Jo Bladen and Marc Wooldridge.
Today marks the end of an era in the Australian screen industry with the departures of Jo Bladen, Disney’s general manager, studios and live entertainment, and Marc Wooldridge, Fox Film Distributors MD for Australasia.
Exhibitors, distributors, filmmakers and former colleagues are lamenting the loss of two highly experienced executives resulting from the Walt Disney Company’s $US71.3 billion takeover of most of 21st Century Fox’s prized assets.
In this area of consolidation and downsizing among majors and independents alike, some question the capacity of studios to release small-to-medium budget movies without the expertise and experience of executives like Wooldridge and Bladen.
Former Paramount Pictures Australia MD Mike Selwyn observes: “The distribution/exhibition industry seems to be going through a period of real uncertainty. At the heart of this is the steady erosion of income from post-theatrical exploitation.
“This is eating away at the...
Today marks the end of an era in the Australian screen industry with the departures of Jo Bladen, Disney’s general manager, studios and live entertainment, and Marc Wooldridge, Fox Film Distributors MD for Australasia.
Exhibitors, distributors, filmmakers and former colleagues are lamenting the loss of two highly experienced executives resulting from the Walt Disney Company’s $US71.3 billion takeover of most of 21st Century Fox’s prized assets.
In this area of consolidation and downsizing among majors and independents alike, some question the capacity of studios to release small-to-medium budget movies without the expertise and experience of executives like Wooldridge and Bladen.
Former Paramount Pictures Australia MD Mike Selwyn observes: “The distribution/exhibition industry seems to be going through a period of real uncertainty. At the heart of this is the steady erosion of income from post-theatrical exploitation.
“This is eating away at the...
- 6/27/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Bruce Leonard (l) receiving the national pioneer of the year award from Mike Selwyn.
Friends and colleagues are mourning Bruce Leonard as a passionate and committed stalwart of the Australian cinema industry.
Leonard, who died at his Sydney home last Wednesday, aged 75, dedicated a large part of his life to the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers and the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society (Mpibs) as national secretary/treasurer of both bodies.
“I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Bruce for 40 years,“ says Murray Forrest, the chairman of Mpibs. “I witnessed his thoughtfulness, decency and caring for people. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have known in my 50 years in the film industry.”
Former Paramount Pictures MD Mike Selwyn said: “The film industry in Australia has been very fortunate in having a number of people who, after a long career, were willing to devote themselves to helping others in the industry.
Friends and colleagues are mourning Bruce Leonard as a passionate and committed stalwart of the Australian cinema industry.
Leonard, who died at his Sydney home last Wednesday, aged 75, dedicated a large part of his life to the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers and the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society (Mpibs) as national secretary/treasurer of both bodies.
“I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Bruce for 40 years,“ says Murray Forrest, the chairman of Mpibs. “I witnessed his thoughtfulness, decency and caring for people. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have known in my 50 years in the film industry.”
Former Paramount Pictures MD Mike Selwyn said: “The film industry in Australia has been very fortunate in having a number of people who, after a long career, were willing to devote themselves to helping others in the industry.
- 3/18/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Australian B.O. is running hot, outpacing last year by more than 14%, and some industry mavens predict 2015 will set an all-time record.
Distributors and exhibitors are more than usually confident about the second half release line-up, including at least half a dozen Australian films.
Powered by Mad Max: Fury Road ($20.5 million in five weeks), Paper Planes and The Water Diviner,. local films have raked in $42.8 million this year, already eclipsing the paltry 2014 calendar total of $26.1 million and 2013.s $38.5 million.
The Sydney Film Festival looks like being an effective launching pad for Brendan Cowell's Ruben Guthrie (which opens on July 16 via Madman), Gillian Armstrong's Women He's Undressed (Rialto, also July 16), Jeremy Sims'. Last Cab to Darwin (Icon, August 6), Neil Armfield.s Holding the Man (Transmission, August 27) and Simon Stone.s The Daughter (Roadshow, September 10).
There is a positive buzz about other upcoming releases including Stuart McDonald.s rustic comedy Oddball (Roadshow,...
Distributors and exhibitors are more than usually confident about the second half release line-up, including at least half a dozen Australian films.
Powered by Mad Max: Fury Road ($20.5 million in five weeks), Paper Planes and The Water Diviner,. local films have raked in $42.8 million this year, already eclipsing the paltry 2014 calendar total of $26.1 million and 2013.s $38.5 million.
The Sydney Film Festival looks like being an effective launching pad for Brendan Cowell's Ruben Guthrie (which opens on July 16 via Madman), Gillian Armstrong's Women He's Undressed (Rialto, also July 16), Jeremy Sims'. Last Cab to Darwin (Icon, August 6), Neil Armfield.s Holding the Man (Transmission, August 27) and Simon Stone.s The Daughter (Roadshow, September 10).
There is a positive buzz about other upcoming releases including Stuart McDonald.s rustic comedy Oddball (Roadshow,...
- 6/18/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Would lower ticket prices encourage more people to see Australian films in cinemas?
That question has been raised several times in the debate over the inability of. local films to connect with moviegoers. The answer is a resounding yes, according to some respondents to the latest informal survey on social media.
However exhibitors and distributors have rejected calls for variable pricing for Australian films. .If you ask people about value/price, they always say that items are too expensive, however Gold Class and other added-value offerings continue to be extremely successful,. Paramount Pictures MD Mike Selwyn tells If. .Cinema is good value entertainment considering the quality of the infrastructure in Australia..
Producer Annie Kinnane asked on Facebook, .If Australian films at the cinemas had a ticket price of $15 compared to the big American films at $19.50 would you see that as a way of supporting our Aussie film industry - or...
That question has been raised several times in the debate over the inability of. local films to connect with moviegoers. The answer is a resounding yes, according to some respondents to the latest informal survey on social media.
However exhibitors and distributors have rejected calls for variable pricing for Australian films. .If you ask people about value/price, they always say that items are too expensive, however Gold Class and other added-value offerings continue to be extremely successful,. Paramount Pictures MD Mike Selwyn tells If. .Cinema is good value entertainment considering the quality of the infrastructure in Australia..
Producer Annie Kinnane asked on Facebook, .If Australian films at the cinemas had a ticket price of $15 compared to the big American films at $19.50 would you see that as a way of supporting our Aussie film industry - or...
- 11/6/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The campaign for a new, custom-built headquarters for the National Film and Sound Archive is gaining momentum among a wide section of the screen industry.
Producer Tony Buckley got the ball rolling when he wrote to Arts Minister George Brandis and Nsw Premier Mike Baird urging both governments to fund a new home for the institution, preferably in Sydney. A former council member of the Nfsa and a screen industry practitioner for 60 years, Buckley points out the Nfsa is the only federally-funded arts museum/ archive that has never had a purpose-built home. The initiative is being backed enthusiastically by some heavyweight players in the screen industry.
David Seargeant, CEO of Amalgamated Holdings Ltd., which owns Event Cinemas, Greater Union and Birch, Carroll & Coyle, told Buckley this is .a great initiative which we totally support . even more particularly through our relationship with the Archive and the collection both ourselves and Fox donated.
Producer Tony Buckley got the ball rolling when he wrote to Arts Minister George Brandis and Nsw Premier Mike Baird urging both governments to fund a new home for the institution, preferably in Sydney. A former council member of the Nfsa and a screen industry practitioner for 60 years, Buckley points out the Nfsa is the only federally-funded arts museum/ archive that has never had a purpose-built home. The initiative is being backed enthusiastically by some heavyweight players in the screen industry.
David Seargeant, CEO of Amalgamated Holdings Ltd., which owns Event Cinemas, Greater Union and Birch, Carroll & Coyle, told Buckley this is .a great initiative which we totally support . even more particularly through our relationship with the Archive and the collection both ourselves and Fox donated.
- 9/17/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Go big or go small- just avoid the middle ground in Australian film budgets.
That approach is being advocated by some industry executives and producers in response to the global trend which sees many mid-level films being marginalised.
.In light of the recent flight of the indie audiences in Australia and worldwide and the fact that indie films are struggling in the cinematic marketplace, there will be an increasing bifurcation of the production landscape,. predicts Safc CEO Richard Harris.
.There has long been a discussion about what has been dubbed the .dead zone. for feature films, somewhere between $5m-$15m.
.Some Australian producers will continue to see cinema as the main game for their film and therefore they will think about their budget in terms of competing in what is an increasingly difficult theatrical space.
.Others, however, will be . or in many cases already are . thinking about making their film...
That approach is being advocated by some industry executives and producers in response to the global trend which sees many mid-level films being marginalised.
.In light of the recent flight of the indie audiences in Australia and worldwide and the fact that indie films are struggling in the cinematic marketplace, there will be an increasing bifurcation of the production landscape,. predicts Safc CEO Richard Harris.
.There has long been a discussion about what has been dubbed the .dead zone. for feature films, somewhere between $5m-$15m.
.Some Australian producers will continue to see cinema as the main game for their film and therefore they will think about their budget in terms of competing in what is an increasingly difficult theatrical space.
.Others, however, will be . or in many cases already are . thinking about making their film...
- 9/11/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Alarm bells have been ringing among the Hollywood studios and cinema chains since a report showed steep drops in moviegoing among teenagers and young adults in the Us.
The number of frequent cinemagoers aged 18-24 plunged by an unprecedented 17% in 2013, according to Motion Picture Association of America, while attendances in the 12-17 age bracket fell by nearly 15%.
However research in Australia indicates there has been a negiglble drop among teens and a small decrease among young adults.
.Looking at the year-on-year comparison from the Roy Morgan data, the drop hasn.t been anywhere near the level seen in the Us,. said Paul Butler, marketing director of Val Morgan Cinema Network.
Last year 41.4% of teenagers aged 14-17 who were surveyed reported they had been to a cinema in the past four weeks (down just 0.4% on 2012) and the average number of cinema visits was 1.49 (1.48 previously).
Of the 18-24s, 38.9% (42.1%) had been to...
The number of frequent cinemagoers aged 18-24 plunged by an unprecedented 17% in 2013, according to Motion Picture Association of America, while attendances in the 12-17 age bracket fell by nearly 15%.
However research in Australia indicates there has been a negiglble drop among teens and a small decrease among young adults.
.Looking at the year-on-year comparison from the Roy Morgan data, the drop hasn.t been anywhere near the level seen in the Us,. said Paul Butler, marketing director of Val Morgan Cinema Network.
Last year 41.4% of teenagers aged 14-17 who were surveyed reported they had been to a cinema in the past four weeks (down just 0.4% on 2012) and the average number of cinema visits was 1.49 (1.48 previously).
Of the 18-24s, 38.9% (42.1%) had been to...
- 4/30/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Alarm bells have been ringing among the Hollywood studios and cinema chains since a report showed steep drops in moviegoing among teenagers and young adults in the Us.
The number of frequent cinemagoers aged 18-24 plunged by an unprecedented 17% in 2013, according to Motion Picture Association of America, while attendances in the 12-17 age bracket fell by nearly 15%.
However research in Australia indicates there has been a negiglble drop among teens and a small decrease among young adults.
.Looking at the year-on-year comparison from the Roy Morgan data, the drop hasn.t been anywhere near the level seen in the Us,. said Paul Butler, marketing director of Val Morgan Cinema Network.
Last year 41.4% of teenagers aged 14-17 who were surveyed reported they had been to a cinema in the past four weeks (down just 0.4% on 2012) and the average number of cinema visits was 1.49 (1.48 previously).
Of the 18-24s, 38.9% (42.1%) had been to...
The number of frequent cinemagoers aged 18-24 plunged by an unprecedented 17% in 2013, according to Motion Picture Association of America, while attendances in the 12-17 age bracket fell by nearly 15%.
However research in Australia indicates there has been a negiglble drop among teens and a small decrease among young adults.
.Looking at the year-on-year comparison from the Roy Morgan data, the drop hasn.t been anywhere near the level seen in the Us,. said Paul Butler, marketing director of Val Morgan Cinema Network.
Last year 41.4% of teenagers aged 14-17 who were surveyed reported they had been to a cinema in the past four weeks (down just 0.4% on 2012) and the average number of cinema visits was 1.49 (1.48 previously).
Of the 18-24s, 38.9% (42.1%) had been to...
- 4/30/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Paramount Pictures Australia has closed its Perth office and eliminated the sales function in its Brisbane office, while marketing for South Australia is now being handled out of Victoria.
As a result, seven permanent employees have departed.
Paramount Pictures Australia MD Mike Selwyn described the moves as a realignment, with additional roles being created in the Sydney head office.
Sales for Queensland and Wa are now being handled out of Sydney but the Brisbane office will continue to run marketing in that State. Paramount was the last of the major distributors to maintain an office in Perth.
In October the studio laid off 110 employees globally in areas such as international theatrical and home media distribution, marketing, legal and finance.
Paramount has the smallest release slate of the Hollywood studios, although it has scored at the global box-office this year with G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Star Trek Into Darkness, World War Z and Bad Grandpa,...
As a result, seven permanent employees have departed.
Paramount Pictures Australia MD Mike Selwyn described the moves as a realignment, with additional roles being created in the Sydney head office.
Sales for Queensland and Wa are now being handled out of Sydney but the Brisbane office will continue to run marketing in that State. Paramount was the last of the major distributors to maintain an office in Perth.
In October the studio laid off 110 employees globally in areas such as international theatrical and home media distribution, marketing, legal and finance.
Paramount has the smallest release slate of the Hollywood studios, although it has scored at the global box-office this year with G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Star Trek Into Darkness, World War Z and Bad Grandpa,...
- 12/2/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Megan Simpson Huberman has agreed to direct Salvation Creek, an Australian movie about a high-flying magazine editor whose husband and brother die within three days of each other.
The producer is Heather Ogilvie, CEO of Galvanized Film Group, who collaborated with the director on her two previous features, Alex (1992) and Dating the Enemy (1996).
Ross Grayson Bell is writing the screenplay based on the novel by Susan Duncan, which has sold more than 250,000 copies. The narrative follows the grief-stricken protagonist as she throws in her city job and buys a rundown shack on Sydney.s Pittwater, where she finds friendship, love and a new life.
Ogilvie optioned the book in 2010 and has developed the project with the support of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw. Grayson Bell is working on the third draft and shooting is planned for mid-.2014.
The producer has an in-principle agreement for Australian distribution with Paramount Pictures. MD Mike Selwyn.
The producer is Heather Ogilvie, CEO of Galvanized Film Group, who collaborated with the director on her two previous features, Alex (1992) and Dating the Enemy (1996).
Ross Grayson Bell is writing the screenplay based on the novel by Susan Duncan, which has sold more than 250,000 copies. The narrative follows the grief-stricken protagonist as she throws in her city job and buys a rundown shack on Sydney.s Pittwater, where she finds friendship, love and a new life.
Ogilvie optioned the book in 2010 and has developed the project with the support of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw. Grayson Bell is working on the third draft and shooting is planned for mid-.2014.
The producer has an in-principle agreement for Australian distribution with Paramount Pictures. MD Mike Selwyn.
- 8/20/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Jessica Watson
A new feature film about Australian Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail around the world, is due in cinemas late 2013.
The film to be called True Spirit will be directed by American film-maker Sean McNamara.
It will be produced by McNamara and David Brookwell’s Brookewell McNamara Entertainment with Australian production company Sunstar Entertainment’s Andrew Fraser, Daniel Starling and Brian Andrews.
The film will be shot in Sydney and the Gold Coast in early 2013.
Announced at the Australian International Movie Convention by distributor Paramount Pictures’ vice president of Australia and New Zealand Mike Selwyn said: “We are delighted to be working with Bme and Sunstar to bring Jessica Watson’s story to the big screen where it belongs. This is a wonderful story of courage, perseverance and triumph that will appeal to all audiences.”
Andrew Fraser CEO of Sunstar Entertainment said: “Jessica Watson is an inspiring...
A new feature film about Australian Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail around the world, is due in cinemas late 2013.
The film to be called True Spirit will be directed by American film-maker Sean McNamara.
It will be produced by McNamara and David Brookwell’s Brookewell McNamara Entertainment with Australian production company Sunstar Entertainment’s Andrew Fraser, Daniel Starling and Brian Andrews.
The film will be shot in Sydney and the Gold Coast in early 2013.
Announced at the Australian International Movie Convention by distributor Paramount Pictures’ vice president of Australia and New Zealand Mike Selwyn said: “We are delighted to be working with Bme and Sunstar to bring Jessica Watson’s story to the big screen where it belongs. This is a wonderful story of courage, perseverance and triumph that will appeal to all audiences.”
Andrew Fraser CEO of Sunstar Entertainment said: “Jessica Watson is an inspiring...
- 8/20/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
An Australian Film Institute (AFI)-hosted launch party this evening named Geoffrey Rush founding president of the newly titled Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta), at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay.
Introducing Rush, AFI patron Dr George Miller said, “There is a handful of people who have won the triple crown acting, the Oscar, Emmy and Tony, and he’s the only one to win these awards and an AFI.”
As president, or ‘prez’ as he called himself, Rush announced the name of the new academy, the Australia Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta), which he suggested sounded like a Sydney drag queen.
Addressing the launch, Rush said, “I am honoured to represent our industry as president of the newly-formed Australian Academy. Over half a century ago the AFI was founded and since that time our film and television industries have developed beyond our wildest imaginings.
Introducing Rush, AFI patron Dr George Miller said, “There is a handful of people who have won the triple crown acting, the Oscar, Emmy and Tony, and he’s the only one to win these awards and an AFI.”
As president, or ‘prez’ as he called himself, Rush announced the name of the new academy, the Australia Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta), which he suggested sounded like a Sydney drag queen.
Addressing the launch, Rush said, “I am honoured to represent our industry as president of the newly-formed Australian Academy. Over half a century ago the AFI was founded and since that time our film and television industries have developed beyond our wildest imaginings.
- 8/18/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Paramount Pictures and Transmission Films have renewed their distribution pact for Australia and New Zealand, following their Oscar success this week with The King’s Speech.
“It has been an incredibly rewarding three years working with Paramount and its talented team. We couldn’t be happier to be extending the relationship for another three years to realize another slate of extraordinary films from some of the world’s finest filmmakers,” said Tranmission founders Richard Payten and Andrew Mackie.
“The past three years have seen us handle a tremendous range of product from around the world culminating in the success of The King’s Speech. This relationship forms an essential part of our acquisition strategy and we look forward to an exciting time as we bring more great films to the Australian and New Zealand markets,” added Paramount managing director Mike Selwyn.
The King’s Speech, a Seesaw Films / Bedlam production,...
“It has been an incredibly rewarding three years working with Paramount and its talented team. We couldn’t be happier to be extending the relationship for another three years to realize another slate of extraordinary films from some of the world’s finest filmmakers,” said Tranmission founders Richard Payten and Andrew Mackie.
“The past three years have seen us handle a tremendous range of product from around the world culminating in the success of The King’s Speech. This relationship forms an essential part of our acquisition strategy and we look forward to an exciting time as we bring more great films to the Australian and New Zealand markets,” added Paramount managing director Mike Selwyn.
The King’s Speech, a Seesaw Films / Bedlam production,...
- 3/4/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Stuart Beattie’s directorial debut Tomorrow, When the War Began has taken more than Au$7.7 million dollars at the Australian box office since its September 2nd launch- making it the highest grossing Australian film of the year.
Adapted from the novel by John Marsden, the film has also brought in Nzd$840,000 at the New Zealand box office, a number expected to rise in the coming weeks. “We are looking forward to a successful school holiday period and hope that the film will move on to a much bigger box office” commented Mike Selwyn, Paramount Pictures Australia MD and VP Australia/New Zealand.
There is currently no date set for an international release, however Tomorrow has been screened to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival. Executive producer - Christopher Mapp said: “The film was hotly pursued by distributors at Toronto and we look forward to announcing details of international sales soon.
Adapted from the novel by John Marsden, the film has also brought in Nzd$840,000 at the New Zealand box office, a number expected to rise in the coming weeks. “We are looking forward to a successful school holiday period and hope that the film will move on to a much bigger box office” commented Mike Selwyn, Paramount Pictures Australia MD and VP Australia/New Zealand.
There is currently no date set for an international release, however Tomorrow has been screened to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival. Executive producer - Christopher Mapp said: “The film was hotly pursued by distributors at Toronto and we look forward to announcing details of international sales soon.
- 9/16/2010
- by georginap
- Encore Magazine
The action-adventure film Tomorrow, When The War Began is officially the highest grossing Australian film of the year having taken more than $7.7 Million in just two weeks at the Australian box office. As previously reported, the film's impressive opening weekend results cemented the movie as the third biggest ever opening for an Australian film behind Happy Feet and Australia. Tomorrow, When The War Began has also had great success in New Zealand, taking Nzd$840,000 in its two weeks at the box office. Mike Selwyn, Paramount Pictures Australia Managing Director and Vice President Australia/New Zealand, said, "We are looking forward to a successful school holiday period and hope that the film will move on to a much bigger box office and will help pave the way for the sequels that we would all love to see.
- 9/16/2010
- FilmInk.com.au
Tomorrow, When the War Began has debuted at the top of the Australian box office, with $3,862,193 in its first weekend and a screen average of $11,293.
Although officially it’s the third biggest opening for an Australian film behind Happy Feet and Australia, it is the highest debut for a project not financed by Us studios.
Including previews, the film has earned $3,898,547. It is already the fourth highest grossing local film of the year, behind Bran Nue Dae, The Kings of Mykonos: Wog Boy 2 and Animal Kingdom, and it is likely to overtake all of them during its theatrical run.
In New Zealand, it earned Nzd$358,653 and is the second best opening for an Australian film, behind Happy Feet.
Tomorrow, When the War Began was written and directed by Stuart Beattie, from the popular John Marsden series. It is distributed by Paramount Pictures and produced by Omnilab Media’s Ambience Entertainment.
Although officially it’s the third biggest opening for an Australian film behind Happy Feet and Australia, it is the highest debut for a project not financed by Us studios.
Including previews, the film has earned $3,898,547. It is already the fourth highest grossing local film of the year, behind Bran Nue Dae, The Kings of Mykonos: Wog Boy 2 and Animal Kingdom, and it is likely to overtake all of them during its theatrical run.
In New Zealand, it earned Nzd$358,653 and is the second best opening for an Australian film, behind Happy Feet.
Tomorrow, When the War Began was written and directed by Stuart Beattie, from the popular John Marsden series. It is distributed by Paramount Pictures and produced by Omnilab Media’s Ambience Entertainment.
- 9/6/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
According to numbers provided by Paramount Pictures, Tomorrow When the War Began took $765,830 on its opening day – the third biggest ever for an Australian film, only behind Happy Feet and Australia.
Including previews, the film directed by Stuart Beattie and based on John Marsden’s novel, has made $802,184.
In New Zealand, Tomorrow… earned Nz$79,077 and, just like in Australia, became the third biggest opening for an Australian film – also behind Happy Feet and Australia.
Paramount MD Mike Selwyn said they were “delighted” to see Tomorrow… open “to such strong numbers and so far ahead of all the international competition in the marketplace”.
“We look forward to many more people discovering the film over this weekend and in coming weeks and hope that this is just the start of the success for Tomorrow… as the word of mouth spreads,” he added in a statement.
Including previews, the film directed by Stuart Beattie and based on John Marsden’s novel, has made $802,184.
In New Zealand, Tomorrow… earned Nz$79,077 and, just like in Australia, became the third biggest opening for an Australian film – also behind Happy Feet and Australia.
Paramount MD Mike Selwyn said they were “delighted” to see Tomorrow… open “to such strong numbers and so far ahead of all the international competition in the marketplace”.
“We look forward to many more people discovering the film over this weekend and in coming weeks and hope that this is just the start of the success for Tomorrow… as the word of mouth spreads,” he added in a statement.
- 9/3/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
According to the managing director of Paramount Pictures, Mike Selwyn, exhibitors should look at installing as many digital and 3D screens as possible.
What were your strongest performing films of the 2009/2010 financial year?
G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Charlie & Boots, The Lovely Bones, Up in the Air, Shutter Island, Beneath Hill 60, Iron Man 2, The Kings of Mykonos: Wog Boy 2 and Shrek Forever After.
What titles didn’t necessarily meet your expectations?
Capitalism: A Love Story.
How experimental are Paramount’s plans in terms of distribution models?
We’re watching all developments with interest.
Has your marketing budget changed, or are you just focusing your promotional efforts across a wider range of platforms?
All films are handled in the way best suited to the release.
What was your best campaign of the year?
They were all good.
With an increasing number of 3D titles already competing for a limited number of screens,...
What were your strongest performing films of the 2009/2010 financial year?
G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Charlie & Boots, The Lovely Bones, Up in the Air, Shutter Island, Beneath Hill 60, Iron Man 2, The Kings of Mykonos: Wog Boy 2 and Shrek Forever After.
What titles didn’t necessarily meet your expectations?
Capitalism: A Love Story.
How experimental are Paramount’s plans in terms of distribution models?
We’re watching all developments with interest.
Has your marketing budget changed, or are you just focusing your promotional efforts across a wider range of platforms?
All films are handled in the way best suited to the release.
What was your best campaign of the year?
They were all good.
With an increasing number of 3D titles already competing for a limited number of screens,...
- 8/16/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Paramount Pictures will distribute Ben C. Lucas’ debut Wasted on the Young in Australia and New Zealand in early 2011.
The high school drama premiered as part of the Sydney Film Festival Official Competition, receiving an honourable mention.
Wasted on the Young tells the story of two brothers on opposite sides of the social spectrum, separated by a serious incident that takes place at an alcohol and drug-fuelled house party. It incorporates the use of mobiles and social media as part of its storytelling.
The Perth-shot film received support from Screen West and completion funding from Screen Australia. Fortissimo Films is the international agent.
Paramount MD Mike Selwyn said the distributor recognised that Ben Lucas is a major new talent.
“Along with Janelle and Aidan, the producers, they have crafted a stunning, provocative film that Paramount is proud to be releasing,” he said.
The high school drama premiered as part of the Sydney Film Festival Official Competition, receiving an honourable mention.
Wasted on the Young tells the story of two brothers on opposite sides of the social spectrum, separated by a serious incident that takes place at an alcohol and drug-fuelled house party. It incorporates the use of mobiles and social media as part of its storytelling.
The Perth-shot film received support from Screen West and completion funding from Screen Australia. Fortissimo Films is the international agent.
Paramount MD Mike Selwyn said the distributor recognised that Ben Lucas is a major new talent.
“Along with Janelle and Aidan, the producers, they have crafted a stunning, provocative film that Paramount is proud to be releasing,” he said.
- 7/13/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
As "Star Trek" crawls closer to its theatrical release, Paramount Pictures Australia have unraveled when and where the world premiere of the much awaited sci-fi film will be taking place. In a release dated Friday, March 20, the company made public their plan to host the special screening event in front of 1,600 guests in Sydney Opera House's legendary Concert Hall on Tuesday, April 7.
The premiere will have director/producer J.J. Abrams and cast members Eric Bana, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban presenting the movie. It marks the third occasion a film is debuted at Sydney Opera House and the first time a film is premiered in the Concert Hall. Following the world premiere, a world tour to countries, such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands and New Zealand, will be kicked off.
"Not only are we honored to have J.J. Abrams and the cast here in Sydney...
The premiere will have director/producer J.J. Abrams and cast members Eric Bana, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban presenting the movie. It marks the third occasion a film is debuted at Sydney Opera House and the first time a film is premiered in the Concert Hall. Following the world premiere, a world tour to countries, such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands and New Zealand, will be kicked off.
"Not only are we honored to have J.J. Abrams and the cast here in Sydney...
- 3/20/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
SYDNEY -- Paramount Pictures officially relaunched a distribution company in Australia Wednesday with a commitment to invest in locally produced films, Paramount Pictures Australia managing director Mike Selwyn said.
The entry into Australian production was in line with the studio's "aggressive" strategy to build its footprint in international markets, Selwyn said in an interview. "We've said we want to be part of local industry development where there is a strong local industry," he noted. The move comes with the unwinding of the Paramount and Universal 24-year-old global distribution partnership in United International Pictures.
In Australia, Paramount Pictures Australia will release product from Paramount, DreamWorks, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Vantage, MTV and Nickelodeon and it will continue to distribute Universal Pictures films until June 30.
The newly-minted PPA is also eyeing a closer working relationship with other Viacom divisions, particularly MTV Networks Australia and Nickelodeon.
Selwyn said the recent link-up between MTV Films and Paramount in Europe could provide a template to be repeated in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
The entry into Australian production was in line with the studio's "aggressive" strategy to build its footprint in international markets, Selwyn said in an interview. "We've said we want to be part of local industry development where there is a strong local industry," he noted. The move comes with the unwinding of the Paramount and Universal 24-year-old global distribution partnership in United International Pictures.
In Australia, Paramount Pictures Australia will release product from Paramount, DreamWorks, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Vantage, MTV and Nickelodeon and it will continue to distribute Universal Pictures films until June 30.
The newly-minted PPA is also eyeing a closer working relationship with other Viacom divisions, particularly MTV Networks Australia and Nickelodeon.
Selwyn said the recent link-up between MTV Films and Paramount in Europe could provide a template to be repeated in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
- 2/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MELBOURNE -- After a dip in 2005, the Australian boxoffice recovered last year to reach its second-highest level on record.
An increase of 6% from the previous year lifted 2006's boxoffice total to AUS$866 million ($671 million), an encouraging return from the previous year's low of AUS$817.5 million, but not quite as lustrous as 2004's record AUS$907 million.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" ($38 million), "The Da Vinci Code" ($27 million) and "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown" ($24.5 million) were the top three earners for the year. Other U.S. entries logging top-10 berths included "Borat" (No. 7) and "The Devil Wears Prada" (No. 9).
Overall, the top 10 films for 2006 captured a smaller share of the boxoffice than in previous years, earning slightly less than AUS$217 million ($168 million), compared to almost AUS$232 million in '05.
In a statement, Mike Selwyn, chairman of the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia, noted the "broad range of films that have recorded strong results ...
An increase of 6% from the previous year lifted 2006's boxoffice total to AUS$866 million ($671 million), an encouraging return from the previous year's low of AUS$817.5 million, but not quite as lustrous as 2004's record AUS$907 million.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" ($38 million), "The Da Vinci Code" ($27 million) and "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown" ($24.5 million) were the top three earners for the year. Other U.S. entries logging top-10 berths included "Borat" (No. 7) and "The Devil Wears Prada" (No. 9).
Overall, the top 10 films for 2006 captured a smaller share of the boxoffice than in previous years, earning slightly less than AUS$217 million ($168 million), compared to almost AUS$232 million in '05.
In a statement, Mike Selwyn, chairman of the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia, noted the "broad range of films that have recorded strong results ...
- 1/10/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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