This is topic Star Wars Attack of the Clones theatre rufusals in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Tom Fermanian (Member # 1094) on 04-27-2002, 09:46 PM:
Rumor has it that as many towns controled by indy theatre owners outside major citys in the Province of Quebec will all independantly refuse to play the new Star Wars if playing time and conditions are to be similar to the last one??This would represent at least 20 Playdates without counting in the number of double & triple prints? Any one hear of anything similar happening elsewhere?------------------
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 04-27-2002, 10:42 PM:
I have heard an independent theater owner complaining about the same thing. Whether he books it or not is uncertain.
Posted by Charles Everett (Member # 889) on 04-29-2002, 11:01 AM:
In Manhattan, Loews did not run Episode 1 and is likely not to run Episode 2. That's because Loews has not played any 20th Century Fox product in Manhattan since well before Episode 1. The reason? 20th insists on a "floor" (minimum film rental) for its titles. Loews' policy is not to pay a "floor" in Manhattan. Because of the Loews ban 20th was forced to open Episode 1 in some less-than-desirable theaters.Ironically, Episode 2 may open at the Magic Johnson Theatre in Harlem -- a theater for which Loews handles bookings. The Magic Johnson played Ice Age and is currently playing High Crimes.
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 04-29-2002, 07:31 PM:
As an indie, I can tell you I don't care much about the terms. We will play the damn thing as soon as we can get it. When things like this come along, I grit my teeth and remember the concession stand. Getting the movies our customers want to see is the most important... any indie who refuses this or any blockbuster "on principle" is making a huge PR mistake. The public does not care about the film terms...they just want their favorite theatre to play the movies they want to see.
Posted by Tom Fermanian (Member # 1094) on 04-29-2002, 07:42 PM:
Well if you think that for your market the picture can draw for the 5-7-8-10 weeks that they will oblige you to play it in your biggest screen, having to have permission to change screens when they deem appropriate! be my guest, been there, done it!
Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 04-29-2002, 07:53 PM:
I don't see Episode 2 having the clout to pull the crap Fox pulled with Episode 1. Many, MANY theatres were scalded by the non negotiable terms set by the prior and will NOT be burned twice over such 
product. I also don't feel that the public in general will beat the doors down to see this one. You will, of course, have those idiots, such as the two in Seattle, who will do ANYTHING to assure that thyey are the first to see it... I say, GET A LIFE!------------------
The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!