‘Peaky Blinders’ Firm Tiger Aspect Names Lucy Bedford As MD & Hires Ex-Sky Drama Exec Gabriel Silver
Peaky Blinders co-producer Tiger Aspect has a new managing director in Lucy Bedford, and has hired Gabriel Silver for a senior scripted role.
Bedford, formerly Head of Drama, will lead the Banijay UK indie creatively, working closely with Head of Comedy, David Simpson, and newly appointed Creative Director of Drama Silver.
Besides co-producing BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders with Caryn Mandabach productions, Tiger Aspect is behind Bad Education (BBC Three); Domina (Epix / Sky); Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three); Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITV X) and the upcoming Three Little Birds (ITV).
Bedford reports directly in Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland and takes on her new role with immediate effect. She’ll with on commercial and operational business growth strategy with Chief Commercial Officer Zoe Brown and Chief Operating Officer Helen Wright.
She joined Tiger Aspect in 2014 as Executive Producer, having worked previously at Ecosse Films and Granada TV. Since then,...
Bedford, formerly Head of Drama, will lead the Banijay UK indie creatively, working closely with Head of Comedy, David Simpson, and newly appointed Creative Director of Drama Silver.
Besides co-producing BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders with Caryn Mandabach productions, Tiger Aspect is behind Bad Education (BBC Three); Domina (Epix / Sky); Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three); Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITV X) and the upcoming Three Little Birds (ITV).
Bedford reports directly in Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland and takes on her new role with immediate effect. She’ll with on commercial and operational business growth strategy with Chief Commercial Officer Zoe Brown and Chief Operating Officer Helen Wright.
She joined Tiger Aspect in 2014 as Executive Producer, having worked previously at Ecosse Films and Granada TV. Since then,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Banijay company Tiger Aspect has promoted head of drama Lucy Bedford to managing director, reporting into Banijay U.K. CEO Patrick Holland.
Bedford, who takes up her new role immediately, has appointed Gabriel Silver, previously director of commissioning, drama at Sky studios, as creative director, drama.
Bedford will be responsible for the creative leadership of the business, working closely with head of comedy, David Simpson and Silver, to build the slate of the scripted indie whose credits include “Peaky Blinders,” “Bad Education,” “Domina,” “Man Like Mobeen” and the upcoming “Three Little Birds.”
Credits for Bedford, who has been instrumental in building up the drama slate and evolving the company’s drama strategy over the past three years, include “The Good Karma Hospital” and “Litvinenko.”
Working closely with writers and talent to further build the drama pipeline, Silver will help steer the overall strategic direction of Tiger Aspect’s drama slate...
Bedford, who takes up her new role immediately, has appointed Gabriel Silver, previously director of commissioning, drama at Sky studios, as creative director, drama.
Bedford will be responsible for the creative leadership of the business, working closely with head of comedy, David Simpson and Silver, to build the slate of the scripted indie whose credits include “Peaky Blinders,” “Bad Education,” “Domina,” “Man Like Mobeen” and the upcoming “Three Little Birds.”
Credits for Bedford, who has been instrumental in building up the drama slate and evolving the company’s drama strategy over the past three years, include “The Good Karma Hospital” and “Litvinenko.”
Working closely with writers and talent to further build the drama pipeline, Silver will help steer the overall strategic direction of Tiger Aspect’s drama slate...
- 2/23/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
‘PhoneShop’ Creator Phil Bowker Strikes Deal With Tiger Aspect
Channel 4’s PhoneShop creator Phil Bowker has struck an exclusive first-look deal with Banijay label Tiger Aspect. Meanwhile, Tiger has signed four people to its comedy development team. Bowker will develop a slate of scripted projects as producer and writer for the Man like Mobeen, Bad Education and Mr Bean outfit. He is the creator of Channel 4 cult comedy PhoneShop, which was picked up by FX, with other credits including Pulling and 15 Storeys High. Tiger Aspect has meanwhile signed Sarah Fraser, Saima Ferdows, Hannah Rose and Jason Charles to David Simpson’s comedy development team as it expands its offering. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Phil into the Tiger family,” said Simpson. “He is such a talent and I have been a huge fan of his work for many years. I must thank Banijay who continue to back scripted...
Channel 4’s PhoneShop creator Phil Bowker has struck an exclusive first-look deal with Banijay label Tiger Aspect. Meanwhile, Tiger has signed four people to its comedy development team. Bowker will develop a slate of scripted projects as producer and writer for the Man like Mobeen, Bad Education and Mr Bean outfit. He is the creator of Channel 4 cult comedy PhoneShop, which was picked up by FX, with other credits including Pulling and 15 Storeys High. Tiger Aspect has meanwhile signed Sarah Fraser, Saima Ferdows, Hannah Rose and Jason Charles to David Simpson’s comedy development team as it expands its offering. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Phil into the Tiger family,” said Simpson. “He is such a talent and I have been a huge fan of his work for many years. I must thank Banijay who continue to back scripted...
- 12/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It was an historic night for female filmmakers at the British Independent Film Awards, with 10 of the night’s biggest awards going to women or films directed by them. The biggest winner of the night was “Aftersun,” which won Best British Independent Film, as well as Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Debut Director for Charlotte Wells. The film also took home prizes for cinematography, editing, and music supervision.
Georgia Oakley’s “Blue Jean” also had a strong showing, with Rosy McEwen winning Best Lead Performance and Kerrie Hayes winning Best Supporting Performance and Oakley winning Best Debut Screenwriter. Shaheen Baig also won Best Casting for the film.
Despite facing stiff competition from the likes of “Decision to Leave” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Joachim Trier’s “The Worst Person in the World” won Best International Independent Film.
Keep reading for the complete list of nominees from the 2022 British Independent Film Awards,...
Georgia Oakley’s “Blue Jean” also had a strong showing, with Rosy McEwen winning Best Lead Performance and Kerrie Hayes winning Best Supporting Performance and Oakley winning Best Debut Screenwriter. Shaheen Baig also won Best Casting for the film.
Despite facing stiff competition from the likes of “Decision to Leave” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Joachim Trier’s “The Worst Person in the World” won Best International Independent Film.
Keep reading for the complete list of nominees from the 2022 British Independent Film Awards,...
- 12/4/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells’s acclaimed debut feature Aftersun swept the board, snagging seven wins at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) in London this evening.
The film won Best British Independent Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director. This evening’s four wins were added to the film’s previously announced haul in the craft categories with three wins including Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Music Supervision.
Georgia Oakley’s 1980s Section 28 era set Blue Jean, which trailed only Aftersun for the most nominations, picked up three awards on the night: Best Lead Performance for Rosy McEwen, Best Supporting Performance for Kerrie Hayes, and Oakley took home the Best Debut Screenwriter award sponsored by Film4.
Elsewhere, Safia Oakley-Green won the Breakthrough Performance award for her role in Andrew Cumming’s debut feature The Origin and Tamara Lawrance and Letitia Wright picked...
The film won Best British Independent Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director. This evening’s four wins were added to the film’s previously announced haul in the craft categories with three wins including Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Music Supervision.
Georgia Oakley’s 1980s Section 28 era set Blue Jean, which trailed only Aftersun for the most nominations, picked up three awards on the night: Best Lead Performance for Rosy McEwen, Best Supporting Performance for Kerrie Hayes, and Oakley took home the Best Debut Screenwriter award sponsored by Film4.
Elsewhere, Safia Oakley-Green won the Breakthrough Performance award for her role in Andrew Cumming’s debut feature The Origin and Tamara Lawrance and Letitia Wright picked...
- 12/4/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Aftersun, the debut feature from Charlotte Wells that stars Paul Mescal, has topped the craft categories at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards.
The drama, which became a breakout sensation in Cannes, where it was nabbed by A24 and Mubi, won three awards, including in the best cinematography category for Gregory Oke, for best editing for Blair McClendon and in the best music supervision category — a new honor introduced this year — for Lucy Bright.
Unveiled on Friday, two weeks before the remaining category awards are revealed at the BIFA ceremony, other craft honors include the best casting award for 10-time nominee Shaheen Baig for Blue Jean, best production design for Helen Scott on Living and best original music for Matthew Herbert on The Wonder. Elsewhere, Jenny Beavan won the best costume design honor for Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, best effects went to David Simpson...
Aftersun, the debut feature from Charlotte Wells that stars Paul Mescal, has topped the craft categories at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards.
The drama, which became a breakout sensation in Cannes, where it was nabbed by A24 and Mubi, won three awards, including in the best cinematography category for Gregory Oke, for best editing for Blair McClendon and in the best music supervision category — a new honor introduced this year — for Lucy Bright.
Unveiled on Friday, two weeks before the remaining category awards are revealed at the BIFA ceremony, other craft honors include the best casting award for 10-time nominee Shaheen Baig for Blue Jean, best production design for Helen Scott on Living and best original music for Matthew Herbert on The Wonder. Elsewhere, Jenny Beavan won the best costume design honor for Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, best effects went to David Simpson...
- 11/18/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun” has picked up three craft prizes from the British Independent Film Awards.
The Paul Mescal-starring father-daughter drama received 16 nominations this year, and won best cinematography for Gregory Oke; best editing for Blair McClendon; and best music supervision — a new category this year — for Lucy Bright.
Best casting went to ten-time BIFA nominee Shaheen Baig for “Blue Jean.” The 1980s-set film, which follows a young schoolteacher forced to lead a double life, has been nominated for 13 BIFAs in total, including best British independent film.
Elsewhere, with nine nominations this year, including best British independent film, Oliver Hermanus’ “Living” received best production design for Helen Scott.
Sebastián Lelio’s 19th century-set thriller “The Wonder,” which received 12 nominations, won best original music for Matthew Herbert.
Jenny Beavan also won best costume design for “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” which stars Lesley Manville as a woman following her dream to own a couture gown.
The Paul Mescal-starring father-daughter drama received 16 nominations this year, and won best cinematography for Gregory Oke; best editing for Blair McClendon; and best music supervision — a new category this year — for Lucy Bright.
Best casting went to ten-time BIFA nominee Shaheen Baig for “Blue Jean.” The 1980s-set film, which follows a young schoolteacher forced to lead a double life, has been nominated for 13 BIFAs in total, including best British independent film.
Elsewhere, with nine nominations this year, including best British independent film, Oliver Hermanus’ “Living” received best production design for Helen Scott.
Sebastián Lelio’s 19th century-set thriller “The Wonder,” which received 12 nominations, won best original music for Matthew Herbert.
Jenny Beavan also won best costume design for “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” which stars Lesley Manville as a woman following her dream to own a couture gown.
- 11/18/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Prizes for ‘Blue Jean’, ‘The Wonder’, ‘Living’ and more.
Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun has topped the winners in the craft categories at the British Independent Film Awards (Bifas), taking three of the 10 prizes on offer.
Released into 109 UK-Ireland cinemas today (Nov 18) by Mubi, Aftersun received the best cinematography prize for Gregory Oke; best editing for Blair McClendon; and the new best music supervision award for Lucy Bright.
Scroll down for the full list of Bifa 2022 craft winners
The film recorded the second-most Bifa nominations ever for a single title last week with 16. With three of its nine craft nominations converted to wins,...
Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun has topped the winners in the craft categories at the British Independent Film Awards (Bifas), taking three of the 10 prizes on offer.
Released into 109 UK-Ireland cinemas today (Nov 18) by Mubi, Aftersun received the best cinematography prize for Gregory Oke; best editing for Blair McClendon; and the new best music supervision award for Lucy Bright.
Scroll down for the full list of Bifa 2022 craft winners
The film recorded the second-most Bifa nominations ever for a single title last week with 16. With three of its nine craft nominations converted to wins,...
- 11/18/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Collaboration adds extra depth and layers to the creative process, often presenting something new and exciting that otherwise wouldn't have been thought of. Alex Garland, most known for his sci-fi oriented films "Ex-Machina" and "Annihilation," has often spoken about how he finds the filmmaking process, by its very nature, to be a collaborative process. As he explained in a discussion at the National Film and Television School (Nfts), the collaboration in filmmaking is what makes the process exciting for him compared to the isolating nature of writing novels (which is how he began his career). It's that approach that has followed Garland throughout the entirety of his directorial career.
Collaboration was a vital element behind his most recently released film, "Men." A horror folktale with a focus on the age-old dynamics between men and women, "Men" follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) taking some time to herself in the British countryside.
Collaboration was a vital element behind his most recently released film, "Men." A horror folktale with a focus on the age-old dynamics between men and women, "Men" follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) taking some time to herself in the British countryside.
- 9/11/2022
- by Sarah Musnicky
- Slash Film
This article contains significant spoilers for Men.
Alex Garland’s A24 horror movie Men, available now on Digital and Blu-ray, takes viewers from slow-simmering folk horror to full-blown surrealistic body horror insanity.
The film stars Jessie Buckley as Harper, who retreats to a countryside rental estate to start fresh after her husband’s (Paapa Essiedu) untimely death. The estate’s owner, Geoffrey (Rory Kinnear), awkwardly gives her a tour of the place and then leaves her to get settled. Harper’s plans for peace get shattered quickly, though, when a walk through the neighboring woods catches the attention of someone who appears to stalk her.
That someone takes the appearance of various men around her, all played by Kinnear. Or, in the case of the child characters, a combination of actor Zak Rothera-Oxley and a digitally superimposed Kinnear. Harper’s present torment dovetails with her past; she’s as haunted...
Alex Garland’s A24 horror movie Men, available now on Digital and Blu-ray, takes viewers from slow-simmering folk horror to full-blown surrealistic body horror insanity.
The film stars Jessie Buckley as Harper, who retreats to a countryside rental estate to start fresh after her husband’s (Paapa Essiedu) untimely death. The estate’s owner, Geoffrey (Rory Kinnear), awkwardly gives her a tour of the place and then leaves her to get settled. Harper’s plans for peace get shattered quickly, though, when a walk through the neighboring woods catches the attention of someone who appears to stalk her.
That someone takes the appearance of various men around her, all played by Kinnear. Or, in the case of the child characters, a combination of actor Zak Rothera-Oxley and a digitally superimposed Kinnear. Harper’s present torment dovetails with her past; she’s as haunted...
- 8/30/2022
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
With all cinemas in the country now allowed to trade, the national box office was up 67 per cent last weekend, and for the first time in almost three months, two titles earned more than $1 million.
According to Numero, the top 20 films tallied $5.6 million, the highest result since mid-July.
Cinemas in Melbourne could open their doors again at 6pm Friday to 75 per cent capacity, and cinemas in Canberra reopened the same day.
Carlton’s Cinema Nova recordd a respectable restart, with Friday evening front-loaded.
“Cinema Nova’s top films were Australian drama Nitram and The Last Duel, the latter of which we ranked first in Victoria despite a wide release. We also saw decent starts for Pig and Lamb, as well as Anthony Bourdain documentary Roadrunner. In all three cases we were the top-ranked venue in the country,” CEO Kristian Connelly tells If.
“It’s our view that awareness of cinemas...
According to Numero, the top 20 films tallied $5.6 million, the highest result since mid-July.
Cinemas in Melbourne could open their doors again at 6pm Friday to 75 per cent capacity, and cinemas in Canberra reopened the same day.
Carlton’s Cinema Nova recordd a respectable restart, with Friday evening front-loaded.
“Cinema Nova’s top films were Australian drama Nitram and The Last Duel, the latter of which we ranked first in Victoria despite a wide release. We also saw decent starts for Pig and Lamb, as well as Anthony Bourdain documentary Roadrunner. In all three cases we were the top-ranked venue in the country,” CEO Kristian Connelly tells If.
“It’s our view that awareness of cinemas...
- 11/1/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
With the Sydney market emerging from lockdown, the national box office got a 72 per cent boost last weekend, despite the absence of major new releases.
According to Numero the top 20 films tallied $3.1 million, up from the previous weekend’s $1.8 million, a record low for the year.
All cinemas in Nsw can now open at 75 per cent capacity or one person per four square metres; whichever is larger. However, the market is not back to full health as yet, with indoor seated entertainment venues in Melbourne still closed and will remain so until the state reaches an 80 per cent vaccination rate. Southern Tasmania also entered a three-day lockdown on Friday, and cinemas remain closed in the Act.
However, the weekend’s improved result indicates there is some pent-up demand to return to the cinemas, a positive sign ahead of larger scale releases re-entering the market from this Thursday, starting with Warner Bros....
According to Numero the top 20 films tallied $3.1 million, up from the previous weekend’s $1.8 million, a record low for the year.
All cinemas in Nsw can now open at 75 per cent capacity or one person per four square metres; whichever is larger. However, the market is not back to full health as yet, with indoor seated entertainment venues in Melbourne still closed and will remain so until the state reaches an 80 per cent vaccination rate. Southern Tasmania also entered a three-day lockdown on Friday, and cinemas remain closed in the Act.
However, the weekend’s improved result indicates there is some pent-up demand to return to the cinemas, a positive sign ahead of larger scale releases re-entering the market from this Thursday, starting with Warner Bros....
- 10/18/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
While family audiences finally have a little more variety at cinemas by way of Paw Patrol: The Movie and Ainbo: Amazon Princess, neither new release were a match for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Free Guy at the box office last weekend.
Paramount’s Paw Patrol: The Movie opened at no. 3, ringing up $235,097 from 173 screens. Paid previews on the title have been running since August 21, so in total the animated feature is on $956,192.
The result has helped the film cross $US100 million ($137.8 million) worldwide, following openings in territories such as the UK August 9 and North America August 22, where it was simultaneously released on Paramount+.
Considering Rialto’s Ainbo: Amazon Princess is not based on established IP like Paw Patrol, its opening weekend of $105,464 from 143 locations is a decent result, seeing it premiere in sixth position.
Directed by José Zelada and Richard Claus, the animation follows a young girl named Ainbo,...
Paramount’s Paw Patrol: The Movie opened at no. 3, ringing up $235,097 from 173 screens. Paid previews on the title have been running since August 21, so in total the animated feature is on $956,192.
The result has helped the film cross $US100 million ($137.8 million) worldwide, following openings in territories such as the UK August 9 and North America August 22, where it was simultaneously released on Paramount+.
Considering Rialto’s Ainbo: Amazon Princess is not based on established IP like Paw Patrol, its opening weekend of $105,464 from 143 locations is a decent result, seeing it premiere in sixth position.
Directed by José Zelada and Richard Claus, the animation follows a young girl named Ainbo,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
With little by way of competition, Disney’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings easily held the no. 1 position at the box office last weekend.
The first Marvel title to feature an Asian lead and an predominantly Asian cast, Shang-Chi mustered $1.4 million in its second frame, a drop of 28 per cent, moving to $4 million.
It is a good result for the title given how heavily disrupted the marketplace is, and the Simu Liu and Awkwafina-starrer will likely get a boost this Thursday when it in released in the cinemas previously closed in parts of regional Victoria and Nsw.
Cinemas in regional Victoria (except Greater Shepparton) were able to reopen last Thursday, however under severe restrictions; 20 people per cinema. In certain parts of regional Nsw, theatres were back online Saturday morning at one person per 4 square metres or 75 per cent of seating capacity. Masks are compulsory indoors in both states.
The first Marvel title to feature an Asian lead and an predominantly Asian cast, Shang-Chi mustered $1.4 million in its second frame, a drop of 28 per cent, moving to $4 million.
It is a good result for the title given how heavily disrupted the marketplace is, and the Simu Liu and Awkwafina-starrer will likely get a boost this Thursday when it in released in the cinemas previously closed in parts of regional Victoria and Nsw.
Cinemas in regional Victoria (except Greater Shepparton) were able to reopen last Thursday, however under severe restrictions; 20 people per cinema. In certain parts of regional Nsw, theatres were back online Saturday morning at one person per 4 square metres or 75 per cent of seating capacity. Masks are compulsory indoors in both states.
- 9/13/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
In more open theatrical markets like the US and the UK, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – the first Marvel film to feature an Asian lead and a predominantly Asian cast – is breaking pandemic-era records.
In Australia, the Sydney-shot title bowed on $1.9 million ($2.1 million with previews); a result that would be fairly unimaginable for a MCU film in normal times but one that is the reality with such a significant portion of the market shut.
Nonetheless, it marks best opening weekend for a film since Space Jam: A New Legacy, outpacing Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad and Free Guy.
Given how disrupted the landscape is, a perhaps more accurate way to ascertain how Shang-Chi is being received locally is in its screen average; it averaged a very healthy $7,435 across the 262 screens it played. It also had 55 per cent market share.
Indeed, the mood of exhibitors who could play the film appears buoyant,...
In Australia, the Sydney-shot title bowed on $1.9 million ($2.1 million with previews); a result that would be fairly unimaginable for a MCU film in normal times but one that is the reality with such a significant portion of the market shut.
Nonetheless, it marks best opening weekend for a film since Space Jam: A New Legacy, outpacing Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad and Free Guy.
Given how disrupted the landscape is, a perhaps more accurate way to ascertain how Shang-Chi is being received locally is in its screen average; it averaged a very healthy $7,435 across the 262 screens it played. It also had 55 per cent market share.
Indeed, the mood of exhibitors who could play the film appears buoyant,...
- 9/6/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Disney’s Free Guy was pipped at the post by Warner Bros.’ The Suicide Squad on its opening weekend, but the Ryan Reynolds-starrer’s second outing proved the film has legs, even in a disrupted market.
The sci-fi action comedy rang up $1.3 million over the weekend to take no. 1, a dip of just 5 per cent. By screen average that’s a better performance than its debut, at $5,297 per screen, and the result sees it advance to $2.7 million.
These sorts of figures are the new normal for films while the Delta outbreak has cinemas shut in the country’s largest markets, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as regional Victoria, Nsw and the Act.
Recent days have seen several date changes, including most significantly Universal’s No Time To Die, which has moved from September 30 to November 11.
‘Respect’.
The most successful new release of the weekend was Universal’s Aretha Franklin biopic Respect,...
The sci-fi action comedy rang up $1.3 million over the weekend to take no. 1, a dip of just 5 per cent. By screen average that’s a better performance than its debut, at $5,297 per screen, and the result sees it advance to $2.7 million.
These sorts of figures are the new normal for films while the Delta outbreak has cinemas shut in the country’s largest markets, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as regional Victoria, Nsw and the Act.
Recent days have seen several date changes, including most significantly Universal’s No Time To Die, which has moved from September 30 to November 11.
‘Respect’.
The most successful new release of the weekend was Universal’s Aretha Franklin biopic Respect,...
- 8/24/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
With audiences emerging from lockdown in South East Queensland, Cairns and regional Victoria, DC/Warner Bros.’ The Suicide Squad held no. 1 at the box office, narrowly defeating Disney’s new sci-fi, Free Guy.
Collectively the two films had a 64 per cent market share, proving the key choices for those still able to go to the movies.
On Friday, cinemas in the nation’s capital closed as the Act entered lockdown, and the next day those across all of regional Nsw shut as a statewide lockdown was imposed. Theatres in Greater Sydney have been closed for eight weeks now, while Melbourne’s cinemas are also shuttered.
Majestic Cinemas operates across regional Nsw and parts of Queensland, and CEO Kieren Dell tells If the lockdowns are “predictably devastating”, particularly with major releases like The Suicide Squad and Jungle Cruise doing decent business. In one small blessing, the Nsw release of Free Guy had already moved to September.
Collectively the two films had a 64 per cent market share, proving the key choices for those still able to go to the movies.
On Friday, cinemas in the nation’s capital closed as the Act entered lockdown, and the next day those across all of regional Nsw shut as a statewide lockdown was imposed. Theatres in Greater Sydney have been closed for eight weeks now, while Melbourne’s cinemas are also shuttered.
Majestic Cinemas operates across regional Nsw and parts of Queensland, and CEO Kieren Dell tells If the lockdowns are “predictably devastating”, particularly with major releases like The Suicide Squad and Jungle Cruise doing decent business. In one small blessing, the Nsw release of Free Guy had already moved to September.
- 8/17/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
With Sydney’s cinemas still shuttered, a snap lockdown in effect in South East Queensland, Victorian and South Australian theatres just reopening, and the Olympics competing for eyeballs, it wasn’t going to be smooth sailing for Disney’s Jungle Cruise.
Based on the theme park ride and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, the adventure film opened to $1.6 million from 372 screens; a decent average of $4,215.
Audiences in lockdown may have opted to watch the title via Disney+ Premier Access for $34.99. Like with Black Widow, the Mouse House has released Jungle Cruise‘s global earnings via the digital platform, coming it at more than $US30 million. That makes up around a third of total revenue, with the worldwide theatrical result at $US61.8 million.
Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If Jungle Cruise didn’t perform badly at his circuit, but slightly below expectation.
“It has a pulse at least! Everything else was pretty soft,...
Based on the theme park ride and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, the adventure film opened to $1.6 million from 372 screens; a decent average of $4,215.
Audiences in lockdown may have opted to watch the title via Disney+ Premier Access for $34.99. Like with Black Widow, the Mouse House has released Jungle Cruise‘s global earnings via the digital platform, coming it at more than $US30 million. That makes up around a third of total revenue, with the worldwide theatrical result at $US61.8 million.
Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If Jungle Cruise didn’t perform badly at his circuit, but slightly below expectation.
“It has a pulse at least! Everything else was pretty soft,...
- 8/3/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Space Jam: A New Legacy did bumper business during school holiday advance screenings, but its official opening over the weekend was hampered by cinema closures in the country’s largest markets.
Nonetheless, the standalone sequel to the 1996 original film bowed on a $2.3 million from 370 screens for Warner Bros, or a respectable average of $6,193 per screen. That opening takes the Looney Tunes hybrid animation, directed by Malcolm D. Lee and starring LeBron James, to a solid $8.7 million.
Among those who have found success with the title is South Australia chain Wallis Cinemas, with programming manager David Simpson noting families are keen to get out.
“Space Jam continued to excel for us in the last week of Sa school holidays,” he tells If.
“We still saw good numbers from Peter Rabbit 2 and Spirit Untamed. Families want to get out so with three notable animations next holidays, things look encouraging.”
For Majestic...
Nonetheless, the standalone sequel to the 1996 original film bowed on a $2.3 million from 370 screens for Warner Bros, or a respectable average of $6,193 per screen. That opening takes the Looney Tunes hybrid animation, directed by Malcolm D. Lee and starring LeBron James, to a solid $8.7 million.
Among those who have found success with the title is South Australia chain Wallis Cinemas, with programming manager David Simpson noting families are keen to get out.
“Space Jam continued to excel for us in the last week of Sa school holidays,” he tells If.
“We still saw good numbers from Peter Rabbit 2 and Spirit Untamed. Families want to get out so with three notable animations next holidays, things look encouraging.”
For Majestic...
- 7/19/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Just over a week ago, The Fate of the Furious revved into cinemas, posting the highest opening weekend since the pandemic began. Many exhibitors were therefore excited about the future promise of school holidays and two other upcoming major releases, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard and In The Heights.
But what a difference a week can make. New outbreaks of the virus are impacting cinemas across the country and disrupting the market.
The situation is rapidly evolving, but cinemas in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, are now shuttered amid a city-wide lockdown that will last until at least July 9.
That date will already see Sydney cinemas shut during the highly anticipated release of Disney/Marvel’s Black Widow, directed by Aussie Cate Shortland, on July 8.
Elsewhere in Nsw, mask-wearing indoors, including cinemas, has been re-introduced, as has the one person per four square metres rule.
But what a difference a week can make. New outbreaks of the virus are impacting cinemas across the country and disrupting the market.
The situation is rapidly evolving, but cinemas in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, are now shuttered amid a city-wide lockdown that will last until at least July 9.
That date will already see Sydney cinemas shut during the highly anticipated release of Disney/Marvel’s Black Widow, directed by Aussie Cate Shortland, on July 8.
Elsewhere in Nsw, mask-wearing indoors, including cinemas, has been re-introduced, as has the one person per four square metres rule.
- 6/28/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Horrors The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and A Quiet Place Part II might have led the box office last weekend, but the national tally was far from scary – even despite the Melbourne lockdown.
Warner Bros’ Conjuring 3 was no. 1, bowing on $2.9 million from 321 screens. That marks the third highest opening for a film in the supernatural universe, which consists of eight films.
Based on the 1981 murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the film sees Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as husband-and-wife paranormal investigators. Aussie James Wan produces with Peter Safran, with Michael Chaves directing from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who conceived the story with Wan.
The film’s result, which works out a whopping $8,998 per screen, is significant given cinemas in Melbourne were closed for the second weekend running.
Elsewhere in Victoria, cinemas were able to reopen with a cap of 25 per cent venue capacity,...
Warner Bros’ Conjuring 3 was no. 1, bowing on $2.9 million from 321 screens. That marks the third highest opening for a film in the supernatural universe, which consists of eight films.
Based on the 1981 murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the film sees Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as husband-and-wife paranormal investigators. Aussie James Wan produces with Peter Safran, with Michael Chaves directing from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who conceived the story with Wan.
The film’s result, which works out a whopping $8,998 per screen, is significant given cinemas in Melbourne were closed for the second weekend running.
Elsewhere in Victoria, cinemas were able to reopen with a cap of 25 per cent venue capacity,...
- 6/7/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
With no new major releases, last weekend saw the lowest box office tally of the year so far.
The environment saw Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man, already four weeks in release via Studiocanal, top the box office with just $719,734, moving to $6 million.
Summing the weekend, Wallis Cinemas programming manager David Simpson tells If: “When Honey I Shrunk the Kids is your number one film it feels surreal.”
The weekend also saw significant discounting from some exhibitors, including Palace Cinemas in Melbourne, Sydney and Byron Bay and the Lido, Classic, Cameo and the Ritz, which are offering $5 tickets until tomorrow.
Overall, the top 20 titles amassed a paltry $3.9 million, down 35 per cent on the previous, according to Numero.
Despite the quiet, many exhibitors are excited for this promise of this week’s Quiet Place Part II and Cruella, as well as a slew of other new releases scheduled for the coming...
The environment saw Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man, already four weeks in release via Studiocanal, top the box office with just $719,734, moving to $6 million.
Summing the weekend, Wallis Cinemas programming manager David Simpson tells If: “When Honey I Shrunk the Kids is your number one film it feels surreal.”
The weekend also saw significant discounting from some exhibitors, including Palace Cinemas in Melbourne, Sydney and Byron Bay and the Lido, Classic, Cameo and the Ritz, which are offering $5 tickets until tomorrow.
Overall, the top 20 titles amassed a paltry $3.9 million, down 35 per cent on the previous, according to Numero.
Despite the quiet, many exhibitors are excited for this promise of this week’s Quiet Place Part II and Cruella, as well as a slew of other new releases scheduled for the coming...
- 5/25/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Warner Bros.’ Godzilla vs. Kong has posted the highest opening weekend of any film post-covid, in a hopeful sign that audiences are ready to come back to cinemas for blockbusters.
Opening on 557 screens, the Queensland-shot monster flick amassed $7.7 million, or $8.1 million with previews, a result that already eclipses the lifetime cume of Godzilla: King of Monsters.
That figure alone is also more than the entire national box office last weekend, when receipts totalled just $5.9 million.
Godzilla vs. Kong opens in the US this week, but has already made US$122 million internationally. In China, it captured 82 per cent of the market, making it the biggest foreign title of both 2020 and 2021.
IMAX grosses make up around 10 per cent of the international figure. The film was similarly a success at IMAX Melbourne, with Gm Richard Morrison telling If the on screen spectacle of the monster brawl has been a big drawcard.
“This past...
Opening on 557 screens, the Queensland-shot monster flick amassed $7.7 million, or $8.1 million with previews, a result that already eclipses the lifetime cume of Godzilla: King of Monsters.
That figure alone is also more than the entire national box office last weekend, when receipts totalled just $5.9 million.
Godzilla vs. Kong opens in the US this week, but has already made US$122 million internationally. In China, it captured 82 per cent of the market, making it the biggest foreign title of both 2020 and 2021.
IMAX grosses make up around 10 per cent of the international figure. The film was similarly a success at IMAX Melbourne, with Gm Richard Morrison telling If the on screen spectacle of the monster brawl has been a big drawcard.
“This past...
- 3/29/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
While Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon could hardly be accused of setting the box office on fire, the animated film held over the weekend and easily outstripped the competition.
Indeed, the box office office rankings look little different than last week, as new releases Cosmic Sin, Then Came You, Judas and the Black Messiah did middling numbers.
Overall, the top 20 films made $5 million, or 13 per down on the previous, with the box office sluggish ahead of new releases such as Godzilla Vs. Kong and Peter Rabbit 2 later this month.
Local feature doc Girls Can’t Surf, from Madman, bowed shy of the top 10 on $103,818 from 113 screens, taking it to a respectable $344,961 with previews.
Directed by Christopher Nelius, the film tells the story of how a “ragtag bunch of inspired, punk girls” took on the male-dominated sport of professional surfing in order to achieve equality. Featured are surfing greats Jodie Cooper,...
Indeed, the box office office rankings look little different than last week, as new releases Cosmic Sin, Then Came You, Judas and the Black Messiah did middling numbers.
Overall, the top 20 films made $5 million, or 13 per down on the previous, with the box office sluggish ahead of new releases such as Godzilla Vs. Kong and Peter Rabbit 2 later this month.
Local feature doc Girls Can’t Surf, from Madman, bowed shy of the top 10 on $103,818 from 113 screens, taking it to a respectable $344,961 with previews.
Directed by Christopher Nelius, the film tells the story of how a “ragtag bunch of inspired, punk girls” took on the male-dominated sport of professional surfing in order to achieve equality. Featured are surfing greats Jodie Cooper,...
- 3/15/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Australia’s lucky run at the box office continues. Four out of the five highest grossing films last weekend were local titles, with new release Long Story Short joining the ranks with The Dry, Penguin Bloom and High Ground.
However, the national Bo was depressed, with Victorian cinemas – which typically boast around 27 per cent national market share – shuttered in the wake of a state-wide lockdown.
Roadshow’s The Dry remains the top performer, adding $711,168 in its seventh weekend to progress to $17.3 million; it is now the 15th highest grossing Australian film of all time (without adjusting for inflation).
Stablemate Penguin Bloom was again no. 2, bringing in $444,989 to advance to $5.9 million.
Writer-director Josh Lawson’s Long Story Short opened on $315,590 from 278 screens for Studiocanal, or $332,961 with previews.
The rom-com follows Teddy (Rafe Spall), a serial procrastinator who wakes up the morning after his wedding to discover that he’s jumped forward a year in his life.
However, the national Bo was depressed, with Victorian cinemas – which typically boast around 27 per cent national market share – shuttered in the wake of a state-wide lockdown.
Roadshow’s The Dry remains the top performer, adding $711,168 in its seventh weekend to progress to $17.3 million; it is now the 15th highest grossing Australian film of all time (without adjusting for inflation).
Stablemate Penguin Bloom was again no. 2, bringing in $444,989 to advance to $5.9 million.
Writer-director Josh Lawson’s Long Story Short opened on $315,590 from 278 screens for Studiocanal, or $332,961 with previews.
The rom-com follows Teddy (Rafe Spall), a serial procrastinator who wakes up the morning after his wedding to discover that he’s jumped forward a year in his life.
- 2/15/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
It’s a rare feat for an Australian film to break through to the top of the box office, let alone for two local titles to lead the weekend’s rankings. But Penguin Bloom and The Dry have done just that.
Roadshow Films’ Penguin Bloom, directed by Glendyn Ivin and starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, opened on $1.5 million from 398 screens, or $1.7 million with previews, to come out on top.
Stablemate The Dry was close behind, netting $1.4 million over its fourth weekend to cross $12 million overall. Each film was produced by production company Made Up Stories, led by Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson.
For Roadshow Films CEO Joel Pearlman, both titles’ results are testament to audiences’ desire to support home-grown filmmaking. He argues “now is the time for Australia to champion its bold stories and beautiful locations with the world.”
“It’s remarkable that the two...
Roadshow Films’ Penguin Bloom, directed by Glendyn Ivin and starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, opened on $1.5 million from 398 screens, or $1.7 million with previews, to come out on top.
Stablemate The Dry was close behind, netting $1.4 million over its fourth weekend to cross $12 million overall. Each film was produced by production company Made Up Stories, led by Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson.
For Roadshow Films CEO Joel Pearlman, both titles’ results are testament to audiences’ desire to support home-grown filmmaking. He argues “now is the time for Australia to champion its bold stories and beautiful locations with the world.”
“It’s remarkable that the two...
- 1/25/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Despite the reemergence of Covid-19 cases and restrictions in some states, the holiday period has proved lucrative for many exhibitors thanks to Wonder Woman 1984, The Croods: A New Age and local film The Dry.
And while there’s promise in titles like this week’s Penguin Bloom, some cinema owners have concerns regarding the lack of big name releases over the coming weeks and months.
Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If a strong period is “tailing off fast”, as cinemas don’t have access to the usual depth of product to sustain themselves through the six weeks of school holidays.
Or as outlined by Cinema Nova CEO Kristian Connelly: “The challenge for the coming months will be the absence of ‘big ticket’ titles that usually populate this time of year but each week is bringing more attractive releases to cinemas that should help get audiences back in the habit of going to the movies.
And while there’s promise in titles like this week’s Penguin Bloom, some cinema owners have concerns regarding the lack of big name releases over the coming weeks and months.
Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If a strong period is “tailing off fast”, as cinemas don’t have access to the usual depth of product to sustain themselves through the six weeks of school holidays.
Or as outlined by Cinema Nova CEO Kristian Connelly: “The challenge for the coming months will be the absence of ‘big ticket’ titles that usually populate this time of year but each week is bringing more attractive releases to cinemas that should help get audiences back in the habit of going to the movies.
- 1/18/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
For the first time since cinemas reopened, two titles have earned more than $1 million in a single weekend, with The Witches bowing and The War With Grandpa continuing to climb.
It’s a positive sign for exhibitors in the lead up to the school holidays and the end of year, with titles The Croods: A New Age, Wonder Woman 1984 and The Dry all on the horizon.
Robert Zemeckis’ Roald Dahl adaptation, starring Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer, ranked no. 1, opening on $1.13 million from 396 screens (or $1.6 million with previews) for Warner Bros.
While some exhibitors are dismayed by the film’s M-rating, arguing it limits how accessible it is for families, it is still the best opening weekend for any film since Christopher Nolan’s Tenet on August 27.
It’s also equivalent with The Addams Family, a WB title released this time last year, in a pre-covid world.
Village Cinemas’ Geoff...
It’s a positive sign for exhibitors in the lead up to the school holidays and the end of year, with titles The Croods: A New Age, Wonder Woman 1984 and The Dry all on the horizon.
Robert Zemeckis’ Roald Dahl adaptation, starring Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer, ranked no. 1, opening on $1.13 million from 396 screens (or $1.6 million with previews) for Warner Bros.
While some exhibitors are dismayed by the film’s M-rating, arguing it limits how accessible it is for families, it is still the best opening weekend for any film since Christopher Nolan’s Tenet on August 27.
It’s also equivalent with The Addams Family, a WB title released this time last year, in a pre-covid world.
Village Cinemas’ Geoff...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Queer Christmas rom-com Happiest Season helped to breathe some needed new life into the Aussie box office over the weekend, though most exhibitors continue to eagerly hang out for end-of-year releases Wonder Woman 1984 and The Dry.
Directed by Clea DuVall, Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who plans to propose to girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) over Christmas with her family. Little does Abby realise, Harper is not out to her parents.
The Sony title, which also stars Alison Brie, Dan Levy and Audrey Plaza, opened at number one, collecting $553,424 from 247 screens.
Close behind was WB’s Tenet, which despite being its 14th frame, continues to have life thanks to Victorian cinemagoers. The Christopher Nolan film notched $529,279 from 145 screens, 3 per cent up on last week. Overall, the thriller now sits north of $10.3 million.
The opening performance Universal’s neo-Western Let Him Go, which stars Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as two...
Directed by Clea DuVall, Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who plans to propose to girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) over Christmas with her family. Little does Abby realise, Harper is not out to her parents.
The Sony title, which also stars Alison Brie, Dan Levy and Audrey Plaza, opened at number one, collecting $553,424 from 247 screens.
Close behind was WB’s Tenet, which despite being its 14th frame, continues to have life thanks to Victorian cinemagoers. The Christopher Nolan film notched $529,279 from 145 screens, 3 per cent up on last week. Overall, the thriller now sits north of $10.3 million.
The opening performance Universal’s neo-Western Let Him Go, which stars Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as two...
- 11/30/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Victorian cinemagoers have propelled Christopher Nolan’s Tenet back to the top of the local box office, with exhibitors in the state further encouraged by loosening of capacity restrictions from today.
The Warner Bros. title, now 13 weeks in release Australia-wide, brought in $512,954 from 139 screens, advancing to $13.5 million.
IMAX Melbourne reopened last Thursday with back-to-back screenings of the thriller, with Nolan having recorded an exclusive message for the cinema.
It is one of just 13 sites in the world to screen it on IMAX 1570 film; the majority of Tenet was shot with IMAX 15 perforation 70mm (1570) film cameras.
“All upcoming sessions of Tenet are largely sold out and we will be releasing more tickets this week to accommodate demand,” IMAX Melbourne Gm Richard Morrison tells If.
Tenet‘s result meant Australia was once again the second highest performing market for the film last weekend after the US. Globally, the title has now reached $US356 million.
The Warner Bros. title, now 13 weeks in release Australia-wide, brought in $512,954 from 139 screens, advancing to $13.5 million.
IMAX Melbourne reopened last Thursday with back-to-back screenings of the thriller, with Nolan having recorded an exclusive message for the cinema.
It is one of just 13 sites in the world to screen it on IMAX 1570 film; the majority of Tenet was shot with IMAX 15 perforation 70mm (1570) film cameras.
“All upcoming sessions of Tenet are largely sold out and we will be releasing more tickets this week to accommodate demand,” IMAX Melbourne Gm Richard Morrison tells If.
Tenet‘s result meant Australia was once again the second highest performing market for the film last weekend after the US. Globally, the title has now reached $US356 million.
- 11/23/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Universal/Blumhouse’s comedy horror Freaky may have opened on top of the box office last weekend, but reopened cinemas in Victoria saw Warner Bros.’ Tenet only a step behind.
Directed and co-written by Christopher Landon, Freaky is a play on Freaky Friday that sees a high school student unintentionally switch bodies with a serial killer.
Starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton, the film has received positive reviews, boasting a 85 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Locally it posted $586,260 from some 266 screens, while global takings stand at $USD5.6 million.
Yet perhaps the most notable performer of the weekend was Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which jumped a whopping 496 per cent on the previous frame to ring up $578,999 from 149 screens; the largest screen average of the week.
That revival is attributable to Victorian cinemas, which were able to reopen last week after five months of lockdown.
Such a boost for the...
Directed and co-written by Christopher Landon, Freaky is a play on Freaky Friday that sees a high school student unintentionally switch bodies with a serial killer.
Starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton, the film has received positive reviews, boasting a 85 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Locally it posted $586,260 from some 266 screens, while global takings stand at $USD5.6 million.
Yet perhaps the most notable performer of the weekend was Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which jumped a whopping 496 per cent on the previous frame to ring up $578,999 from 149 screens; the largest screen average of the week.
That revival is attributable to Victorian cinemas, which were able to reopen last week after five months of lockdown.
Such a boost for the...
- 11/16/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Amid a dearth of new major releases, exhibitors are pleased with the staying power of Roadshow Films’ Rams, which held onto the top spot at the box office over its second weekend, as well as Rialto’s Honest Thief and R & R Films’ Never Too Late.
The only major opener for the weekend was Studiocanal’s Radioactive, bowing in third on a middling $178,416 from 180 screens with previews.
Directed by Marjane Satrapi, the drama stars Rosamund Pike as Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie as she tries to explain to the world previously unknown radioactive elements. It soon becomes evident that her work could lead to applications in medicine that could save thousands of lives, or applications in warfare that could destroy them by the billions.
Premiering as the Closing Night Gala at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Radioactive has gone straight-to-streaming in other major markets such as the US and UK given the pandemic.
The only major opener for the weekend was Studiocanal’s Radioactive, bowing in third on a middling $178,416 from 180 screens with previews.
Directed by Marjane Satrapi, the drama stars Rosamund Pike as Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie as she tries to explain to the world previously unknown radioactive elements. It soon becomes evident that her work could lead to applications in medicine that could save thousands of lives, or applications in warfare that could destroy them by the billions.
Premiering as the Closing Night Gala at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Radioactive has gone straight-to-streaming in other major markets such as the US and UK given the pandemic.
- 11/9/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
In a boost to cinemas, Roadshow’s local comedy-drama Rams has posted the third highest opening weekend post-covid, behind only Tenet and After We Collided.
Opening on 298 screens and earning $809,177 ($1.27 million with previews), Roadshow CEO Joel Pearlman has touted the result, arguing it proves Australian audiences are enthusiastic to return to cinemas.
A reimagining of 2015 Icelandic drama Hrútar, Jeremy Sims’ directs the Michael Caton and Sam Neill-starrer which follows two estranged brothers as they raise separate flocks of sheep descended from their family’s prized bloodline. When a rare disease threatens their stock, they have to work together to save their sheep, their small town and their family’s legacy.
Over the weekend, Neill was nominated for the Aacta Award Best Lead Actor for his performance. The supporting cast includes Miranda Richardson, Wayne Blair, Leon Ford, Travis McMahon, Asher Keddie, Hayley McElhinney, Kipan Rothbury and newcomers Asher Yasbincek and Will McNeill.
Opening on 298 screens and earning $809,177 ($1.27 million with previews), Roadshow CEO Joel Pearlman has touted the result, arguing it proves Australian audiences are enthusiastic to return to cinemas.
A reimagining of 2015 Icelandic drama Hrútar, Jeremy Sims’ directs the Michael Caton and Sam Neill-starrer which follows two estranged brothers as they raise separate flocks of sheep descended from their family’s prized bloodline. When a rare disease threatens their stock, they have to work together to save their sheep, their small town and their family’s legacy.
Over the weekend, Neill was nominated for the Aacta Award Best Lead Actor for his performance. The supporting cast includes Miranda Richardson, Wayne Blair, Leon Ford, Travis McMahon, Asher Keddie, Hayley McElhinney, Kipan Rothbury and newcomers Asher Yasbincek and Will McNeill.
- 11/2/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Genre festival has set a new opening film after cancelling its physical edition.
UK genre festival Frightfest has extended its programme and set a new opening film for this year’s edition after deciding to move the event online.
The festival was due to take place in London from October 22-25, opening with South Korean zombie thriller Train To Busan Presents: Peninsula, but was cancelled as a result of the pandemic.
Festfest 2020 will now take place virtually across the same dates, opening with the world premiere of US horror Held, directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, the filmmaking duo behind The Gallows franchise.
UK genre festival Frightfest has extended its programme and set a new opening film for this year’s edition after deciding to move the event online.
The festival was due to take place in London from October 22-25, opening with South Korean zombie thriller Train To Busan Presents: Peninsula, but was cancelled as a result of the pandemic.
Festfest 2020 will now take place virtually across the same dates, opening with the world premiere of US horror Held, directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, the filmmaking duo behind The Gallows franchise.
- 10/1/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
‘Tenet.’
Exhibitors are anticipating a blockbuster opening this Thursday, even with caps on seating capacity, for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet after a sizable turnout for paid previews last weekend.
Warner Bros’ international spy thriller starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh played on more than 500 screens.
The distributor imposed a worldwide block on figures for the previews, which will be folded into the opening weekends in about 70 markets, but exhibitors’ feedback was highly positive.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Gm Alex Temesvari tells If: “We were extremely happy with the weekend business, which met my high expectations. The Orpheum had its best trading weekend since reopening by a wide margin.”
The audience at his venue, which is operating at about 30 per cent capacity, spanned a wide demographic, from teenagers to seniors.
“We have extremely high hopes for Tenet’s release this Thursday and expect a...
Exhibitors are anticipating a blockbuster opening this Thursday, even with caps on seating capacity, for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet after a sizable turnout for paid previews last weekend.
Warner Bros’ international spy thriller starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh played on more than 500 screens.
The distributor imposed a worldwide block on figures for the previews, which will be folded into the opening weekends in about 70 markets, but exhibitors’ feedback was highly positive.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Gm Alex Temesvari tells If: “We were extremely happy with the weekend business, which met my high expectations. The Orpheum had its best trading weekend since reopening by a wide margin.”
The audience at his venue, which is operating at about 30 per cent capacity, spanned a wide demographic, from teenagers to seniors.
“We have extremely high hopes for Tenet’s release this Thursday and expect a...
- 8/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Made in Italy.’
Madman Entertainment’s father-and-son comedy Made in Italy and Icon’s Mel Gibson starrer Force of Nature launched reasonably well last weekend but neither could match the market leader, Studiocanal’s Unhinged in its third frame.
Nonetheless exhibitors were encouraged by the uptick in ticket sales as proof that people are returning to cinemas in the lead-up to Warner Bros’ Tenet, which will have paid previews next weekend before the August 27 debut.
The re-issue of Disney’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope also juiced takings, as Numero reported the top 20 titles collared $2.3 million, up 10 per cent on the prior frame.
Magnum Films’ South Korean action horror film Peninsula and Rialto’s French import La Belle Époque had respectable debuts.
Director Derrick Borte’s road rage thriller Unhinged, which stars Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius, rang up $452,000 on 198 screens, hoisting the total to $2.3 million.
George Lucas...
Madman Entertainment’s father-and-son comedy Made in Italy and Icon’s Mel Gibson starrer Force of Nature launched reasonably well last weekend but neither could match the market leader, Studiocanal’s Unhinged in its third frame.
Nonetheless exhibitors were encouraged by the uptick in ticket sales as proof that people are returning to cinemas in the lead-up to Warner Bros’ Tenet, which will have paid previews next weekend before the August 27 debut.
The re-issue of Disney’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope also juiced takings, as Numero reported the top 20 titles collared $2.3 million, up 10 per cent on the prior frame.
Magnum Films’ South Korean action horror film Peninsula and Rialto’s French import La Belle Époque had respectable debuts.
Director Derrick Borte’s road rage thriller Unhinged, which stars Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius, rang up $452,000 on 198 screens, hoisting the total to $2.3 million.
George Lucas...
- 8/17/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Black Water: Abyss.’
Studiocanal’s road rage thriller Unhinged was the top choice again for cinemagoers in its second weekend while R&r Films’ Black Water: Abyss, director Andrew Traucki’s sequel to his 2007 cult-horror Black Water, opened on limited screens in Oz and the US.
Starved of new, wide releases, the market had to rely on holdovers as well as two French specialty films, Palace’s We’ll End Up Together and Umbrella Entertainment’s Deerskin.
The top 20 titles generated $2.1 million, 4 per cent up on the previous frame, according to Numero.
Directed by Derrick Borte and starring Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius, Unhinged rang up $701,000 on 193 screens, easing by a mere 12 per cent, upping the total to $1.7 million.
In second spot, Roadshow’s The Secret: Dare to Dream actually lifted its takings by 15 per cent to $259,000 in its second frame on 212. Director Andy Tennant’s adaptation of Rhonda Byrne...
Studiocanal’s road rage thriller Unhinged was the top choice again for cinemagoers in its second weekend while R&r Films’ Black Water: Abyss, director Andrew Traucki’s sequel to his 2007 cult-horror Black Water, opened on limited screens in Oz and the US.
Starved of new, wide releases, the market had to rely on holdovers as well as two French specialty films, Palace’s We’ll End Up Together and Umbrella Entertainment’s Deerskin.
The top 20 titles generated $2.1 million, 4 per cent up on the previous frame, according to Numero.
Directed by Derrick Borte and starring Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius, Unhinged rang up $701,000 on 193 screens, easing by a mere 12 per cent, upping the total to $1.7 million.
In second spot, Roadshow’s The Secret: Dare to Dream actually lifted its takings by 15 per cent to $259,000 in its second frame on 212. Director Andy Tennant’s adaptation of Rhonda Byrne...
- 8/10/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Unhinged.’
Australian critics scorned Unhinged but audiences turned out last weekend for the road rage thriller starring Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius.
The Studiocanal release, which stars Pistorius as a single mother who incurs the wrath of Crowe’s character, drummed up $802,000 on more than 200 screens.
Even so, ticket sales remain depressed with Melbourne’s cinemas closed (26 per cent of the market) and most locations operating on reduced sessions and with capacity limits.
The top 20 titles generated nearly $2 million, 11 per cent up on the previous frame, according to Numero, but nearly 90 per cent below the same weekend a year ago – $17.8 million – when Universal launched Fast & Furious Hobbs and Shaw.
Clearly the pandemic is deterring some cinemagoers. “I think that the fear of what is happening with Covid-19 is impacting audiences still, especially the older audience,” Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If.
“Most of the other movies we have on are aimed at that audience.
Australian critics scorned Unhinged but audiences turned out last weekend for the road rage thriller starring Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius.
The Studiocanal release, which stars Pistorius as a single mother who incurs the wrath of Crowe’s character, drummed up $802,000 on more than 200 screens.
Even so, ticket sales remain depressed with Melbourne’s cinemas closed (26 per cent of the market) and most locations operating on reduced sessions and with capacity limits.
The top 20 titles generated nearly $2 million, 11 per cent up on the previous frame, according to Numero, but nearly 90 per cent below the same weekend a year ago – $17.8 million – when Universal launched Fast & Furious Hobbs and Shaw.
Clearly the pandemic is deterring some cinemagoers. “I think that the fear of what is happening with Covid-19 is impacting audiences still, especially the older audience,” Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If.
“Most of the other movies we have on are aimed at that audience.
- 8/3/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Elisabeth Moss and Odessa Young in ‘Shirley.’
After The Invisible Man racked up more than $US125 million at cinemas worldwide – the bulk of it before the pandemic struck – Elisabeth Moss’ latest thriller Shirley had to face the realities of the pandemic-blighted cinema landscape.
Madman Entertainment launched the Josephine Decker-directed movie, which won the Us Dramatic Special Jury Award for Auteur Filmmaking at Sundance, on just 25 screens last weekend.
While the 4-day gross was a modest $30,000, that should be viewed in the context of a depressed theatrical market in which only 240 cinemas are operating and most tickets are half price.
The shutdown of Melbourne’s cinemas alone has robbed the market of 26 per cent of its normal takings. Commenting on the closure, Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola said last week: “A painful blow has been dealt to Melbournians, particularly people in entertainment, who are injured more than most.
“However, we will overcome this challenge.
After The Invisible Man racked up more than $US125 million at cinemas worldwide – the bulk of it before the pandemic struck – Elisabeth Moss’ latest thriller Shirley had to face the realities of the pandemic-blighted cinema landscape.
Madman Entertainment launched the Josephine Decker-directed movie, which won the Us Dramatic Special Jury Award for Auteur Filmmaking at Sundance, on just 25 screens last weekend.
While the 4-day gross was a modest $30,000, that should be viewed in the context of a depressed theatrical market in which only 240 cinemas are operating and most tickets are half price.
The shutdown of Melbourne’s cinemas alone has robbed the market of 26 per cent of its normal takings. Commenting on the closure, Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola said last week: “A painful blow has been dealt to Melbournians, particularly people in entertainment, who are injured more than most.
“However, we will overcome this challenge.
- 7/13/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘I Am Woman.’
Unjoo Moon’s debut feature I Am Woman will premiere on Stan as a Stan Original on August 28 – the latest in a growing list of Australian films to bypass cinemas as the pandemic continues to depress the theatrical market.
This follows the straight-to-streaming deals for Dean Murphy’s comedy The Very Excellent Mr Dundee,, Natalie Erika James’ Relic and digital releases Maziar Lahooti’s Below (July 8), Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones (May 6) and Alexs Stadermann’s animated feature 100% Wolf.
Cinemagoers may well feel aggrieved about missing the opportunity to see these films in cinemas, although Hearts and Bones and 100% Wolf did play on a handful of screens, as did Kriv Stenders’ Brock: Over the Top.
But distributors can hardly be blamed for opting not to spend up to a million dollars on marketing while ticket sales remain at historically low levels. Transmission Films had planned cinema...
Unjoo Moon’s debut feature I Am Woman will premiere on Stan as a Stan Original on August 28 – the latest in a growing list of Australian films to bypass cinemas as the pandemic continues to depress the theatrical market.
This follows the straight-to-streaming deals for Dean Murphy’s comedy The Very Excellent Mr Dundee,, Natalie Erika James’ Relic and digital releases Maziar Lahooti’s Below (July 8), Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones (May 6) and Alexs Stadermann’s animated feature 100% Wolf.
Cinemagoers may well feel aggrieved about missing the opportunity to see these films in cinemas, although Hearts and Bones and 100% Wolf did play on a handful of screens, as did Kriv Stenders’ Brock: Over the Top.
But distributors can hardly be blamed for opting not to spend up to a million dollars on marketing while ticket sales remain at historically low levels. Transmission Films had planned cinema...
- 7/12/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Birds of Prey’ (Photo credit: WB).
After flying high with Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Joker, the Warner Bros DC Comics universe has plummeted to earth with Birds of Prey.
The Suicide Squad spin-off starring Margot Robbie as the ass-kicking Harley Quinn opened in the lower realms for the superhero genre last weekend.
Even so, the top 20 takings generated $13.5 million, up 7 per cent on the previous frame, according to the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia.
André Rieu fans turned out en masse for his latest film and specialised titles The Lighthouse and For Sama opened strongly.
To give it the complete, mouthful of a title, the Cathy Yan-directed Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn rang up $3.8 million on 528 screens. Pro-rata, that is a bit more respectable than the $33.2 million Us launch, which was well below the pre-release estimates of $50 million-$55 million.
The...
After flying high with Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Joker, the Warner Bros DC Comics universe has plummeted to earth with Birds of Prey.
The Suicide Squad spin-off starring Margot Robbie as the ass-kicking Harley Quinn opened in the lower realms for the superhero genre last weekend.
Even so, the top 20 takings generated $13.5 million, up 7 per cent on the previous frame, according to the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia.
André Rieu fans turned out en masse for his latest film and specialised titles The Lighthouse and For Sama opened strongly.
To give it the complete, mouthful of a title, the Cathy Yan-directed Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn rang up $3.8 million on 528 screens. Pro-rata, that is a bit more respectable than the $33.2 million Us launch, which was well below the pre-release estimates of $50 million-$55 million.
The...
- 2/10/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘H is for Happiness.’
John Sheedy’s debut feature H is for Happiness seemingly had a fair bit of momentum in the lead-up to the Australian release last weekend.
The comedy-drama with mystical elements adapted from Barry Jonsberg’s young adult novel My Life as an Alphabet won last year’s $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize, as well as second place in the audience awards at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
In its international premiere the film starring Richard Roxburgh, Emma Booth, Miriam Margolyes, Joel Jackson, Deborah Mailman and newcomers Daisy Axon and Wesley Patten will open the Berlin International Film Festival’s Generation KPlus section this month.
Pre-release, the film grossed $117,000 from advance screenings and the Perth Festival – so how to explain the modest opening weekend of $96,000 on 158 screens, distributed by R&R Films for Universal Pictures?
Julie Ryan, who produced with Tenille Kennedy and screenwriter Lisa Hoppe, tells If:
“It...
John Sheedy’s debut feature H is for Happiness seemingly had a fair bit of momentum in the lead-up to the Australian release last weekend.
The comedy-drama with mystical elements adapted from Barry Jonsberg’s young adult novel My Life as an Alphabet won last year’s $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize, as well as second place in the audience awards at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
In its international premiere the film starring Richard Roxburgh, Emma Booth, Miriam Margolyes, Joel Jackson, Deborah Mailman and newcomers Daisy Axon and Wesley Patten will open the Berlin International Film Festival’s Generation KPlus section this month.
Pre-release, the film grossed $117,000 from advance screenings and the Perth Festival – so how to explain the modest opening weekend of $96,000 on 158 screens, distributed by R&R Films for Universal Pictures?
Julie Ryan, who produced with Tenille Kennedy and screenwriter Lisa Hoppe, tells If:
“It...
- 2/10/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys in ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.’
Given Tom Hanks’ enduring popularity and his Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, the film’s opening figures last weekend were nothing special.
However, exhibitors are confident that word-of-mouth will build on the back of largely positive reviews, resulting in a leggy run for the Sony Pictures release which stars Hanks as Fred Rogers, the much-loved Us children’s TV host.
Among the other newcomers, Paramount’s comedy Like a Boss, Warner Bros’ social justice drama Just Mercy and Fox/Disney’s action movie Underwater performed as expected, which isn’t saying much.
Owen Trevor’s Go! didn’t get much uplift in its second weekend, making $198,000 on 238 screens, which brings the 12-day total for the Roadshow release to $808,000.
The top 20 titles harvested $18.1 million including the Monday Australia Day holiday, according to Numero.
Given Tom Hanks’ enduring popularity and his Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, the film’s opening figures last weekend were nothing special.
However, exhibitors are confident that word-of-mouth will build on the back of largely positive reviews, resulting in a leggy run for the Sony Pictures release which stars Hanks as Fred Rogers, the much-loved Us children’s TV host.
Among the other newcomers, Paramount’s comedy Like a Boss, Warner Bros’ social justice drama Just Mercy and Fox/Disney’s action movie Underwater performed as expected, which isn’t saying much.
Owen Trevor’s Go! didn’t get much uplift in its second weekend, making $198,000 on 238 screens, which brings the 12-day total for the Roadshow release to $808,000.
The top 20 titles harvested $18.1 million including the Monday Australia Day holiday, according to Numero.
- 1/28/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
David Simpson.
David Simpson is departing Roadshow Films to join South Australian-based Wallis Cinemas as programming manager.
Starting on January 9, Simpson takes over from Sasha Close, who is now program manager of the Gold Coast Film Festival.
For the past three years the Adelaide-born Simpson was Roadshow Films’ asset manager, responsible for creating and maintaining theatrical operations, analytical/ home entertainment and technological strategies.
Previously he managed UK and Us content for NBC Sports, Universal Pictures, Syfy and E! Channels.
Earlier he served as senior media manager for Virgin Media and print manager for the British Film Institute.
The post Wallis Cinemas hires Roadshow’s David Simpson appeared first on If Magazine.
David Simpson is departing Roadshow Films to join South Australian-based Wallis Cinemas as programming manager.
Starting on January 9, Simpson takes over from Sasha Close, who is now program manager of the Gold Coast Film Festival.
For the past three years the Adelaide-born Simpson was Roadshow Films’ asset manager, responsible for creating and maintaining theatrical operations, analytical/ home entertainment and technological strategies.
Previously he managed UK and Us content for NBC Sports, Universal Pictures, Syfy and E! Channels.
Earlier he served as senior media manager for Virgin Media and print manager for the British Film Institute.
The post Wallis Cinemas hires Roadshow’s David Simpson appeared first on If Magazine.
- 12/9/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Endemol Shine-owned UK producer Tiger Aspect has hired former BBC comedy exec and Wrong Mans producer Myfanwy Moore to bolster its laughing business.
The move is the first major hire for the company, which makes series including Jack Whitehall’s Bounty Hunters for Sky, since it appointed former BBC Three chief Damian Kavanagh as boss, taking up his position in the new year.
Her first project is Hitmen for Sky, which stars former Great British Bake Off hosts Mel & Sue.
Most recently, Moore was BBC’s Controller of Comedy Production, where she worked across series including the James Corden-fronted comedy, Tracey Ullman’s Show, Upstart Crow, W1A, Mrs. Brown’s Boys, Inside No 9 and the development of This Country and Good Omens.
She will oversee all comedy production for the indie, which is set to close its spin-off comedy label Cave Bear, the comedy label set up...
The move is the first major hire for the company, which makes series including Jack Whitehall’s Bounty Hunters for Sky, since it appointed former BBC Three chief Damian Kavanagh as boss, taking up his position in the new year.
Her first project is Hitmen for Sky, which stars former Great British Bake Off hosts Mel & Sue.
Most recently, Moore was BBC’s Controller of Comedy Production, where she worked across series including the James Corden-fronted comedy, Tracey Ullman’s Show, Upstart Crow, W1A, Mrs. Brown’s Boys, Inside No 9 and the development of This Country and Good Omens.
She will oversee all comedy production for the indie, which is set to close its spin-off comedy label Cave Bear, the comedy label set up...
- 11/22/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Fans of Soulcalibur 2 will be excited to learn that GameCo and Namco have combined to release a skill based video casino game themed on the popular console title. It trialled this week at the G2E Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas and early feedback has been positive.
The original console title, released on xBox and PlayStation platforms in 2003, was a major success with both gamers and critics. Players would fight in a Tekken-style environment against various characters with intention of gathering all pieces of the Soul Edge weapon in order to destroy it once and for all. A HD version of the game was also released in 2013 digitally and given the it’s decade spanning popularity and arcade style it makes perfect sense as a video based casino title.
So what does the casino gambling version of Soulcalibur 2 have to offer?
Well as expected you earn cash for each...
The original console title, released on xBox and PlayStation platforms in 2003, was a major success with both gamers and critics. Players would fight in a Tekken-style environment against various characters with intention of gathering all pieces of the Soul Edge weapon in order to destroy it once and for all. A HD version of the game was also released in 2013 digitally and given the it’s decade spanning popularity and arcade style it makes perfect sense as a video based casino title.
So what does the casino gambling version of Soulcalibur 2 have to offer?
Well as expected you earn cash for each...
- 10/17/2018
- by James Smith
- Nerdly
Stars: Miles Doleac, William Sadler, Colin Cunningham, John Cullum, Leticia Jimenez, Glynnis O’Connor, Michael Emery, Mike Mayhall, Scotty Whitehurst, David Simpson, Tamarah Murley, Jillian Taylor, Kristin Samuelson, Lindsay Anne Williams | Written and Directed by Miles Doleac
A troubled, young history professor tries to escape his past by taking a job at a new university, where he struggles with an entrenched and equally-troubled department chair, rampant student apathy, and new relationships that complicate and challenge his world-view.
The Historian is a film that took me a long time to get into. It knows that it is a drama film, and so piles on extra drama. The main problem I found was that it wanted you to feel sorry for its characters and it did this by showing you scene after scene of reasons why you should feel sorry for them. The result is a bunch of characters that are more...
A troubled, young history professor tries to escape his past by taking a job at a new university, where he struggles with an entrenched and equally-troubled department chair, rampant student apathy, and new relationships that complicate and challenge his world-view.
The Historian is a film that took me a long time to get into. It knows that it is a drama film, and so piles on extra drama. The main problem I found was that it wanted you to feel sorry for its characters and it did this by showing you scene after scene of reasons why you should feel sorry for them. The result is a bunch of characters that are more...
- 12/23/2015
- by Richard Axtell
- Nerdly
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.