Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
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.
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.
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', had a limited release in Oz and the US.
Australian critics scorned 'Unhinged' but audiences turned out last weekend for the road rage thriller starring Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius, the only new wide release.
Caren Pistorius was working part-time in a fabrics dress shop in Sydney last year when her RGM agent suggested she audition for the lead female role opposite Russell Crowe in a US thriller.
Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh is confident the business will rebound strongly once there is a steady flow of new releases.
As more cinemas around Australia opened their doors, ticket sales improved last weekend from a low base as several art house titles led by Kitty Green's The Assistant entered the market.