The Film Distributors Association (FDA) has reported that commercial properties which house cinemas may struggle during 2012. This year saw the highest summer attendance figures since 2009, but with major events planned for next year, will people be visiting different commercial properties?
During the summer of 2010 Sex And The City 2 was scheduled against the World Cup it an attempt to make the most of ‘football widows’ who were left alone whilst their partner enjoyed the football. The idea paid off as the film took £21 million at the box office. However, no plans have yet been made for similar films to go head-to-head against the London 2012 Olympics.
Mark Batey Chief Executive at FDA stated, “It’s going to be a tricky period for the two-and-a-half weeks of the Olympics, but also the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Euro 2012, Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix and the Paralympics”. “The whole summer season of May to September is going to be a very challenging period.” Mark added.
The Inbetweeners, Harry Potter and the King’s Speech have all helped boost box office takings this year so far, but what big films can we expect to see next year?
Next year sees many superhero and children’s films, including:
Mark expressed, “The release dates for 2012 are very much a moveable feast at the moment. There will be plenty of opportunities for big screen escape for people who aren’t so interested in sport.”
The FDA expects this year to exceed 2010 with overall box office receipts. The figure is currently on £872 million, which in four per cent more than this time last year. Films set to be released later this year to help boost the figure include:
But with the London 2012 Olympics such a major event in British history, will any film be able to compete, and would they want to? Even if people have no interest in sport or athletics they will more than likely watch at least one event on television. Who knows when the UK will have another opportunity to host another Olympics.