Tuesday 5th October is the official Global James Bond Day – a celebration of 59 years of the Bond franchise since the release of Dr. No in 1962. This year, we celebrate the success of Daniel Craig’s last turn as 007 in No Time To Die.
Last Thursday (30th September 2021), we witnessed the return of the ‘licensed troubleshooter’ on the BIG Screen in a BIG way, exceeding conservative pre-weekend projections by rocketing to record US$119M in its opening weekend at international box office (a total of 54 markets).
The 25th James Bond film is also the first Hollywood title of the pandemic-era to cross US$100M in its international launch without China.
No Time To Die opened on 985 screens in the Middle East, making it the biggest release in the market this year. UAE and Saudi Arabia grossed US$2M and US$1.8M, respectively, in its opening weekend (Sept. 30 – Oct. 3).
The weekend opening of James Bond – No Time To Die was not only a busy weekend at the cinema, for it was also the busiest weekend’s in 2021 for Motivate Val Morgan, for we witnessed an influx of brands joining the ‘BondWagon’ to secure advertising alongside the most anticipated movie of the year.
Here are the advertisers who gained coverage beside 007 himself:
DHL
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: Egypt
Locations: VOX Cinemas – City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Almaza, Mall of Egypt
B.Tech
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: Egypt
Locations: VOX Cinemas – City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Almaza, Mall of Egypt
Christian Dior
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: KSA & UAE
Locations: Multiple AMC, Muvi, Reel and VOX cinema locations
Cartier
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: KSA, UAE & Qatar
Locations: Multiple Muvi, Reel and VOX cinema locations
Spotii
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: KSA & UAE
Locations: Muvi Cinemas – Mall of Arabia and VOX Cinemas – Riyadh Park Mall
Armani / Prive
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Oct. 29th
Country: UAE
Locations: Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall and VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates
Galaxy Fusions
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Nov. 3rd
Country: UAE
Locations: Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall and VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Nakheel Mall and Wafi City
*A total of three commercials that will screen in rotation.
Land Rover (Defender)
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Oct. 13th/Oct. 20th
Country: UAE & Kuwait
Locations: Multiple Reel and VOX cinema locations
Saudi German Hospital
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Dec. 1st
Country: UAE
Locations: Multiple Reel and VOX cinema locations
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Dec. 1st
Country: Kuwait
Location: VOX Cinemas – The Avenues
Yas Island
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Oct. 13th
Country: UAE
Locations: Multiple Reel and VOX cinema locations
Atlantis
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: UAE
Locations: Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall and The Pointe, and VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates
Prada
Ad Format: 4DX
Campaign Duration: Sept. 30th to Oct. 27th
Country: UAE
Locations: Multiple VOX cinema locations
Kuwait Finance House
Campaign Duration: Oct. 1st to Oct. 21st
Country: UAE
Location: VOX Cinemas – The Avenues
*A total of three commercials that will screen in rotation.
Doha Academy
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time To Die)
Country: Qatar
Location: VOX Cinemas – Dubai Festival City
RedBull Mobile
Country: Oman
Locations: Multiple VOX cinema locations
The campaign was meant to commence on Sept. 30th; however it has been delayed due to Cyclone Shaheen raging through parts of the Gulf region – mainly Oman. The campaign will therefore commence at a later point in October 2021.
Lincoln
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time to Die)
Country: UAE
Location: VOX Cinemas – Yas Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato and City Centre Mirdif
*The two commercials will screen in rotation
LEGO
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time to Die)
Country: UAE
Location: Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall
Bank Muscat
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (No Time to Die)
Country: Oman
Location: Multiple VOX cinema locations
Audi (Q5)
Campaign Duration: Oct. 4th to Oct. 24th
Country: KSA
Location: VOX Cinemas – Riyadh Park Mall and Muvi Cinemas – Mall of Dhahran
On screen advertising wasn’t the only hit during the release of Not Time To Die. From digital screen ads by DHL, a sampling activity by Galaxy, to a car display by Aston Martin at the premier/opening in Egypt and more, check out the off screen activities booked through Motivate Val Morgan on the weekend starting Sept 30th.
In Bond we believed, and as always… 007 delivered!
With an exciting lineup of movies ahead: Venom: Let There Be Carnage, The Last Duel, Eternals, Sooryavanshi (Hindi), Annaatthe (Tamil), House of Gucci, West Side Story, Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Matrix Resurrections, The King’s Man, 83 (Hindi) and more, don’t miss out on aligning your brand alongside the release of these anticipated blockbusters.
Contact a member of our sales team for on and off screen cinema advertising opportunities over the weeks ahead.
Sources: 007.com, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter and Box Office Mojo
The LIONS Creativity Report recognises the world’s most creative companies, people and sectors globally: Nisha Ganatra, Director of Grand Prix Lion-winning ‘#wombstories’ for Libresse takes Director of the Festival; and Dentsu ranks first as Regional Network of the Festival – Asia Pacific.
LIONS has released the global LIONS Creativity Report, which benchmarks creative success across the industry. This year, the report is extended and the official rankings are presented alongside trends, analysis, and interviews with Lion-winning creators, uncovering what it takes to produce the highest-ranking work in the world.
The global rankings within the LIONS Creativity Report record the performance of the world’s most creative companies, people, and regions. The rankings are compiled using data from Lion-winning and shortlisted work across 2020 and 2021, including PwC as the process integrity partner at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity since 2013.
The LIONS Creativity Report presents four Regional Network of the Festival awards and 11 global awards: Holding Company, Network, Agency, Independent Agency, Creative Brand and Palme d’Or, as well as Health Network, Health Agency, Media Network, Agency by Track, and Independent Agency by Track of the Festival. The creative rankings also include the Festival’s top performing Director, Art Director, Creative Director and Copywriter.
The official rankings were revealed at LIONS Decoded, a one-day broadcast designed for international LIONS Members to learn and be inspired. Tuning in from across the globe, Decoded audiences saw 11 multi-Lion-winning ideas deconstructed and brought to life. Whether you missed the whole LIONS Decoded livestream, or just a few key sessions, you can now sit back, relax, and watch each and every session from LIONS Decoded on your brand new LIONS TV platform – exclusive to Members.
The LIONS Creativity Report is available to all LIONS Members and an expanded version is available to subscribers of LIONS’ insights and intelligence platform The Work.
Simon Cook, Managing Director, LIONS, comments: “Alongside the definitive rankings, the LIONS Creativity Report contains actionable insights that can support the creative community to learn from the global talent behind the world’s highest ranking creative work. The report spotlights the companies and people producing game-changing work and sets the benchmark for the future of creativity.”
Susie Walker, VP, Insight & Awards, LIONS, added: “Ranking in the LIONS Creativity Report is an immense achievement and we’re delighted to celebrate the creative success of the people and companies behind the work, within this report. The stories and insights demonstrate how creative excellence and effectiveness is impacting brands and businesses right across the globe.”
The official rankings are announced as follows. Full rankings are found within the report:
Creative Location Rankings:
Creative City Rankings:
Creative People of the Festival Rankings:
Director of the Festival
Creative Director of the Festival
Art Director of the Festival
Copywriter of the Festival
Regional Network of the Festival – Asia Pacific
Regional Network of the Festival – EMEA
Regional Network of the Festival – Latin America
Regional Network of the Festival – North America
The LIONS Creativity Report is included as part of LIONS Membership, the world’s leading creative network of people and businesses to drive professional, personal and societal progress through creativity. Members receive exclusive access to events, content and networking opportunities through the year. Annual LIONS Membership is €249 and is complimentary for all Cannes Lions award winners.
The LIONS Creativity Report is also available to all subscribers to LIONS’ insights and intelligence platform The Work, alongside a series of insight reports and access to all the data and rankings.
Source: Cannes Lions Press Release
Atlantis recently executed a cinema activation – ‘Cinevation’ – during a Black Widow session in the IMAX auditorium of VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates.
The Atlantis ad booked to screen alongside the blockbuster Black Widow played first, followed by the activation video with a message to the audience to look under their seats for a special surprise – vouchers to visit Aquaventure Waterpark.
One lucky couple also won the bumper price – a romantic staycation at Dubai’s most iconic resort.
On Screen Commercial:
Activation Video:
The cinema activation was part of an annual deal booked by Atlantis (through Magna Global) to promote the resort’s Marine & Water Park, F&B and Rooms alongside eight movies releasing between 2021 and 2022 – including No Time to Die, Gucci and Missions: Impossible 7.
Have a similar or more creative in-cinema activation in mind for your brand? Contact a member of our sales team today for more information.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Marvel’s first epic to star an Asian hero and Disney’s first theatrical-only release since 2019, had a lot of factors against it, but it didn’t just overcome them, it practically somersaulted over.
According to tracking website Box Office Mojo, Shang-Chi earned $8.8 million from Thursday night (September 2) previews which began at 7pm across North America, the second highest preview result of the pandemic era behind Black Widow‘s $13.2 million, but rang up an estimated US$75.5 million at U.S. theaters between Friday September 3, and Sunday September 5 (labor weekend). As of September 19, the blockbuster has garnered US$160.9 million and US$112 million at the domestic and international box office (respectively), which equates to over US$272.9 million at worldwide box office (1.8 times the production budget of US$150 million), and is the second biggest opening of 2021.
Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO, described the film as an “interesting experiment”, for the movie was the first franchise by studio to exclusively release in theatre, without the simultaneous release on Disney+, since the outbreak of the pandemic. But Simu Liu, the lead actor in Shang Chi, wrote on twitter – “We are not an experiment… We are the surprise.”
Media and industry pundits too labeled Shang-Chi as a ‘gamble’ for the studio’s choice of committing to a theatre only release, citing various reasons: the pandemic affected box office ticket sales, the fact that Labor Day weekend is typically slow for theaters, and the protagonist is a newcomer (with tweethearts of social media even referring to Liu as ‘Shang-Who’). However, based on movie reviews and box office figures: Shang-Chi broke the high-risk perception by major studios of releasing exclusively in theatres and not having a simultaneous streaming release, proved that the pandemic won’t stop people showing up for Marvel, and that even on a traditionally slow weekend, audiences were willing to return to the big screen for highly anticipated blockbusters.
After Black Widow, Jungle Cruise and Cruella concurrently released on Disney+, the studio announced last week that the rest of its 2021 slate — including Marvel’s Eternals and Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story — will each screen exclusively in theaters. The news is promising for cinema exhibitors, for Disney films are routinely among the highest-grossing of the year.
Next up for Marvel are Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eternals and Spider-Man: No Way Home, releasing October 21, November 4 and December 16, 2021.
Contact us for cinema advertising alongside these upcoming blockbusters.
Sources: npr, The Numbers, Variety, Vulture, L.A Times and Cinemablend
VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman is the largest cinema in the Sultanate.
The cinema features 3 Gold cinemas – the cinema exhibitor’s first luxury cinema offering in Oman
VOX Cinemas opened its largest cinema in Oman at the newly launched Mall of Oman in Muscat on 1st September 2021. The 15-screen cinema, with a total of 1471 seats, features IMAX, Gold and Kids concepts.
The three Gold cinemas at VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman is the cinema exhibitor’s first luxury offering in the Sultanate, with an adjoining VIP Lounge offering moviegoers a luxurious and diverse menu of popular and modern flavors presented in signature VOX style.
In addition to refreshment counter favourites such as popcorn, nachos and hotdogs/burgers, cinemagoers of VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman can also indulge at the Nutella Bar and Kitchen 35 – a bakeshop with artisan breads, pastries and fresh juices.
Mall of Oman is home to a host of brands including a 9,000 square meter Carrefour Hypermarket and several brands from Landmark Group (Max Fashion and Centrepoint), Majid Al Futtaim (Hollister), Al Futtaim Group (Marks & Spencer) and Apparel Group (LC Waikiki, R&B and SMYK). Other famous outlets at the mall include DKNY, Nespresso, G-SHOCK, Homes R Us, Tavola and Al Khalili Buildex. The mall also features a 1,000 plus seater food court which offers a selection of global chains. For patrons looking for more indulgent cuisine options from across the globe, the mall will soon feature various cafés and restaurants, including over 50 dining options.
80% of Mall of Oman’s gross leasable area is leased and the mall is set to welcome over 300 additional retail outlets in the coming months. The mall will also feature the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate next year, spanning over 14,000 square meters.
VOX Cinemas presently operates 78 screens across 14 locations in 6 cities of Oman.
As the official cinema advertising partner of VOX Cinemas, Motivate Val Morgan congratulates the exhibitor on the opening of its largest cinema in the Sultanate of Oman, and warmly welcomes this new location to our regional cinema circuit.
Click here to book your tickets at this new cinema, and contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman.
Sources: Majid Al Futtaim (Press Release) and Arabian Business
The 10th installment of CinemaCon, the largest annual gathering of the motion picture industry, took place between 23 – 26 August 2021 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
CinemaCon is a global event that attracts delegates from more than 80 countries across the cinema industry, including studios, distributors, exhibitors and content creators.
Whilst the scale of the event was nowhere close to previous editions, mainly due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the show did go on, with studios setting the stage for their upcoming movies and giving the industry hope, confidence and a clear message that cinema is here to stay.
Here’s a roundup of studio announcements at CinemaCon 2021:
This year’s event enumerated blockbusters such as F9, Godzilla vs. Kong, A Quiet Place Part II and Cruella as the major drivers behind the extraordinary resurgence of the cinema industry, due to their encouraging box office figures. However, the highlight of the show included the preview of upcoming tentpoles by major studios, while it was announced that most of the preview films will be exclusive theatre releases.
This edition of CinemaCon also featured some discussions on the industry’s challenges coming out of the pandemic. Patty Jenkins, director of ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, emphasized that day-and-date” release is a “heartbreaking experience”. “I’m not a fan of day-and-date, and I hope to avoid it forever,” stated the filmmaker, expressing her strong preference of maintaining an exclusive theatrical window for all her upcoming films. “I don’t understand why we’re talking about throwing (the big-screen experience) away for 700 different streaming services that there’s no room for in the marketplace. It’s crazy to me,” said Jenkins. “One studio should plant a flag and make a huge move just for the theatrical experience, and the filmmakers will go there as a result”
The Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures also slammed day-and-date releases, pointing to the success of Free Guy at box office, and stated that such ‘terrific’ movies are not meant to be watched at home.
The next edition of CinemaCon is scheduled to be held between 25 – 28 April 2022.
Sources: CinemaCon and Box Office Pro
Michelin star chef Akira Back partners with VOX Cinemas for a special menu for its luxury cinema concept –THEATRE
VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and Africa, has announced a partnership with Akira Back, world-renowned Michelin star chef. The highly-anticipated culinary collaboration, which launches in the United Arab Emirates in September, will see the global restauranteur curate a special menu for THEATRE, VOX Cinemas’ luxury cinema concept, so moviegoers can enjoy an unparalleled dining experience.
Guests at THEATRE can expect a modern Japanese menu which features a dynamic combination of Akira Back’s signature dishes as well as culinary creations exclusive to VOX Cinemas. Famed for his sense of adventure and creativity, Akira Back has enjoyed an illustrious career bringing his culinary expertise and artistry across the globe, with a portfolio of critically acclaimed restaurants and lounges in destinations like Beverly Hills, San Diego, Seychelles North Island, Toronto, Singapore, Seoul, Dubai and more.
VOX Cinemas’ THEATRE combines film with fine food and provides guests with the option of dining in an exclusive private lounge area or having their food delivered straight to their seat through the in-theatre waiter service. Redefining the luxury cinema experience, THEATRE boasts reclining leather seats, plush blankets and pillows and cutting-edge audiovisual technology in a stylish and intimate setting.
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas said, “Cinemagoers in the region are becoming increasingly discerning and we are extremely excited about collaborating with Chef Akira Back to introduce a new era in fine dining and film in response to rising expectations. At VOX Cinemas, we offer more than just movies and, are continuously diversifying our offering so guests can enjoy an all-encompassing cinematic experience. We believe that F&B plays a major part in enhancing the moviegoing experience and, with Chef Akira Back at the helm, THEATRE is sure to set a new benchmark in cinema dining.”
Chef Akira Back added, “THEATRE has revolutionised the luxury cinema experience and, I’m extremely proud to join forces with VOX Cinemas given our shared commitment to innovation. Together we believe that F&B is a complementary component of going to the movies and we have designed a menu that is sure to appeal to the most discerning guests and movie lovers.”
The menu by Akira Back will be available at VOX Cinemas across the United Arab Emirates in September before being rolled-out across Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait later in the year. The official launch dates will be announced closer to the time.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
Muvi Cinemas City Walk Taif is the 12th location launched by the cinema exhibitor in the Kingdom.
Muvi Cinemas opened its twelfth location at City Walk in Taif on 19 August 2021. The cinema features 10 standard screens with a total of 791 seats.
Similar to other locations operated by the exhibitor, Muvi Cinemas City Walk Taif was designed by UK’s Chapman and Taylor, with an aim to create a dynamic, modern and innovative cinematic experience.
Spanning 4,196-meter square, the designs for the cutting-edge cinema have a theme of urban downtown, with the intention of creating a dynamic, modern, and innovative cinema experience. Digital LED screens and dramatic lighting installations complement the city warehouse feel, providing a strong visual identity for the developments.
City Walk Taif is located in the Mecca Province of southwest Saudi Arabia, and provides one of the best family entertainment experiences in the city, with our great selection of shops, incredible dining options, and fun activities for the whole family.
Muvi Cinemas presently operates 119 screen across 12 locations in 8 cities of Saudi Arabia, and will soon be opening an 8-screen cinema at Salaam Mall in Riyadh.
As the official cinema advertising partner of Muvi Cinemas, Motivate Val Morgan congratulates the cinema exhibitor on its opening of City Walk Taif, and warmly welcomes this location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of Muvi Cinemas –City Walk Taif.
Sources: Chapman and Taylor
As kids and teenagers gear up to head back to school, now’s the time to advertise your brand on the BIG screen!
It’s that time of the year again… the time to stock up on stationery essentials, coolest bags and the most trending fashion wear… all in the name of heading back to school!
Here’s a list of back to school ads that are currently playing in cinema, and some that previously dominated the big screens during this season:
Roco
Ad Duration: 20 sec.
Campaign Duration: 19 August 2021 – 8 September 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX, Muvi, AMC and Cinépolis cinema locations.
Pottery Barn Kids
Ad Duration: 30 sec.
Campaign Duration: 5 August 2021 – 11 August 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas – Red Sea Mall
Please note: The same ad screened in UAE as well between 5 August 2021 and 18 August 2021.
Centrepoint
Cinema’s unique ability to deliver impact and engagement to a captive audience of parents and children makes it one of the perfect platforms to roll out a ‘Back to School’ campaign.
Got a back to school campaign you would like to roll out on the mother of all screens?
Contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities.
VOX Cinemas The Esplanade is integrated with Yalla! Bowling and offers a variety of high-end cinematic experiences including GOLD, MAX, and KIDS.
VOX Cinemas celebrated the opening of its latest integrated cinema experience with the launch of VOX Cinemas The Esplanade in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 19 August 2021. The opening marks the third fully launched project between VOX Cinemas and Unified Real Estate Development Company as part of a SAR 500 million multi-project investment commitment to develop seven integrated leisure, entertainment, and cinemas experiences across the Kingdom.
The 8-screen multiplex with 868 seats is integrated with Yalla! Bowling, a selection of games including billiard tables and air hockey as well as F&B to complement the cinematic experience. The new cinema endorses signature VOX concepts namely MAX, KIDS and GOLD.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle added, “Our expansion in Saudi Arabia continues, and we’re excited to bring more entertainment experiences to communities in Saudi Arabia with the opening of VOX Cinemas The Esplanade. This latest offering is the perfect location to reach a wider audience of movie lovers and anyone else seeking a memorable experience. We are proud to collaborate with Unified Real Estate Development Company once again as together we make a deeper contribution to the Kingdom’s Quality of Life program and Vision 2030. We are committed to continuously investing in our expansion in the Kingdom, especially with the growing demand for world-class, immersive cinematic experiences. We look forward to welcoming people across the community and creating even more great moments with our guests.”
Prince Bandar bin Khalid F. Al Saud, President of Unified Real Estate Development Company added: “Riyadh continues to grow and evolve as a compelling entertainment option in the region, and we are pleased to be a part of this development alongside Majid Al Futtaim. The VOX Cinemas location at The Esplanade promises a rich variety of entertainment experiences to complement the on-screen action, making it an ideal fit for the discerning visitors of The Esplanade.”
In April, VOX Cinemas opened the first ever multiplex in Hail in collaboration with Unified Real Estate Development Company, the largest and fastest-growing outdoor shopping center developer in Saudi Arabia, and together they also have a location at Town Square in Jeddah.
VOX Cinemas presently operates 149 screens across 14 locations in 5 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates VOX Cinemas on the launch of The Esplanade, and warmly welcomes this new location to our cinema circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens of VOX Cinemas – The Esplanade.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
