– Cinemas in the UK are anticipating a bumper box office this summer and the Film Distributors Association has put together a trailer (see above) and website for SummerOfCinema, reports the BBC;
– UK actors Meera Syal and Tony Robinson are amongst those campaigning to save London’s historic EMD cinema in Walthmastow where a young Alfred Hitchcock got his first taste of celluloid dreams (and nightmares);
– The Scotsman highlights the visit by the Screen Machine, UK’s only mobile cinema, as it visits Barra, “a tiny Scottish island in the Outer Hebrides on the furthermost edge of the Atlantic.” as driver-projectionist Iain MacColl brings 2009’s most watched film in the UK, saying, “They’d crucify me in Barra if I didn’t bring them Slumdog.”
– Heavy metal band Iron Maiden’s eponymous “Iron Maiden Flight 666” will be shown in 34 countries on over 500 screens around the world for one day only on Tuesday 21st of April, which according to Elmbridge Guardian will be, “a day which has now been renamed ‘Maiden Day’.”
– Sign o Recession Times #139: Chicago’s Classic Cinemas screens recent G or PG rated his for just $1, including “Hotel For Dogs,” “Kung Fu Panda” and ” Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” No word on discounted or BYO concessions;
– Sad waste of cinema #6,871: Inverness cinema turned into eight million pound luxury hotel, just hat the world needs more of right now;
– UK exhibitor Vue will introduce Tue night ‘mystery’ screenings of films of films ahead of their official release;
– NAMC Newswire’s Lou Victor highlights the strength of cinema advertising: “The recall rate of cinema advertising is upwards of 70% while the recall rate of television sits at approximately 23%, the reason for this is that advertisers have a totally captive and receptive audience. They finally can advertise directly to the elusive teen and tween market in their own environment.”;
– The Scotsman (again) trumpets the re-opening of Scotlan’s first purpose-built cinema after a two million pound facelift. “The cinema building, designed by the local architect Matthew Steele, was a notorious eyesore in Bo’ness for years until it was rescued by Falkirk Council after years of demands for action by heritage campaigners. Opened in 1912 by an enigmatic showman who helped lure in audiences by screening short films shot locally, it was the nation’s first purpose-built cinema.” The re-inauguration film was “Mamma Mia!”;
– Samosas remain the most popular Indian cinema snack, according to the Economic Times. “With an approximate daily consumption of over 30-35,000 samosas across the city’s 95 theatres (40 multiplexes with approximately 120 screens and 55 single screens, including those in the adjoining Thane district), this crusty triangle of spiced-up pea and potato mash, remains a hot favourite, pipping the nachos and noodles or pasta and pizzas to the cash counter.”
– Angel Broking recommends neutral rating on India’s multiplex sector. “Over the last one month, Multiplex stocks have witnessed sharp rally in the range of 35-50% despite looming concerns including lower occupancies and possible delays in handover of properties.”;
