The Big Screen's Last Stand: Can Event Movies Save Cinemas from Streaming Dominance?
In an era dominated by streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the box office has become increasingly elusive. Movie studios are frantically searching for ways to reinvigorate the theatrical experience, while the very fabric of cinema itself is being tested.
At the heart of this struggle lies the concept of "theatricality," a term that has been bandied about by industry execs in recent years. It refers to the unique qualities that make a movie an event – be it its visuals, performances, or storyline – and are meant to draw audiences into the cinema.
James Cameron, director of Avatar: Fire and Ash, is often cited as the poster child for this approach. His films have consistently broken box office records, and his latest offering is no exception. The challenge, however, lies in replicating this success without relying on gimmicks or pre-existing franchises.
One strategy gaining traction is redefining event movies as experiences that make a novelity of the cinema trip itself. This can be achieved through carefully curated pairings of films, such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, which have proven to be successful releases in recent months.
Another tactic is tapping into live-entertainment participatory vibes by leveraging Broadway adaptations and sing-along theatre energy. The success of Disney's Wicked films demonstrates that audiences are willing to pay top dollar for this type of experience.
A more nuanced approach involves experimenting with lower-budgeted, high-concept releases that can turn a profit in theatres rather than being relegated to streaming as loss leaders. Paramount has shown remarkable commitment to this strategy, with horror film Smile proving to be an exception to the rule after racking up impressive box office numbers despite its budget.
The goal, then, is to create a more varied and diverse slate of releases that not only attracts large crowds but also fosters community within cinemas. By doing so, movie studios can reclaim their place as cultural institutions rather than mere entertainment hubs.
In an era dominated by streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the box office has become increasingly elusive. Movie studios are frantically searching for ways to reinvigorate the theatrical experience, while the very fabric of cinema itself is being tested.
At the heart of this struggle lies the concept of "theatricality," a term that has been bandied about by industry execs in recent years. It refers to the unique qualities that make a movie an event – be it its visuals, performances, or storyline – and are meant to draw audiences into the cinema.
James Cameron, director of Avatar: Fire and Ash, is often cited as the poster child for this approach. His films have consistently broken box office records, and his latest offering is no exception. The challenge, however, lies in replicating this success without relying on gimmicks or pre-existing franchises.
One strategy gaining traction is redefining event movies as experiences that make a novelity of the cinema trip itself. This can be achieved through carefully curated pairings of films, such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, which have proven to be successful releases in recent months.
Another tactic is tapping into live-entertainment participatory vibes by leveraging Broadway adaptations and sing-along theatre energy. The success of Disney's Wicked films demonstrates that audiences are willing to pay top dollar for this type of experience.
A more nuanced approach involves experimenting with lower-budgeted, high-concept releases that can turn a profit in theatres rather than being relegated to streaming as loss leaders. Paramount has shown remarkable commitment to this strategy, with horror film Smile proving to be an exception to the rule after racking up impressive box office numbers despite its budget.
The goal, then, is to create a more varied and diverse slate of releases that not only attracts large crowds but also fosters community within cinemas. By doing so, movie studios can reclaim their place as cultural institutions rather than mere entertainment hubs.
like what makes avatar so special? is it just the visuals tho?
who wouldn't wanna sing along to wicked?! 
and that's when i think cinemas can really make a comeback! 
. It's like, we love going to the movies, but the experience just isn't the same when we're stuck at home binge-watching on our phones 
. But, I think there's hope for them yet! If they can figure out how to make those event movies feel more special and immersive, I reckon people will start coming back to the big screen again 
. And, let's be real, who doesn't love a good sing-along or live performance? 
But, it's all about creating that unique experience for us, you know? Not just some generic blockbuster with a bunch of fancy effects 
And let's be real, who doesn't love singing along to their favorite tunes on screen? Sing-along theatre vibes are where it's at 
That's the kinda experience that'll get people talking and coming back for more 
it's like we're losing something special here cinema is supposed to be an event a big deal but instead it feels like just another excuse for people to binge watch their fave shows or whatever 
I mean don't get me wrong i love watching movies as much as the next person but there's something about sitting in a darkened theater with strangers that can't be replicated at home 
the atmosphere is different, its more immersive and thats what makes it special so yeah bring on the event movies and let's see if we can make cinema great again 
And live-entertainment vibes? Forget about it! Sing-along shows are the future 
. But, seriously, movie studios need to take a risk and experiment with different types of releases, not just churn out the same old franchise films. We want to feel like we're part of something bigger than ourselves when we watch a movie 
.
. It's all about making cinema trips an experience again 
, it's genius! The key now is for studios to keep innovating and experimenting – lower-budget horror flicks like Smile prove you can make bank at the box office even with a shoestring budget 
. We need to bring back that sense of wonder and excitement that we had as kids when we first went to see a film in the cinema 
. and hey, if that means smaller budgets and lower box office expectations, then so be it