Day Zero Report from Barcelona
Oct. 2nd, 2007 08:04 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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elijah_findsDay Zero was shown tonight at the film festival in Barcelona. This is just in from the producer and posted with his permission:
Well, all I can say is that if the audience tonight was any indication, Day Zero definitely plays in Spanish. I can't tell you how many people came up to me afterwards and told me how much they enjoyed it, how it made them think, and how unlike most American films it is (which I gather is a compliment...) Good stuff.
Did any LJers, or anyone you know, see this in Barcelona?
Next stop, London.
Also, here's his explanation about the same day release theory and proximity of theater and DVD release dates. There was discussion about this a couple of entries back.
The expression is "day and date" - meaning simultaneous release of a film in multiple media and or markets at the same time.
The reason for this is to capitalize on the marketing dollars spent. As has been pointed out, DVD sales are a huge piece of the pie now, actually more than box office in many cases (or at least more than the distributors' share of BO). So it makes sense to spend heavily to promote the DVD as well as the theatrical release.
But if a distributor spends $1 promoting the theatrical release, and another $1 promoting the DVD release, that's $2. If they do it day and date (or close to it), they may choose to spend, say, $1.50, for the same overall result. That's the theory anyway.
The most recent example was "Bubble" which was not at all successful. However, even casual research into the film will tell you why - other than the fact that it was an experimental Steven Soderberg film, there was absolutely nothing to recommend it. In other words, it probably wouldn't have been successful even if did not have a day and date release.
All this means the jury is still out on the notion. One thing is certain though - "windows" - the periods in which films are released on different media - are shortening/collapsing, as it's the most effective way to stretch marketing dollars.
Well, all I can say is that if the audience tonight was any indication, Day Zero definitely plays in Spanish. I can't tell you how many people came up to me afterwards and told me how much they enjoyed it, how it made them think, and how unlike most American films it is (which I gather is a compliment...) Good stuff.
Did any LJers, or anyone you know, see this in Barcelona?
Next stop, London.
Also, here's his explanation about the same day release theory and proximity of theater and DVD release dates. There was discussion about this a couple of entries back.
The expression is "day and date" - meaning simultaneous release of a film in multiple media and or markets at the same time.
The reason for this is to capitalize on the marketing dollars spent. As has been pointed out, DVD sales are a huge piece of the pie now, actually more than box office in many cases (or at least more than the distributors' share of BO). So it makes sense to spend heavily to promote the DVD as well as the theatrical release.
But if a distributor spends $1 promoting the theatrical release, and another $1 promoting the DVD release, that's $2. If they do it day and date (or close to it), they may choose to spend, say, $1.50, for the same overall result. That's the theory anyway.
The most recent example was "Bubble" which was not at all successful. However, even casual research into the film will tell you why - other than the fact that it was an experimental Steven Soderberg film, there was absolutely nothing to recommend it. In other words, it probably wouldn't have been successful even if did not have a day and date release.
All this means the jury is still out on the notion. One thing is certain though - "windows" - the periods in which films are released on different media - are shortening/collapsing, as it's the most effective way to stretch marketing dollars.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 01:35 am (UTC)Thanks for this info -- it's interesting! And I hope the film does well in England!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 02:11 am (UTC)That's true. I wonder if another film will be released this way anytime soon.
You're welcome....and I'm sure the film will blow them away in London. I know the LJ contingent will love it! *g*
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 02:50 am (UTC)barcelona:
if the audience tonight was any indication, Day Zero definitely plays in Spanish.
moscow:
if the festival crowd was any indication, the film definitely plays there
if, if, if.... i think we can do away with the "ifs," and stick with the "definitelys" huh? ;-)
about the "day and date" notion. we all know the impact dvds have. who wouldn't want to have a film in their collection or even to watch at home at leisure if renting? but doesn't it all come down to advertising? "bubble?" never heard of it. "if" the audiences are any indication, with the right promoting, DZ theatrical and dvd sales will "definitely" be successful.
oops! great news about barcelona! next stop. england.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 03:02 am (UTC)Personally, I think the simultaneous release will catch on. Movie companies want to save money and if they can advertise two products for the cost of one ad campaign, I'm sure they'll do so.
Also, you know where I live. There are lots of movies I never get to see in a theater because they don't play here. And there are movies I'd go see in the theater and buy the DVD. Movie goers are polite and well-behaved here, but in the cities, I've read that a lot of people are turned off by rude, noisy audiences. Entertainment Weekly had a lengthy article about that not long ago. Many of these people prefer to wait for the DVD.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 03:45 am (UTC)for me, there's nothing like seeing a movie in a theater... crowd and all. though sometimes i like a small crowd depending on the subject of the movie. i've been in theaters packed to the screen and theaters with 10 people in them. with a theatrical release, you have to take the good with the bad. remember the man with his laptop at PJT? yeesh!
but i digress.
those who like to see films by dvd only prefer to be comfortable at home and not be bothered with high ticket prices, parking, and the crowds as you say. then there are people like you and i who would go through all that and the comfort of seeing it at home.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 03:57 am (UTC)Very possible. But what is changing with near lightning speed is TV shows and the Internet. TV Guide just listed all the shows this season that can be downloaded for a week following an episode's initial airing. It's a huge list. When you consider that, plus the number of people who Tivo/record shows for viewing on their own schedule, it makes me wonder who's actually watching shows live.
then there are people like you and i who would go through all that and the comfort of seeing it at home.
LOL...you've got my number. ;>D
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 06:11 am (UTC)As for day and date release, I know about the concept and have been aware that this might happen more in the future. My concern is that for the little films like this, if it's on DVD, there is little incentive for most people to go and see it in a theater, so it will never get widely released (or even much of a limited release). And I still prefer to see a movie on a big screen! Especially when it has people with big blue eyes are in it. : D I am sure other Elijah fans feel the same about his movies.
Has there been any attempt at getting a release in the LA area, maybe during that same week it's going to be in NYC?
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 03:13 pm (UTC)I thought an opening in LA might be better than NYC since New Yorkers had several opportunities to see it during Tribeca. But New Yorkers are certainly devoted movie buffs, so maybe that's why it's opening there.
I think you're safe. If it plays anywhere else, LA is bound to be included.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 06:37 am (UTC)I'm all for 'day and date' releases if it means there's more money available to spend on marketing the film..but i doubt very much if that's how it works.
btw.. i had a feeling it was the producer who wrote that piece when i read it earlier.... lol!
I'm really glad that DZ did well in Spain and Russia..lets keep our fingers crossed that it does just as well in London..pleeeeese!!!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 01:21 pm (UTC)oh stop it! of course it will. probably even bigger than moscow and barcelona. you alone running in the streets, shouting "SEE THIS FILM!!" should get people in. *snort*
btw, when do you leave, you lucky so-n-so?
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 03:04 pm (UTC)BWWAAHH!! And I can sooo see her doing exactly that.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 04:40 pm (UTC)Now that's an idea! ;)
btw, when do you leave, you lucky so-n-so?
We leave Friday morning for the 12.09 train to London. *squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*.. not that i'm excited or anything.. lol!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 07:59 am (UTC)Can't wait to see this - on a big screen or otherwise. If they need support, they can have mine, unconditionally !
Love,
- Karin.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 03:05 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-03 01:21 pm (UTC)