Showbiz Sandbox 47: Movie Ticket Prices Get Super Sized

March 29, 2010

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Another 3D film took the top spot at the box office this past weekend – “How To Train Your Dragon”. It knocked the 3D “Alice In Wonderland” out of first place after three weeks. As well, in order to play the film in 3D, theater owners were forced to take screens away from “Avatar” which caused it to fall out of the top 10 for the first time since its release last December.

Though 3D films seem to be all the rage these days a question remains over how much audiences are willing to pay to see them. This past week several theater chains raised their prices for 3D and 3D Imax tickets, some as much as 26%. Lauren Schuker of the Wall Street Journal drops by to fill us in on why movie ticket prices are rising and how it might affect this year’s record breaking box office returns.

Speaking of box office returns, thanks to the Cantor Exchange you will soon be able to place a wager on how much money you think a movie will make during its first four weeks in release. Though not if the MPAA has anything to say about it. Unfortunately, you won’t have the movie review program “At The Movies” to help your handicapping efforts. The show that launched the careers of film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert was canceled. Have no fear, Ebert has plans to launch a brand new show. 

Another television show that was axed over the past week is “24”. This will be the last season Keifer Sutherland saves the world in the once popular hour-long drama. Maybe the actor can help save Justin Bieber’s representation. The teen singing sensation’s manager was arrested for not sending out a Twitter message telling fans an event had been canceled.

During Big Deal or Big Whoop we discover a couple of the most unlikely writers, including “Jersey Shore” cast members and actor Jamie Foxx. Maybe they can help script Sarah Palin’s new reality show for The Learning Channel. Finally, former Hollywood Reporter blogger Roger Friedman stops in to tell us about his new blog, Showbiz411 and to help explain just what in the world is going on at the trade papers these days.

Why U.S. Exhibitors Are Raising 3D Ticket Prices
http://celluloidjunkie.com/2010/03/29/why-us-exhibitors-are-raising-3d-ticket-prices/

Higher Prices Make Box-Office Debut
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870331250457514214….

Final Season For “At The Movies”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/arts/television/26cancel.html

Roger Ebert Will Produce Movie Review Show
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/03/see_you_at_the_movies.html

“24” Ends On Fox
http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/03/fox-cancels-24.html

MPAA Asks Fed To Prevent Futures Trading On Box Office Results
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/film-industry-group-asks-feds….

Justin Bieber’s Manager Is Arrested In Tweeting Case
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/arts/music/25arts-JUSTINBIEBER_BRF.html

John Edgar Wideman Self Publishes Upcoming Book Through Lulu
http://www.latimes.com/features/books/la-et-john-edgar-wideman….

Jersey Shore Castmates Score Book Deal
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/deals/jersey_shore_castmates….

Jamie Foxx Writing ‘Laverne and Shirley’ Movie
http://screencrave.com/2010-03-24/jamie-foxx-writing-laverne-and-shirley-movie

Dustin Lance Black and Clint Eastwood Collaborating on J Edgar Hoover Biopic
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/dustin_lance_black_tackles….

Transformers 3 Casting Update: Malkovich, McDormand and Jeong
http://screencrave.com/2010-03-22/transformers-3-cast-update….

Sara Palin’s “Alaska” to air on TLC
www.variety.com/article/VR1118016892.html

Variety To Studios: Stop Giving Scoops To The Competition
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2010/03/variety-to-studios….

Deadline Advisory: Sorry You’re Stuck With Me
http://www.deadline.com/2010/03/deadline-advisory-youre-stuck-with-me/

Trades Jockey For Entertainment News Space
http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2010/03/25/trades_jockey….

Friedman Blog Exits Hollywood Reporter
http://www.deadline.com/2010/03/friedman-blog-exits-hollywood-reporter/

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