Hidden Gems
Cinema’s Spring Awakening: Unveiling Hidden Gems and Upcoming Triumphs Digital Cinema Media’s, Content Business Director - also known as Tom Linay - spoke at the UKCA’s National Conference on the 6th March. It was the presentation that set stage for a discourse that would navigate through the current landscape and future prospects for the UK cinema industry. Amidst the backdrop of recent challenges, including the ripple effects of last year’s industrial actions across the pond, Tom’s insights offered a beacon of optimism. Here, we take a look at Tom’s analysis and strategic recommendations in the hope to equip exhibitors with the knowledge and tools necessary to captivate diverse audiences and ensure the vibrancy of cinema-going experiences.
An unwavering commitment to strorytelling in all its forms
8 Q1, 2024
Image courtesy of Black Bear Pictures: IMMACULATE
WE’RE NOW IN MARCH and for
and as we’ve recently seen with Anyone
be a new franchise. Dev Patel, writes, directs and
HOARD is the debut film from Luna Carmoon
me the onset of Spring is marked each
But You, Poor Things, and Saltburn,
stars in this Mumbai-set thriller, and Jordan Peele
and continues the recent incredible run of British
year by the annual UKCA conference.
cinemagoers are looking for exciting,
persuaded Universal to pay Netflix $30m so it
female-directed debut features and follows the
Some people think of daffodils and
original films.
could have a cinema release. This one looks to be
close bond between a mother and a daughter.
blossom, I think of Phil Clapp and tables
As part of my presentation at this
of pain au chocolat. This year at the
year’s conference I’m highlighting 8-10
SEIZE THEM! I think it’s no secret we need
THE LAST WORD... I thought it was worth
conference there was a specific focus
smaller films that hit cinemas over the
more commercial homegrown films in cinemas
highlighting that after Apple’s recent success in
on growing audiences, and while there’s
next few months that exhibitors may
and Seize Them! is a British comedy in the vein of
cinemas with Napoleon and Killers Of The Flower
been some hugely encouraging signs
not yet be thinking about, and was
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, featuring a host
Moon they have two more high profile releases
so far in 2024 - from awards season titles
joined by Lauren from Vista who used
of British talent, including Aimee Lou Wood, Nick
hitting cinemas over the summer, firstly with the
proving popular once again, Migration
their
Frost and Nicola Coughlan.
as yet Untitled Scarlett Johansson/Channing
delighting the family audience, and
exhibitors
Bob Marley: One Love surpassing
strategies for these releases.
data-driven
insights
optimise
to
help
marketing
everyone’s expectations - there’s still
filled with good stories on and off screen.
CIVIL WAR sees one of the UK’s best
Tatum romantic comedy in mid-July, and then the
filmmakers Alex Garland, touch on simmering
George Clooney and Brad Pitt crime thriller, Wolfs
tensions in the US in a dystopian sci-fi. Zendaya is
in September and both titles coming via Sony.
going to be bumps in the road ahead
IMMACULATE. After Anyone But
set for a big first half of the year and less than two
from the ongoing impact of last year’s
You, Sydney Sweeney’s star is higher
months after Dune: Part II is Luca Guadagnino’s
So while there might not be huge Wonka-sized
industrial action in the US.
than ever and she can next be seen at
Challengers, a romantic drama set around the
blockbusters over the next few months (unless
world of tennis.
something surprises us), that gives some smaller,
The biggest films of 2024 appear to
the end of March in spooky horror,
be in cinemas from July onwards, with
Immaculate, as a nun who moves to a
LOVE LIES BLEEDING is British filmmaker
Q4 looking particularly strong, and
new convent after which disturbing
Rose Glass’ follow-up to Saint Maud and stars
while Q2 isn’t quite as packed, it does
events start occurring.
Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian in a brutal crime-
give exhibitors and distributors an
MONKEY MAN looks like one of
opportunity to spotlight smaller titles
those thrilling action films that is set to
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original titles the chance to really find their audience. Tom Linay, Digital Cinema Media
thriller that has already received five stars from Robbie Collin.
www.omnex.co.uk
mne
info@omnex.co.uk
Q1, 2024
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