Television: Marketing battlefield
Gone are the days when TV networks only had to compete with a few rivals to get the attention of potential viewers. Creating compelling content is only the beginning; in a world of fragmented audiences and thousands of platforms and products competing for the same eyeballs, everyone is trying to stand out. Miguel Gonzalez reports.
It’s no secret that television has become a segmented market where audiences are no longer limited by the offerings of the five networks that for years were Australia’s preferred source of entertainment and information. It is a world of multi-channels, pay TV, IPTV, games and an explosion of local and international content available at home or on the go. All of these options are competing for the same viewers so, more than ever, broadcasters must remain visible and attractive. Read more »
Easier to raise funds privately: Daddo
Actor/producer Cameron Daddo believes it’s easier to raise up to $1m privately than going through Australia’s funding bodies.
“They will make us jump through hoops,” Daddo told Encore. Read more »
Keeping film history alive, a major priority: MoMA
According to Ronald Magliozzi, the New York Museum of Modern Art curator of Tim Burton: The Exhibition currently showing at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne, the preservation of audiovisual history should be a priority that requires international cooperation.
“Sharing the information about moving image work across archives all around the world is very important; that way we can sort the best materials that exist and we don’t duplicate work,” Magliozzi told Encore. Read more »
Victorian production reaches $233m
A report from Film Victoria found that the state had its second highest expenditure on record in 2009/10, with $233m – a majority coming from local productions.
Television was the strongest sector, with 37 productions resulting in an $87m injection into the local economy. Read more »
Fox moves to digital publicity delivery
Twentieth Century Fox has signed up with D-Star Media to digitally deliver its publicity EPK and trailer content to Australian media.
The distributor joins Paramount Pictures and Icon Film as the first local distributors choosing digital distribution of materials to traditional broadcasters and online content producers. Read more »
Mao charms US audiences prior to local release
Bruce Beresford’s Mao’s Last Dancer has won the Audience Award at the Maine International Film Festival.
The win takes place just one month before the film’s limited release in the US, via Samuel Goldwyn Films. Read more »
ACMA warns 3D TV trials are temporary
The first 3D television trial ended yesterday, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority has reminded consumers willing to buy the new television sets that free-to-air 3D channels are currently only available on a limited basis.
The trial, requested by the Nine Network, SBS and WIN, was authorised for transmission of State of Origina and the 2010 World Cup. It was granted to support broadcasters in the development and demonstration of new broadcasting technologies, using unutilised digital channels that are only available temporarily. Read more »
Board bans ‘gay zombie’ film
The Australian Film Classification Board refused classification for the Canadian film L.A. Zombie, which was scheduled to screen at the Melbourne Film Festival on August 7 and 8.
“Apparently the Australian Classification Board has no problem passing all manner of mainstream torture porn movies which feature, amongst other things, the rape and dismemberment of women, it’s interesting that they have no stomach for a movie that reaffirms life,” said director Bruce LaBruce in a statement. Read more »
Discreet opening for Waiting City
Claire McCarthy’s Indian-shot The Waiting City (Hopscotch Films) earned $136,892 during its opening weekend – average $5,475 – for a total box office take of $181,351. The film received considerable attention from the mainstream media, particularly due to its protagonist, Radha Mitchell.
It opened behind Animal Kingdom’s seventh weekend, at #10 with $178,987 from 71 screens (average $2,520, Madman Entertainment). Read more »
MIFF apoints general manager
The Melbourne International Film Festival has appointed Petrina Dorrington as the festival general manager.
Dorrington has been MIFF’s interim general manager since February, and will be responsible for the administration of the festival. Read more »