RSSSony looks to live shows to boost theater ticket sales
By Ed Oswald | Published May 22, 2008, 5:50 PM
The movie studio is hoping to draw moviegoers to theaters by offering recorded live shows through a new program it's calling The Hot Ticket.
The first two will debut later this summer. Cirque du Soleil's "Delerium" will be the first to come to theaters, followed by the final Broadway performance of "Rent," set to close on September 7.
In order to make the events more exclusive, Sony will only give the showings a limited run. Typically this would be about one week, compared to weeks or months for the standard feature film.
Sony executives said that with digital cinema technology becoming the norm, entertainment providers will be able to provide more functionality such as live performances.
Distributing live events is nothing new. Regal was the first major theater chain to offer live performances, beginning with Coldplay's LIVE 2003 taped show in November 2003, and later with a live broadcast of Prince's Musicology concert from Los Angeles in March 2004.
NCM Fathom is also offering live shows to select theaters, including the Drum Corps International world championship quarterfinals, and live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera.
I sensed sarcasm in your voice, but I'm not sure you "get" what they're offering.
'Delirium' was the 6th highest grossing concert of 2007 (and for the record, I saw it 4 times in that year). It's not only another great show/concert put together by Cirque du Soleil, it's all-inclusive of many of the more famous songs (reworked) that millions of people love.
As for 'Rent', (I lost track how many times I saw this show) yes - the movie itself basically failed in theaters, but it's not the "final show". 'Rent' has won countless awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for it's libretto. The show is one of the longest running on Broadway (for now) and HORDES of people have seen it either in any of the international houses theaters across the world, the roaming tours or even the movie itself.
As for the future, live concerts being broadcast (possibly in 3D ala U2) are in the works ...
Why NOT have something different to watch when you go tot he movies instead of the same old boring cripe?
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|Another Brilliant Move Sony!!!
You know how to draw us "the customers" to your products don't you.
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