Movie Selection and Scheduling: An Insight into the Process
In the world of Hollywood, the release of a major film is a significant event. Over the years, the landscape of movie releases has undergone a transformation, with the number of major movies produced and released increasing steadily.
According to the Motion Picture Association of America, Hollywood churned out around 659 major movies in 2013. This number represents a substantial increase from previous years, and it has led to a competitive market where every weekend at the box office is a battle for supremacy.
One interesting trend that has emerged is the potential lengthening of the summer movie season. The summer months have traditionally been a golden period for blockbuster films, with each film vying for a spot in the limelight. However, with the increased number of films, the summer movie season could grow longer to allow each film to bask largely alone in the spotlight for a single weekend.
On the other hand, if the public insists on sticking to traditionally busy summer and holiday weekends at the movies, more films may be stuck sharing release dates, potentially leading to a box office clash. This was evident in 2016 when Warner Brothers switched the release date of 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice' from May 6, 2016, to March 25, 2016, to avoid splitting the box office with 'Captain America: Civil War'.
The increased number of films has forced studios to rethink their release date strategies. Some studios will avoid going head-to-head at the box office with another potential blockbuster, while others will select the date they want regardless. This strategic maneuvering is not new, as seen in 2013 and 2018 when Marvel Studios announced release dates for several films that were not yet completed, including 'Iron Man 3' and 'Thor – The Dark Kingdom' in 2013, and 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' in 2018.
However, announcing release dates well in advance can have its drawbacks. It can lock in a completion date, potentially resulting in a rushed, inferior film. Moreover, naming release dates well in advance also lets competitors know the plans of other studios, which could lead to counterstrategies and further box office competition.
The number of major theater releases has increased by 13 percent from 2004 to 2009, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As Hollywood continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking and release strategies, audiences can expect a more diverse and competitive landscape at their local cinemas.
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