The Warrens return for the final time in the fourth installment, titled ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites,’ set to hit cinemas next year
2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year! We’ve already got a Superman reboot, a Mission: Impossible flick, and Captain America’s next Marvel mission. Plus, Brad Pitt’s hitting the gas in an F1 movie produced by Lewis Hamilton, and there’s a Jurassic World sequel stomping its way to theaters.
But wait, it’s not all franchise flicks—there are some exciting originals too! From the twisted mind of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho comes Mickey 17 starring Robert Pattinson, and David Ayer reunites Jason Statham and Sylvester Stallone (with Stallone on the script, this could get wild). Guy Ritchie’s got a new flick with Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill, and the horror hounds aren’t left out – a new Conjuring movie chills theaters in September 2025.
Speaking of chills, 2025’s horror calendar is stacked. M3gan is back for a killer sequel, there’s a follow-up to the post-apocalyptic nightmare of 28 Days Later, Saw’s slicing its way to an eleventh installment, and Christian Bale takes on the role of Frankenstein’s monster in a Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed flick. Buckle up, because there’s even a “bloody” Final Destination movie on the horizon, and now Warner Bros has announced that the fourth installment in the Conjuring franchise will hit the theaters in 2025.
Here’s the bittersweet part for Conjuring fans: this will be the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren. But fear not—the wider Conjuring universe, with its spin-offs, will likely keep the scares coming. So, grab your popcorn (or maybe a barf bag), because 2025 is shaping up—also—to be a year of epic thrills and bone-chilling chills. Here’s what we know (including rumors!) about The Conjuring 4.
The Conjuring: Last Rites will be released in cinemas on September 5, 2025, barring any production delays. According to The Hollywood Reporter in February 2024, the movie was set to start filming this summer in Atlanta, but we’ve no word since whether that is still the plan. Now that it’s got a release date, we’d assume that filming will start soon in order to hit that September release date. However, Warner Bros has yet to confirm when production will get underway.
James Wan laid the foundation for the franchise, directing its first two installments before handing over the reins to Michael Chaves for The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II. According to reports from THR and IMDb, Chaves is set to return as director for the climactic chapter featuring Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Though not yet officially confirmed, according to IMDb, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are expected to reprise their iconic roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren in the upcoming installment. After all, it wouldn’t be a Conjuring film without them!
Predicting other returning characters is trickier, especially given the limited crossover in the third film from the broader Conjuring universe.
Similar to its predecessors, the fourth installment will delve into a fresh paranormal case, promising a predominantly new cast alongside (some of) the familiar leads.
P.S. For those eager to catch the Warrens before The Conjuring 4, keep an eye out during The Nun 2’s credit scene for a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
While the plot details remain under wraps, here are some possibilities (rumors):
Following the events of the third film concluding in November 1981 with Arne Johnson’s trial, The Conjuring 4 is poised to explore events post that timeline.
The Warrens’ extensive real-life case files offer tantalizing prospects, potentially revisiting haunted locales. In 1986, the Warrens investigated a double helping of haunted houses with the Snedeker house and the Smurl Haunting. The former has already loosely inspired the movie The Haunting in Connecticut, and both revolved around houses supposedly infested by demons – back to haunted house formula after the third part steered away from it?
If they are to avoid that trope, there’s a case that’s yet to be covered from the Warrens’ case files that holds a lot of promise: the legend of the White Lady at the Union Cemetery in Easton, Connecticut.
While the Warrens didn’t directly investigate the phenomenon, they have claimed to have a video of the White Lady in action and have written a book about it.
It’s said that the spirit appears in a delicate white nightgown or wedding dress and moves through the cemetery, with reports that drivers have even seen her outside of the cemetery, causing them to swerve.
The Conjuring 4 has yet to start filming so we’ll be waiting a while for footage. Maybe we’ll get a spooky surprise this Halloween, since filming does start this summer.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Digital Spy
The good vibes are multiplying at Team Motivate Val Morgan! We’re thrilled to welcome three fantastic new faces to the fold. But before they dive headfirst into the world of sales proposals and write-ups, we thought it’d be fun to get to know them a little better – from a cinematic angle (through some quirky questions posed by our marketing team). So, buckle up and prepare for some laughter – we put them on the spot with some hilariously trivial questions, and guess what? They delivered!
Ghazal Safdari, joined our team as Senior Account Manager! She holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath, UK, and has over 18 years of experience in sales and account management across the UK and UAE. Find out more about Ghazal.
If you could describe yourself as a movie character, who would that be and why?
Answer: Indiana Jones – I have moved countries twice (traveling the world) looking for adventure and treasure. I am brave (but hate rats), and will go wherever it takes to win the prize.
What’s one superhero power you would rely on at work to handle deadlines?
Answer: Read minds so I can always prepare for and answer client questions just before they ask, and know their budgets/bluffs etc.
If your career journey were a movie, what genre would it be and who would play you in the film?
My career journey would be adventurous, and I would love to have Emily Blunt as Evelyn Abbott in ‘A Quiet Place’ to play my part.
Tell us about your favourite movies and favourite quote.
Answer: My favourite movies are thought-provoking kind like Inception, something that encourages us to think beyond our accepted beliefs and perceived reality.
Favorite Quote: “The way it works is, you do the thing you’re scared shitless of, and you get the courage AFTER you do it, not before you do it.” –Archie Gates. I like this quote because it is true in all aspects of life. It is a reminder that you got to take action, no matter what.
If our office were a movie set, what role would you love to play in the production? (director, comedian, tech whiz, etc.)?
I would choose Casting Director, as I believe my strong judgment of character makes me well-suited for the role.
Athira Anilkumar joined us as the new Marketing Assistant. She graduated from SP Jain School of Global Management with a Master’s in Global Business Marketing and has over 18 months of internship experience, both online and offline. Find out more about Athira.
If you could describe yourself as a movie character, who would that be and why?
Answer: I would describe myself as Moana – a strong, independent spirit driven by a deep sense of purpose and resilience. Similar to Moana, I feel a profound connection with the sea and ocean. What I admire most about her is her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and confront challenges, which resonates deeply with me. Having studied abroad and lived independently away from my parents, I am driven by a strong desire to explore the world through travel.
What’s one superhero power you would rely on at work to handle deadlines?
Answer: Oh, that would be teleportation. It’s about maximizing efficiency and staying alert without the caffeine jitters. Plus, it would free up a lot more time for self-care.
If your career journey were a movie, what genre would it be and who would play you in the film?
Answer: My career journey can be described as a gripping drama, much like Millie Bobby Brown in ‘Enola Holmes 2’. It’s filled with mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists, with my journey within the Motivate Val Morgan family marking the first significant breakthrough in my career.
Tell us about your favourite movies and favourite quote.
Answer: I have a passion for animated movies and dream of contributing to the production of one someday. Among them, my favorites are Inside Out and Coco. Inside Out brilliantly explores the complexity of emotions and mental health in a way that is both insightful and entertaining. Meanwhile, Coco is celebrated for its rich cultural representation, beautifully portraying themes of family, tradition, and remembering loved ones.
Favorite Quote: “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.” – The Lion King. Ultimately the quote reminds us that our past experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are and provide opportunities for personal growth and wisdom.
If our office were a movie set, what role would you love to play in the production? (director, comedian, tech whiz, etc.)?
Answer: Editor, the one who brings clarity, structure and a keen eye for detail to every scene.
Abdulrahman Qassab, our new Account Manager at Motivate Val Morgan, KSA! He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and investment from Al Imam Mohammed bin Saud University in Riyadh, KSA. He has Spent the last eight years navigating the exciting world of sales and marketing in Saudi Arabia. Find out more about Abdulrahman Qassab.
If you could describe yourself as a movie character, who would that be and why?
Answer: I feel a connection with Batman because he is calm and quiet. He represents a strong sense of purpose, determination and resilience in facing obstacles – qualities that I aim to embody myself.
What’s one superhero power you would rely on at work to handle deadlines?
Answer: Griff the Invisible, because I believe a quiet, focused environment is crucial for efficient workload management and meeting deadlines.
If your career journey were a movie, what genre would it be and who would play you in the film?
Answer: I see my career as an adventure where I am the main character. I chose this genre because it embodies the enthusiasm, resilience and openness to new experiences that define my professional journey.
Tell us about your favourite movies and favourite quote.
Answer: I enjoy watching all genres, and it’s hard for me to pick a certain movie. However, my favorite quote is – “Everything’s impossible until somebody does it.” This quote reflects my belief in pushing boundaries and achieving the extraordinary.
If our office were a movie set, what role would you love to play in the production? (director, comedian, tech whiz, etc.)?
Answer: Art director – Leveraging my creative vision and strategic insights to steer projects towards success.
Ghazal, Athira, and Abdulrahman, welcome aboard! We’re thrilled to have you as part of Team Motivate Val Morgan and can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey together.
Ad fraud manifests in many different shapes and forms – from pixel stuffing and ad stacking to fake social media profiles and bots, among others.
Ad fraud is a topic that is less discussed, especially in this region. It is a major threat faced by the digital advertising landscape; we are talking about a multi-billion-dollar industry thriving on deceptive tactics that dupe marketers and agencies every year. According to Statista, ad fraud consumed more than US$80B in ad spend in 2022 and US$84B in 2023 – if the cost of global digital ad fraud were human, it would be the ninth richest person in the world.
So, what is ad fraud? Ad fraud refers to the intentional deception or manipulation of online advertising metrics, such as clicks, impressions, or conversions, to generate false revenue or traffic. Online scammers use various techniques to achieve this, including pixel stuffing (hiding pixels within ads invisible to viewers) and ad stacking (overlaying multiple ads, obscuring each other). Fake social media profiles and click-generating bots further muddy the waters, making it nearly impossible to distinguish genuine user engagement from a carefully constructed digital mirage.
Ad fraud is hard to detect because it may not have an immediate, obvious financial impact. You might think your ad campaign is successful and continue to spend more money on it. In reality, you’re getting fake leads and not reaching potential customers.
Studies suggest a substantial portion of ad spend goes directly into the pockets of fraudsters, leaving advertisers with little to show for their investment. Beyond the financial losses, ad fraud erodes consumer trust. Low-quality online placements inundated with intrusive, irrelevant video ads create rampant annoyance. This negatively impacts brand perception and drives consumers to adopt ad-blocking software, a significant roadblock for campaign reach.
The outlook isn’t all doom and gloom, though. There are ways to protect your budget, starting with a medium that incorporates a one-to-many approach such as cinema advertising. Here is why:
When you book a cinema campaign at the Mall of the Emirates or The Dubai Mall, you know when and where it will appear and that you’ll have an audience – no ad blockers, fast-forwarding, bots, or fake clicks or traffic. You can either buy by screen, by admission, or choose a movie with which your campaign will be played. These options ultimately translate to more transparency, accountability, and verification while decreasing your risk of fraud.
If this isn’t enough, cinema advertising in the region now provides a transparent reporting system like Motivate Val Morgan’s CinePlan and CineMeasure, where advertisers can generate weekly reports to track admissions, demographics, and more.
Transparency issues and ad fraud with digital advertising often mean that video ads mostly appear in cluttered, low-quality digital environments. However, in cinema, your ad takes center stage on the Big Screen, delivering the brand’s message to a real and captive audience, eliminating the risk of fraudulent clicks or impressions.
According to a study by the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB), more than 75% of customers agree that low-quality advertising environments lead to high consumer annoyance. Many types of subpar video placements contribute to this, including ads that seemingly slow-down loading times and multiple video ads playing simultaneously on the same page. Meanwhile, another study by Nielsen shows that consumers consistently engage with high-quality, long-form content on premium video platforms. There is no better match for that than cinema!
According to the NCM & Lumen ‘Cinema in the Media Mix’ study from March 2023, ad engagement with high-quality premium video content generates longer ‘eyes on’ viewing times than other digital and social channels. This less disruptive ad experience enhances memorability, recall and drives purchase intent. Here again, Cinema ranks number one, with close to 80% proven active attention for a 15-second ad.
The latest research from Fiftyfive5, part of Accenture Song, reveals that a single cinema ad delivers the same brand fame as ten digital spots. Cinema isn’t just about delivering a message; it’s about forging lasting connections. The premium nature of the cinema experience elevates the perception of brands advertised. Being associated with high-quality, long-form content positions the advertiser as a premium entity, fostering trust and brand loyalty among viewers.
Cinema offers a unique opportunity to reach a broad range of demographics. With millions of films catering to diverse interests, advertisers can tailor their message to specific target audience demographic groups. This level of audience segmentation surpasses the limitations of online platforms, allowing for more targeted and effective advertising campaigns.
Cinema advertising isn’t confined to static images or intrusive banners. It’s about weaving a narrative within the film’s context. Brands don’t need to rush to include all of their messages in the first four or five seconds – with the logo. Cinema enables emotional storytelling, allowing brands to connect with viewers on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression that transcends mere product awareness.
Unlike fleeting online interactions, cinema ads create a lasting impact. The large screen experience translates to a higher level of memorability. Combined with the audience’s high attention span, cinema advertising allows brands to build lasting brand awareness and loyalty.
In conclusion, there’s no denying that ad budgets are tight across the board for the foreseeable future, which means that making smart choices to maximize your spend value is more important than ever. With its brand-safe environment, captive audience, and ability to build lasting brand fame, cinema remains an indispensable component of a successful advertising strategy. While digital innovation continues to reshape the advertising landscape, cinema’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level ensures its continued relevance in the fight against ad fraud and the pursuit of brand success.
Sources: Statista, The Drum, Video Advertising Bureau (VAB), NCM & Lumen, Nielsen, Ad Week, Campaign Asia
The United Arab Emirates wins 23 majestic Lions – 1 Grand Prix, 3 Gold, 5 Silver and 14 Bronze, at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The 71st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity concluded on June 21, 2024, with the UAE securing an impressive 23 Lions—including 1 Grand Prix, 3 Gold, 5 Silver, and 14 Bronze—across multiple categories such as Grand Prix for Good, Health & Wellness, Print & Publishing, Audio & Radio, Pharma Lions, Industry Craft, Direct, and more.
Winning agencies from the UAE include IMPACT BBDO, Leo Burnett MEA (Middle East & Africa), FP7 McCann, Saatchi & Saatchi ME, MullenLowe MENA McCann Health, and Serviceplan Group Middle East, alongside the brand Floward MENA.
Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said, “As we wrap up another year of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, I hope everyone feels an extraordinary sense of pride and a rejuvenated sense of energy and inspiration in our industry. I’d like to congratulate each and every winner – as well as those shortlisted – on being recognised by your peers as demonstrating the greatest, most effective creativity our industry has to offer.”
This year’s festival saw 13 Awarding Jury Members and 12 Shortlisting Jury Members who joined the cohort of Juries from around the world to select and award the best work of the year.
Nayan Ganegoda and Braeden Bihag proudly represented the UAE in two esteemed events as part of the Festival: the International Young Lions Digital Competition (for young creatives under 30 in the digital category) and the Roger Hatchuel Academy (a mentorship program for university students in creative communications). Their participation exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to nurturing and empowering emerging talent in the ever-evolving creative landscape.
Commenting on their experience at this year’s International Young Lions Competition, Team UAE – Nayan Ganegoda and Braeden Bihag – said “Attending the Cannes Lions for the first time was a remarkable experience. It went beyond what we imagined the festival to be, where we had the opportunity to not just immerse ourselves in learning from the best in the industry but form meaningful connections with them while celebrating creativity week long. We leave inspired and driven to attend again in the future.
They added, “Representing the UAE at the Young Lions, we had the chance to compete with over 100 of the world’s best under-30 creatives for a climate advocacy brief set by ‘Project Dandelion’. They are a new non-profit social movement aiming to unify climate efforts under one banner. In 24 hours, we were tasked with developing and presenting a digital campaign that would drive mass recruitment and awareness. It was a tough challenge, but having the chance to work on a meaningful problem and pitch to industry heavyweights was a truly gratifying experience. Armed with our experience, having succeeded locally at the UAE Young Lions, we brought that experience forward with a strategy-led campaign. In the end, we made it to the shortlist, presenting a second time to a larger jury and securing ourselves a place among the Top 7. Special thanks to Motivate Val Morgan for making all this possible, and to our team at Almost Impossible Agency for believing in us.
Speaking about her experience at this year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy, Clara Armanious from Murdoch University Dubai said, “Representing the UAE at the prestigious Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy 2024 was a career-defining moment. The energy of the festival, surrounded by the world’s most inspiring creative minds and celebrating the groundbreaking campaigns, was truly transformative and an achievement that will shape my professional journey for years to come.
She added, “At the academy, I had the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from the world’s best industry leaders through panel discussions and sessions, gaining invaluable insights into the creative landscape. I’m grateful to my Professor Joseph Nalloor and Murdoch University Dubai for nominating me for this incredible opportunity. I also want to thank the festival, the RHA, Ian Fairservice, Motivate Media Group, Avinash Udeshi, and Sahal Valliyot from the Motivate Val Morgan team for making this incredible experience happen. This experience has not only broadened my perspective but also inspired my passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity in my future work.”
As the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE, Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan extend heartfelt congratulations to the victorious agencies, esteemed jury members, and talented young representatives who proudly showcased the UAE at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Check out the Cannes Lions Wrap Up Report to catch up on all the prominent moments from the festival from industry insights to festival themes and what was said on stage and the work that won.
Screenvision Media, in collaboration with Amplified Intelligence and MAGNA Global, has released a media study** providing compelling insights into the effectiveness of cinema advertising and its positive outcomes.
Jennifer Friedlander, Screenvision’s Senior Vice President of Insights and Measurement, explained the study’s dual objectives to Digital Cinema Report: “One was to capture and measure active attention to ads and content in the cinema environment. And two, we wanted to make sure that we had that cinema data available both for ourselves to share with our advertisers and for comparison to other media and also for agencies that are starting to actually plan and optimize against attention data.”
She added, “There is increasingly more evidence that attention drives outcomes across the industry. We have seen this in our own research with proven results on both short-term outcomes such as sales lift to more long-term outcomes such as brand choice and preference.”
Here are the ten findings of the study:
To conclude on key takeaways, cinema advertising offers brands the opportunity to achieve three times higher attention by employing the same TV creative in the cinema. Advertising in cinema drives memory: a single impression in cinema delivers brand and message recall, emphasizing the impact of each impression. It also provides brands with creative freedom in long-form storytelling, eliminating the need to follow specific branding rules required in other mediums such as digital.
Reading this together with the recent study by Fiftyfive5 on Brand Fame, where one cinema ad delivers ten times the brand fame over digital and six times over TV, makes it crystal clear that cinema is a powerhouse and must be included in every video mix.
**Screenvision and Amplified Intelligence recruited 171 moviegoers (aged 18+) with their consent to be filmed entirely during a movie of their choice, without revealing the study’s purpose. This allowed participants to engage in their normal cinema-going activities with complete flexibility, such as enjoying snacks, leaving the theater, or using the bathroom. Eleven ads from various brand verticals, including automotive, entertainment, shipping, and telecom, were shown during the pre-show.
Sources:
Screen Vision, MAGNA global, SAWA, Digital Cinema Report
This Eid al-Adha, cinema admissions soared like the summer sun, delivering a remarkable 1.62 million admits across the MVM circuit in just seven days.
This significant surge was driven by summer blockbusters such as ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die,’ ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,’ ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,’ the Arabic hits ‘Welad Rizk 3,’ ‘El La3eb Ma3 El 3iyal’ and popular Asian titles ‘Chandu Champion,’ ‘Talavan,’ ‘Turbo,’ ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi,’ ‘Munjya’ and ‘Maharaja.’
The admission figures for the first two weeks of June reached a staggering 2.67 million, demonstrating that films from all genres have performed exceptionally well and showcasing the diverse preferences of our audience across the region.
In comparing the first two weeks of May with the first two weeks of June, we observed significant growth of 94% across the region: Bahrain saw a 150% increase in admissions, Kuwait 70%, Lebanon 71%, Oman 96%, Qatar 127%, Saudi Arabia 89%, the UAE 106%, and Egypt 68%.
These figures underscore a sustained upward trajectory in cinema attendance across the MVM circuit, not only owing to the festival but also the gradual filling up of gaps in the release calendar this year after a content drought due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
This box office success speaks volumes as we look ahead. The cinema industry is poised for an exciting summer season projected for further growth, particularly with school vacations driving increased footfall. The upcoming releases, including ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Deadpool and Wolverine,’ and ‘Crow,’ promise to maintain the momentum, making cinema the go-to entertainment choice.
Download our ScreenTalk Movie Planner to explore the full lineup of movies releasing in Q3 2024 and start planning your cinema campaigns.
Source:
All data presented are derived from the Motivate Val Morgan Intelligence platform CineMeasure, which is exclusively available to our clients for tracking cinema campaign success.
Indian cinema in the first half of 2024 presented a diverse array of stories and genres, albeit with varied reception. From notable Bollywood releases such as Fighter and Shaitaan to regional blockbusters such as Hanu-Man (Telugu), Manjummal Boys (Malayalam), and The Goat Life (Malayalam), the industry showcased a range of narratives that resonated with audiences across different regions.
As we move into the second half of the year, anticipation builds for upcoming releases that promise to elevate the cinematic experience. Whether you’re drawn to blockbuster spectacles, poignant dramas, or lively musicals, there’s a rich tapestry of films set to grace the screens.
Here’s a look at some of the most eagerly awaited releases that will light up the screens in the coming months.
Fancy an Indian version of ‘John Wick’? The upcoming action flick starring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Tanya Maniktala promises highly stylized action and thrills.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is a captivating romantic drama that spans two decades, following the intertwined lives of Krishna (Ajay Devgn) and Basu (Tabu).
The highly-awaited sequel to the classic vigilante action film, directed by Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan, is finally here!
An inspiring drama fueled by the indomitable spirit of one man. Akshay Kumar embodies Vir, a man with a revolutionary vision: to make the skies accessible to all by launching India’s first low-cost airline.
Set against the backdrop of Northern Kerala across three generations, the Adventure/Comedy drama follows the intertwined lives of Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan (Tovino Thomas), each bound by a shared destiny to protect a priceless treasure.
The spooky season kicks off with the much-awaited sequel to the horror-comedy ‘Stree.’
The movie starring Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar is a prequel to Mufti that explores more about Bhairathi Ranagal.
Vijay takes on double duty in this electrifying film by Venkat Prabhu. The plot, shrouded in a bit of mystery, is said to be inspired by a real-life terrorist attack.
Directed by Amal Neerad the malayalam action thriller stars Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Sharafudheen and Jyothirmayi.
Action thriller starring Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal while investigating a high-profile case.
Superstar Rajinikanth leads an all-star cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati.
The Story of unbreakable bonds starring Alia Bhatt and Directed by the visionary Vasan Bala.
Ajay Devgn is back with his iconic role as the fearless Inspector Bajirao Singham. Get ready for a thrilling encounter between good and evil, all delivered with the larger-than-life style that has made Singham a pop culture phenomenon.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 returns with Kartik Aaryan taking on the mantle and Tripti Dimri joining the fun.
Follows stories of bittersweet relationships in a contemporary setting, exploring various aspects, hues, and moods of love.
Allu Arjun returns as the audacious smuggler Pushpa Raj, locked in an epic clash with the ruthless cop Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, played by Fahadh Faasil
Leveraging the buzz around these highly anticipated Indian blockbusters provides an excellent opportunity for brands to connect with and engage the Asian audience. Contact us today to discover how the power of the big screen can help you achieve your brand objectives.
*Movie release dates are subject to change
Source: IMDb, Google, BookMyShow
Cinema enthusiasts are optimistic about the future, particularly with the release schedules for the second half of 2024 and 2025. The much-needed boost from Bad Boys: Ride or Die at the start of June, following an average May, and highly anticipated titles such as Inside Out 2, A Quiet Place: Day One, and Deadpool & Wolverine lined-up for release, ensure that the global box office will maintain its momentum this summer. The slowdown in 2024 was largely due to last year’s dual labor strikes, which halted Hollywood and pushed many blockbusters to 2025. But will a strong movie lineup in theaters be enough to solve this problem, or are there other issues studios need to address to achieve the collective horsepower needed to reach pre-pandemic results and demand?
According to reports from the Global Cinema Federation, cinemas worldwide are gearing up for a new era focused on enhancing the movie-going experience. However, achieving box office growth requires a collaborative effort between exhibitors and studios. Here are the GCF’s suggestions for studios to contribute to this collective push:
The need for a higher number of titles remains crucial for the growth of global box office, as the number of theatrical releases has significantly decreased since the pandemic. While there are several blockbusters scheduled for release in 2025, one good year alone is not sufficient to exceed the levels of pre-pandemic box office revenue. Hence studios must understand the importance of increasing the quantity of films available in theaters to drive overall revenue growth and achieve the consistent high-grossing box office performance seen prior to the pandemic.
According to a survey by the ticketing platform BookMyShow, the majority of customers express their readiness to return to theaters for a wider variety of genres when there is a film they want to see. However, there has been a noticeable decline in the production and release of romantic comedies and animated films since the pandemic. This gap in the market represents a missed opportunity, as these genres have traditionally drawn significant audiences. Reviving the production of rom-coms and animated films can cater to a wide demographic, encouraging more frequent trips to the cinema
The trend of shortening the theatrical window, particularly in the US, has significant repercussions on the international box office. When films are swiftly moved to streaming platforms after their initial release, it weakens the incentive for international audiences to see the movie in theaters, as they may prefer waiting for the streaming release. Additionally, piracy on these platforms can further erode the studios’ potential revenue. To counteract this, the Global Cinema Federation suggests maintaining a longer exclusive theatrical window to preserve the unique value proposition and box office draw of the cinema experience worldwide.
The length of movies is another factor that influences audience turnout. Extremely long run-times can deter some viewers due to time constraints or comfort concerns. Balancing film lengths to ensure they are engaging yet not excessively long can help maximize audience retention and satisfaction. Providing a mix of shorter and feature-length films can cater to various audience preferences, making it easier for more people to fit a movie outing into their schedules.
Effective marketing is crucial for driving box office success, especially for non-blockbuster films. This involves not only traditional advertising methods, but also leveraging digital platforms and targeted campaigns to reach potential viewers. Multi-channel strategies can build audience awareness and excitement for upcoming films. Engaging promotional activities, social media buzz, and partnerships with influencers can further amplify the reach and impact of marketing efforts, ultimately boosting ticket sales.
Source: Global Cinema Federation Report
The opening of Jeddah Park marks VOX Cinemas’ third cinema in Jeddah and 17th location in KSA
VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, opened its 17th location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Park Mall on June 4, 2024.
Centrally located in Jeddah Park, Aziziyah – a one-stop destination for retail and entertainment – the 13-screen multiplex features two GOLD screens, one IMAX® with Laser screen, and a Private Cinema.
The latest cinema is fully designed for movie lovers, with premium reclining seating that provides unparalleled comfort, so audiences can kick back, relax, and enjoy the magic of movies. The location also features the latest in cutting-edge technology, providing stunning visuals and crystal-clear audio for a truly immersive experience.
Anmar AlQurashi, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment said, “The opening of Jeddah Park underscores our commitment to provide audiences with a premium cinematic experience that combines the latest technology with the comfort and luxury our guests have come to expect. We believe that the state-of-the-art multiplex will not only provide a social hub for film enthusiasts but also enrich the cultural fabric of the local community.”
The opening of Jeddah Park marks VOX Cinemas’ third cinema in Jeddah, alongside Red Sea Mall and Town Square, and comes just six months after it launched VOX Cinemas Century Corner in Riyadh.
VOX Cinemas now operates a total of 175 screens across 17 cinemas in six cities throughout the Kingdom.
Click here to book tickets at this new cinema, and reach out to our team to learn more about cinema advertising opportunities at VOX Jeddah Park – Jeddah.
Source: VOX Press Release
Driven by evolving audience preferences and a fresh perspective on cinema as an immersive experience, cinemas worldwide are undergoing a rapid transformation
The cinema industry is experiencing a significant transformation. With cinema now viewed as a holistic customer experience, various factors influence moviegoers, including screen formats such as IMAX and Dolby, food and beverage offerings, parking, and family friendliness.
Recognizing these needs, exhibitors worldwide are making strategic investments in new builds, refurbishments, and technology. According to the Global Cinema Federation (GCF), exhibitors are projected to spend around US$2 billion globally in 2023-2024, showcasing their confidence in the future of the big screen experience.
Out of the total US$2 billion investment, US$1 billion is expected to go towards new builds, US$600 million towards refurbishments, and US$400 million towards technology. Now that we know which areas exhibitors are investing in, let’s also break down the major factors driving them to embark on this substantial level-up:
To stand out from home viewing, cinemas are investing in modern amenities such as in-seat dining, luxury recliners, and interactive games. This creates a more immersive and social atmosphere where watching a movie becomes a complete experience. From arriving at the theater to enjoying photo opportunities, giveaways, product samples, and lobby activities, the cinema visit must be memorable.
Affluent moviegoers see cinema as an essential part of their social lives, and prefer theaters with luxurious amenities. A recent YouGov survey, reported by the Video Advertising Bureau, found that 73% of affluent moviegoers with household incomes of US$100,000 or more favor theaters offering unique amenities and fine dining, enhancing their overall experience.
IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats are gaining popularity with more and more titles being made for these experiences. Cinemas are investing in these formats to provide superior viewing options, meeting the growing demand for high-quality cinematic experiences.
Google Trends analytics show a surge in searches when a movie is announced or stars are attached. When trailers are released, fans flock to social media, turning awareness into excitement. This anticipation lingers until the movie hits theaters. Hence, exhibitors recognize the need to be part of this conversation through their online presence and maintaining engagement. Cinemas announcing social media competitions with big prizes are prime examples of leveraging this trend.
With several highly anticipated blockbusters, including the most “filmed for IMAX” releases in a year, set for 2025, cinemas are leveling up to handle the influx of eager moviegoers and offer the best possible experience for audiences.
These strategic investments demonstrate the industry’s commitment to evolving and enhancing the cinema experience, ensuring it remains a beloved pastime for audiences worldwide.
Source: Global Cinema Federation, VAB News
