Hi everyone! Similar to restaurants, movie theaters, and other food establishments, it’s closing time for The Food & Film Blogathon. This event was a success, as the turn-out this year was larger ! To everyone who participated in The Food & Film Blogathon, thank you for your contribution. Whether it was a movie review or an editorial, the union between film and food was showcased in many different ways. I will host a new blogathon in 2026! But the event’s details won’t be revealed until sometime next February. Until then, you can check out my upcoming reviews, editorials, and lists!
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original picture found on IMDB.
Whenever I participate or host a blogathon, I try to approach the selected topic from a unique perspective. For The Food & Film Blogathon, I wanted to observe the relationship between film and food through cinematic promotion. More often than not, food has been an advertiser when encouraging people to check out a particular title. Sometimes, creativity and ingenuity have shined through these promotions, leaving a memorable impression and even helping a film succeed at the box office. But as I was researching this promotional connection of food and film, I noticed how some food-related movie âgimmicksâ could be improved. These âgimmicksâ are not entirely weak or unsuccessful. In fact, some of them have held a special place in the hearts of customers. However, as Iâll explain in this editorial, these food-related movie âgimmicksâ could be more productive and sustainable. Before I continue, I want to point out how my editorial is intended to be constructive, not mean-spirited or negative.
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original pictures found in the video, âFast Food Movie Tie-Ins and the History of the Summer Blockbuster!â, from the Youtube channel, PNP Videocast.
Popcorn Buckets and Reuseable Cups
When patrons enter the halls of their local movie theater, they are constantly bombarded with promotions for not just currently playing films, but upcoming films as well. From trailers on the big screen to posters and standees in the lobby, the cinema becomes an arena as studios battle for the attention of potential audience members. Two other forms of in-theater marketing are popcorn buckets and reuseable cups. Creativity and clever presentations build upon the basic design of a cup or bucket in an attempt to capture the spirit of the movie itâs promoting. But after movie-goers leave the theater, there are few opportunities to reuse the popcorn bucket. This increases the chances of popcorn buckets either clogging up landfills, collecting dust at thrift stores, or even getting buried in the desert like the Atari game, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It also doesnât help how popcorn buckets can, sometimes, be expensive. One infamous example is The Fantastic Four: First Stepsâ Galactus popcorn bucket, which received a retail price of $80. Meanwhile, reuseable cups have a slightly longer shelf life than popcorn buckets. Though they can be expensive as well. Iâve seen a 24 oz. cup promoting the movie, Smurfs, listed for $29.99.
How to Fix It
Picture it: AMC theaters, a handful of days throughout the year (yes, that reference of The Golden Girls was intentional). If movie-goers bring their popcorn buckets and/or reuseable cups to their local theaterâs concession stand, they can save a certain percentage off their concession purchases. This percentage could be low enough for theaters to not lose money, but enough for movie-goers to save some money. If these sale days were enforced, it would be a win-win for both movie-goers and theaters. Patrons are given a reason to consider purchasing a popcorn bucket and/or reuseable cup, seeing it as more of an investment and less as a collectorâs item or âgimmickâ. They also are encouraged to seek out the concession stand, as they would have a legitimate reason to save money during their movie-going experience. Because of concession stand sale days, theaters can sell more popcorn buckets and reuseable cups in the long run, which would increase their revenue. The aforementioned sale days would welcome repeat customers as well, adding even more revenue to the theaterâs financial intake.
On the left is the infamous Galactus popcorn bucket, which was sold for $80. On the right is the Smurfs cup I referenced in this editorial, which received a retail price of $29.99.
Specialty Food Items
For the sake of this editorial, specialty food items directly connect to the movie theyâre promoting. This can range from products bearing a characterâs likeness to meals sharing a name that is significant to the film. An example that has received praise on the internet is The Batman Calzony from Little Caesars. In 2022, the pizza chain created a pizza shaped like Batmanâs logo. The culinary creation was introduced leading up to the release of the movie, The Batman. Though this promotion existed for a short period of time, it left a positive impression. The video, âA Look at Bizarre Movie Tie-In Restaurant Foodsâ from the Youtube channel, Seeker of The Lost, features comments in its comment section from viewers who either remember and/or love The Batman Calzony. One commenter even demanded the pizza be brought back.
How to Fix It
Like the aforementioned commenter from Seeker of The Lostâs video, I, too, think The Batman Calzony should be brought back. However, the context of the comeback can be either of three ways. Batman has had an established place in the pop cultural landscape for over fifty years. Whether itâs the comics or the films, there is sure to be a milestone anniversary Little Caesars could capitalize on, giving them a legitimate reason to bring back The Batman Calzony. Iâve heard a sequel to The Batman is in the works. That movieâs premiere could see The Batman Calzonyâs return. If Little Caesars wanted to create a Halloween tradition, they could consider bringing back the pizza for Halloween. Not only are bats a popular Halloween motif, Batman has received his own Halloween costume over the years. Bringing back The Batman Calzony would give new customers a second chance to try the pizza. It would also make those who love the pizza repeat customers. Meanwhile, Little Caesars has an opportunity to create additional revenue, especially if The Batman Calzony was brought back annually or even biannually. Associating the pizza as part of a tradition would help Little Caesars build positive promotion and recognition of their brand.
Because of The Batman Calzony‘s unique shape (as well as its name), it is directly connected to the film it’s promoting, The Batman.
Limited-Edition Food Items
Limited-edition food items differ from specialty food items, as they donât directly correlate with the movie theyâre advertising. This allows the limited-edition food items to be sold in various contexts. 1998 saw the release of Disney Pixarâs A Bugâs Life. As part of the filmâs promotion, McDonaldâs found a reason to sell Apple Cinnamon McNuggets dipping sauce. But when the dipping sauce is removed from A Bugâs Lifeâs advertising equation, it can be sold in other promotions. A decade prior, in 1987, the Apple Cinnamon dipping sauce was incorporated into McDonaldâs Holiday McNuggets seasonal campaign. Since these two promotions, though, McDonaldâs has not brought this dipping sauce back.
How to Fix It
Based on my research for this editorial, McDonaldâs hasnât created any food items related to the Fall/Autumn season. While the Baked Apple Pie is a popular product on McDonaldâs menu, it isnât used to capitalize on Fall/Autumn. With apples and cinnamon typically associated with this time of year, McDonaldâs could bring their Apple Cinnamon McNuggets dipping sauce back through a seasonal promotion. They could also create other Fall/Autumn themed food items to compliment the Apple Cinnamon dipping sauceâs return, such as an Apple Cinnamon milkshake. Creating a seasonal campaign around the re-release of their Apple Cinnamon dipping sauce would give McDonaldâs good marketing and financial opportunities to take advantage of the Fall/Autumn season. It would also be a win for their customers, as those who love the dipping sauce receive a chance to revisit it and new customers are introduced to the dipping sauce.
Based on my research, a commerical from the Youtube channel, Media Closet, is one of the few references I could find of the Apple Cinnamon McNuggets dipping sauce’s inclusion in A Bug’s Life‘s McDonald’s promotion. Original picture found in the video, â1990s – McDonald’s A Bug’s Life Promo – Holiday Commercialâ, from the Youtube channel, Media Closet.
Missing the Finer Details
Advertising plays a big role in the business of making movies. But movie marketing campaigns are not created equally. Some of them miss the finer details of the film theyâre promoting. A perfect example is when Subway debuted their Fiery Footlong Collection to capitalize on the premiere of 2013âs The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Through this collection, Subway introduced two new sandwiches; Sriracha Chicken Melt and Sriracha Steak Melt. The other two sandwiches, Buffalo Chicken and Turkey Jalapeno Melt, had been sold prior to the collection. Though Subwayâs intention was to focus on the filmâs theme of fire, the overall promotion came across as out of touch. This is because The Hunger Games: Catching Fire addresses topics like âinequalityâ and âfood shortagesâ.
How to Fix It
The example I presented of Subwayâs marketing misfire (cue the comedic drum sound) is not the first (or last) time a filmâs marketing campaign missed finer, important details of the film itself. But blunders like this can be prevented. Working as a communicative bridge between a movieâs creative team and a marketing firm should be an official liaison. First, the liaison would talk with a movieâs creative team about the important elements of their project theyâd want to see reflected in its promotional campaign, like certain themes within the script. Then, the liaison would take these notes to a marketing firm and work with them to weave the creative teamâs important elements into the promotional campaign. If a liaison connected a movieâs creative team and a marketing firm, everyone involved in a filmâs marketing campaign would be on the same page. More cinematic promotions would possess a deeper understanding for the promoted movies.
As I said in this editorial, Subway focused on the theme of fire for their promotion of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Hence the reason why all of the sub sandwiches have spicier flavors. Original picture found in the video, âA Look at Bizarre Movie Tie-In Restaurant Foodsâ, from the Youtube channel, Seeker of The Lost.
âGimmicksâ Becoming âLost Mediaâ
I once heard someone claim that food was a âtemporary art formâ and âold franchise foodâ was, over time, âlost to the agesâ. Reflecting on what that person said, as well as the subject of this editorial, it seems like food associated with film promotion is its own form of âlost mediaâ. Movie âgimmicksâ, specifically those that are food-related, exist for an extremely short period of time. Once a movie has left theaters, that respective âgimmickâ is gone. When it comes to food-related movie âgimmicksâ in particular, only pictures, videos, and even memories are left. Some may even fade into obscurity. While there are a few that have been brought back on the meal, like Taco Bellâs Volcano Burrito (which later turned into the Volcano Double Beef Burrito), this has been the exception to the rule.
How to Fix It
In the comments section of Seeker of The Lostâs video, âA Look at Bizarre Movie Tie-In Restaurant Foodsâ, one person said itâd be sweet to have the recipes to the videoâs featured foods collected in a cookbook. I have to agree with that commenter, especially since it would be a good way to restore and preserve these food-related movie âgimmicksâ! Throughout the cookbook, meals associated with film promotion would have recipes chronicled in order of their respective movieâs release year. The cookbook can also feature interviews, perspectives, and tidbits of information from either those on a filmâs creative team, a marketing firm that worked on a movieâs promotional campaign, or from a restaurant/food company or movie theater. Fans of any of the selected âgimmicksâ would gain an opportunity to bring the food items back to life. Those who didnât get to try a âgimmickâ the first time around would receive a second chance to try these foods. The cookbook would also be a unique addition to any movie or food enthusiastsâ collection.
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original pictures found in the video, âA Look at Bizarre Movie Tie-In Restaurant Foodsâ, from the Youtube channel, Seeker of The Lost.
If you want a movie to succeed, you have to promote it to your potential audience. While there are many ways to do this, food is one of the most tried-and-true of these advertising tactics. Because each movie is unique, food-related movie âgimmicksâ are unique as well. As I mentioned in my editorialâs introduction, creativity and ingenuity have shined through these promotions. Food-related cinematic marketing is not perfect though. Mishaps have taken place, better decisions could have been made, and finer details were missed. With the ideas and suggestions featured in this editorial, food-related movie âgimmicksâ can, hopefully, become more sustainable and productive. Reflecting on everything Iâve said, Iâm curious to see how food-related film promotion evolves over time. It would also be interesting to see how marketing trends have impacted food-related movie âgimmicksâ through the years.
Videos — âA Look at Bizarre Movie Tie-In Restaurant Foodsâ from Seeker of The Lost and â1990s – McDonald’s A Bug’s Life Promo – Holiday Commercialâ from Media Closet
Are you looking for a fun blogathon that combines the subjects of food and film? Join my upcoming blogathon, The Food & Film Blogathon! Taking place from October 2nd to October 5th, there’s still time to join the event! With the connection between food and film providing a broad theme, plenty of topics are available to choose. If you’re interested in participating in The Food & Film Blogathon, click on the link below to learn more about the blogathon.
For this yearâs blogathon, I had several potential topics within my reach. But as I sifted through those topics, my mind kept going back to one particular thought. There hasnât been a time when film and food were not associated with one another. Think about it; have you ever been to a movie theater without a concession stand? Does your favorite movie feature a scene where characters share a meal together? Is the grey stuff from Beauty and the Beast truly edible? Food and film have been joined in a matrimony for many years, with this marriage taking on various forms. To celebrate this union, I am hosting the Food & Film Blogathon! While food themed movies typically come to mind, there is so much more to this theme. Here are some other ideas for those interested in participating in my event:
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original pictures found on IMDB.
Food-related movie promotions
The relationship between movies and the concession stand
Favorite meals from movies
Dinner & a Movie (either the show or the concept)
Recipes of meals from movies or associated with movies
Movie related food products (lunchboxes, reuseable cups, etc.)
Movie scenes involving food
Dine-In Theatres
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original pictures found in the video, “A Look at Bizarre Movie Tie-In Restaurant Foods”, from the Youtube channel, Seeker of The Lost.
If youâre joining The Food & Film Blogathon and found an idea youâre interested in writing about, please read the eventâs official rules.
Please be respectful to the other participants and your chosen topic
Only new entries will be accepted
Participants can publish a maximum of three entries
Because of how broad this blogathonâs subject is, no duplicates are allowed
Creativity and fun are encouraged
Entries must be submitted between October 2nd-5th
If you plan on publishing your entry before or after the blogathon, please let me know as soon as possible
Share your entry idea in the comment section below!
Feature one of the four blogathon banners anywhere in your entry
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original pictures found in the video, “Fast Food Movie Tie-Ins and the History of the Summer Blockbuster!”, from the Youtube channel, PNP Videocast.
Participants of The Food & Film Blogathon
— Sally from 18 Cinema Lane — (Editorial) Fixing Food Related Movie “Gimmicks”
— Rebecca from Taking Up Room — (Movie Review) Burnt (2015)
— Le from CrĂtica RetrĂ´ — (Movie Review) Tampopo (1985)
— Ruth from Silver Screenings — (Movie Review) If You Could Only Cook (1935)
— Hamlette from Hamlette’s Soliloquy — (Movie Review) Chocolat (2000)
— Quiggy from The Midnite Drive-In — (Movie Reviews) Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978) and Attack of the Killer Donuts (2016)
— Virginie from The Wonderful World of Cinema— (Editorial) The Use of Food in Hitchcock Films
— Chloe the MovieCritic from Movies Meet Their Match — (Movie Review) Kung Fu Panda (2008)
The Food & Film Blogathon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original picture found on IMDB.
I wrote a Word on the Street story three days ago about movie theaters in the United Kingdom broadcasting Eurovisionâs Grand Final for a third year. Last February, I wrote another Word on the Street story about Eurovisionâs Grand Final being presented in Spanish cinemas. Like the United Kingdom, Spain will continue their cinematic tradition! Eurovoix News reports Cine Yelmo, a âcinema companyâ from Spain, âwill be airing the Grand Final of the contest live in their 42 cinemas across the countryâ. Those interested in attending the event can âbuy tickets through a pre-sale on the companyâs websiteâ. Also like the United Kingdom, Spain is taking advantage of their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Because they are one of the âbig fiveâ countries, they are automatic qualifiers of the contestâs Grand Final. Spain is hosting PrePartyES, from April 17th to April 19th.
What are your thoughts on this piece of news? Are there any Eurovision participating countries you wished screened the Grand Final at their theaters? Tell me in the comment section!
Last April, I wrote a Word on the Street story about multiple cinemas in the United Kingdom (U.K.) broadcasting Eurovisionâs Grand Final. This year, the tradition continues! In an article from Eurovoix News, it’s reported that âCinemaLive who are distributing the contest in cinemas, will for a third year in a row enable fans of the contest to watch the Eurovision Song Contest on the big screen in the United Kingdomâ. John Travers, who helped bring the experience to fruition in 2024, said, âThereâs simply no better way to enjoy the biggest night in music than in a cinema, surrounded by fellow fansâ. The U.K. is, once again, capitalizing on their involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. They are one of the âbig fiveâ countries, so they automatically qualify for the contestâs Grand Final. United Kingdom will also host London Eurovision Party on April 13th.
What are your thoughts on this piece of news? Which Eurovision participating country do you wish screened the Grand Final at their theaters? Please tell me in the comment section!
Days before Christmas, I reviewed I Heard the Bells for my 500 Blog Follower Dedication Review. But this is not the only honor the movie achieved. I Heard the Bells became my 400th published movie review! To commemorate this milestone, I decided to write my sixth list article of 2024. Trends, whether in fashion or when it comes to the most popular toy of the Christmas/holiday season, exist for a reason. This statement also applies to the world of cinema. Sometimes, however, there are film related trends that leave me confused, wondering why film-makers continuously use them in their projects. So, for this list, I will be discussing ten movie trends I donât understand! The intent of this list is to gain a better understanding for why the listed trends either existed or still exist, as I am genuinely curious about their purpose.
From about the late â80s to the mid-2000s, childrenâs/family media, especially movies, were fond of food fights. From 1996âs Matilda (where the children at Crunchem Hall Elementary School hurl their lunches at Miss Trunchbull) to the Disney Channel film, Eddieâs Million Dollar Cook-Off (where I remember two food fights taking place), film-makers saw food fights as a way to add excitement and hilarity to their film. But long after the janitor has cleaned up the mess, what sinks in is the realization that these film-makers likely spent hundreds of dollars on large quantities of food only to waste it. This realization not only makes me wonder why food fights were once a staple of childrenâs/family media, I also question how often food fights happen in real life.
2. Keeping Secrets
Around the time the aforementioned food fight trend was common, another popular movie trend was younger characters being encouraged to keep secrets. When I reviewed 1985âs Return to Oz, I brought up Princess Ozma telling Dorothy that she can go back to Oz whenever she wants, as long as she keeps it a secret. By bringing up that part of the film, I addressed how Princess Ozmaâs statement could be misinterpreted as damaging messages such as holding back on creativity helping one become ânormalâ and bottling up ideas and feelings being accepted. As I mentioned in my review of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bullying is not addressed in the script, including in Aliceâs part of the story. One reason why is how Imogene forces Alice to keep the bullying a secret.If youâre going to create a story for a younger audience, you need to be mindful when it comes to addressing serious, real-world issues because of how impressionable a younger audience can be. With that said, I kind of find it concerning how common the trend of younger characters keeping secrets was in childrenâs/family media.
3. New York City as a Selling Point
I brought up this trend back in 2021, when I reviewed Sherlock Holmes in New York. As I shared my overall impression of the 1976 film, I talked about how movie studios used their projectâs New York setting as a selling point. Clear examples show New York City or New York City locations included in a filmâs title, like A Troll in Central Park, The Muppets Take Manhattan, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I donât understand this need to single out a storyâs New York location. Personally, I think the movie should show instead of tell their story is set in New York. What I also donât understand is why the trend of using New York as a selling point occurred between about the mid- â70s to the mid-2000s.
4. Villains Receiving the Spotlight
2024 started with the release of Madame Web (a Spider-verse villain movie without the presence of Spider-Man) and ended with the premiere of Kraven the Hunter (a Spider-verse villain movie without the presence of Spider-Man). I bring up these movies to highlight a trend I first noticed in the 2010s that carried over to the 2020s. This trend is villains receiving the spotlight; whether this means villains are given their own movie, villains are presented as more âsympatheticâ, or villains make arguments with seemingly valid points. When a movie studio adopts this trend, it gives their audience mixed messages. Within Spider-Manâs comic books, Kraven is known as a villain. The tagline of Kraven the Hunter is âVillains arenât born. Theyâre madeâ. But based on what Iâve heard about the film, Kraven is presented as more of an anti-hero. Not only does giving villains the spotlight confuse the audience, it also makes villainous characters less straight-forward.
5. âThrown Togetherâ Movie Posters
A âthrown togetherâ movie poster is the contents of a movie (like cast photos, story locations, and even a scene from the film) thrown together on that movieâs poster. The collage I just described appears overwhelming and leaves the audience with little surprises. I first became aware of this trend when Disney/Marvel used this style for their Avengers: Age of Ultron poster. After that movie came to theaters in 2015, the âthrown togetherâ movie poster trend became the go-to style of cinematic advertising. It even got to the point where Hallmark adopted this trend, as the posters for Christmas Everlasting and Love Takes Flight are notable examples. Based on what Iâve seen, it seems like the âthrown togetherâ movie poster trend is fading in the 2020s, as studios and networks have chosen more artistic styles for their movie posters. But I still wonder why the âthrown togetherâ movie poster trend was ever popular.
In Great American Familyâs A Little Womenâs Christmas, Fritz orders a black coffee at a cafĂŠ in Alcott Grove. At that same cafĂŠ, Jo orders a sugary, seasonal coffee drink. This scene made me realize how often Iâve seen men ordering and/or drinking black coffee in movies. Not only do they order/drink black coffee, they usually get criticized for doing it. Similar to the previously mentioned food fight trend, I wonder how the men drinking black coffee trend reflects real life.
7. Cabins & Bed and Breakfasts
These trends are specific to Lifetime and Hallmark movies. In the world of Hallmark films, it seems common for characters to either own a Bed and Breakfast or know someone who knows a Bed and Breakfast. These Bed and Breakfasts are usually found in small towns. Meanwhile, on Lifetime, it seems like many characters either own a cabin or know someone who owns a cabin. The cabins themselves are typically treated as a vacation destination. I know both networks share the same flaw; telling the same types of stories and reusing the same ideas. This makes me wonder if that flaw is the reason for the abundance of Bed and Breakfasts on Hallmark and cabins on Lifetime.
8. Rival Girl Scouting Troop
This trend isnât as common as other trends on my list. But Iâve seen it happen enough times to point it out. Troop Beverly Hills, The Cookie Mobster, and Smart Cookies share something in common; the âunderdogâ girl scouting troop must face a ârivalâ girl scouting troop. The rival girl scouting troop is always presented as bratty, wealthy, and popular. Their only purpose in the aforementioned movies is to win cookie season. The rival girl scouting troop trend is, in my opinion, an unnecessary conflict. The main and only conflict should be the protagonist girl scouting troop trying to achieve a goal within their own troop (such as having a successful cookie season). The rival girl scouting troop trend is yet another movie trend that makes me wonder how often it happens in real life.
9. The Sound of a Baby Crying in an Apartment Buildingâs Hallway
When one of a movieâs scenes takes place in an apartment buildingâs hallway, the sound of a baby crying can be heard. This trend has been present in so many movies, I wonder why that particular sound has been the go-to sound for film-makers. All walks of life can live inside an apartment building. This fact provides film-makers with a variety of sounds; such as dogs barking, music, or noise from a television. So, it confuses me when film-makers continuously use the same sound over and over again.
10. Calling out âHelloâ in an Empty Room
Out of all the movie trends on my list, the calling out âhelloâ in an empty room trend is the most common one. From theatrical pictures to made-for-TV films, a character will call out âhelloâ when they enter an empty room. Predictably, no one calls âhelloâ back. But the character who called out âhelloâ will be taken by surprise by another character. The calling out âhelloâ in an empty room trend can usually be found in mystery, action, or thriller movies. When film-makers select this trend, they make suspenseful moments more predictable. It also makes characters who call out âhelloâ look absent-minded.
Two months ago, I wrote a Word on the Street story about how a movie theater chain in Spain will present Eurovisionâs Grand Final in their cinemas. In that article, I said I hoped fellow Eurovision participating countries are inspired to provide experiences like the aforementioned Spanish theaters to their Eurovision fans. According to Eurovoix News, I kind of got what I wanted! Originally reported on April 6th, the second-year event will be broadcast âin over 100 cinemas across the United Kingdomâ. An official statement from John Travers, from CinemaLive, said, âWe want audiences to enjoy themselves, come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and come together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen!â Similar to Spain, the United Kingdom (U.K.) is capitalizing on their involvement in the song contest. Labeled as one of the âbig fiveâ countries, the U.K. is an automatic qualifier for Eurovisionâs Grand Final. It is also one year since the U.K. delegation co-hosted Eurovision in 2023.
Theater seats image created by weatherbox at freeimages.com. âFreeImages.com/weatherbox.â
What are your thoughts on this piece of news? Which Eurovision participating country do you wish screened the Grand Final at their theaters? Please tell me in the comment section!
Though this piece of movie news isnât actually âmovie newsâ, it does involve movie theaters. Therefore, this monthâs Word on the Street story provides an interesting tidbit of news. Originally reported on February 23rd by Eurovoix News, the Spanish theater chain, Cinesa, has agreed to present Eurovisionâs Grand Final in their theaters. With tickets becoming available on April 1st and continuing this screening for a seventh year, Cinesa is carrying their tradition of bringing Eurovision to the contestâs Spanish fans. Over the years, Iâve heard of sporting events and theatrical productions being broadcast in cinemas. There have even been concerts recorded in a documentary style and screened at theaters. But this is the first time I have heard Eurovision being shown in a movie theater. Spain is certainly capitalizing on their presence in the competition, as Spain is not only competing in Eurovisionâs Grand Final, the Spanish band, Megara, will be representing San Marino. Cinesaâs decision to present Eurovisionâs Grand Final makes me hope fellow Eurovision participating countries are inspired to provide experiences like this for their Eurovision fans!
For my first Word on the Street story of 2023, I wanted to talk about a piece of movie news that revolves around a topic I donât often talk about: movie theatres. When I came across a video from Clownfish TVâs Youtube channel discussing AMC Theatresâ recently announced business model, I felt it was worth bringing up on 18 Cinema Lane. In the video, âDesperate AMC Theatres to Charge More for GOOD Seats?!â, Kneon and Geeky Sparkles address the theatre chainâs newest decision to have separate pricing for seats, based on where theyâre located in the auditorium. Quoting an article from comicbook.com, Geeky Sparkles and Kneon break down the three tiers that will determine a seatâs price-tag. This article lists these tiers as âValue Sightlineâ (âseats in the front row of the auditorium, as well as select ADA seats in each auditoriumâ), âStandard Sightlineâ (âseats that are the most common in auditoriums and are available for the traditional cost of a ticketâ), and âPreferred Sightlineâ (âseats in the middle of the auditorium and are priced at a premium to standard sightline seatsâ). Kneon and Geeky Sparkles speculate AMC Theatres is adopting this business plan to encourage more movie-goers to sign up for their AMC Stubs A-List program. Despite the theatre chain âhemorrhaging money right and leftâ, Kneon believes âother theatres are probably gonna adopt thisâ.
As someone who talks about movie news from time to time, Iâm thankful to have discovered some great topics on Clownfish TVâs Youtube Channel. However, I respectfully disagree with Kneonâs view of the influence AMC Theatresâ latest decision will have on other theatres. When this Word on the Street story is published, the economy AMC Theatres exists in is not strong. Almost every day, there are articles chronicling the closure of multiple retail shops. With that in mind, movie-goers may, more often than not, view the theatre experience as a luxury. To save money on this pastime, audience members could either seek out a theatre that doesnât charge extra for seats or wait to rent a theatrical movie and watch it at home. I believe AMC Theatresâ tier pricing for their seats will hurt their company more than help. I wouldnât be surprised if, within this year, there are articles reporting on AMC Theatres closing several cinemas.
What are your thoughts on this piece of movie news? Is your theatre affected by AMC Theatres newest business model? Let me know in the comment section!
Have fun at the movies!
Sally Silverscreen
If you’re interested in reading the comicbook.com article that was referenced in the Clownfish TV video and my post, here’s the link:
