slowdown in international travel and physical market attendance during the pandemic.
Applications for the funding...
- 7/2/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
UK cinema owners remain staunchly against the idea of adopting Covid-19 vaccine ‘certificates’, which would confirm that an attendee has been inoculated, despite the idea gaining some traction with the government.
A report today in national newspaper The Guardian quoted Philip Knatchbull, the CEO of UK cinema chain Curzon, as proposing the idea of having both vaccine-only screenings and screenings where no jab will be required for entry.
Knatchbull confirmed to Deadline that vaccine certificates are “just one option we are considering” and that “it is not viable to continue with blanket social distancing measures indefinitely”.
“Regardless of which route we take, we will always provide options for those people who cannot be part of the vaccination programme,” the Curzon CEO added.
However, execs at other cinema chains are unanimous in their take – venues will only be adopting the use of vaccine certificates as a last resort.
“It’s not feasible,...
A report today in national newspaper The Guardian quoted Philip Knatchbull, the CEO of UK cinema chain Curzon, as proposing the idea of having both vaccine-only screenings and screenings where no jab will be required for entry.
Knatchbull confirmed to Deadline that vaccine certificates are “just one option we are considering” and that “it is not viable to continue with blanket social distancing measures indefinitely”.
“Regardless of which route we take, we will always provide options for those people who cannot be part of the vaccination programme,” the Curzon CEO added.
However, execs at other cinema chains are unanimous in their take – venues will only be adopting the use of vaccine certificates as a last resort.
“It’s not feasible,...
- 3/26/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK prime minister outlined plans for England in a briefing to MPs.
Cinemas in England can provisionally reopen from May 17 with a capacity of up to 1,000 people or 50% of the venue, as outlined in prime minister Boris Johnson’s briefing to the House of Commons on the easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Indoor cinemas fall under ‘step three’ of the government’s plan, which also includes indoor hospitality, international travel and theatres.
Drive-in and outdoor cinemas will be able to reopen from April 12 under ‘step two’ of the plan, alongside indoor leisure facilities such as gyms, and outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants.
Cinemas in England can provisionally reopen from May 17 with a capacity of up to 1,000 people or 50% of the venue, as outlined in prime minister Boris Johnson’s briefing to the House of Commons on the easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Indoor cinemas fall under ‘step three’ of the government’s plan, which also includes indoor hospitality, international travel and theatres.
Drive-in and outdoor cinemas will be able to reopen from April 12 under ‘step two’ of the plan, alongside indoor leisure facilities such as gyms, and outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants.
- 2/22/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s hopes of entertainment venues benefiting from rapid testing when the country begins to reopen after coronavirus lockdown is not practical, at least for cinemas, says U.K. Cinema Association chief executive Phil Clapp.
On Monday, during a coronavirus briefing, Johnson had suggested the rapid lateral flow tests, in combination with the ongoing vaccination process, could reach “those parts of the economy we couldn’t get open last year,” referring to nightclubs and theaters.
On Tuesday, speaking to the BBC “World at One” news program, Clapp, whose association represents 90% of U.K. cinemas, said that they are not aware of any U.K. cinemas that are exploring rapid testing. “We believe that cinemas offer a materially different environment than nightclubs and music venues, which are the examples cited,” Clapp said. Practically speaking, cinema customers are expected to wait 30 minutes for test results and each...
On Monday, during a coronavirus briefing, Johnson had suggested the rapid lateral flow tests, in combination with the ongoing vaccination process, could reach “those parts of the economy we couldn’t get open last year,” referring to nightclubs and theaters.
On Tuesday, speaking to the BBC “World at One” news program, Clapp, whose association represents 90% of U.K. cinemas, said that they are not aware of any U.K. cinemas that are exploring rapid testing. “We believe that cinemas offer a materially different environment than nightclubs and music venues, which are the examples cited,” Clapp said. Practically speaking, cinema customers are expected to wait 30 minutes for test results and each...
- 2/16/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The beleaguered U.K. exhibition sector, reeling from a Covid-afflicted, calamitous 2020 that has continued into 2021, is finally seeing some green shoots.
Though the country began 2021 under lockdown with cinemas closed — a situation that’s unlikely to ease in the near future — a combination of decreasing case loads and a robust vaccination rollout is raising hopes. Average new daily infections are now 20,000, while average daily deaths are below 1,000, down from the depths of mid-January’s 60,000 new cases and 1,500 deaths per day. The vaccination program is rolling out smoothly, with 10.5 million of the U.K.’s 67 million population having received the first jab of the vaccine already, and all adults above the age of 50 on course to receive a jab by May.
“We are starting to consider reopening dates,” BFI chief executive Ben Roberts told Variety. “In terms of everyone forecasting, May feels reasonable. Could be earlier, could be later.”
“We do...
Though the country began 2021 under lockdown with cinemas closed — a situation that’s unlikely to ease in the near future — a combination of decreasing case loads and a robust vaccination rollout is raising hopes. Average new daily infections are now 20,000, while average daily deaths are below 1,000, down from the depths of mid-January’s 60,000 new cases and 1,500 deaths per day. The vaccination program is rolling out smoothly, with 10.5 million of the U.K.’s 67 million population having received the first jab of the vaccine already, and all adults above the age of 50 on course to receive a jab by May.
“We are starting to consider reopening dates,” BFI chief executive Ben Roberts told Variety. “In terms of everyone forecasting, May feels reasonable. Could be earlier, could be later.”
“We do...
- 2/5/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Large parts of east and south-east of England will move into tier 3.
The majority of cinemas in England must remain closed after health secretary Matt Hancock announced the results of the latest review into the three-tier system.
In a statement, Hancock said that almost all tier 3 regions will remain under the tightest level of Covid-19 restrictions for at least two weeks. This means that indoor entertainment venues including cinemas, theatres and concert halls must remain closed. Cinemas in tier 1 and 2 areas can open.
He also announced that large parts of east and south-east of England will move from tier 2 into tier 3, including Bedfordshire,...
The majority of cinemas in England must remain closed after health secretary Matt Hancock announced the results of the latest review into the three-tier system.
In a statement, Hancock said that almost all tier 3 regions will remain under the tightest level of Covid-19 restrictions for at least two weeks. This means that indoor entertainment venues including cinemas, theatres and concert halls must remain closed. Cinemas in tier 1 and 2 areas can open.
He also announced that large parts of east and south-east of England will move from tier 2 into tier 3, including Bedfordshire,...
- 12/17/2020
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Cinemas in London, surrounding regions to close for two weeks on Wednesday.
Warner Bros is proceeding with its planned UK theatrical release of Wonder Woman 1984 on Wednesday (December 16) – the same day cinemas in London have been instructed to close for at least two weeks.
The superhero saga starring Gal Gadot will be only the second major Hollywood tentpole to arrive in the UK since the lockdown commenced last March.
However after UK health secretary Matt Hancock said London and parts of surrounding Essex and Hertfordshire will enter tier 3 – the highest level of Covid restrictions – at midnight on Wednesday, Wonder Woman 1984...
Warner Bros is proceeding with its planned UK theatrical release of Wonder Woman 1984 on Wednesday (December 16) – the same day cinemas in London have been instructed to close for at least two weeks.
The superhero saga starring Gal Gadot will be only the second major Hollywood tentpole to arrive in the UK since the lockdown commenced last March.
However after UK health secretary Matt Hancock said London and parts of surrounding Essex and Hertfordshire will enter tier 3 – the highest level of Covid restrictions – at midnight on Wednesday, Wonder Woman 1984...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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