Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
L to R: Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth)
‘Thor: Ragnarök’ Scores China Release Date
American superhero film ‘Thor: Ragnarök’ has scored a November 3 release date for China. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, the film is a sequel to ‘Thor’ (2011) and ‘Thor: The Dark World’ (2013). Featuring Chris Hemsworth and Cate Blanchett, ‘Thor: Ragnarök’ is one of the most anticipated Hollywood movies to be released this fall. In addition to a strong cast, the film also aims to impress Chinese audiences with extraordinary visual effects. Read more on Tencent Entertainment
Tencent Video Now Has Over 43 Million Paid Users, Up from 20 Million in Nov 2016
On September 28 (Beijing Time), Chinese video streaming website Tencent Video announced that the number of its paid users has surpassed 43 million, up from 20 million in November 2016. The pace of its growth is unprecedented in China’s online streaming sector. An executive from Tencent Video attributes the rapid growth to the company’s commitment to creating high quality and diverse original content. Moving forward, the company plans to enhance its investments in creating original content, improving user experience, and enlarging its inventory of content. Read more on Entertainment Capital
‘Blade Runner 2049’ to Open in China on November 10
After successfully passing the Chinese censorship, sci-fi movie ‘Blade Runner 2049‘ recently scored a November 10 China release. Scheduled to open in North America on October 6, ‘Blade Runner 2049’ has been receiving numerous positive reviews from critics who have had the chance to preview the film. In a behind-the-scene clip released by the producers, the film is described as a soulful journey of self-discovery. Read more on Mtime
Polarized Chinese Film Exhibition Sector Facing Further Consolidation
According to unnamed industry experts, China’s film exhibition sector is increasingly polarized. As the growth of China box office slows down, the sector is expected to face further consolidation. Many recent events are already indicating such a trend. Recently, Shanghai Film Co. announces that the company plans to sell two of its unprofitable cinema operators. Dadi Cinema previously announced an upcoming purchase of stake in cinema operator Enshi Gaode. What’s more, Wanda Cinema has partnered with Bona Film Group to enhance their collaborations in investing and operating movie theaters in China. Read more on Ent Group
Releasing Your Film During National Day Holiday? Get a Budget Ready for Ticket Subsidy First
China’s National Day holiday, one of the two so-called “golden weeks,” is around the corner. This year, after multiple films changing or cancelling release dates, 12 films remain to open during this weeklong holiday season. Currently, the teams behind these 12 films are tirelessly conducting marketing as well as ticket subsidy campaigns. As word-of-mouth marketing is crucial for films to succeed in box office in China, ticket subsidy is the trick many marketers use to attract audiences to see their film on its opening day, then go back and spread the word. While it’s debatable whether such practice is moral and effective, the industry sees resurgence of such activities during this pre-holiday period. Read more on National Business Daily
