Movie and TV news, transitioning from Mexican Star to US Actor, the Governator, Rio, Hop, big changes in how we watch TV, Mad Men,
Price impacts demand. If only Hollywood would learn this basic lesson, as movie theaters continue to increase prices and charge premiums for 3D films. How many people have to fall back on cable, "Netscape" or Blue Ray releases for the distribution industry to get the hint. Maybe plans to stream films prior to the traditional DVD release dates may send a wake-up call to theater owners.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's new animated series "The Governator" from animation master mind Stan Lee is raising more than a few eyebrows. The series is made primarily for overseas markets, selling in the UK, Italy, France and Germany, with other markets opening soon. While Schwarzenegger says he will not return as a movie star, he is returning to the business with a product that may become toys, comic books, and even a 3D movie. He is producing but has yet to reveal if he will appear in, yet another "Terminator" movie and a remake of "Total Recall."
Upheaval in the traditional TV business.
Viacom, Discovery and Newscorp pull channels off Time Warner cable's iPad app because they feel that their programming, including CBC TV materials, would bring in money if they controlled the distribution and it was not rebroadcast over iPads.
People watch content in different ways now, with the industry not finding ways to make up for the loss of revenue in broadcast television, advertising supported cable and DVD sales.
Netflix struck a deal to stream "Mad Men" reruns, in part due to a decline in DVD sales and a thrust in the cable for first run "original" programing (often meaning another wrestling show, reality program or poor taste game show).
Kate del Castillo, the star of the Telemundo hit La Reina del Sur was a huge telenovela star in her native Mexico before moving to Los Angeles eight years ago. But once in Hollywood she was faced with a different and baffling business. She recounts her experiences of culture shock and her despair at going to hundreds of auditions -- something she never had to do in Mexico -- and the irony of having her biggest role be on a Spanish language show whose ratings rival and sometimes beat those of the major broadcast networks. Gringo's may now her for her role last season in "Weeds."
For more on the industry and business go the the LA Times Company Town blog.
Upheaval in the traditional TV business.
Dish Network is acquiring Blockbuster, despite the industry saying that Blockbuster is RIP. You Tube is launching "channels" to watch movies and television programs.
People watch content in different ways now, with the industry not finding ways to make up for the loss of revenue in broadcast television, advertising supported cable and DVD sales.
Netflix struck a deal to stream "Mad Men" reruns, in part due to a decline in DVD sales and a thrust in the cable for first run "original" programing (often meaning another wrestling show, reality program or poor taste game show).
The 3-D animated movie "Rio" doesn't fly into U.S. theaters for another week, but it's already a hit overseas. The family film about birds who embark on a Brazilian adventure opened in 72 foreign markets this weekend and collected a strong $55 million, according to an estimate from distributor 20th Century Fox. The movie opened in the No. 1 slot in 32 foreign markets, including Mexico, Germany, and China. And the film did the majority of its business in 3-D theaters, which comprised 71% of overall ticket sales. "Rio" was originally slated to premiere in the U.S. this weekend. When the domestic release date was changed many of the international dates were left intact because a number of schools are out on holiday abroad.
Universal's "Hop" jumped its way to another $21.7 million at the box office, which was enough to keep the animated bunny in first place. The remake of "Arthur" (after plenty of promotional help from "Saturday Night Live," which had co-stars Russell Brand and Helen Mirren as hosts in recent weeks), took in $12.6 million. That has to be a disappointment. The star of "Arthur" was outsold by his own voice brings life to the Easter Rabbit in "Hop." A surprise third-place finish went to "Hanna," which made $12.3 million. "Soul Surfer," the inspirational story of a girl surfer who sticks to the sport after losing an arm in a shark attack, was strong as well with $11.1 million. Apparently fans of Danny McBride and James Franco were too relaxed or perhaps hungry to go see "Your Highness" as it took in only $9.5 million. Box office coverage from the Los Angeles Times and Movie City News.
Kate del Castillo, the star of the Telemundo hit La Reina del Sur was a huge telenovela star in her native Mexico before moving to Los Angeles eight years ago. But once in Hollywood she was faced with a different and baffling business. She recounts her experiences of culture shock and her despair at going to hundreds of auditions -- something she never had to do in Mexico -- and the irony of having her biggest role be on a Spanish language show whose ratings rival and sometimes beat those of the major broadcast networks. Gringo's may now her for her role last season in "Weeds."
For more on the industry and business go the the LA Times Company Town blog.
