The blockbuster has also been sprayed with the unpleasant aromas of fraud by Forbes magazine in the States. In an article titled "Harry Potter Is a Fraud," the mag claims that Harry's astronomical performance is due more to escalating ticket prices and the standard growth of theatre chains than exceptional movie making.
An excellent marketing strategy and Studios' deep pockets as an explanation for record breaking boffo performances were ignored in the article but a more obscure argument was intriguing to those studying commercial cinema.
The article claimed that studios must "frontload" new releases since they net about 70% of the opening-weekend gate against the 30 odd percent afterwards.
The argument carries weight when the staggering statistic of the top 11 opening weekends of all time is considered…they have all been released in the last two years.
Forbes comments: "Most of these record-setters faded fast. They were able to outrun bad word-of-mouth, at least for a week or two." Moreover, the same factors that have boosted studio profits have lowered them for exhibitors, Forbes also observed.
This week... Cinemas Admit record Year >>> Euro adds to UK's film woes >>> Britfilm Investment Sinks 10% in 2001 >>> (Stewart) Till We Meet Again >>> Jean-Marie's Mess >>> Snow White & The 7 Sequels >>> Brian Cox in Good Spirit >>> And also... >>>
An excellent marketing strategy and Studios' deep pockets as an explanation for record breaking boffo performances were ignored in the article but a more obscure argument was intriguing to those studying commercial cinema.