Southbank Centre’s Post

The path to meaningful content distribution is especially tricky, and producers are rethinking traditional models. Kudos to Dances with Films for presenting a first rate film sales and distribution panel with industry leaders Sejin Croninger (Paramount), Brian O'Shea (The Exchange), and Bill Vergos (Freestyle Digital), hosted by Jon Fitzgerald (Cause Cinema). Participating with my industry colleagues, we discussed customized, alternate approaches to sales and distribution in the emerging marketplace. While change takes time, we recognized reasons to be optimistic. Lewis Brisbois #independentfilm #filmfestivals #filmproduction #entertainmentlaw #filmlaw

LET’S GO

At LIFACC 2024, the future of film and cinema unfolds – be a part of the narrative that shapes tomorrow's Cinema landscape in Africa

The latest episode of A Pause for Cinema, my essay series on film and film form, is now available on YouTube! This time around, I'm discussing the on-screen presence of Puerto Ricans in film and pop media, and the problematic history of representation in Hollywood. Check it out! #film #cinema #puertorico #puertoricanfilm #movies

Why It Matters

Everyone who reacted mostly got the context wrong. The context is to make watching films in cinemas more affordable and accessible to more people, including lower income and middle income groups. It’s possible, if your overheads can be reduced by reducing the ostentation, as one example. Audiences need luxury after the film, so going out is the real deal, only stairs and non air conditioned passages, no escalators. Whats the fancy mall rent for then? Understand context guys. We want cinema and theatres to thrive.

Watch my special report from #ElGounaFilmFestival to understand how it offers filmmakers, producers, and distributors valuable opportunities to forge connections, collaborate, and explore new ventures in the world of cinema.

Well, isn't this just delightful: do you know what they call pirate screenings of Hollywood blockbusters in Russian cinemas? "Pre-show service"! So, officially, almost all of Hollywood has supposedly left Russia, but unofficially (meaning, through good old piracy), all the latest releases are being shown in cinemas in their full glory, right before screenings of Russian films. Now, to be fair, not all cinemas are in on this little charade. Perhaps that's why, out of the 4.6 billion rubles (roughly 50 million dollars) that the industry raked in during June and July 2024, about a third of it comes from these pirate releases. The top performers - "Inside Out 2," "Despicable Me 4," and "Furiosa: Mad Max Chronicles." So, as I may have mentioned before, sanctions only work when everyone plays along. When one side imposes them and the other couldn’t care less, you end up with this sort of mess. I have just one question: how many people actually stay in their seats after the end of, say, "Furiosa" to watch what the Russian film industry has to offer?

Not only in the UK.