French culture minister Rima Abdul Malak has said that the French Government will commit a record €4.2bn (£3.8bn/$4bn) budget to cultural activities in 2023. This equates to a 7% increase compared to last year with €711m allocated to the financing of film and audio-visual production, as well as video games. Malak said at a press …
Theatres, cinemas and attractions to close on Monday for Queen’s funeral
Theatres and cinemas are set to close in the UK on Monday, as the day has been marked for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The Queen died at the age of 96 on Thursday last week, with the Monday also serving as a bank holiday in the UK. A number of events were cancelled in light …
UK cinemas hope for stronger winter
Cinemas in the UK are hoping that upcoming blockbuster movie releases in the winter will bring a much-needed boost after a quiet summer. Despite the release of the popular and successful Top Gun: Maverick earlier this summer, it failed to ignite a lasting resurgence for cinema. Since cinemas were able to open in the UK …
National Cinema Day to promote cut-price tickets
Over 3,000 movie theatres across the US and over 600 UK cinemas are offering customers cut-price tickets this coming weekend as part of a National Cinema Day promotion. This Saturday, September 3, cinemagoers will be able to snap up $3 tickets in the US, while tickets will be available for £3 in the UK. The …
Cineworld reportedly heading for bankruptcy
Cinema chain Cineworld is set to file for bankruptcy according to reports, blaming a failed quick recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The London-listed business has hired lawyers from Kirkland & Ellis and consultants from restructuring firm AlixPartners. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company is expected to file a chapter 11 petition in the …
Cineworld shares halve following rescue talks
Cinema chain Cineworld’s market value more than halved after management said that it was in talks with stakeholders about a financial rescue package. The chain has blamed a lack of blockbuster films which has in turn resulted in lacklustre admission levels. Cineworld has managed to rack up a debt of more than $4.8bn (£4bn/€4.8bn) according …
Inconsistencies stop disabled customers from enjoying the arts
There are many inconsistencies preventing those with disabilities from enjoying the arts, from ticketing through to accessible venues. A free national Arts Access Card for disabled people to use at theatres, concerts and festivals has been delayed by two years. The card was part of the UK Government’s National Disability Strategy. Arts Council England (ACE) and …
Fall in ticket sales contributes to Vue valuation decline
The Vue International cinema chain has had its valuation slashed by approximately half, according to a report from The Times. The valuation has been almost halved to £650m ($785m/€771m) in a restructuring deal that also allows the chain to be protected from a €130m legal claim in Germany, and the injection of new funds into …
Competition Commission of India orders investigation into BookMyShow – report
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into online ticketing platform BookMyShow, according to reports. A complaint was made by Vijay Gopal, who runs rival movie ticketing platform Showtyme. Gopal has alleged that BookMyShow is colluding with theatres by having exclusive agreements to not sell movie tickets online through anyone else. The …
Delay for Andhra Pradesh’s Government-run cinema ticketing platform
A high court in India has delayed a new online movie ticketing system, which was set to be launched at the weekend, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has delayed the State Government from going ahead with the new online cinema ticketing portal, until July 27 when the final hearing …