It is possible that one day an excellent narrative feature in the vein of The Big Short, BlackBerry, Dumb Money or Margin Call will be made about MoviePass, a company built––and destroyed––by several larger-than-life figures. For now, we have Muta’Ali’s documentary MoviePass, MovieCrash, which provides a broad overview of the deal everyone knew was too good to be true: a company that, for about a year, was so obsessed with subscriber growth that they offered customers the chance to see one movie per day for only $9.95 month.
Inspired by a series of Business Insider articles, MoviePass, MovieCrash features interviews with the company’s founders Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt along with other company––insiders including Mitch Lowe, the man who would ultimately take Spikes’ position. In a bit of good luck, Muta’Ali gets the interview with Lowe just weeks before he’s indicted on securities fraud alongside Ted Farnsworth,...
Inspired by a series of Business Insider articles, MoviePass, MovieCrash features interviews with the company’s founders Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt along with other company––insiders including Mitch Lowe, the man who would ultimately take Spikes’ position. In a bit of good luck, Muta’Ali gets the interview with Lowe just weeks before he’s indicted on securities fraud alongside Ted Farnsworth,...
- 3/11/2024
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” reads the Nietzschean maxim that serves as epigraph for writer-director John Milius’s 1982 adaptation of Conan the Barbarian, thereby encouraging viewers to plumb the philosophical depths of this rousing sword-and-sorcery epic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger from the get-go. So it’s sort of ironic to consider that, given the film’s commercial success and subsequent cult status, Milius no doubt contributed to the seemingly endless proliferation of this slogan across multiple platforms, emblazoned on everything from motivational posters to coffee mugs.
Milius’s seriousness of intent is signaled from the opening scene when Conan’s father (William Smith) advises his young son (Jorge Sanz) to trust nothing in this world but his sword. Critics at the time believed this solipsistic bit of paternal advice to reflect the ruthless individualism of Reagan’s America. But things are a bit more complicated than that,...
Milius’s seriousness of intent is signaled from the opening scene when Conan’s father (William Smith) advises his young son (Jorge Sanz) to trust nothing in this world but his sword. Critics at the time believed this solipsistic bit of paternal advice to reflect the ruthless individualism of Reagan’s America. But things are a bit more complicated than that,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Budd Wilkins
- Slant Magazine
Denver, Nov. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Fathom Events and Universal Pictures are bringing the original action-packed epic adventure “Conan the Barbarian” back to movie theaters for a two-night engagement this December.
Following his parents’ savage murder, young Conan (Schwarzenegger) is captured by the cold-blooded Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and spends the next fifteen years in agony, first chained to the Wheel of Pain and then enslaved as a Pit Fighter. Rather than allowing this brutal fate to conquer him, Conan builds an incomparable body and an indomitable spirit—both of which he needs when he suddenly finds himself a free man.
Aided by his companions Subotai the Mongol (Gerry Lopez) and Valeria, Queen of Thieves (Sandahl Bergman), Conan sets out to solve the “riddle of steel,” seize ultimate power and, finally, take revenge on the warlord who killed his family.
Directed by John Milius and co-written by Milius and Oliver Stone, the...
Following his parents’ savage murder, young Conan (Schwarzenegger) is captured by the cold-blooded Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and spends the next fifteen years in agony, first chained to the Wheel of Pain and then enslaved as a Pit Fighter. Rather than allowing this brutal fate to conquer him, Conan builds an incomparable body and an indomitable spirit—both of which he needs when he suddenly finds himself a free man.
Aided by his companions Subotai the Mongol (Gerry Lopez) and Valeria, Queen of Thieves (Sandahl Bergman), Conan sets out to solve the “riddle of steel,” seize ultimate power and, finally, take revenge on the warlord who killed his family.
Directed by John Milius and co-written by Milius and Oliver Stone, the...
- 11/19/2022
- by Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Jeremy Strong as Irving Graff and Anne Hathaway as Esther Graff in ‘Armageddon Time’ (Photo Courtesy of Focus Features)
Writer/director James Gray’s Armageddon Time will open the 2022 San Diego International Film Festival on October 19th and writer/director Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light has been selected as the festival’s closing night film. The 21st annual SDiFF’s lineup will also include the San Diego premiere of Taurus as well as screenings of Close, Good Night Oppy, and The Banshees of Inisherin.
This year’s festival will honor Taurus star Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) with the Spotlight Award. Baker, who made his acting debut in the Showtime series Roadies, will be presented with the honor following a special Spotlight Screening of Taurus from writer/director Tim Sutton on October 23rd.
“This year, our slate has been curated from over 3000 film submissions from 82 countries with compelling Social...
Writer/director James Gray’s Armageddon Time will open the 2022 San Diego International Film Festival on October 19th and writer/director Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light has been selected as the festival’s closing night film. The 21st annual SDiFF’s lineup will also include the San Diego premiere of Taurus as well as screenings of Close, Good Night Oppy, and The Banshees of Inisherin.
This year’s festival will honor Taurus star Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) with the Spotlight Award. Baker, who made his acting debut in the Showtime series Roadies, will be presented with the honor following a special Spotlight Screening of Taurus from writer/director Tim Sutton on October 23rd.
“This year, our slate has been curated from over 3000 film submissions from 82 countries with compelling Social...
- 9/7/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The Maui Film Festival has announced the slate of films and honorees for its 22nd annual edition.
The 2022 festival will feature the Maui premieres of 13 feature films, including “McCurry: The Pursuit of Color,” “Gratitude Revealed,” “Facing Monsters,” “The Story of Everything,” “Pretty Problems,” “Kapo,” “Tango Shalom” and “Pe’Ahi.” The festival opener will be a special surprise, with the film remaining a secret until the screening on July 6.
The in-person festival will take place at the outdoors Stardust Cinema, featuring live music, Kahiko style hula and other activities. In addition, 80 short and feature films will be available to stream online through the festival’s Speed-of-Light Virtual Cinema from July 6-31.
Additionally, the festival announced five stars who will receive honors for their work and advocacy. Christina Ricci will receive the festival’s Nova Award, provided to a female actor for excellence and achievement in her career. Lana Condor will receive the Stella Award,...
The 2022 festival will feature the Maui premieres of 13 feature films, including “McCurry: The Pursuit of Color,” “Gratitude Revealed,” “Facing Monsters,” “The Story of Everything,” “Pretty Problems,” “Kapo,” “Tango Shalom” and “Pe’Ahi.” The festival opener will be a special surprise, with the film remaining a secret until the screening on July 6.
The in-person festival will take place at the outdoors Stardust Cinema, featuring live music, Kahiko style hula and other activities. In addition, 80 short and feature films will be available to stream online through the festival’s Speed-of-Light Virtual Cinema from July 6-31.
Additionally, the festival announced five stars who will receive honors for their work and advocacy. Christina Ricci will receive the festival’s Nova Award, provided to a female actor for excellence and achievement in her career. Lana Condor will receive the Stella Award,...
- 6/27/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Rocket Science has boarded worldwide sales on The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez, a film lifting the veil on one of surfing’s most enigmatic heroes, which will be introduced to potential buyers at the 2022 Cannes Market.
While most famously known as “Mr. Pipeline” for his mastery of one of the most dangerous waves in surfing, Gerry Lopez wrestled with a profound internal conflict; his fight to become the best surfer in the world with his dedication to yoga and Buddhist teachings. Gerry’s aggressive, unscrupulous surfing was in stark contrast to his calm demeanor in the tube. And this Zelig-like quality made Gerry wholly unique.
Gerry Lopez is as Zen as he is radical, and he transcends categorization. He’s an apex predator in the surf, one of the most influential surfers and surfboard shapers of all time, an entrepreneur, a family man, a movie star and a lifelong yogi.
While most famously known as “Mr. Pipeline” for his mastery of one of the most dangerous waves in surfing, Gerry Lopez wrestled with a profound internal conflict; his fight to become the best surfer in the world with his dedication to yoga and Buddhist teachings. Gerry’s aggressive, unscrupulous surfing was in stark contrast to his calm demeanor in the tube. And this Zelig-like quality made Gerry wholly unique.
Gerry Lopez is as Zen as he is radical, and he transcends categorization. He’s an apex predator in the surf, one of the most influential surfers and surfboard shapers of all time, an entrepreneur, a family man, a movie star and a lifelong yogi.
- 5/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The 44th annual Mountainfilm festival has announced its first wave of film titles and festival highlights. Festival-goers can look forward to more than 120 films as the festival takes over Telluride’s majestic box canyon Memorial Day weekend, May 26-30, 2022. The festival will include 31 features and nearly 100 shorts.
Mountainfilm 2022 will highlight 80+ North American, US, and Colorado premieres. Also celebrating world premieres are the highly-anticipated documentary, The Holly, based on the seven-year investigation into the high-profile shooting in Denver’s Holly neighborhood (film subject Terrance Roberts in attendance), and Chasing, a gripping tale of a 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean (film subject Jason Caldwell in attendance).
The festival also boasts 18 world premiere short films traversing some of the most pertinent issues of the day — from the climate crisis to inclusion to border walls — while also providing film-goers with a dose of the adrenaline-packed, edge-of-your-seat excitement they crave from Mountainfilm.
Mountainfilm 2022 will highlight 80+ North American, US, and Colorado premieres. Also celebrating world premieres are the highly-anticipated documentary, The Holly, based on the seven-year investigation into the high-profile shooting in Denver’s Holly neighborhood (film subject Terrance Roberts in attendance), and Chasing, a gripping tale of a 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean (film subject Jason Caldwell in attendance).
The festival also boasts 18 world premiere short films traversing some of the most pertinent issues of the day — from the climate crisis to inclusion to border walls — while also providing film-goers with a dose of the adrenaline-packed, edge-of-your-seat excitement they crave from Mountainfilm.
- 4/19/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
"I think we're lucky to have him still with us..." 1091 Pics has debuted a new official trailer for an adventure sports documentary titled The Longest Wave, which originally premiered in 2019 at the Doc NYC Film Festival. And it also played at last year's Cinequest Film Festival. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger travels the globe with legendary windsurfer and pioneering waterman Robby Naish as he figures out what to accomplish next in his life. The film also focuses on the usual adventure life challenges including getting older, injuries, family, and the risks of continuing to participate in considerably dangerous sports. The doc features Robby Naish, Kai Lenny, Laird Hamilton, and Gerry Lopez, among others. This seems like a nice companion to the other recent surfing doc Arc of Aleutia, or the classic The Endless Summer where they also seek the longest wave. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for ...
- 5/17/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Will a career running tourism companies and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers prepare Adam Aron to run the country’s No. 2 movie theater chain? AMC Entertainment is about to find out. Aron, 61, will become its CEO on January 4, AMC says this morning. He’ll replace Gerry Lopez, who left in August, and interim chief Craig Ramsey, who will stay on as CFO. His new three-year contract calls for Aron to receive an annual base salary of $995,000 plus an “incentive plan” bonus with a…...
- 12/15/2015
- Deadline
Strange as it sounds, recliner seats and upscale concessions were the stars of the show for financial types at AMC Entertainment in Q2. The No. 2 theater chain reported record ticket and concession sales. It showed that “guests are driven by more than a movie slate,” outgoing CEO Gerry Lopez said in his last call with the exhibition company’s analysts. AMC’s venues with plush recliner seats “exceed our 25% [profit] return hurdle by a wide margin.” As AMC expands the build…...
- 7/29/2015
- Deadline
Gerry Lopez, the president and CEO of AMC Theaters, will step down “to pursue another opportunity,” the company announced Tuesday. Lopez will leave his position on Aug. 6, leaving the company’s CFO, Craig Ramsey, to serve as interim CEO starting Aug. 7. Ramsey has served AMC for more than 20 years, the last 15 years of which have been in senior and executive leadership roles. Ramsey most recently led AMC’s public offering in December 2013 and currently serves on the board of directors of Open Road Releasing and National CineMedia, Inc. Also Read: MPAA to Run 'I Make Movies' Ads at AMC Theaters,...
- 7/21/2015
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
The No. 2 theater chain’s board named CFO Craig Ramsey as interim CEO, and formed a Search Committee to find a permanent replacement for Gerry Lopez when he steps down on August 6 for “another opportunity,” it says this morning. AMC Entertainment shares opened down about 1.2% after the announcement. Starbucks or Yum! Brands (which owns KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell) are among the “most likely” landing places for Lopez, Stifel Research’s Benjamin Mogil says. Lopez was an…...
- 7/21/2015
- Deadline
AMC Theatres said Tuesday that president and CEO Gerry Lopez will step down on Aug. 6. The exhibitor's board has named CFO Craig Ramsey Interim president and CEO, it said. He will take over effective Aug. 7 "to ensure a smooth transition," AMC said. Ramsey has served the second-largest U.S. exhibitor for more than 20 years, the last 15 years of which have been in senior and executive leadership roles. He most recently led AMC’s Ipo in Dec. 2013. Read More Paramount, AMC Theatres Strike Unprecedented Pact to Shorten Release Windows The board has formed a search
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- 7/21/2015
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With two films, including the next Paranormal Activity, Paramount is to trim the delay between theatrical and home release to just 17 days.
Since the advent of home entertainment, cinema chains have fought to keep a buffer between the moment a movie appears on the big screen and the date it appears on the small. The standard approach to releasing a major film therefore means a wide theatrical release of around 90 days before it's available on DVD, Blu-ray or VOD.
Paramount, however, has announced that it's going to close that gap with a couple of its forthcoming horror movies. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension and Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse are due out in American cinemas in October, but Paramount has hatched a deal with two major cinema chains - AMC Theatres and Cineplex Entertainment - that could see both films hit small screens before Christmas.
Under the deal, their...
Since the advent of home entertainment, cinema chains have fought to keep a buffer between the moment a movie appears on the big screen and the date it appears on the small. The standard approach to releasing a major film therefore means a wide theatrical release of around 90 days before it's available on DVD, Blu-ray or VOD.
Paramount, however, has announced that it's going to close that gap with a couple of its forthcoming horror movies. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension and Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse are due out in American cinemas in October, but Paramount has hatched a deal with two major cinema chains - AMC Theatres and Cineplex Entertainment - that could see both films hit small screens before Christmas.
Under the deal, their...
- 7/9/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
In the boldest move yet by a studio and exhibition partner to challenge the traditional distribution structure, Paramount has struck a revenue-share deal with AMC Theatres and Canada’s Cineplex Entertainment that will see it roll-out two autumn releases digitally 17 days after the films dip below 300 theatres.
In what Paramount executives called an unprecedented in-theatre and digital revenue-sharing deal two minor titles — Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension and Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse — will launch with a wide theatrical release supported by a “comprehensive marketing plan”.
Digital home entertainment purchase will become available 17 days after the films fall below the aforementioned theatre-count.
AMC and Cineplex and “other exhibitors” will receive a percentage of any of the studio’s digital revenue for the period of digital availability through 90 days from the initial Us theatrical release.
Each exhibitor’s share will be proportional to its theatrical gross market share. Paramount said it was in discussions with other exhibitors...
In what Paramount executives called an unprecedented in-theatre and digital revenue-sharing deal two minor titles — Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension and Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse — will launch with a wide theatrical release supported by a “comprehensive marketing plan”.
Digital home entertainment purchase will become available 17 days after the films fall below the aforementioned theatre-count.
AMC and Cineplex and “other exhibitors” will receive a percentage of any of the studio’s digital revenue for the period of digital availability through 90 days from the initial Us theatrical release.
Each exhibitor’s share will be proportional to its theatrical gross market share. Paramount said it was in discussions with other exhibitors...
- 7/8/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1982 Conan the Barbarian is finally getting a follow-up and, from the sounds of it, the new pic, titled The Legend of Conan, is even more of a direct sequel than previously thought. Taking place 30 years after the original, the film will bring back “at least three” characters from the first film, according to writer/producer Chris Morgan.
Schwarzenegger is of course reprising the role of Conan, but who are the other two characters? The smart money is on Gerry Lopez’s archer Subotai for one of the returning players, but it’s really anyone’s guess at this point.
Speaking with TheArnoldFans.com, a Schwarzenegger fan site, Morgan spilled new details on Legend of Conan, including that “our tone is a logical extension of the character established in the ’82 film…but 30 years later.” That likely means Conan will still be up to his heroic barbarian tricks, though with less youthful gusto.
Schwarzenegger is of course reprising the role of Conan, but who are the other two characters? The smart money is on Gerry Lopez’s archer Subotai for one of the returning players, but it’s really anyone’s guess at this point.
Speaking with TheArnoldFans.com, a Schwarzenegger fan site, Morgan spilled new details on Legend of Conan, including that “our tone is a logical extension of the character established in the ’82 film…but 30 years later.” That likely means Conan will still be up to his heroic barbarian tricks, though with less youthful gusto.
- 5/26/2015
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Followers of Crom, rejoice! “Legend of Conan,” the follow-up to early Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle “Conan the Barbarian,” will bring back “at least three” characters from the original film, writer and producer Chris Morgan has revealed. While Schwarzenegger is already confirmed for the film, there is no word yet on who the other returning characters might be. Perhaps it will be Subotai, Conan’s archer companion from the original film played by Gerry Lopez, or even Thulsa Doom, the evil sorcerer played by James Earl Jones. See photos: 21 Movie Sequels That Took Forever to Hit the Big Screen Morgan also said the film.
- 5/26/2015
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
There has been a lot of talk that the movie industry is in trouble as box office totals dipped last year and younger have tended to stray away from going out to the movies as much as they once did. According to one theater executive, there.s a very simple reason for this trend: going to the movies costs too much and young people don.t have much money. Movie attendance in the coveted 18 to 39-year-old demographic has steadily been taking a nosedive over the past five years, and there have been a number of reasons given by analysts for what many perceive as a lack of interest. Talking to Variety at CinemaCon, Gerry Lopez, the CEO of AMC Entertainment, gave a different explanation, saying: I have seen no indication whatsoever that there.s less enthusiasm. I have seen changing economic conditions. Many have blamed decreasing movie attendance on things...
- 4/23/2015
- cinemablend.com
This is what AMC chief Gerry Lopez was talking about in February when he told analysts that they’d be “blown away” by a deal he was lining up for his AMC Prime large screen venues. Less than two weeks before the exhibition industry converges on Las Vegas for its CinemaCon convention, the No. 2 chain just unveiled an agreement with Dolby Laboratories to establish a line of “Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime” theaters. They will combine Dolby Vision laser projection and Dolby Atmos…...
- 4/9/2015
- Deadline
The exhibition industry was "looking aggressively” at the idea of implementing Tuesday night discounts National Association of Theater Owners chief John Fithian said at the group’s CinemaCon confab last year. But no more. The idea is on indefinite hold. “I haven’t heard anything about it in months,” says AMC Entertainment CEO Gerry Lopez. “Some of the studios didn’t take kindly” to the initiative which Fithian said had helped to fill seats on the slow night in Latin…...
- 2/18/2015
- Deadline
Update, 3:14 Pm: AMC Entertainment was “surprised” by Regal’s announcement about its effort to find a buyer, CEO Gerry Lopez told analysts in a conference call to discuss Q3 earnings. And he strongly suggested that AMC won’t be a bidder. “Our perspective is, hey, I have my hands full. Things are working. Our perspective is that we need a steady hand on the till.” If he was interested and struck a deal, he added, Justice Department officials likely would cast a jaundiced eye on the antitrust implications. “They look at it theater by theater. When you’re not careful about what the Doj may do, you can leak value in a transaction really quick.” But he didn’t slam the door shut. He noted that “size does matter in a mature industry and we are clearly, clearly that.” But benefits wouldn’t necessarily come from cost-cutting. “The greater...
- 10/28/2014
- by David Lieberman
- Deadline
What has been the domain of pricey premium ticket experiences, like Event Cinemas and Regent Cinemas' 'Gold Class' screenings in recent years, may now be coming to the masses at a more affordable price.
AMC Entertainment Holdings has announced a $600 million major remodelling plan to bring fully reclining "La-z-Boy-type seats" in 1,800 of its nearly 5,000 cinema auditoriums in the United States over the next five years. The result will be up to two-thirds fewer seats per auditorium, but the aim is to improve the quality of the overall experience to bring back customers more often.
The thing is, it's working. In areas where renovations have already begun, attendance in these venues has reportedly already increased by 80% on average despite the reduction in capacity. Box-office revenue was also up more than 60% at the 37 AMC theaters that had been fully reseated in the first quarter of this year .
The renovations considerably help increase both midweek session attendance,...
AMC Entertainment Holdings has announced a $600 million major remodelling plan to bring fully reclining "La-z-Boy-type seats" in 1,800 of its nearly 5,000 cinema auditoriums in the United States over the next five years. The result will be up to two-thirds fewer seats per auditorium, but the aim is to improve the quality of the overall experience to bring back customers more often.
The thing is, it's working. In areas where renovations have already begun, attendance in these venues has reportedly already increased by 80% on average despite the reduction in capacity. Box-office revenue was also up more than 60% at the 37 AMC theaters that had been fully reseated in the first quarter of this year .
The renovations considerably help increase both midweek session attendance,...
- 7/8/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
It's time to recline. There's a big story in the Wall Street Journal this week highlighting plans from AMC Entertainment to install more recliner seating in some theaters, while taking out the old crappy style seats in the process of upgrading. The article defends some flack from external criticism about how removing seats just doesn't "make sense" but goes on to explain, with quotes from AMC's CEO Gerry Lopez, that they believe it will be better off in the long run if they put in these recliner seats. Yes, they will eventually charge more for them (but not right at first), and they won't be in NY or La, but it's still cool to see this happening. Don't forget that two years ago, Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group bought AMC and while it still operates as its own entity here in the Us, they now have a bit more pressure to bring in more customers.
- 7/7/2014
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Las Vegas -- As far as AMC Entertainment CEO Gerry Lopez is concerned, the continued delays in the rollout of the Affordable Care Act are "annoying." "It introduces a level of uncertainty that is troublesome, and has no right to be introduced," Lopez told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview Tuesday in Las Vegas, where theater owners are holding their annual convention, CinemaCon. "The damn law just keeps changing. Make up your mind." Photos: 35 of 2014's Most Anticipated Movies: 'X-Men: Days of Future Past,' 'Mockingjay,' 'Spider-Man 2' Theater circuits, which, like other service
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- 3/26/2014
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Holiday hits such as “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” pushed AMC Entertainment’s revenues up 2.3 percent during its first quarter as a publicly traded company. Revenues at the movie chain for the three months ending in December rose to $713 million, up from a year ago when company earned $697 million. AMC had its initial public offering last winter. “Our year-over-year revenue improvement in 2013 was fueled by the progress we are making in our efforts to further set ourselves apart as the guest experience leader in movie exhibition,” AMC CEO Gerry Lopez said...
- 2/25/2014
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
1. Top Indies in iTunes: With select documentaries on sale in the iTunes store (and "Dirty Wars" a 99-cent Movie of the Week pick), it's not surprising that docs -- including new additions "Artifact," "Smash & Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers" and "Red Obsession" -- dominated the list of top indies in the iTunes store this week. See the full list here. 2. Web Documentaries: Pov hosted a Twitter chat devoted to the world of web documentaries. Participants discussed how to get started making web docs, how to find collaborators and create social impact. Pov created a Storify about the event. Check it out here. 3. First Rites: Bill Mechanic, AMC CEO Gerry Lopez and Village Roadshow’s Robert Kirby have partnered on First Rites, a web portal for first-time filmmakers, Variety reports. The free site, which was "designed for filmmakers who are yet to acquire international distribution and for their early...
- 12/9/2013
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
Tom Ortenberg's contract as CEO of Open Road Films has been extended through 2018. Ortenberg has headed the distribution company since it was founding in 2011 by AMC Entertainment and Regal Entertainment Group, and his existing contract ran through 2014. “We are thrilled with the job that Tom and his team have done in launching OpenRoad,” Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC, and Amy Miles, CEO of Regal, said in a joint statement. “We look forward to working with him for many years to come as we continue to grow the company.” Photos: Top 10 Dramatic Studio Shake-ups Open Road also
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- 10/9/2013
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMAX Corporation announce separate deals on Wednesday [24] with Wanda Cinema Line and Wanda-owned AMC that effectively turn Wanda into IMAX’s biggest single exhibition partner in the world.
IMAX Corporation and Wanda have amended their 2011 revenue share deal to add between 40 and 120 new theatres throughout China.
The deal extends Wanda’s lease terms for all new theatres from 10 to 12 years and brings Wanda’s total IMAX commitment in China to up to 210 theaters.
Wanda Cinema Line is now positioned as IMAX’s largest international exhibition partner.
IMAX and Wanda-owned AMC Theatres have signed an agreement to extend AMC’s lease terms for all new and existing theatres from 10 to 13 years and install a minimum of five and up to 10 new IMAX theatres in the Us.
This agreement brings AMC’s total IMAX commitment to up to 152 theatres, making it the largest IMAX exhibition partner in North America.
“We have developed great partnerships with Wanda and AMC during...
IMAX Corporation and Wanda have amended their 2011 revenue share deal to add between 40 and 120 new theatres throughout China.
The deal extends Wanda’s lease terms for all new theatres from 10 to 12 years and brings Wanda’s total IMAX commitment in China to up to 210 theaters.
Wanda Cinema Line is now positioned as IMAX’s largest international exhibition partner.
IMAX and Wanda-owned AMC Theatres have signed an agreement to extend AMC’s lease terms for all new and existing theatres from 10 to 13 years and install a minimum of five and up to 10 new IMAX theatres in the Us.
This agreement brings AMC’s total IMAX commitment to up to 152 theatres, making it the largest IMAX exhibition partner in North America.
“We have developed great partnerships with Wanda and AMC during...
- 7/24/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
AMC and Regal, two of the largest theater chains in the nation, have halted advanced ticket sales of Marvel's upcoming Iron Man 3 over a dispute with the House of Mouse over how the box office is split. While this may not sound like a big deal, if the argument isn't resolved quickly, there's a very real possibility that the film won't play at all on any of the chains' 800+ theaters!
The argument came about several days ago when Disney wanted to renegotiate their current terms with various cinema chains around the country. The new deal would give Disney a great portion of the revenue from box office returns not just for Iron Man 3, but many of their other upcoming releases as well. Needless to say, movie theaters chains weren't exactly okay with this new deal and they've decided to fight back against it. Here's what the AMC CEO,...
The argument came about several days ago when Disney wanted to renegotiate their current terms with various cinema chains around the country. The new deal would give Disney a great portion of the revenue from box office returns not just for Iron Man 3, but many of their other upcoming releases as well. Needless to say, movie theaters chains weren't exactly okay with this new deal and they've decided to fight back against it. Here's what the AMC CEO,...
- 4/23/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Iron Man 3 is at the centre of a major ticket dispute with three of America's largest cinema chains.
AMC Entertainment, Regal Entertainment, and Cinemark USA Inc are currently not selling tickets for the superhero blockbuster because Disney is trying to renegotiate the split on ticket sales revenue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Disney is asking for 60-65% take of the standard $12-15 ticket price. The box office split is usually nearer 50-50.
"It goes well beyond anything I have seen in my time in the industry," said AMC chief executive Gerry Lopez. "It's enough for us to pause and push back."
Disney has declined to comment on the dispute. It is the first time the company has tried to negotiate new split deals with cinema chains since its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009 and last year's purchase of Star Wars producer Lucasfilm.
Carmike Cinemas, the fourth largest American chain,...
AMC Entertainment, Regal Entertainment, and Cinemark USA Inc are currently not selling tickets for the superhero blockbuster because Disney is trying to renegotiate the split on ticket sales revenue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Disney is asking for 60-65% take of the standard $12-15 ticket price. The box office split is usually nearer 50-50.
"It goes well beyond anything I have seen in my time in the industry," said AMC chief executive Gerry Lopez. "It's enough for us to pause and push back."
Disney has declined to comment on the dispute. It is the first time the company has tried to negotiate new split deals with cinema chains since its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009 and last year's purchase of Star Wars producer Lucasfilm.
Carmike Cinemas, the fourth largest American chain,...
- 4/23/2013
- Digital Spy
"The Times They Are a-Changin'" You know those movies that always predict everything will be Chinese in the future? Maybe this is the start of us really heading in that direction. A press release and announcement has confirmed today that AMC Entertainment has been bought by a conglomerate called Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd., simply known as just Wanda. The company is a "leading Chinese private conglomerate and China's largest investor in cultural and entertainment activities" and they have purchased all of AMC Entertainment Holdings for $2.6 billion dollars, with the deal closing and going through as of today. Wow. Gerry Lopez, chief executive officer and president of AMC, comments on this announcement saying: "All of us at AMC are thrilled about our future with Wanda. It allows us to continue expanding and innovating in what is the world's largest movie market. More so, we are enthusiastic about combining AMC's leadership...
- 9/4/2012
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Chinese media conglomerate Dalian Wanda has completed its $2.6 billion acquisition of AMC Entertainment, the second largest theater chain in the United States, the companies announced on Tuesday. Wanda, one of the largest exhibitors in China, announced its acquisition in May and said it would retain AMC's management team. "We are very pleased to have completed the acquisition of AMC and begin this new chapter in Wanda's international development," Wang Jialin, chairman and president of Wanda, said in a statement. "We now look forward to working with AMC's CEO Gerry Lopez and his team to invest...
- 9/4/2012
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Conan the Barbarian
Directed by John Milius
Written by John Milius and Oliver Stone
USA, 1982
John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian is nothing if not title appropriate, because barbarous is the only potent way of describing it. Based on a pulp fiction magazine of the same name, the movie version feels like it only adapted every other page, focusing on the violent and naughty bits instead of story, resulting in a movie with as many breasts as dead bodies.
Like a Game of Thrones episode (an overlong one) minus any semblance of a plot or political intrigue, Conan the Barbarian is a gigantic misadventure that is, as the British might says, a bloody waste of time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the eponymous Conan, and the film’s first major problem lies herein. Schwarzenegger surely looks the part, with his hulking physique, but his screen presence doesn’t match up to the...
Directed by John Milius
Written by John Milius and Oliver Stone
USA, 1982
John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian is nothing if not title appropriate, because barbarous is the only potent way of describing it. Based on a pulp fiction magazine of the same name, the movie version feels like it only adapted every other page, focusing on the violent and naughty bits instead of story, resulting in a movie with as many breasts as dead bodies.
Like a Game of Thrones episode (an overlong one) minus any semblance of a plot or political intrigue, Conan the Barbarian is a gigantic misadventure that is, as the British might says, a bloody waste of time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the eponymous Conan, and the film’s first major problem lies herein. Schwarzenegger surely looks the part, with his hulking physique, but his screen presence doesn’t match up to the...
- 8/1/2012
- by Justin Li
- SoundOnSight
Conan the Barbarian
Directed by John Milius
Written by John Milius and Oliver Stone
USA, 1982
John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian is nothing if not title appropriate, because barbarous is the only potent way of describing it. Based on a pulp fiction magazine of the same name, the movie version feels like it only adapted every other page, focusing on the violent and naughty bits instead of story, resulting in a movie with as many breasts as dead bodies.
A Game of Thrones episode (an overlong one) minus any semblance of a plot or political intrigue, Conan the Barbarian is a gigantic misadventure that, as the British might say, is a bloody waste of time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the eponymous Conan, and the film’s first major problem lies herein. Schwarzenegger surely looks the part, with his hulking physique, but his screen presence doesn’t match up to the gravitas that’s needed of him,...
Directed by John Milius
Written by John Milius and Oliver Stone
USA, 1982
John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian is nothing if not title appropriate, because barbarous is the only potent way of describing it. Based on a pulp fiction magazine of the same name, the movie version feels like it only adapted every other page, focusing on the violent and naughty bits instead of story, resulting in a movie with as many breasts as dead bodies.
A Game of Thrones episode (an overlong one) minus any semblance of a plot or political intrigue, Conan the Barbarian is a gigantic misadventure that, as the British might say, is a bloody waste of time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the eponymous Conan, and the film’s first major problem lies herein. Schwarzenegger surely looks the part, with his hulking physique, but his screen presence doesn’t match up to the gravitas that’s needed of him,...
- 7/26/2012
- by Justin Li
- SoundOnSight
IMAX and AMC Entertainment Inc. today announced an expansion of the companies’ existing joint revenue sharing arrangement to include the installation of eight confirmed and up to 18 IMAX® theatres in the United States. The deal also includes the conversion of two existing AMC IMAX theatres from a sale to a joint revenue sharing structure. Today’s agreement brings AMC’s total IMAX commitment to 138 theatres with the potential to expand to 148. The company currently has 125 IMAX theatres in operation.
The eight confirmed locations are expected to be in both existing and untapped IMAX markets, including Charlotte, N.C.; Monmouth, N.J.; Dearborn, Mich.; Niles and Crestwood, Ill.; and San Francisco, Redondo Beach and Anaheim, Calif. At least three are expected to open by the end of 2012.
“We’re in the business of making smiles happen and what we’ve found is our guests love seeing movies in an IMAX theatre,...
The eight confirmed locations are expected to be in both existing and untapped IMAX markets, including Charlotte, N.C.; Monmouth, N.J.; Dearborn, Mich.; Niles and Crestwood, Ill.; and San Francisco, Redondo Beach and Anaheim, Calif. At least three are expected to open by the end of 2012.
“We’re in the business of making smiles happen and what we’ve found is our guests love seeing movies in an IMAX theatre,...
- 7/16/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A Chinese conglomerate announced Monday it will buy a major U.S. cinema chain, AMC Entertainment Holdings, for $2.6 billion in China’s biggest corporate takeover in the United States to date.
Dalian Wanda Group Co.’s purchase reflects the global ambitions of a wave of cash-rich Chinese companies that are using acquisitions to speed their expansion by obtaining foreign skills and brand names.
Wanda said the deal will create the world’s biggest movie theater operator. The Beijing-based company said it will invest an additional $500 million to fund AMC’s development. AMC operates 346 cinemas, mostly in the United States and Canada,...
Dalian Wanda Group Co.’s purchase reflects the global ambitions of a wave of cash-rich Chinese companies that are using acquisitions to speed their expansion by obtaining foreign skills and brand names.
Wanda said the deal will create the world’s biggest movie theater operator. The Beijing-based company said it will invest an additional $500 million to fund AMC’s development. AMC operates 346 cinemas, mostly in the United States and Canada,...
- 5/21/2012
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside Movies
Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd. (“Wanda”), a leading Chinese private conglomerate and China’s largest investor in cultural and entertainment activities, and AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“AMC”), a preeminent U.S. movie exhibitor, today announced that they have signed an agreement under which Wanda will acquire AMC, creating the world’s largest cinema owner. The transaction is valued at approximately Us $2.6 billion.
Wang Jianlin, Chairman and President of Wanda, said, “This acquisition will help make Wanda a truly global cinema owner, with theatres and technology that enhance the movie-going experience for audiences in the world’s two largest movie markets. Wanda has a deep commitment to investing in the entertainment business and is already the largest in this sector in China, with more than Us$1.6 billioninvested in cultural and entertainment activities since 2005. We share with AMC a passion for the growth of the worldwide movie industry. We look forward to...
Wang Jianlin, Chairman and President of Wanda, said, “This acquisition will help make Wanda a truly global cinema owner, with theatres and technology that enhance the movie-going experience for audiences in the world’s two largest movie markets. Wanda has a deep commitment to investing in the entertainment business and is already the largest in this sector in China, with more than Us$1.6 billioninvested in cultural and entertainment activities since 2005. We share with AMC a passion for the growth of the worldwide movie industry. We look forward to...
- 5/21/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
These days, after "Lord of the Rings" and "Game Of Thrones," fantasy isn't just big business, but a genre that's spawned critically acclaimed awards favorites, and picked up Oscars and Emmys by the handful. As such, it's easy to forget that prior to the 1980s, the genre barely existed on screen, with animated takes on Tolkein's works the only really significant blip on the radar. But in 1977, "Star Wars," a film that owed as much to high fantasy as to science-fiction, became the biggest hit in history, and that opened the door to all kinds of new fantasy worlds.
The 1980s would see many, many examples of the genre, from "Labyrinth" and "Legend" to "Krull" and "Ladyhawke," but the film that started it all -- and was probably the finest of that decade's wave in the genre, was 1982's "Conan The Barbarian." Written and directed by gonzo, gun-loving genius John Milius...
The 1980s would see many, many examples of the genre, from "Labyrinth" and "Legend" to "Krull" and "Ladyhawke," but the film that started it all -- and was probably the finest of that decade's wave in the genre, was 1982's "Conan The Barbarian." Written and directed by gonzo, gun-loving genius John Milius...
- 5/14/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Movie theater operator AMC Entertainment has dropped its latest plans for an Ipo amid uncertain market conditions, the La Times reported, citing people familiar with the situation. This is the third time in five years that privately held AMC has given up on plans to list its stock, it highlighted. The second-largest U.S. exhibitor, led by president and CEO Gerry Lopez, had filed for an Ipo last spring, planning to raise up to $450 million. The company's big shareholders, including financial firms JPMorgan, Apollo Investment Fund and Bain Capital Investors, have recently expressed concern about market conditions though, the La
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- 4/27/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Weinstein Co. removed offensive language from the bullying movie to achieve a PG-13 rating.
By Gil Kaufman
Scene from "Bully"
Photo: The Weinstein Co.
Just a week after announcing that it would be released unrated in a protest to the R rating slapped on it by the ratings board, the Weinstein Co. said on Thursday that an edited version of "Bully" will hit theaters with a PG-13 rating.
The anti-bullying documentary has unleashed a fierce back-and-forth between legendarily pugnacious Weinstein boss Harvey Weinstein and the board, which gave the film the restricted rating on the basis of multiple four-letter words heard in the film.
According to the Associated Press, the edited PG-13 version will be released on April 13 with the blessing of the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA originally tagged the film with an R rating and refused to change that ruling after the Weinstein Co. appealed.
By Gil Kaufman
Scene from "Bully"
Photo: The Weinstein Co.
Just a week after announcing that it would be released unrated in a protest to the R rating slapped on it by the ratings board, the Weinstein Co. said on Thursday that an edited version of "Bully" will hit theaters with a PG-13 rating.
The anti-bullying documentary has unleashed a fierce back-and-forth between legendarily pugnacious Weinstein boss Harvey Weinstein and the board, which gave the film the restricted rating on the basis of multiple four-letter words heard in the film.
According to the Associated Press, the edited PG-13 version will be released on April 13 with the blessing of the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA originally tagged the film with an R rating and refused to change that ruling after the Weinstein Co. appealed.
- 4/6/2012
- MTV Movie News
The Weinstein Co. removed offensive language from the bullying movie to achieve a PG-13 rating.
By Gil Kaufman
Scene from "Bully"
Photo: The Weinstein Co.
Just a week after announcing that it would be released unrated in a protest to the R rating slapped on it by the ratings board, the Weinstein Co. said on Thursday that an edited version of "Bully" will hit theaters with a PG-13 rating.
The anti-bullying documentary has unleashed a fierce back-and-forth between legendarily pugnacious Weinstein boss Harvey Weinstein and the board, which gave the film the restricted rating on the basis of multiple four-letter words heard in the film.
According to the Associated Press, the edited PG-13 version will be released on April 13 with the blessing of the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA originally tagged the film with an R rating and refused to change that ruling after the Weinstein Co. appealed.
By Gil Kaufman
Scene from "Bully"
Photo: The Weinstein Co.
Just a week after announcing that it would be released unrated in a protest to the R rating slapped on it by the ratings board, the Weinstein Co. said on Thursday that an edited version of "Bully" will hit theaters with a PG-13 rating.
The anti-bullying documentary has unleashed a fierce back-and-forth between legendarily pugnacious Weinstein boss Harvey Weinstein and the board, which gave the film the restricted rating on the basis of multiple four-letter words heard in the film.
According to the Associated Press, the edited PG-13 version will be released on April 13 with the blessing of the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA originally tagged the film with an R rating and refused to change that ruling after the Weinstein Co. appealed.
- 4/6/2012
- MTV Music News
The "Bully" rating battle rages on. The film, which documents the lives of several students who have been victimized by bullies, was recently given an R-rating due to several curse words. In order to thwart the MPAA's underage restriction, the Weinstein Company decided to release the film as unrated. Unfortunately, that plan may have backfired. Several theaters are refusing to show an unrated film, and those that are may require a permission slip from viewers under 17. According to the La Times, the National Association of Theatre Owners is advising theaters to restrict entry, despite the fact that the film doesn't officially have an R-rating. “If [theaters] choose to play the movie, we have recommended to them that they treat it as an R-rated movie, because it was rated R originally and the content hasn't changed,” Nato chief John Fithian told the Times in an email. A spokesman for AMC, one of the nation's biggest theater chains,...
- 3/28/2012
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
By Vitale Morum
Bully, the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To ‘automatically default’ Bully is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre — doesn’t matter — is a mistake. The message, the movie, and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests to engage in the dialogue its relevant message will inevitably provoke.”
Click to read more…...
Bully, the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To ‘automatically default’ Bully is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre — doesn’t matter — is a mistake. The message, the movie, and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests to engage in the dialogue its relevant message will inevitably provoke.”
Click to read more…...
- 3/27/2012
- by Kailyn Corrigan
- Scott Feinberg
HollywoodNews.com: Today is Twitter Tuesday! Dedicate your Tweets to Stop Bullying. No More Bullying: 13 million kids get bullied every year. It’s time to take a stand. Rt to Stop Bullying. #Bullymovie
“Bully,” the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and Members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To ‘automatically default’ Bully is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre… doesn’t matter, is a mistake. The message, the movie and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests...
“Bully,” the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and Members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To ‘automatically default’ Bully is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre… doesn’t matter, is a mistake. The message, the movie and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests...
- 3/27/2012
- by Vitale Morum
- Hollywoodnews.com
Weinstein Co. is releasing the documentary on bullying unrated in a protest against an R.
By Gil Kaufman
A Scene from "Bully"
Actors, singers, politicians, educators and high school kids have been protesting the R rating given to the anti-bullying documentary "Bully," but the ratings board would not budge. So, instead of folding, frequently outspoken Weinstein Co. co-founder Harvey Weinstein has decided to release the film unrated.
"The small amount of language in the film that's responsible for the R rating is there because it's real," director Lee Hirsch said of the multiple f-bombs that landed the film its restricted rating, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It's what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we're grateful for the support we've received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it's up to the theaters to let them in.
By Gil Kaufman
A Scene from "Bully"
Actors, singers, politicians, educators and high school kids have been protesting the R rating given to the anti-bullying documentary "Bully," but the ratings board would not budge. So, instead of folding, frequently outspoken Weinstein Co. co-founder Harvey Weinstein has decided to release the film unrated.
"The small amount of language in the film that's responsible for the R rating is there because it's real," director Lee Hirsch said of the multiple f-bombs that landed the film its restricted rating, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It's what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we're grateful for the support we've received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it's up to the theaters to let them in.
- 3/27/2012
- MTV Music News
Weinstein Co. is releasing the documentary on bullying unrated in a protest against an R.
By Gil Kaufman
A Scene from "Bully"
Actors, singers, politicians, educators and high school kids have been protesting the R rating given to the anti-bullying documentary "Bully," but the ratings board would not budge. So, instead of folding, frequently outspoken Weinstein Co. co-founder Harvey Weinstein has decided to release the film unrated.
"The small amount of language in the film that's responsible for the R rating is there because it's real," director Lee Hirsch said of the multiple f-bombs that landed the film its restricted rating, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It's what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we're grateful for the support we've received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it's up to the theaters to let them in.
By Gil Kaufman
A Scene from "Bully"
Actors, singers, politicians, educators and high school kids have been protesting the R rating given to the anti-bullying documentary "Bully," but the ratings board would not budge. So, instead of folding, frequently outspoken Weinstein Co. co-founder Harvey Weinstein has decided to release the film unrated.
"The small amount of language in the film that's responsible for the R rating is there because it's real," director Lee Hirsch said of the multiple f-bombs that landed the film its restricted rating, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It's what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we're grateful for the support we've received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it's up to the theaters to let them in.
- 3/27/2012
- MTV Movie News
Amid an MPAA rating controversy, The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (Glsen) and The Weinstein Company sponsored a screening and town hall meeting for the documentary film, Bully, in Los Angeles on Monday. Story: AMC CEO Gerry Lopez, Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp Latest to Protest 'Bully's' R Rating Held at the Pacific Design Center’s Silver Screen Theatre, the event’s hosts included Linda Bell Blue, Kevin Brockman, Dr. Eliza Byard (Glsen Executive Director), Dana Delany, Donald De Line, Robert Harling, Congressman Mike Honda, Jeri Ryan, Steve Salva (California School Counselors Association), Chip Sullivan, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Aisha Tyler. Afterward,
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- 3/21/2012
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Harvey Weinstein sparred with MPAA president and CEO Chris Dodd over the rating of “Bully” Thursday evening in Washington, suggesting that the Weinstein Co. might release the documentary without a rating rather than submit to the R assigned to it by the organization. While it's usually bad business to release a film without a rating, Weinstein said he feels emboldened to consider it because the “courageous” AMC Entertainment head Gerry Lopez signed a petition calling for a PG-13 rating. Also read: 'Bully,' With Its R Rating, Gets an MPAA-Hosted Screening - and...
- 3/16/2012
- by Peter Voskamp
- The Wrap
By Josh Abraham
“Bully,” the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and Members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To ‘automatically default’ Bully is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre… doesn’t matter, is a mistake. The message, the movie and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests to engage in the dialogue its relevant message will inevitably provoke.”
Click to read more…...
“Bully,” the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and Members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To ‘automatically default’ Bully is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre… doesn’t matter, is a mistake. The message, the movie and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests to engage in the dialogue its relevant message will inevitably provoke.”
Click to read more…...
- 3/15/2012
- by Scott Feinberg
- Scott Feinberg
Los Angeles -- More Hollywood heavyweights are joining the call for a lower rating on the teen-focused documentary "Bully."
The Weinstein Co, which is releasing the film March 30, said Tuesday that Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees have signed on to support the film.
Lee Hirsch's documentary on bullying in American schools has been rated R, which restricts children under 17 from seeing it without an adult. The Motion Picture Association of America, which oversees movie ratings, cited language as the reason for the R rating.
Distributors appealed the decision, but it was upheld by the MPAA.
That prompted a Michigan teenager who was bullied in middle school to start an online petition calling for a lower rating for the film so more young people can see it. She met with MPAA officials last week and delivered the 200,000 signatures she collected, but the group declined to change the rating.
The Weinstein Co, which is releasing the film March 30, said Tuesday that Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees have signed on to support the film.
Lee Hirsch's documentary on bullying in American schools has been rated R, which restricts children under 17 from seeing it without an adult. The Motion Picture Association of America, which oversees movie ratings, cited language as the reason for the R rating.
Distributors appealed the decision, but it was upheld by the MPAA.
That prompted a Michigan teenager who was bullied in middle school to start an online petition calling for a lower rating for the film so more young people can see it. She met with MPAA officials last week and delivered the 200,000 signatures she collected, but the group declined to change the rating.
- 3/14/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
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