It can be argued that now more than ever, when customers opt to watch a film out of home, they’re wanting more than a movie, but an ‘experience’. In response, the country's major exhibitors are looking to bump up premium offerings. IF takes a look.
There are positive signs for filmed entertainment and free-to-air television in PwC’s annual Media and Entertainment Outlook, which shows both sectors experienced a resurgence in 2021.
The movies are back! All cinemas in NSW can now open at 75 per cent capacity for the fully vaccinated. IF speaks to Hoyts Group president and CEO Damian Keogh and Event Cinemas director of entertainment Luke Mackey to understand how they have prepared for reopening, and canvass their opinions on the current theatrical landscape.
Film industry stalwart John Cronin has joined the likes of Academy Award-winning cinematographer Russell Boyd and producers Jill Robb and Patricia Lovell in being named The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers' National Cinema Pioneer of the Year.
While the school holidays are giving ticket sales a modest uplift, the crisis for Australian cinemas shows no signs of abating, at least until Boxing Day.
Following on from the Federal Government's ban of all "non-essential" gatherings of more than 100 people, and out of concern for patrons and staff amid the coronavirus pandemic, Palace Cinemas has decided to close all sites indefinitely from tomorrow.
Admissions at Australian cinemas have been flat or falling for 15 years, interspersed with a few upticks -- despite hikes in ticket prices, the addition of new screens and an annual net population gain of 300,000.
“If as an industry we think we can rest on our laurels and young people will continue to go to the cinema without offering them a great experience we are sadly mistaken.”