John Fithian, longtime head of the National Association of Theatre Owners, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Variety of Southern California as he prepares to step down after overseeing NATO through decades of transition.
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
- 4/5/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Dave Hollis, the one-time Disney executive and president of the studio’s worldwide distribution, has died at his home in Austin, TX. He was 47.
A representative shared that Hollis died peacefully in his home on Saturday, Feb. 11. An exact cause of death has not been determined but his family confirmed he had been hospitalized due to heart issues.
Hollis spent 17 years at Walt Disney Studios and helped the company break industry box office records, eventually rising as President of Worldwide Distribution. He exited the company in May 2018 to move to Texas and become CEO of Chic Media, a company established by his then-wife Rachel Hollis, the author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Walt Disney Celebrates 100 Years Of "Storytelling And Innovation" With Super Bowl Commercial Related Story Disney Stock Gives Up Gains After Proxy Truce, But Wall Street Analysts Hail...
A representative shared that Hollis died peacefully in his home on Saturday, Feb. 11. An exact cause of death has not been determined but his family confirmed he had been hospitalized due to heart issues.
Hollis spent 17 years at Walt Disney Studios and helped the company break industry box office records, eventually rising as President of Worldwide Distribution. He exited the company in May 2018 to move to Texas and become CEO of Chic Media, a company established by his then-wife Rachel Hollis, the author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Walt Disney Celebrates 100 Years Of "Storytelling And Innovation" With Super Bowl Commercial Related Story Disney Stock Gives Up Gains After Proxy Truce, But Wall Street Analysts Hail...
- 2/14/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Jerry Bruckheimer has plenty to celebrate over Memorial Day weekend, literally watching the long-awaited sequel to 1986’s Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, beat his previous domestic box office opening record for the holiday previously set by 2007’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
The Paramount/Skydance co-production easily won the record Memorial Day opening at the B.O. with 156M (which included previews), unseating Pirates 3‘s 153M opening.
Outside of any delay created by the pandemic, why the world had to wait 36 years for the further adventures of Tom Cruise’s Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Bruckheimer tells Deadline it all boiled down to Joseph Kosinski’s pitch to the superstar during the production of Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
“This was the time that it was going to happen,” says Bruckheimer about why the sequel arrived now in theaters versus, say one or two decades ago.
“It never really got...
The Paramount/Skydance co-production easily won the record Memorial Day opening at the B.O. with 156M (which included previews), unseating Pirates 3‘s 153M opening.
Outside of any delay created by the pandemic, why the world had to wait 36 years for the further adventures of Tom Cruise’s Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Bruckheimer tells Deadline it all boiled down to Joseph Kosinski’s pitch to the superstar during the production of Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
“This was the time that it was going to happen,” says Bruckheimer about why the sequel arrived now in theaters versus, say one or two decades ago.
“It never really got...
- 5/30/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Weeks after Disney announced that worldwide distribution chief Dave Hollis would be leaving the studio after 17 years, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Studios chairman Alan Horn gave him the warmest of goodbyes at CinemaCon.
Horn said that when he was at Warner Bros, he considered that studio’s former distribution boss Dan Fellman “the dean of distribution. When I left, I thought I’ll never see his equal, but I have and it’s Dave Hollis.”
What box office records didn’t Disney break during Hollis’ tenure? In 2016, his department led the studio to an all-time industry record of $7 billion globally, $3 billion worldwide in a calendar year. Last year, Disney became the only major Hollywood studio to surpass the $6 billion mark worldwide twice. Hollis has seen 12 Disney releases clear north of $1 billion at the global box office, and one over $2 billion (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) during the past seven years.
Horn said that when he was at Warner Bros, he considered that studio’s former distribution boss Dan Fellman “the dean of distribution. When I left, I thought I’ll never see his equal, but I have and it’s Dave Hollis.”
What box office records didn’t Disney break during Hollis’ tenure? In 2016, his department led the studio to an all-time industry record of $7 billion globally, $3 billion worldwide in a calendar year. Last year, Disney became the only major Hollywood studio to surpass the $6 billion mark worldwide twice. Hollis has seen 12 Disney releases clear north of $1 billion at the global box office, and one over $2 billion (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) during the past seven years.
- 4/24/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Everett Collection Mater from ‘Cars 2′
Pixar Animation Studios is now 12 for 12. “Cars 2,” the latest film from the Walt Disney Co.-owned studio, grossed $68 million this weekend according to early estimates, making it the twelfth Pixar film to open at No. 1.
Despite soft reviews, a rarity for Pixar, “Cars 2″ opened higher than its 2006 predecessor “Cars,” which grossed $60.1 million its first weekend of release and went on to earn $462 million worldwide. Overall, the film is Pixar’s fifth-highest debut,...
Pixar Animation Studios is now 12 for 12. “Cars 2,” the latest film from the Walt Disney Co.-owned studio, grossed $68 million this weekend according to early estimates, making it the twelfth Pixar film to open at No. 1.
Despite soft reviews, a rarity for Pixar, “Cars 2″ opened higher than its 2006 predecessor “Cars,” which grossed $60.1 million its first weekend of release and went on to earn $462 million worldwide. Overall, the film is Pixar’s fifth-highest debut,...
- 6/26/2011
- by Michelle Kung
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Burbank, Calif. – January 31, 2011 – Chuck Viane, president of Global Distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, announced today that he will retire in July after 25 years with The Walt Disney Company. “Chuck is one of the most knowledgeable and savvy individuals in the film industry,” said Rich Ross, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Throughout his distinguished career at Disney, he has proven himself to be a rare legend, deeply respected by those who have had the privilege to work with him here as well as by exhibitors and colleagues around the world.” Coming from the exhibition arm of the industry, Viane joined Disney in 1985 and has helped shepherd the Studio’s distribution operation through rapidly changing technological and economic times, including significant international expansion. As a result, the Studio’s distribution arm reached the domestic billion-dollar plateau 13 times during his tenure, setting the stage for the Studio in 2010 to become...
- 1/31/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Burbank, Calif. – January 31, 2011 – Chuck Viane, president of Global Distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, announced today that he will retire in July after 25 years with The Walt Disney Company. “Chuck is one of the most knowledgeable and savvy individuals in the film industry,” said Rich Ross, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Throughout his distinguished career at Disney, he has proven himself to be a rare legend, deeply respected by those who have had the privilege to work with him here as well as by exhibitors and colleagues around the world.” Coming from the exhibition arm of the industry, Viane joined Disney in 1985 and has helped shepherd the Studio’s distribution operation through rapidly changing technological and economic times, including significant international expansion. As a result, the Studio’s distribution arm reached the domestic billion-dollar plateau 13 times during his tenure, setting the stage for the Studio in 2010 to become...
- 1/31/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Walt Disney Studios announced today that it has moved the release date for its upcoming The Muppets to November 23, 2011, this is one month ahead of the originally planned date of Christmas.
“Disney has had incredible success opening films over the Thanksgiving weekend, and thanks to Tangled, we have the top three Thanksgiving openers of all time,” said Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “I have spoken with The Muppets, and we all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame.”
The Muppets comes to theaters November 23rd, 2011 and stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Donald Glover, Danny Trejo, Billy Crystal, Alan Arkin. The film is directed by James Bobin.
“Disney has had incredible success opening films over the Thanksgiving weekend, and thanks to Tangled, we have the top three Thanksgiving openers of all time,” said Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “I have spoken with The Muppets, and we all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame.”
The Muppets comes to theaters November 23rd, 2011 and stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Donald Glover, Danny Trejo, Billy Crystal, Alan Arkin. The film is directed by James Bobin.
- 12/9/2010
- by Kevin Coll
- FusedFilm
We won’t have to wait until next Christmas to see Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the rest of the gang anymore. Coming Soon reports that Walt Disney Studios has moved the release date for The Muppets to Thanksgiving of 2011. This is being done because the studio has had more success opening their films over the Thanksgiving than any other holiday. “Disney has had incredible success opening films over the Thanksgiving weekend, and thanks to ‘Tangled,’ we have the top three Thanksgiving openers of all time,” Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures said.
Fans aren’t the only happy about the news, The Muppets themselves have “all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame,” Viane said. The film has an all-star cast of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lady Gaga, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Alan Arkin, Jack Black, Billy Crystal,...
Fans aren’t the only happy about the news, The Muppets themselves have “all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame,” Viane said. The film has an all-star cast of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lady Gaga, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Alan Arkin, Jack Black, Billy Crystal,...
- 12/9/2010
- by Matt Keith
- Killer Films
[1] Walt Disney Pictures have announced that they are moving the release date of The Muppets from the previously announced Christmas release to a Thanksgiving date of November 23, 2011. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie the Bear, Gonzo, Animal and the rest of the gang will reunite in theaters just in time for the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. "Disney has had incredible success opening films over the Thanksgiving weekend, and thanks to Tangled, we have the top three Thanksgiving openers of all time,” said Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “I have spoken with The Muppets, and we all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame.” So update your calendars - The Muppets and Turkey, sounds like a winning combo? While the press release also calls the film "The Muppets Movie". Initially someone from Disney confirmed this to be the new tentative title for the film,...
- 12/8/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Burbank, Calif. – December 8, 2010 – The Walt Disney Studios announced today that it has moved the release date for its upcoming The Muppets Movie to November 23, 2011. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie the Bear, Gonzo, Animal and the rest of the gang will reunite in theaters just in time for the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. "Disney has had incredible success opening films over the Thanksgiving weekend, and thanks to Tangled, we have the top three Thanksgiving openers of all time,” said Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “I have spoken with The Muppets, and we all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame.”...
- 12/8/2010
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
The Walt Disney Studios announced today that it has moved the release date for its upcoming The Muppets from December 25, 2011 to November 23, 2011. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie the Bear, Gonzo, Animal and the rest of the gang will reunite in theaters just in time for the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. "Disney has had incredible success opening films over the Thanksgiving weekend, and thanks to 'Tangled,' we have the top three Thanksgiving openers of all time," said Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. "I have spoken with The Muppets, and we all agreed this comedy is a great fit for the holiday 2011 time frame." Directed by James Bobin from a script by Jason Segelk and Nicholas Stoller, the...
- 12/8/2010
- Comingsoon.net
The Walt Disney Studios, DreamWorks Studios and IMAX Corporation announced today that two of DreamWorks' 2011 Touchstone Pictures releases, "I Am Number Four" and "Real Steel," will open day-and-date in digital IMAX® theatres around the world. Both films are produced by DreamWorks and will be released under Disney's Touchstone banner as part of the distribution agreement between the two companies."DreamWorks is pleased to have the incredible team at IMAX on board for these two exciting films," said Jeff Small, President and COO of DreamWorks Studios. "Having I Am Number Four and Real Steel exhibited in IMAX theatres gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase the fantastic work of the filmmakers and the people involved in creating these visual tales. Audiences get the benefit of a fully immersive movie-going experience on two films that are ideally suited for the visual and sensory IMAX experience.""Real Steel and I Am Number Four...
- 12/7/2010
- LRMonline.com
Ok, let’s sound official from the beginning! IMAX Corporation and The Walt Disney Studios announced a new agreement to release three additional 3D pictures to IMAX theatres in 2011.
Yeah, yeah, 3D future guys, and at this moment it means three more 3D movies.
The titles included are Mars Needs Moms, slated for release on March 11, 2011, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, slated for release on May 20, 2011 and Cars 2, slated for release on June 24, 2011!
So, basically, it means that each title will be digitally re-mastered into the “unparalleled image and sound quality” of The IMAX Experience.
Here’s what Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures had to say about the whole thing:
“The incredible performance of our IMAX releases in 2009 and 2010 demonstrated that the combination of IMAX and Disney resonates with moviegoers worldwide. We’re very much looking forward to continuing this great partnership through...
Yeah, yeah, 3D future guys, and at this moment it means three more 3D movies.
The titles included are Mars Needs Moms, slated for release on March 11, 2011, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, slated for release on May 20, 2011 and Cars 2, slated for release on June 24, 2011!
So, basically, it means that each title will be digitally re-mastered into the “unparalleled image and sound quality” of The IMAX Experience.
Here’s what Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures had to say about the whole thing:
“The incredible performance of our IMAX releases in 2009 and 2010 demonstrated that the combination of IMAX and Disney resonates with moviegoers worldwide. We’re very much looking forward to continuing this great partnership through...
- 6/27/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
IMAX Corporation and The Walt Disney Studios today announced a new agreement to release three additional 3D pictures to IMAX theatres in 2011. The titles included are Mars Needs Moms , starring Seth Green and Joan Cusack, slated for release on March 11, 2011 and executive produced by Robert Zemeckis; Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides , starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, slated for release on May 20, 2011 and Cars 2 , slated for release on June 24, 2011. Each title will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. Commenting on the announcement, Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures said, "The incredible performance of our IMAX releases in 2009 and 2010 demonstrated that the...
- 6/23/2010
- Comingsoon.net
It seems that the long wait did not make fans less excited with "Toy Story 3". Released more than ten years after 1999 "Toy Story 2", the third film has proven to be attractive to moviegoers as it debuts atop the North American Box Office with an approximately $109 million cume.
The new family movie, thus, makes the best debut for film from Disney's Pixar Animation so far, topping 2004 "The Incredibles" which obtained $70.5 million in its first week. Moreover, the film which reunites voice stars such as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen becomes the third animated flick to gross more than $100 million on the first weekend, joining "Shrek the Third" at $121.6 million and "Shrek 2" at $108 million.
"The audience was much broader than normal," Chuck Viane, the president for distribution at Walt Disney Studios, gushes on the success of this third "Toy Story" movie. "It's been a long time since I've seen...
The new family movie, thus, makes the best debut for film from Disney's Pixar Animation so far, topping 2004 "The Incredibles" which obtained $70.5 million in its first week. Moreover, the film which reunites voice stars such as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen becomes the third animated flick to gross more than $100 million on the first weekend, joining "Shrek the Third" at $121.6 million and "Shrek 2" at $108 million.
"The audience was much broader than normal," Chuck Viane, the president for distribution at Walt Disney Studios, gushes on the success of this third "Toy Story" movie. "It's been a long time since I've seen...
- 6/21/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Disney studio chairman nm2646465 autoRich Ross[/link] on Thursday tapped a young producer on the company's Burbank lot as its next film production president.
Sean Bailey -- a Disney-based producer currently producing the sci-fi remake "Tron Legacy" -- was named to replace recently ousted Oren Aviv as president of production at Walt Disney Studios. Bailey will oversee all aspects of live-action development, film production and physical production for Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures.
Bailey surfaced as a lead candidate for the job on Wednesday. In announcing his appointment, Disney noted that "additional changes to international theatrical distribution, multicultural initiatives, publicity, communications and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment" were in the works.
"Building upon a strong foundation with the company, Sean brings great creative instincts and considerable filmmaking experience to his new role," Ross said. "His close relationships throughout the creative community and industry at large make him an ideal leader...
Sean Bailey -- a Disney-based producer currently producing the sci-fi remake "Tron Legacy" -- was named to replace recently ousted Oren Aviv as president of production at Walt Disney Studios. Bailey will oversee all aspects of live-action development, film production and physical production for Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures.
Bailey surfaced as a lead candidate for the job on Wednesday. In announcing his appointment, Disney noted that "additional changes to international theatrical distribution, multicultural initiatives, publicity, communications and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment" were in the works.
"Building upon a strong foundation with the company, Sean brings great creative instincts and considerable filmmaking experience to his new role," Ross said. "His close relationships throughout the creative community and industry at large make him an ideal leader...
- 1/14/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Romantic comedy "The Proposal" has led North American box office. Debuted atop the revenue chart, this Anne Fletcher-directed film rang up $33.6 million over the course of the June 19 to 21 weekend and thus became the movie that ended the reign of last two weeks' champ, "The Hangover".
This comedy movie did not only surpass industry's prediction that it will open in mid-$20-million range, but also marked the best opening ever for its leading actress, Sandra Bullock. The weekend bow for "The Proposal" nearly doubled the opening cume of Bullock's previous best, "Premonition", which debuted to $17.6 million in 2007.
"The word of mouth on this movie was incredible. First and foremost, you gotta make a great movie, which Anne Fletcher did," said Chuck Viane, president of distribution for Walt Disney Studios. He also noted, "We never expected to double the best Sandra Bullock movie ever ['Premonition']." As for its overseas opening, the...
This comedy movie did not only surpass industry's prediction that it will open in mid-$20-million range, but also marked the best opening ever for its leading actress, Sandra Bullock. The weekend bow for "The Proposal" nearly doubled the opening cume of Bullock's previous best, "Premonition", which debuted to $17.6 million in 2007.
"The word of mouth on this movie was incredible. First and foremost, you gotta make a great movie, which Anne Fletcher did," said Chuck Viane, president of distribution for Walt Disney Studios. He also noted, "We never expected to double the best Sandra Bullock movie ever ['Premonition']." As for its overseas opening, the...
- 6/22/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and IMAX Corporation today announced that the highly anticipated Jonas Brothers
: The 3D Concert Experience will open in select IMAX(R) 3D theatres, simultaneously with the film's wide release in 3D on February 27, 2009, for a one week engagement.
{sidebar id=1}The IMAX 3D release will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX Dmr(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. Commenting on the announcement, Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures said, "Seeing the Disney Digital 3D(Tm) Jonas Brothers
film in IMAX 3D is the ultimate way to experience the excitement and exhilaration of the group's sensational 'Burning Up Tour.'"
"We're delighted to be a part of Disney's next big 3D film which looks incredible in IMAX 3D," said Greg Foster
, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. Read more...
: The 3D Concert Experience will open in select IMAX(R) 3D theatres, simultaneously with the film's wide release in 3D on February 27, 2009, for a one week engagement.
{sidebar id=1}The IMAX 3D release will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX Dmr(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. Commenting on the announcement, Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures said, "Seeing the Disney Digital 3D(Tm) Jonas Brothers
film in IMAX 3D is the ultimate way to experience the excitement and exhilaration of the group's sensational 'Burning Up Tour.'"
"We're delighted to be a part of Disney's next big 3D film which looks incredible in IMAX 3D," said Greg Foster
, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. Read more...
- 2/23/2009
- by IESB Staff <alyson@iesb.net>
- IESB.net
Jason Brenek has been promoted to the newly created position of senior vp worldwide digital cinema and cinema programming at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Brenek, who was vp distribution strategy, will be responsible for developing and overseeing nonmovie digital-cinema content, including 3-D and live events, setting Disney's worldwide d-cinema strategy and negotiating and closing d-cinema deployment deals. Additionally, he will work with all areas of production and distribution in the transition from film to digital exhibition.
Brenek will report to Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group; he will work directly with Chuck Viane, president of distribution at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, and Anthony Marcoly, president of distribution at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.
In his previous role, Brenek led negotiations and signed early d-cinema deployment deals for the studio with Dolby and Christie/AIX. He oversaw similar negotiations for the Arts Alliance international d-cinema deployment deal, which was announced in February.
Brenek, who was vp distribution strategy, will be responsible for developing and overseeing nonmovie digital-cinema content, including 3-D and live events, setting Disney's worldwide d-cinema strategy and negotiating and closing d-cinema deployment deals. Additionally, he will work with all areas of production and distribution in the transition from film to digital exhibition.
Brenek will report to Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group; he will work directly with Chuck Viane, president of distribution at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, and Anthony Marcoly, president of distribution at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.
In his previous role, Brenek led negotiations and signed early d-cinema deployment deals for the studio with Dolby and Christie/AIX. He oversaw similar negotiations for the Arts Alliance international d-cinema deployment deal, which was announced in February.
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -- A call for industry standards for stereoscopic 3-D, both for theatrical release and in the home, was hammered home during a 3-D presentation Wednesday at the Hollywood Post Alliance's annual Technology Retreat.
"It's simply the lack of standards that is preventing the studios from taking content that they have in 3-D and formatting it onto a piece of plastic and having it play back in a player to a television that is 3-D capable," said Alan Bell, executive vp and chief technology officer at Paramount. "Clearly, home video in 3-D is essential to the converging business models."
Wednesday's 3-D session explored how the format is "moving from a science project to a business." During the session, the often-cited advantages of 3-D were applauded, but speakers also identified problems and issues that must be addressed.
Disney's Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which grossed $31.5 million in its opening weekend, was deemed an overwhelming success, and Disney president of distribution Chuck Viane encouraged the retreat audience to proceed with 3-D.
But he emphasized the need for deployment of more 3-D systems, saying: "That we could only have 683 theaters to play 'Hannah Montana' is backward movement in our business. In order for this to succeed, we must be in the thousand-plus range."
But Millard Ochs, president of Warner Bros. International Cinemas, warned 3-D enthusiasts, "We are not motivated to put in more 3-D (systems) until there is more product."
Similarly, Mann Theatres CEO Peter Dobson said: "Does the business model work? So far, no."...
"It's simply the lack of standards that is preventing the studios from taking content that they have in 3-D and formatting it onto a piece of plastic and having it play back in a player to a television that is 3-D capable," said Alan Bell, executive vp and chief technology officer at Paramount. "Clearly, home video in 3-D is essential to the converging business models."
Wednesday's 3-D session explored how the format is "moving from a science project to a business." During the session, the often-cited advantages of 3-D were applauded, but speakers also identified problems and issues that must be addressed.
Disney's Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which grossed $31.5 million in its opening weekend, was deemed an overwhelming success, and Disney president of distribution Chuck Viane encouraged the retreat audience to proceed with 3-D.
But he emphasized the need for deployment of more 3-D systems, saying: "That we could only have 683 theaters to play 'Hannah Montana' is backward movement in our business. In order for this to succeed, we must be in the thousand-plus range."
But Millard Ochs, president of Warner Bros. International Cinemas, warned 3-D enthusiasts, "We are not motivated to put in more 3-D (systems) until there is more product."
Similarly, Mann Theatres CEO Peter Dobson said: "Does the business model work? So far, no."...
- 2/21/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney Feature Animation's Bolt -- previously titled American Dog -- will be released in digital 3-D when it opens Nov. 26, 2008.
"We are going to have fun family 3-D at Thanksgiving," Disney president of domestic distribution Chuck Viane said. "We absolutely believe in the whole concept of 3-D and the enhancement that it brings in the ability to separate us from any of the other mediums."
Bolt is the latest digital 3-D announcement from Disney, which has been a pioneer of the format. The company's digital 3-D releases have included Chicken Little, Meet the Robinsons and "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas."
Burton also recently signed a two-picture deal with Disney through which he will direct and produce 3-D features of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Burton's short Frankenweenie. Disney next releases in 3-D the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which will play in theaters Feb. 1-7.
The Hannah Montana release should be available on about 700 screens. "By the time we get to 'Bolt, ' I think you may be looking at somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 potential 3-D screens (domestically)," Viane said.
"We are going to have fun family 3-D at Thanksgiving," Disney president of domestic distribution Chuck Viane said. "We absolutely believe in the whole concept of 3-D and the enhancement that it brings in the ability to separate us from any of the other mediums."
Bolt is the latest digital 3-D announcement from Disney, which has been a pioneer of the format. The company's digital 3-D releases have included Chicken Little, Meet the Robinsons and "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas."
Burton also recently signed a two-picture deal with Disney through which he will direct and produce 3-D features of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Burton's short Frankenweenie. Disney next releases in 3-D the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which will play in theaters Feb. 1-7.
The Hannah Montana release should be available on about 700 screens. "By the time we get to 'Bolt, ' I think you may be looking at somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 potential 3-D screens (domestically)," Viane said.
- 11/26/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate's Saw IV got the blood flowing a bit in the recently lifeless domestic boxoffice, opening at No. 1 with an estimated $32.1 million during the pre-Halloween weekend.
Disney's PG-13 romantic comedy Dan in Real Life debuted with a credible second-place performance, ringing up $12.1 million. And Sony's vampire film 30 Days of Night finished third despite a 58% drop from its opening grosses, chomping into another $6.7 million while fleshing out its 10-day cume to $27.3 million.
Industrywide, the weekend represented a sixth consecutive down session. Grosses totaled an estimated $104 million, off 1% from the same frame last year, according to data tracker Nielsen EDI.
Lionsgate distribution president Steve Rothenberg said the "Saw" bow, while short of a franchise record, shows that "the horror genre is still alive and well."
"Saw" fans are particularly loyal, Rothenberg noted, with 89% of patrons for the third sequel saying they had seen all three previous splatterfests.
The original "Saw" opened during Halloween 2004 with $18.3 million and went on to gross $55.2 million domestically. A year later, Saw II bowed with $31.7 million and eventually took in $87 million. Last year, Saw III debuted with $33.6 million en route to an $80.2 million total.
Sony's The Grudge represents the best horror opener ever with its $39 million performance in October 2004.
Lionsgate has stood out in the lackluster fall marketplace, opening three films at No. 1 in the past eight weeks. The distributor's 3:10 to Yuma and Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" topped weekend rankings over the Sept. 7 and Oct. 12 frames, respectively.
Saw IV skewed 52% female, with 68% of patrons under 25.
"Dan" presented moviegoers with a real option to R-rated Saw IV during the weekend, and the older-skewing Steve Carell-Juliette Binoche starrer drew audiences comprising 70% couples.
"Audiences responded well to having a nice, funny movie back in the theaters," Disney distribution president Chuck Viane said.
Disney's PG-13 romantic comedy Dan in Real Life debuted with a credible second-place performance, ringing up $12.1 million. And Sony's vampire film 30 Days of Night finished third despite a 58% drop from its opening grosses, chomping into another $6.7 million while fleshing out its 10-day cume to $27.3 million.
Industrywide, the weekend represented a sixth consecutive down session. Grosses totaled an estimated $104 million, off 1% from the same frame last year, according to data tracker Nielsen EDI.
Lionsgate distribution president Steve Rothenberg said the "Saw" bow, while short of a franchise record, shows that "the horror genre is still alive and well."
"Saw" fans are particularly loyal, Rothenberg noted, with 89% of patrons for the third sequel saying they had seen all three previous splatterfests.
The original "Saw" opened during Halloween 2004 with $18.3 million and went on to gross $55.2 million domestically. A year later, Saw II bowed with $31.7 million and eventually took in $87 million. Last year, Saw III debuted with $33.6 million en route to an $80.2 million total.
Sony's The Grudge represents the best horror opener ever with its $39 million performance in October 2004.
Lionsgate has stood out in the lackluster fall marketplace, opening three films at No. 1 in the past eight weeks. The distributor's 3:10 to Yuma and Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" topped weekend rankings over the Sept. 7 and Oct. 12 frames, respectively.
Saw IV skewed 52% female, with 68% of patrons under 25.
"Dan" presented moviegoers with a real option to R-rated Saw IV during the weekend, and the older-skewing Steve Carell-Juliette Binoche starrer drew audiences comprising 70% couples.
"Audiences responded well to having a nice, funny movie back in the theaters," Disney distribution president Chuck Viane said.
- 10/29/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney's "The Game Plan" pulled off a surprise at the domestic boxoffice during the weekend as the PG-rated family film exceeded expectations and scored an estimated $22.7 million in its debut. It finished about $5 million ahead the second-place film, Universal's R-rated "The Kingdom", which bowed to about $17.7 million.
Heading into the weekend, prerelease tracking indicated that the two films were neck and neck, with most industry observers giving a slight edge to "Kingdom". But families and kids are the wild card in tracking because interest from that demographic is more difficult to gauge than teens and adults.
Another factor playing into the strong finish for "Game Plan" was the relative dearth of family-oriented pictures in the marketplace of late. The majority of wide-release films opening the past four to eight weeks have been rated R, with a smattering of PG-13 films thrown in.
"It always feels terrific when you over-deliver on industry expectations," said Chuck Viane, president of Walt Disney Pictures Distribution, which now has had four films debut in first place this year.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in "Game Plan", which opened in 3,103 locations and averaged $7,307 per theater. Andy Fickman helmed the gridiron-set family comedy, which centers on a carefree NFL quarterback (Johnson) who discovers he has an 8-year-old daughter (Madison Pettis) from a previous relationship.
The opening was the second best for Johnson in a starring role, after Universal's "The Scorpion King", which grossed $36.1 million in its April 2002 debut.
Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner toplined "Kingdom", which opened in 2,793 venues. Peter Berg directed the action thriller, about a team of U.S. counterterrorism investigators who work with local authorities in Saudi Arabia to track down the perpetrators of an attack on Americans there.
"Considering how many R-rated films are in the market, we are very pleased with the opening," Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco said.
Although "Game Plan" exceeded expectations and "Kingdom" bowed in the area expected, the total for the weekend's top 12 films was $76.7 million, down 11% from a year ago, when Sony's "Open Season" shot into the top spot with $23.6 million.
Heading into the weekend, prerelease tracking indicated that the two films were neck and neck, with most industry observers giving a slight edge to "Kingdom". But families and kids are the wild card in tracking because interest from that demographic is more difficult to gauge than teens and adults.
Another factor playing into the strong finish for "Game Plan" was the relative dearth of family-oriented pictures in the marketplace of late. The majority of wide-release films opening the past four to eight weeks have been rated R, with a smattering of PG-13 films thrown in.
"It always feels terrific when you over-deliver on industry expectations," said Chuck Viane, president of Walt Disney Pictures Distribution, which now has had four films debut in first place this year.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in "Game Plan", which opened in 3,103 locations and averaged $7,307 per theater. Andy Fickman helmed the gridiron-set family comedy, which centers on a carefree NFL quarterback (Johnson) who discovers he has an 8-year-old daughter (Madison Pettis) from a previous relationship.
The opening was the second best for Johnson in a starring role, after Universal's "The Scorpion King", which grossed $36.1 million in its April 2002 debut.
Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner toplined "Kingdom", which opened in 2,793 venues. Peter Berg directed the action thriller, about a team of U.S. counterterrorism investigators who work with local authorities in Saudi Arabia to track down the perpetrators of an attack on Americans there.
"Considering how many R-rated films are in the market, we are very pleased with the opening," Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco said.
Although "Game Plan" exceeded expectations and "Kingdom" bowed in the area expected, the total for the weekend's top 12 films was $76.7 million, down 11% from a year ago, when Sony's "Open Season" shot into the top spot with $23.6 million.
- 10/1/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With a unprecedented 29,000-screen global day-and-date release, Buena Vista Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" scaled new heights at the boxoffice, where the third film in the franchise plundered a record $401 million worldwide in it first six days of release.
In North America, where three A-list tentpole sequels opened in more than 4,000 theaters apiece during the past four weeks, it's not surprising that the four-day Memorial Day session will enter the record books as the biggest weekend in domestic boxoffice history.
Thanks largely to the stellar opening of "At World's End" as well as the outstanding holds of Paramount Pictures' "Shrek the Third" ($69.1 million) and Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man 3" ($18 million), the total domestic boxoffice for all films for the weekend is tracking to land in the vicinity of $265 million, easily besting the 2001 five-day New Year's Day frame, the reigning champ with $249.3 million.
The next biggest-grossing weekend of all time was the 2004 Memorial Day frame, with $247.6 million.
"At World's End" set sail at the domestic boxoffice with an estimate of a dazzling $142.1 million from a record 4,362 venues during the four-day holiday frame, marking the second-biggest opening weekend of all time behind the $151.1 million take of "Spider-Man 3". Including Thursday night previews that generated $14 million, the PG-13 "At World's End" has tallied about $156.1 million domestically so far.
The staggering global haul of "At World's End", meanwhile, topped the recent $382 million six-day worldwide opening of "Spider-Man 3".
The Johnny Depp starrer, helmed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, can claim the biggest opening for a Memorial Day weekend, topping 20th Century Fox's "X-Men: The Last Stand", which took in $122.9 million last year.
"I think it's a testament to the first two films being so beloved, which gave the public the reason to choose us during an extremely competitive weekend," Buena Vista Pictures Distribution president Chuck Viane said."We are thrilled by being able to take the holiday weekend to launch the movie to record levels -- it was the target we were aiming at."
On another historical note, the debuts of "At World's End", "Shrek the Third" and "Spider-Man 3" mark the first time that three films generated opening weekends of more than $100 million apiece in one year.
In North America, where three A-list tentpole sequels opened in more than 4,000 theaters apiece during the past four weeks, it's not surprising that the four-day Memorial Day session will enter the record books as the biggest weekend in domestic boxoffice history.
Thanks largely to the stellar opening of "At World's End" as well as the outstanding holds of Paramount Pictures' "Shrek the Third" ($69.1 million) and Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man 3" ($18 million), the total domestic boxoffice for all films for the weekend is tracking to land in the vicinity of $265 million, easily besting the 2001 five-day New Year's Day frame, the reigning champ with $249.3 million.
The next biggest-grossing weekend of all time was the 2004 Memorial Day frame, with $247.6 million.
"At World's End" set sail at the domestic boxoffice with an estimate of a dazzling $142.1 million from a record 4,362 venues during the four-day holiday frame, marking the second-biggest opening weekend of all time behind the $151.1 million take of "Spider-Man 3". Including Thursday night previews that generated $14 million, the PG-13 "At World's End" has tallied about $156.1 million domestically so far.
The staggering global haul of "At World's End", meanwhile, topped the recent $382 million six-day worldwide opening of "Spider-Man 3".
The Johnny Depp starrer, helmed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, can claim the biggest opening for a Memorial Day weekend, topping 20th Century Fox's "X-Men: The Last Stand", which took in $122.9 million last year.
"I think it's a testament to the first two films being so beloved, which gave the public the reason to choose us during an extremely competitive weekend," Buena Vista Pictures Distribution president Chuck Viane said."We are thrilled by being able to take the holiday weekend to launch the movie to record levels -- it was the target we were aiming at."
On another historical note, the debuts of "At World's End", "Shrek the Third" and "Spider-Man 3" mark the first time that three films generated opening weekends of more than $100 million apiece in one year.
- 5/29/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With a unprecedented 29,000-screen global day-and-date release, Buena Vista Pictures' Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End scaled new heights at the boxoffice, where the third film in the franchise plundered a record $401 million worldwide in it first six days of release.
In North America, where three A-list tentpole sequels opened in more than 4,000 theaters apiece during the past four weeks, it's not surprising that the four-day Memorial Day session will enter the record books as the biggest weekend in domestic boxoffice history.
Thanks largely to the stellar opening of At World's End as well as the outstanding holds of Paramount Pictures' Shrek the Third ($69.1 million) and Sony Pictures' Spider-Man 3 ($18 million), the total domestic boxoffice for all films for the weekend is tracking to land in the vicinity of $265 million, easily besting the 2001 five-day New Year's Day frame, the reigning champ with $249.3 million.
The next biggest-grossing weekend of all time was the 2004 Memorial Day frame, with $247.6 million.
At World's End set sail at the domestic boxoffice with an estimate of a dazzling $142.1 million from a record 4,362 venues during the four-day holiday frame, marking the second-biggest opening weekend of all time behind the $151.1 million take of Spider-Man 3. Including Thursday night previews that generated $14 million, the PG-13 At World's End has tallied about $156.1 million domestically so far.
The staggering global haul of At World's End, meanwhile, topped the recent $382 million six-day worldwide opening of Spider-Man 3.
The Johnny Depp starrer, helmed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, can claim the biggest opening for a Memorial Day weekend, topping 20th Century Fox's X-Men: The Last Stand, which took in $122.9 million last year.
"I think it's a testament to the first two films being so beloved, which gave the public the reason to choose us during an extremely competitive weekend," Buena Vista Pictures Distribution president Chuck Viane said."We are thrilled by being able to take the holiday weekend to launch the movie to record levels -- it was the target we were aiming at."
On another historical note, the debuts of At World's End, Shrek the Third and Spider-Man 3 mark the first time that three films generated opening weekends of more than $100 million apiece in one year.
In North America, where three A-list tentpole sequels opened in more than 4,000 theaters apiece during the past four weeks, it's not surprising that the four-day Memorial Day session will enter the record books as the biggest weekend in domestic boxoffice history.
Thanks largely to the stellar opening of At World's End as well as the outstanding holds of Paramount Pictures' Shrek the Third ($69.1 million) and Sony Pictures' Spider-Man 3 ($18 million), the total domestic boxoffice for all films for the weekend is tracking to land in the vicinity of $265 million, easily besting the 2001 five-day New Year's Day frame, the reigning champ with $249.3 million.
The next biggest-grossing weekend of all time was the 2004 Memorial Day frame, with $247.6 million.
At World's End set sail at the domestic boxoffice with an estimate of a dazzling $142.1 million from a record 4,362 venues during the four-day holiday frame, marking the second-biggest opening weekend of all time behind the $151.1 million take of Spider-Man 3. Including Thursday night previews that generated $14 million, the PG-13 At World's End has tallied about $156.1 million domestically so far.
The staggering global haul of At World's End, meanwhile, topped the recent $382 million six-day worldwide opening of Spider-Man 3.
The Johnny Depp starrer, helmed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, can claim the biggest opening for a Memorial Day weekend, topping 20th Century Fox's X-Men: The Last Stand, which took in $122.9 million last year.
"I think it's a testament to the first two films being so beloved, which gave the public the reason to choose us during an extremely competitive weekend," Buena Vista Pictures Distribution president Chuck Viane said."We are thrilled by being able to take the holiday weekend to launch the movie to record levels -- it was the target we were aiming at."
On another historical note, the debuts of At World's End, Shrek the Third and Spider-Man 3 mark the first time that three films generated opening weekends of more than $100 million apiece in one year.
- 5/29/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End opens this weekend, it will mark another milestone for the digital cinema community.
"At World's End" will be the first feature to be released on more than 1,000 digital cinema screens domestically, Disney distribution president Chuck Viane said. It also will be the first movie to bow on more than 400 screens internationally, Viane added.
As of Monday, Pirates was set to open on 1,064 digital cinema screens domestically and an additional 410 internationally. Viane said the number could rise before this weekend's release.
"It went up 20-something (screens) in the last few hours," he said.
There are currently 3,229 digital screens domestically. Precise international figures weren't immediately available, but the pace of digital installations in the U.S. and abroad has quickened dramatically over the past 18 months amid major roll-out financings.
"The benefit of 3-D is showing a secondary reason to get into the digital world faster, and new complexes are opting to open with digital screens," Viane said.
"At World's End" will be the first feature to be released on more than 1,000 digital cinema screens domestically, Disney distribution president Chuck Viane said. It also will be the first movie to bow on more than 400 screens internationally, Viane added.
As of Monday, Pirates was set to open on 1,064 digital cinema screens domestically and an additional 410 internationally. Viane said the number could rise before this weekend's release.
"It went up 20-something (screens) in the last few hours," he said.
There are currently 3,229 digital screens domestically. Precise international figures weren't immediately available, but the pace of digital installations in the U.S. and abroad has quickened dramatically over the past 18 months amid major roll-out financings.
"The benefit of 3-D is showing a secondary reason to get into the digital world faster, and new complexes are opting to open with digital screens," Viane said.
- 5/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Moviegoers stuck with the familiar during the Easter holiday weekend: Blades of Glory and Meet the Robinsons, the previous weekend's top two, once more rose to the top at the North American boxoffice, while Ice Cube's comedy sequel Are We Done Yet? received the warmest reception of the weekend's newcomers.
The R-rated Grindhouse, with a running time of more than three hours, provided the biggest surprise of the weekend. The exercise in low-rent, '70s nostalgia from directors Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino had been expected by many to dominate the frame, but the Weinstein Co.'s Dimension Films release opened at a tepid No. 4, attracting just $11.6 million. Rounding out the new releases, the horror pic The Reaping took fifth place with $10.1 million, while 20th Century Fox's family movie Firehouse Dog snuck into 10th place with just $4 million.
"It was one of those great weekends for incumbents," Buena Vista Pictures Distribution president Chuck Viane observed.
Buoyed by strong holdovers, overall business for the top 10 films was up nearly 9% over the comparable weekend last year, when 20th Century Fox's Ice Age: The Meltdown, in its second weekend, dominated the charts with $33.8 million, while Sony Pictures' The Benchwarmers and New Line Cinema's Take the Lead were the top two new releases.
The PG-13 Blades, Paramount Pictures' release of the DreamWorks/MTV Films comedy starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, demonstrated definite stamina, falling just 30%. Its weekend take of an estimated $23 million, following strong daily showings during the week, brought its collective purse to $68.4 million.
"It's always great to have the No. 1 film two weeks in a row," DreamWorks spokesman Marvin Levy said, "but it only happens if you have a film that the audience is really enjoying." In its second weekend, the movie expanded to the over-25 audience, DreamWorks reported. "And we're in good shape to keep gliding along on our skates," Levy said of the comedy, produced by Ben Stiller's Red Hour Films and directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck.
Playing to the family audience, Buena Vista's G-rated animated Robinsons, directed by Stephen J. Anderson, hung in strongly as well, falling just 32%. Its estimated weekend take amounted to $17 million in 3,435 theaters, bringing its cume to $52.2 million.
Like Blades, Robinsons took advantage of spring vacations and built during the week.
The R-rated Grindhouse, with a running time of more than three hours, provided the biggest surprise of the weekend. The exercise in low-rent, '70s nostalgia from directors Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino had been expected by many to dominate the frame, but the Weinstein Co.'s Dimension Films release opened at a tepid No. 4, attracting just $11.6 million. Rounding out the new releases, the horror pic The Reaping took fifth place with $10.1 million, while 20th Century Fox's family movie Firehouse Dog snuck into 10th place with just $4 million.
"It was one of those great weekends for incumbents," Buena Vista Pictures Distribution president Chuck Viane observed.
Buoyed by strong holdovers, overall business for the top 10 films was up nearly 9% over the comparable weekend last year, when 20th Century Fox's Ice Age: The Meltdown, in its second weekend, dominated the charts with $33.8 million, while Sony Pictures' The Benchwarmers and New Line Cinema's Take the Lead were the top two new releases.
The PG-13 Blades, Paramount Pictures' release of the DreamWorks/MTV Films comedy starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, demonstrated definite stamina, falling just 30%. Its weekend take of an estimated $23 million, following strong daily showings during the week, brought its collective purse to $68.4 million.
"It's always great to have the No. 1 film two weeks in a row," DreamWorks spokesman Marvin Levy said, "but it only happens if you have a film that the audience is really enjoying." In its second weekend, the movie expanded to the over-25 audience, DreamWorks reported. "And we're in good shape to keep gliding along on our skates," Levy said of the comedy, produced by Ben Stiller's Red Hour Films and directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck.
Playing to the family audience, Buena Vista's G-rated animated Robinsons, directed by Stephen J. Anderson, hung in strongly as well, falling just 32%. Its estimated weekend take amounted to $17 million in 3,435 theaters, bringing its cume to $52.2 million.
Like Blades, Robinsons took advantage of spring vacations and built during the week.
One of Tim Burton's earliest animated shorts, Vincent, will be converted to a stereoscopic 3-D form.
The film will play on 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens as the opening attraction to screenings of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas 3-D, which will be rereleased by the Walt Disney Co. in October.
Made in 1982, Vincent is a six-minute stop-motion film that tells the story of Vincent Malloy, a youth who imagines that he is like Vincent Price. The black-and-white short is based on a poem written by Burton, who was influenced by Price. Price narrated the film.
"When you have an evergreen title like 'Nightmare, ' it is very important to give the fan a chance to sample something new," said Chuck Viane, president of Disney's Buena Vista Pictures Domestic Distribution. "Each year on bring backs, we are going to try to add some value."
This news comes on the heels of the opening of Disney's animated Meet the Robinsons, which grossed $7.1 million on 581 Real D 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens domestically, the largest digital 3-D opening to date.
The film will play on 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens as the opening attraction to screenings of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas 3-D, which will be rereleased by the Walt Disney Co. in October.
Made in 1982, Vincent is a six-minute stop-motion film that tells the story of Vincent Malloy, a youth who imagines that he is like Vincent Price. The black-and-white short is based on a poem written by Burton, who was influenced by Price. Price narrated the film.
"When you have an evergreen title like 'Nightmare, ' it is very important to give the fan a chance to sample something new," said Chuck Viane, president of Disney's Buena Vista Pictures Domestic Distribution. "Each year on bring backs, we are going to try to add some value."
This news comes on the heels of the opening of Disney's animated Meet the Robinsons, which grossed $7.1 million on 581 Real D 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens domestically, the largest digital 3-D opening to date.
The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens has named MGM president of domestic distribution Clark Woods recipient of its 2007 Humanitarian Award.
Woods was tapped to receive the honor in recognition of his contributions as a role model and mentor to children and fostering strong self-esteem and confidence in young boys and girls during critical periods of their development.
Woods will receive the award June 13 at the 56th annual Humanitarian Award dinner at the Copacabana in New York. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit organization, a recreational and educational facility for children in Queens.
Bill Briendel, president of Variety -- the Children's Charity of New York, called Woods "a true friend and mentor who deserves our respect and admiration for his selflessness and contributions to the healthy development of our nation's children."
Woods, a 28-year veteran of theatrical distribution who segued to MGM last year, joins an elite group of former Humanitarian Award honorees including Focus Features president of theatrical distribution Jack Foley, Buena Vista distribution president Chuck Viane, New Line Cinema domestic theatrical distribution president David Tuckerman and MGM COO Rick Sands.
Woods was tapped to receive the honor in recognition of his contributions as a role model and mentor to children and fostering strong self-esteem and confidence in young boys and girls during critical periods of their development.
Woods will receive the award June 13 at the 56th annual Humanitarian Award dinner at the Copacabana in New York. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit organization, a recreational and educational facility for children in Queens.
Bill Briendel, president of Variety -- the Children's Charity of New York, called Woods "a true friend and mentor who deserves our respect and admiration for his selflessness and contributions to the healthy development of our nation's children."
Woods, a 28-year veteran of theatrical distribution who segued to MGM last year, joins an elite group of former Humanitarian Award honorees including Focus Features president of theatrical distribution Jack Foley, Buena Vista distribution president Chuck Viane, New Line Cinema domestic theatrical distribution president David Tuckerman and MGM COO Rick Sands.
- 2/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Real D's quest to install 1,000 3-D screens by the end of next year got one step closer Wednesday. The 3-D technology provider said Carmike Cinema has committed to install 500 Real D screens, with 200 screens to be deployed by March, in time for Buena Vista Pictures' Meet the Robinsons.
Atlanta-based Carmike's agreement brings Real D's committed screen count to 850 worldwide. The company received a significant bump after Buena Vista's 3-D reissue of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas caught fire with audiences in October, grossing more than $8 million in 168 theaters.
"I'm thrilled by this, and I'm hopeful that this is just the beginning of some expansion of the Real D locations," Buena Vista distribution president Chuck Viane said. "On a financial basis, it's really going to help us on 'Meet the Robinsons, ' which I hope will be further expanded in October when we reissue 'Nightmare Before Christmas.' The dawning of the 3-D world is just about to happen."
Beyond the Walt Disney Co.'s commitment to Real D, which included 2005's Chicken Little, Sony Pictures has embraced the format with its release of the animated Monster House this year and Paramount's upcoming Robert Zemeckis film Beowulf.
"We are excited to finalize this agreement with Carmike and appreciate their vision regarding the future of exhibition," Real D chairman Michael Lewis said.
Atlanta-based Carmike's agreement brings Real D's committed screen count to 850 worldwide. The company received a significant bump after Buena Vista's 3-D reissue of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas caught fire with audiences in October, grossing more than $8 million in 168 theaters.
"I'm thrilled by this, and I'm hopeful that this is just the beginning of some expansion of the Real D locations," Buena Vista distribution president Chuck Viane said. "On a financial basis, it's really going to help us on 'Meet the Robinsons, ' which I hope will be further expanded in October when we reissue 'Nightmare Before Christmas.' The dawning of the 3-D world is just about to happen."
Beyond the Walt Disney Co.'s commitment to Real D, which included 2005's Chicken Little, Sony Pictures has embraced the format with its release of the animated Monster House this year and Paramount's upcoming Robert Zemeckis film Beowulf.
"We are excited to finalize this agreement with Carmike and appreciate their vision regarding the future of exhibition," Real D chairman Michael Lewis said.
- 12/13/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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