Tag Archives: Hollywood

Box Office Recovery Signals Broader Audience Engagement

Lifestyle, , , , ,

Movie theaters had their strongest weekend in a long time, with ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada more than doubling compared to the same time last year. Unlike in the past, when one big movie might drive all the excitement, several different films across genres helped push audiences back into theaters.


The top movie was Sinners from Warner Bros., which made $45 million in its second weekend—dropping only 6% from its debut. Typically, movies lose about half their earnings after opening weekend, so this small decline is unusual. So far, Sinners has earned $161.6 million worldwide, and premium screenings like IMAX made up a growing share of ticket sales.

In second place was a special re-release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith for its 20th anniversary. It brought in $42.2 million worldwide, boosted by recent announcements related to the Star Wars franchise and benefitting from nostalgia-driven marketing.

The Accountant 2 from Amazon MGM Studios debuted in third place with $24.5 million, showing strong appeal among older audiences. A Minecraft Movie continued its successful run, adding $22.7 million in its fourth weekend. The video game-based film has now made $380 million in North America alone. Rounding out the top five was Until Dawn, another video game adaptation, which opened with $8 million.

Thanks to these films, total ticket sales for April are up 102% compared to last year, and the year’s overall box office is now tracking more than 10% ahead. Analysts say this momentum could set the stage for a strong summer season, starting with Disney’s Thunderbolts in early May.

Frankie Goes to Wellywood?

Consumerism, , , , ,

Wellywood Criticized for Marketing Jaunt

The truth is, a marketing gimmick like that can really only be done once. And that time it was done right. One cannot possibly try to duplicate the famous – or even infamous – Hollywood sign. And that may just be one reason why there has been so much controversy surrounding the Wellywood sign. It has been said that it is “tacky, try-hard and unoriginal.” Rob Aitken, marketing lecturer at Otago University, however, claimed, “there’s always a risk of being tacky. There's a difference between a brand and others that are just a representation.” He believes the sign is “an example of a strong brand.”

In addition, there’s always the idea that even bad publicity is good publicity. Just because people are making fun of it, does not render it tacky. More likely, Aitken believes, the jokey side “says something about Wellington’s sense of humor.” Nonetheless, Hutt South MP Mr. Mallard criticized it for being “try-had and stupid.” The MP was shocked that it had gotten approval “after so much controversy.” Wellywood isn’t even the city’s real name; it is a nickname for Wellington, a city situated in New Zealand.

On the other hand, in some areas the sign has been welcomed. One “marketing expert is claiming giant signs and gimmicky icons can help a town's reputation.” According to Aitken, it serves a “functional purpose,” just like logos are meant to. If that’s the case, then what is the function? They “make people feel good about where they live, like they belong.” Rather than listen to conflicting opinions, check it out yourself and make your own decision.

Wellington Tourism and Marketing

According to Justin Watson, GM for Marketing at Tourism New Zealand, such an “identifiable landmark” as this, could actually be very helpful in the city’s marketing. He claimed that, “for many regions in New Zealand, innovative icons such as buildings, sculptures, signs and natural features help showcase what is unique about the town or city to international visitors.” There are many different marketing methods and these have to be analyzed and incorporated correctly if one wants to “attract people to particular regions.” Sometimes, it’s an “identifiable landmark” as part of a marketing technique, that can really do the trick.

Even Hollywooders Need Savvy Business

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Hollywood Not Living Happily Ever After?

It’s not always a case of happy ever after, even for those in Hollywood. Although the industry is making tons of money still, it has been deeply criticized for its inability to market itself, according to Hollywood’s newly appointed chief lobbyist, Christopher Dodd. While it knows how to sell movies, it needs to work on self-marketing, he said.

It’s all about image; according to The Hollywood Reporter, it’s no good that Washington views Hollywood as “red carpets and tuxedos,” as opposed to the thriving industry it is.

Hollywood Getting A Bad Rep

And in other news in Hollywood, it seems Beyonce may be in need of a bit of therapy to discuss her familial woes. The artist has split with Music World Entertainment, owned by her father Mathew Knowles, but there is said to be no bitterness or resentment on the part of either daughter or dad. According to senior Knowles, “I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success.”

What is more important to Mr. Knowles these days is the gospel/inspirational genre of music his company is now making investments in as well as new artists including Britan Courtney Wilson and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.

In Hollywood it’s often here today and gone tomorrow. That can be good for business in the fast-paced changing world but vis-à-vis it’s credibility nationwide, the industry might be well-advised to employ a good marketing company.