Odeon Cinemas in the UK has recently announced an expansion of their “adults pay kids prices” deal in an effort to attract more families to their theaters. This new scheme allows one adult and one child to attend a movie for as little as £10 at a regular Odeon Cinema and £15 at an Odeon Luxe throughout the year 2024. The decision to invest in family offerings comes as data has shown that affordability and convenience are major concerns for families when choosing entertainment options, especially during the summer holidays.
The impact of Odeon’s family offer on its business has been significant, with the opening weekend of the movie “Inside Out 2” marking the busiest weekend for the chain since National Cinema Day the previous September. The UK box office gross for “Inside Out 2” has already reached $40.2M, indicating strong audience interest. Moreover, upcoming family-friendly titles like “Despicable Me 4”, “Harold and the Purple Crayon”, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, “Moana 2”, and others are expected to drive further footfall and revenue.
In France, the Fête du Cinéma, a reduced-price ticket scheme, has started off with record numbers, drawing over 1.4 million moviegoers in total. This event has seen the most admissions for any day in over five years and has bolstered the box office performance of movies like “Inside Out 2”, “A Quiet Place: Day One”, and “The Count of Monte-Cristo”. Local titles like “Un P’tit Truc en Plus” continue to be well-received by French audiences.
The Middle Eastern broadcaster MBC Group’s decision to film the eighth season of the culinary competition show “Top Chef” at NEOM Media Village in Saudi Arabia signifies a new chapter in the collaboration between the entertainment industry and emerging markets. This move is expected to set new standards for filming in the region and highlights the evolving landscape of media production.
Prime Video Germany’s Original Series
Prime Video Germany’s upcoming original series “Dinner for Five” boasts an impressive ensemble cast and promises a unique storyline set in early 20th-century England. With a mix of established and emerging talent, this UFA Fiction series is set to captivate audiences and offer a fresh perspective on period dramas.
The recognition of documentaries like “We Will Dance Again” and “War and Justice” at New Zealand’s Doc Edge Film Festival underscores the importance of storytelling and truth-seeking in the documentary genre. These films shed light on significant events and experiences, providing a platform for dialogue and reflection on global issues.
The initiatives and achievements of Odeon Cinemas, the Fête du Cinéma in France, MBC Group, Prime Video Germany, and the Doc Edge Film Festival in New Zealand demonstrate the diverse and impactful contributions of the film industry to culture and society. By investing in innovative offerings, fostering international collaboration, and recognizing creative excellence, these entities are shaping the future of entertainment and storytelling.