Exclusive: Vue founder and CEO Tim Richards caused a stir last month with an intriguing appearance in front of the UK Parliament’s British Film & High-End TV Inquiry.
Launched by the influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the bipartisan inquiry has spent weeks interviewing industry figures as part of an investigation into the current state of film and TV production in the UK. Richards appeared at the session alongside Picturehouse Managing Director Clare Binns and Alex Hamilton, CEO of Studiocanal UK, who both expressed fairly downbeat conclusions about the current and future position of independent British cinema. Richards, however, was the dissenting voice.
The longtime Vue chief set out an optimistic vision for independent British cinema informed by the performance and variety of films on his screens across the UK and Europe. His only gripe was that the market isn’t unearthing enough projects to service operators, which is why...
Launched by the influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the bipartisan inquiry has spent weeks interviewing industry figures as part of an investigation into the current state of film and TV production in the UK. Richards appeared at the session alongside Picturehouse Managing Director Clare Binns and Alex Hamilton, CEO of Studiocanal UK, who both expressed fairly downbeat conclusions about the current and future position of independent British cinema. Richards, however, was the dissenting voice.
The longtime Vue chief set out an optimistic vision for independent British cinema informed by the performance and variety of films on his screens across the UK and Europe. His only gripe was that the market isn’t unearthing enough projects to service operators, which is why...
- 5/15/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Picturehouse managing director Clare Binns and Vue CEO Tim Richards offered differing outlooks on the condition of the UK exhibition sector, speaking at the latest UK cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee yesterday.
“The industry’s in a bit of crisis at the moment, because it doesn’t really know where the future is,” said Binns, responding to a question from Committee chair Caroline Dinenage about how the next 10 years will look for the UK industry. “The franchise movies are costing more to make, and the profits are less than they were.”
Binns acknowledged the success of two original films...
“The industry’s in a bit of crisis at the moment, because it doesn’t really know where the future is,” said Binns, responding to a question from Committee chair Caroline Dinenage about how the next 10 years will look for the UK industry. “The franchise movies are costing more to make, and the profits are less than they were.”
Binns acknowledged the success of two original films...
- 4/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
“We’re in a crisis situation,” Picturehouse Managing Director Clare Binns concluded this morning when quizzed on the current challenges facing British cinemas during an appearance at the UK’s British Film & High-End TV Inquiry.
Binns, who has been with Picturehouse since 2003, was joined in front of the committee by Vue CEO Tim Richards and Alex Hamilton, CEO of Studiocanal UK. The trio spoke for over an hour about various topics surrounding the distribution and exhibition of British films, each with differing opinions and approaches.
“The industry is in a bit of crisis at the moment because it doesn’t really know where the future is,” Binns continued. “Since Covid, streamers coming into the marketplace and now the franchise movies are costing more to make and the profits are less than they were. So the studios are looking now at what they’re making.”
Binns added that the runaway success...
Binns, who has been with Picturehouse since 2003, was joined in front of the committee by Vue CEO Tim Richards and Alex Hamilton, CEO of Studiocanal UK. The trio spoke for over an hour about various topics surrounding the distribution and exhibition of British films, each with differing opinions and approaches.
“The industry is in a bit of crisis at the moment because it doesn’t really know where the future is,” Binns continued. “Since Covid, streamers coming into the marketplace and now the franchise movies are costing more to make and the profits are less than they were. So the studios are looking now at what they’re making.”
Binns added that the runaway success...
- 4/23/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson will reprise their roles in Universal/Working Title’s upcoming Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the fourth instalment in the franchise.
Jones is back in the lead as the hapless romantic adored by fans since the first film came out in 2001, while Grant plays the manipulative Daniel Cleaver. Thompson appeared in 2016’s Bridget Jones’s Baby.
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall are joining the cast. The story is based on series author Helen Fielding’s third novel and finds Jones as a mother in her early fifties.
Michael Morris, who directed Andrea Riseborough drama To Leslie,...
Jones is back in the lead as the hapless romantic adored by fans since the first film came out in 2001, while Grant plays the manipulative Daniel Cleaver. Thompson appeared in 2016’s Bridget Jones’s Baby.
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall are joining the cast. The story is based on series author Helen Fielding’s third novel and finds Jones as a mother in her early fifties.
Michael Morris, who directed Andrea Riseborough drama To Leslie,...
- 4/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was the surprise warm-up act at a prestigious film industry event in London on Wednesday night that saw Oppenheimer director — and BAFTA and Oscar front runner — Christopher Nolan receive the British Film Institute Fellowship Award for his outstanding contribution to cinema.
The premier hailed Nolan — whose credits also include the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Dunkirk — as “undoubtedly one of our preeminent filmmakers.”
However, before doing so, he delivered quips with an aplomb that had guests seated in the ballroom of London’s Rosewood Hotel in stitches.
“Politics is showbusiness for ugly people,” Sunak declared. The room liked that one, even though the line’s a golden oldie.
“So, I was pleasantly surprised,” he continued, “when I was recently mistaken for Timothée Chalamet.”
Then with a well-timed pause, he added, “At least, I think that’s why they were shouting ‘Wonka’ at me.”
The room...
The premier hailed Nolan — whose credits also include the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Dunkirk — as “undoubtedly one of our preeminent filmmakers.”
However, before doing so, he delivered quips with an aplomb that had guests seated in the ballroom of London’s Rosewood Hotel in stitches.
“Politics is showbusiness for ugly people,” Sunak declared. The room liked that one, even though the line’s a golden oldie.
“So, I was pleasantly surprised,” he continued, “when I was recently mistaken for Timothée Chalamet.”
Then with a well-timed pause, he added, “At least, I think that’s why they were shouting ‘Wonka’ at me.”
The room...
- 2/15/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Cillian Murphy presented Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan with the BFI Fellowship, the British Film Institute’s highest honor, Wednesday evening at a London dinner event hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards.
“The BFI Fellowship recognizes Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most innovative and influential film directors,” the organization said.
Nolan received the honor at the annual BFI Chair’s Dinner at the Rosewood Hotel in central London. Murphy, who has worked with Nolan on the likes of the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer, was in attendance along with such film industry guests as NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and chief content officer Donna Langley, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thomas, Michael Caine, Josh Hartnett, Hans Zimmer, Hoyte van Hoytema, Barbara Broccoli, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Gurinder Chadha, Misan Harriman, Molly Manning Walker, BFI CEO Ben Roberts, as well as U.K. Prime...
“The BFI Fellowship recognizes Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most innovative and influential film directors,” the organization said.
Nolan received the honor at the annual BFI Chair’s Dinner at the Rosewood Hotel in central London. Murphy, who has worked with Nolan on the likes of the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer, was in attendance along with such film industry guests as NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and chief content officer Donna Langley, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thomas, Michael Caine, Josh Hartnett, Hans Zimmer, Hoyte van Hoytema, Barbara Broccoli, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Gurinder Chadha, Misan Harriman, Molly Manning Walker, BFI CEO Ben Roberts, as well as U.K. Prime...
- 2/15/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vue International, Europe’s largest independent movie theater operator, is in discussions with its shareholders and lenders on a fresh debt-for-equity restructuring. This comes after last year’s dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes caused production delays and pushed a number of titles off of the 2023 and 2024 release calendars. Overall, the industry is facing a severe downturn in ticket sales across the coming year.
Under Vue’s plans, first reported by Sky News, hundreds of millions of pounds of the group’s existing debt will be converted to equity, with roughly £50M ($63.3M) of new capital injected into the company. The effect of converting existing debt into equity would reduce the circuit’s leverage and provide working capital.
In a statement provided to Deadline, Vue founder and CEO Tim Richards said, “The unforeseen and unprecedented six months of strike action by Hollywood actors and writers in 2023 has had a short and medium-term impact on the industry,...
Under Vue’s plans, first reported by Sky News, hundreds of millions of pounds of the group’s existing debt will be converted to equity, with roughly £50M ($63.3M) of new capital injected into the company. The effect of converting existing debt into equity would reduce the circuit’s leverage and provide working capital.
In a statement provided to Deadline, Vue founder and CEO Tim Richards said, “The unforeseen and unprecedented six months of strike action by Hollywood actors and writers in 2023 has had a short and medium-term impact on the industry,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Hundreds of millions of pounds of existing debt will be converted to equity, with roughly £50m of new capital being injected into the company.
Vue International, Europe’s largest independent cinema operator, has confirmed it is undergoing its second debt restructure in 18 months, to help shore up its finances after the Hollywood strikes stalled the release pipeline.
As first reported by Sky News, UK-based Vue, its shareholders and lenders are in the process of organising the company’s second debt-for-equity swap in 18 months. Hundreds of millions of pounds of existing debt will be converted to equity, with roughly £50m of...
Vue International, Europe’s largest independent cinema operator, has confirmed it is undergoing its second debt restructure in 18 months, to help shore up its finances after the Hollywood strikes stalled the release pipeline.
As first reported by Sky News, UK-based Vue, its shareholders and lenders are in the process of organising the company’s second debt-for-equity swap in 18 months. Hundreds of millions of pounds of existing debt will be converted to equity, with roughly £50m of...
- 1/15/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Jay Hunt has been appointed chair of the British Film Institute.
A hugely well-respected name in British TV, Hunt is currently the creative director for Apple TV+ in Europe, and has been a governor of the British Film Institute since 2020.
Prior to joining Apple, she was chief creative officer at Channel 4 and, thanks to previous positions at the BBC and Channel 5, is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcasters in the U.K.
Hunt’s commissions comprise some of the U.K.’s biggest and globally renowned TV shows over the last decade, including Apple TV+ hits “Slow Horses” and “Bad Sisters,” plus “Luther,” “Sherlock,” “Black Mirror,” “Derry Girls,” “Catastrophe” and “Gogglebox.”
“The BFI plays such a vital role in supporting great British storytellers and I’m delighted I’ll be chairing the organisation at such an exciting and challenging time,” Hunt said in a statement.
A hugely well-respected name in British TV, Hunt is currently the creative director for Apple TV+ in Europe, and has been a governor of the British Film Institute since 2020.
Prior to joining Apple, she was chief creative officer at Channel 4 and, thanks to previous positions at the BBC and Channel 5, is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcasters in the U.K.
Hunt’s commissions comprise some of the U.K.’s biggest and globally renowned TV shows over the last decade, including Apple TV+ hits “Slow Horses” and “Bad Sisters,” plus “Luther,” “Sherlock,” “Black Mirror,” “Derry Girls,” “Catastrophe” and “Gogglebox.”
“The BFI plays such a vital role in supporting great British storytellers and I’m delighted I’ll be chairing the organisation at such an exciting and challenging time,” Hunt said in a statement.
- 1/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ exec Jay Hunt has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
Hunt, who has commissioned the likes of Slow Horses, Bad Sisters, and Tiny World at the streamer, joins the BFI for a term of four years commencing 16 February 2024 at the appointment of the UK’s Culture, Media & Sport (Cms) department.
The role takes around two part-time days of work per month and, like former BFI chair Tim Richards, CEO of Vue, Hunt could continue working for Apple.
Hunt – who is the only UK TV commissioner to have run three channels – has been overseeing Apple TV+’s commissioning in Europe for nearly six years. After a slow start, she has nurtured a string of hits including the likes of Gary Oldman-starrer Slow Horses and Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters. She is well respected and introduced a...
Hunt, who has commissioned the likes of Slow Horses, Bad Sisters, and Tiny World at the streamer, joins the BFI for a term of four years commencing 16 February 2024 at the appointment of the UK’s Culture, Media & Sport (Cms) department.
The role takes around two part-time days of work per month and, like former BFI chair Tim Richards, CEO of Vue, Hunt could continue working for Apple.
Hunt – who is the only UK TV commissioner to have run three channels – has been overseeing Apple TV+’s commissioning in Europe for nearly six years. After a slow start, she has nurtured a string of hits including the likes of Gary Oldman-starrer Slow Horses and Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters. She is well respected and introduced a...
- 1/10/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The Apple TV+ exec will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards.
Jay Hunt, AppleTV+ European creative director, has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
She will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards for a four year-term on February 16.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer.
Australia-born Hunt will be the first female chair since Joan Bakewell, who was in post from 1999-2002, and the first chair to come from a streaming platform.
“The BFI plays...
Jay Hunt, AppleTV+ European creative director, has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
She will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards for a four year-term on February 16.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer.
Australia-born Hunt will be the first female chair since Joan Bakewell, who was in post from 1999-2002, and the first chair to come from a streaming platform.
“The BFI plays...
- 1/10/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The AppleTV+ exec is emerging as the frontrunner to take over from Tim Richards.
Jay Hunt is the name doing the industry rounds as the frontrunner to succeed Tim Richards as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
Screen understands that Hunt, Apple TV+’s creative director for Europe, is in pole position to replace Vue CEO Richards when he steps down next year.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer. Interviews are understood to have taken place in November, with...
Jay Hunt is the name doing the industry rounds as the frontrunner to succeed Tim Richards as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
Screen understands that Hunt, Apple TV+’s creative director for Europe, is in pole position to replace Vue CEO Richards when he steps down next year.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer. Interviews are understood to have taken place in November, with...
- 12/15/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Apple TV+ Europe boss Jay Hunt, who has commissioned the likes of Slow Horses, Bad Sisters and Tiny World, is being lined up as the next chair of the BFI, according to a Sky News report.
Sky News said UK TV veteran Hunt is frontrunner of three candidates vying to succeed Tim Richards.
The UK’s Culture, Media & Sport (Cms) department, which appoints BFI Chairs, will likely make the decision over the next few weeks, with Richards’ replacement set to be announced in the spring. The deadline for applications was in September and interviews took place last month. The Cms decides on a number of crucial media industry Chair roles including at the BBC and Ofcom.
The role takes around two part time days of work per month and, like Vue CEO Richards, Hunt could continue working for Apple were she to take it on. The job description called for...
Sky News said UK TV veteran Hunt is frontrunner of three candidates vying to succeed Tim Richards.
The UK’s Culture, Media & Sport (Cms) department, which appoints BFI Chairs, will likely make the decision over the next few weeks, with Richards’ replacement set to be announced in the spring. The deadline for applications was in September and interviews took place last month. The Cms decides on a number of crucial media industry Chair roles including at the BBC and Ofcom.
The role takes around two part time days of work per month and, like Vue CEO Richards, Hunt could continue working for Apple were she to take it on. The job description called for...
- 12/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In the days leading up to the Oct. 20 release of Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, The Lyric cinema in Fort Collins, Colorado, fielded some unusual calls from customers. They all wanted to know if the Western crime epic, which runs three hours and 26 minutes, would have an intermission. And, if not, could one be added?
The art house cinema obliged and inserted an eight-minute break. It wasn’t long before a customer’s photo of an ad highlighting the intermission went viral and The Lyric received a call from Paramount, which is distributing the film, saying it had violated the booking contract and fines could be levied. “We didn’t know we had done anything wrong,” says Lyric manager Aaron Varnell, who recently added “chaos cultivator” to his title in a nod to challenging times.
In Long Beach, California, the Art Theatre — a single-screen theater built in...
The art house cinema obliged and inserted an eight-minute break. It wasn’t long before a customer’s photo of an ad highlighting the intermission went viral and The Lyric received a call from Paramount, which is distributing the film, saying it had violated the booking contract and fines could be levied. “We didn’t know we had done anything wrong,” says Lyric manager Aaron Varnell, who recently added “chaos cultivator” to his title in a nod to challenging times.
In Long Beach, California, the Art Theatre — a single-screen theater built in...
- 12/12/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The acquisition is part of the Irish exhibitor’s ambitious expansion plans.
Ireland’s Omniplex Cinema Group has acquired the five existing Empire Cinema locations in the UK as part of its ambition to become a major player in UK exhibition.
Cinemas in Birmingham, Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank and High Wycombe will open this month, with more to be announced in 2024. The Group is making an investment of £22.5m over 18 months to acquire and renovate these existing locations and has confirmed it has secured 150 jobs.
Staff members at the sites will be taken on at their existing terms.
Three of the...
Ireland’s Omniplex Cinema Group has acquired the five existing Empire Cinema locations in the UK as part of its ambition to become a major player in UK exhibition.
Cinemas in Birmingham, Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank and High Wycombe will open this month, with more to be announced in 2024. The Group is making an investment of £22.5m over 18 months to acquire and renovate these existing locations and has confirmed it has secured 150 jobs.
Staff members at the sites will be taken on at their existing terms.
Three of the...
- 12/5/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The ‘Inception’, ‘Dunkirk’ director will receive the award at the BFI Chair’s dinner in February.
Christopher Nolan will receive the British Film Institute’s highest honour, the BFI Fellowship, in 2024.
The Fellowship will be presented to Nolan at the BFI Chair’s dinner in London on February 14, 2024, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards.
Nolan will then participate in an In Conversation event at the BFI Southbank and a special introduction to his 2020 film Tenet at the BFI Imax – both on February 15, and with public tickets available.
The UK filmmaker will also visit the BFI National Archive’s Conservation Centre,...
Christopher Nolan will receive the British Film Institute’s highest honour, the BFI Fellowship, in 2024.
The Fellowship will be presented to Nolan at the BFI Chair’s dinner in London on February 14, 2024, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards.
Nolan will then participate in an In Conversation event at the BFI Southbank and a special introduction to his 2020 film Tenet at the BFI Imax – both on February 15, and with public tickets available.
The UK filmmaker will also visit the BFI National Archive’s Conservation Centre,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Christopher Nolan is to be honoured with a BFI Fellowship.The 'Oppenheimer' director is being recognised for his "outstanding contribution" to the movie industry by bosses at the British Film Institute following in the footsteps of previous recipients including fellow directors Danny Boyle and Tim Burton as well as actors Sir Michael Caine, Dame Judi Dench and Laurence Olivier.The BFI said in a statement: "The fellowship recognises Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most successful and influential film directors, constantly pushing the limits of what large-scale filmmaking can be while retaining a reverence for the history of the medium and the primacy of cinemagoing."Nolan went on to insist he is delighted with the honour, saying: "I am thrilled and honoured to be accepting a BFI Fellowship from an organisation so dedicated to preserving both cinema’s history as well as its future.
- 12/4/2023
- by Louise Mary Randell
- Bang Showbiz
Christopher Nolan is to receive a BFI Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the UK’s lead organization for film.
The award will be presented to the Oppenheimer filmmaker at the BFI Chair’s Dinner in London on February 14, 2024, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards. This will be followed on February 15, 2024, by an In Conversation event at BFI Southbank and a special introduction to Tenet at BFI IMAX, for which public tickets will be available. During the visit, Nolan will also visit the BFI National Archive’s Conservation Centre.
Nolan’s films have won 11 Academy Awards and grossed over $6.1 billion worldwide. The release of his latest film, Oppenheimer, in July 2023 took the world by storm, grossing over $950 million globally for Universal Pictures. The pic is Nolan’s biggest film ever at the UK box office, grossing £58.7 million to date, surpassing The Dark Knight and Dunkirk. The film had a rare...
The award will be presented to the Oppenheimer filmmaker at the BFI Chair’s Dinner in London on February 14, 2024, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards. This will be followed on February 15, 2024, by an In Conversation event at BFI Southbank and a special introduction to Tenet at BFI IMAX, for which public tickets will be available. During the visit, Nolan will also visit the BFI National Archive’s Conservation Centre.
Nolan’s films have won 11 Academy Awards and grossed over $6.1 billion worldwide. The release of his latest film, Oppenheimer, in July 2023 took the world by storm, grossing over $950 million globally for Universal Pictures. The pic is Nolan’s biggest film ever at the UK box office, grossing £58.7 million to date, surpassing The Dark Knight and Dunkirk. The film had a rare...
- 12/4/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
“Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan is being accorded a BFI Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the British Film Institute.
“The fellowship recognizes Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most successful and influential film directors, constantly pushing the limits of what large-scale filmmaking can be whilst retaining a reverence for the history of the medium and the primacy of cinema-going,” the BFI said in a statement.
The fellowship will be presented to Nolan at the BFI chair’s dinner in London on Feb. 14, 2024, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards. This will be followed on Feb. 15, 2024, by an In Conversation event at BFI Southbank and an introduction to “Tenet” at BFI Imax. During his visit, Nolan will also visit the BFI National Archive’s Conservation Centre.
Nolan’s films, which also include “Memento,” “Batman Begins,” “Inception” and “Dunkirk,” have won 11 Oscars and grossed some $6.1 million globally.
“The fellowship recognizes Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most successful and influential film directors, constantly pushing the limits of what large-scale filmmaking can be whilst retaining a reverence for the history of the medium and the primacy of cinema-going,” the BFI said in a statement.
The fellowship will be presented to Nolan at the BFI chair’s dinner in London on Feb. 14, 2024, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards. This will be followed on Feb. 15, 2024, by an In Conversation event at BFI Southbank and an introduction to “Tenet” at BFI Imax. During his visit, Nolan will also visit the BFI National Archive’s Conservation Centre.
Nolan’s films, which also include “Memento,” “Batman Begins,” “Inception” and “Dunkirk,” have won 11 Oscars and grossed some $6.1 million globally.
- 12/4/2023
- by K.J. Yossman and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The lack of small and medium sized films is hurting cinemas, suggests the boss of the Vue cinema chain.
On the surface at least, 2023 has been a decent year for cinema admissions, with in particular the double bill of Oppenheimer and Barbie leading to multiplex foyers being heaving come the end of July. The problem? In September they were all bit empty again, and the CEO of the Vue chain, Tim Richards, has admitted that’s something of a problem.
Talking at the British Screen Forum Conference that took place in London last week, Richards admitted that the problem facing his business was a “lack of small and medium-sized films”, and that shortage was “hurting admissions”.
Furthermore, he’s not optimistic about the 12 months ahead, either.
Admitting that Vue’s balance sheet has taken a battering as a result of the 2020 pandemic – and like most chains, it’s been a...
On the surface at least, 2023 has been a decent year for cinema admissions, with in particular the double bill of Oppenheimer and Barbie leading to multiplex foyers being heaving come the end of July. The problem? In September they were all bit empty again, and the CEO of the Vue chain, Tim Richards, has admitted that’s something of a problem.
Talking at the British Screen Forum Conference that took place in London last week, Richards admitted that the problem facing his business was a “lack of small and medium-sized films”, and that shortage was “hurting admissions”.
Furthermore, he’s not optimistic about the 12 months ahead, either.
Admitting that Vue’s balance sheet has taken a battering as a result of the 2020 pandemic – and like most chains, it’s been a...
- 11/28/2023
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Veteran exec will be replaced by deputy chairman Oliver Berben.
Veteran German producer Martin Moszkowicz is to step down as chairman of Constantin Film.
In a statement today, Constantin said that Moszkowicz will let his contract expire as planned and at his own request on February 29, 2024 and will continue to work as a producer for Constantin Film from March 1.
Constantin has appointed deputy chairman, Oliver Berben, to be chairman of the company from March 1, 2024.
Moszkowicz has been part of the Constantin management team since 1990, and is responsible for the company’s film business, including worldwide production and distribution, world sales,...
Veteran German producer Martin Moszkowicz is to step down as chairman of Constantin Film.
In a statement today, Constantin said that Moszkowicz will let his contract expire as planned and at his own request on February 29, 2024 and will continue to work as a producer for Constantin Film from March 1.
Constantin has appointed deputy chairman, Oliver Berben, to be chairman of the company from March 1, 2024.
Moszkowicz has been part of the Constantin management team since 1990, and is responsible for the company’s film business, including worldwide production and distribution, world sales,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
“We need more small and medium-sized films,” Richards told the British Screen Forum.
Vue CEO Tim Richards is anticipating more hardship ahead for the exhibition sector in 2024 but he said he is optimistic 2025 will be a “bumper” year.
“Next year is going to be really, very, very tough,” he said, while speaking at the British Screen Forum Conference, held in London yesterday (November 22). Richards said he anticipated it will be “worse, potentially even significantly worse, than this year”.
While the Barbenheimer phenomenon sparked a remarkable summer at the box office – something he said they are trying to figure out “how...
Vue CEO Tim Richards is anticipating more hardship ahead for the exhibition sector in 2024 but he said he is optimistic 2025 will be a “bumper” year.
“Next year is going to be really, very, very tough,” he said, while speaking at the British Screen Forum Conference, held in London yesterday (November 22). Richards said he anticipated it will be “worse, potentially even significantly worse, than this year”.
While the Barbenheimer phenomenon sparked a remarkable summer at the box office – something he said they are trying to figure out “how...
- 11/23/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) has opened applications to hire a new chair for the British Film Institute (BFI) as Tim Richards’s tenure in the role is set to end next year.
Richards was appointed in 2021 on a three-year contract. The Dcms has said it is looking to appoint Richards’s successor on a four-year term, with a total time commitment of 2 days of work per month.
The deadline for applications at Dcms is September 11, and interviews are to take place on November 15. The job description calls for applicants who can work across a variety of executive briefs including maintaining close relationships with the Government and key influencers alongside generating revenue and ensuring the financial resilience of the organisation.
The application reads: “The BFI’s new ten-year strategy, Screen Culture 2033, sets out a direction for the organization up to its centenary in 2033. The selected...
Richards was appointed in 2021 on a three-year contract. The Dcms has said it is looking to appoint Richards’s successor on a four-year term, with a total time commitment of 2 days of work per month.
The deadline for applications at Dcms is September 11, and interviews are to take place on November 15. The job description calls for applicants who can work across a variety of executive briefs including maintaining close relationships with the Government and key influencers alongside generating revenue and ensuring the financial resilience of the organisation.
The application reads: “The BFI’s new ten-year strategy, Screen Culture 2033, sets out a direction for the organization up to its centenary in 2033. The selected...
- 8/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Richards, CEO of international cinema chain Vue, will step down from his role as chair of the British Film Institute (BFI) in 2024, when his term will come to a close.
The boss of the European cinema giant took on the position, which is appointed by the U.K. government, in February 2021. At the time, it was announced that the role would comprise a three-year term.
The U.K.’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) opened applications for a new chair on Monday, requiring two days per month for the unpaid position with a maximum term of four years. The Dcms has specified that the post won’t exceed two terms, or a combined 10 years.
Applications will close Sept. 11, the sifting process will take place on Oct. 2 and interviews are expected to end on Nov. 15.
“The BFI’s new 10-year strategy, Screen Culture 2033, sets out a direction for the organization...
The boss of the European cinema giant took on the position, which is appointed by the U.K. government, in February 2021. At the time, it was announced that the role would comprise a three-year term.
The U.K.’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) opened applications for a new chair on Monday, requiring two days per month for the unpaid position with a maximum term of four years. The Dcms has specified that the post won’t exceed two terms, or a combined 10 years.
Applications will close Sept. 11, the sifting process will take place on Oct. 2 and interviews are expected to end on Nov. 15.
“The BFI’s new 10-year strategy, Screen Culture 2033, sets out a direction for the organization...
- 8/15/2023
- by Manori Ravindran and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
CEO of Vue International Tim Richards ends his tenure in 2024.
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) has opened applications for the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI) with the three-year tenure of Tim Richards, CEO of Vue International, to end in 2024.
According to the Dcms, the time commitment required is two days per month for the unpaid role, with the length of a single term being four years. Richards served for three having already been governor for seven years, and 10 years is the recommended limit to serve on the BFI board.
The total time served in post,...
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) has opened applications for the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI) with the three-year tenure of Tim Richards, CEO of Vue International, to end in 2024.
According to the Dcms, the time commitment required is two days per month for the unpaid role, with the length of a single term being four years. Richards served for three having already been governor for seven years, and 10 years is the recommended limit to serve on the BFI board.
The total time served in post,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Empire Cinemas closed six sites in early July.
Rival operators are circling the six English cinemas closed after the Empire Cinemas chain went into administration in early July, Screen has learned.
The Light Cinemas, Parkway Cinemas and Merlin Cinemas, all from the UK, along with Ireland’s Omniplex Cinema and Arc Cinemas are all understood to be considering taking over the sites. They are in Walthamstow, Wigan, Catterick Garrison, Sunderland, Swindon and Bishops Stortford.
Seven other Empire sites remain open while the Empire Sutton Coldfield has been closed since the Covid lockdown of late 2020.
“I believe that with a little bit of investment,...
Rival operators are circling the six English cinemas closed after the Empire Cinemas chain went into administration in early July, Screen has learned.
The Light Cinemas, Parkway Cinemas and Merlin Cinemas, all from the UK, along with Ireland’s Omniplex Cinema and Arc Cinemas are all understood to be considering taking over the sites. They are in Walthamstow, Wigan, Catterick Garrison, Sunderland, Swindon and Bishops Stortford.
Seven other Empire sites remain open while the Empire Sutton Coldfield has been closed since the Covid lockdown of late 2020.
“I believe that with a little bit of investment,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
News
Top BBC news anchor Yalda Hakim has jumped ship to Comcast-owned Sky. She is set to join Sky News as lead world news presenter. Her start date has not yet been confirmed.
At the BBC Hakim is a chief anchor for BBC News where she also hosts “The Daily Global with Yalda Hakim.” At Sky News she will host a new prime-time show focused on international news.
“I am honored and excited to be joining Sky News as lead world news presenter,” said Hakim. “I have long admired Sky for its smart, fearless and world-class reporting. At a time when global media must work harder than ever to earn the confidence of our viewers, I look forward to giving my all as part of one of the most talented and accomplished news teams anywhere.”
David Rhodes, executive chair of Sky News Group, said: “We’re so excited to...
Top BBC news anchor Yalda Hakim has jumped ship to Comcast-owned Sky. She is set to join Sky News as lead world news presenter. Her start date has not yet been confirmed.
At the BBC Hakim is a chief anchor for BBC News where she also hosts “The Daily Global with Yalda Hakim.” At Sky News she will host a new prime-time show focused on international news.
“I am honored and excited to be joining Sky News as lead world news presenter,” said Hakim. “I have long admired Sky for its smart, fearless and world-class reporting. At a time when global media must work harder than ever to earn the confidence of our viewers, I look forward to giving my all as part of one of the most talented and accomplished news teams anywhere.”
David Rhodes, executive chair of Sky News Group, said: “We’re so excited to...
- 7/27/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
New governor appointed by BFI chair Tim Richards, whose own tenure ends next year.
The BFI has appointed screen technologies professor Declan Keeney to its board of governors as Northern Ireland governor, confirmed by Dcms secretary of state Lucy Frazer.
Keeney is director of the Ulster Screen Academy and professor of screen technologies and innovation at Ulster University, based in Belfast. He has been appointed on a four-year term starting June 27, 2023, until June 2027.
His appointment brings the BFI board to its maximum number of 15 members. The board is chaired by Vue Cinemas founder and CEO Tim Richards, whose tenure comes to an end next year.
The BFI has appointed screen technologies professor Declan Keeney to its board of governors as Northern Ireland governor, confirmed by Dcms secretary of state Lucy Frazer.
Keeney is director of the Ulster Screen Academy and professor of screen technologies and innovation at Ulster University, based in Belfast. He has been appointed on a four-year term starting June 27, 2023, until June 2027.
His appointment brings the BFI board to its maximum number of 15 members. The board is chaired by Vue Cinemas founder and CEO Tim Richards, whose tenure comes to an end next year.
- 7/27/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Despite the humongous success of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in the U.K. and Ireland, the territory’s theatrical exhibition business is not out of the darkness yet, the Vue cinema chain chief has said.
Speaking to the Sky News podcast, Tim Richards, founder and CEO of Vue International, hailed an “amazing summer” citing the latest films in the “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Indiana Jones” and “Mission Impossible” franchises and the “absolutely phenomenal” “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
“We knew it was going to be big. The advance bookings that we had for the movies were the biggest since ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ but what was really amazing is 23% of our customers booked to see both movies at the same time. I don’t think anyone saw that coming. I mean, the pink of ‘Barbie’ and the incredible, but somewhat a little bit bleak landscape of ‘Oppenheimer,’ two very different movies, but they just worked...
Speaking to the Sky News podcast, Tim Richards, founder and CEO of Vue International, hailed an “amazing summer” citing the latest films in the “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Indiana Jones” and “Mission Impossible” franchises and the “absolutely phenomenal” “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
“We knew it was going to be big. The advance bookings that we had for the movies were the biggest since ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ but what was really amazing is 23% of our customers booked to see both movies at the same time. I don’t think anyone saw that coming. I mean, the pink of ‘Barbie’ and the incredible, but somewhat a little bit bleak landscape of ‘Oppenheimer,’ two very different movies, but they just worked...
- 7/26/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Biggest box office weekend since 2019 as total takings top £30m.
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (July 21-23)Total gross to date Week 1. Barbie (Warner Bros) £18.5m £18.5m 1 2. Oppenheimer (Universal) £10.9m £10.9m 1 3. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (Paramount) £2.9m £16.4m 2 4. Elemental (Disney) £1.4m £9m 3 5. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (Disney) £677,203 £18m 4
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.28
A stunning £18.5m opening from Barbie and a huge £10.9m from Oppenheimer propelled the UK-Ireland box office to its biggest weekend in over four years.
The first time ever that two films have opened to over £10m each in the same session,...
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (July 21-23)Total gross to date Week 1. Barbie (Warner Bros) £18.5m £18.5m 1 2. Oppenheimer (Universal) £10.9m £10.9m 1 3. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (Paramount) £2.9m £16.4m 2 4. Elemental (Disney) £1.4m £9m 3 5. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (Disney) £677,203 £18m 4
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.28
A stunning £18.5m opening from Barbie and a huge £10.9m from Oppenheimer propelled the UK-Ireland box office to its biggest weekend in over four years.
The first time ever that two films have opened to over £10m each in the same session,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” are attracting a record number of punters back to the cinemas in the U.K. and India.
In the U.K. the Vue cinema chain said that it witnessed its biggest weekend in four years and second biggest weekend in history by admissions, with “Barbie” on track to become the biggest film of 2023, ahead of “Super Mario Bros.”
Vue saw more than a fifth of its customers booking tickets to see both films. Over 2,000 sessions sold out for “Barbie,” delivering the largest ever opening weekend for an original, non-franchise film for the U.K. and Ireland market box office.
“Barbie” grossed $22.9 million in the U.K. and Ireland over the weekend, per Box Office Mojo.
Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International said: “Vue saw its highest weekend admissions since ‘Avengers: Endgame’ in 2019 with the release of ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer,...
In the U.K. the Vue cinema chain said that it witnessed its biggest weekend in four years and second biggest weekend in history by admissions, with “Barbie” on track to become the biggest film of 2023, ahead of “Super Mario Bros.”
Vue saw more than a fifth of its customers booking tickets to see both films. Over 2,000 sessions sold out for “Barbie,” delivering the largest ever opening weekend for an original, non-franchise film for the U.K. and Ireland market box office.
“Barbie” grossed $22.9 million in the U.K. and Ireland over the weekend, per Box Office Mojo.
Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International said: “Vue saw its highest weekend admissions since ‘Avengers: Endgame’ in 2019 with the release of ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer handed UK cinema chain Vue its second biggest weekend in history as cinemagoers flocked in record numbers to catch the Barbenheimer double bill.
Vue said this past weekend also marked its biggest weekend in four years. More than a fifth of all customers at Vue cinemas booked tickets to see both films. Vue recorded over 2,000 sold out sessions of Barbie.
Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie clocked a thumping $182M from the international box office this weekend, the biggest Warner Bros. offshore opening ever for a non-franchise film. The pic is on track to become the biggest film of 2023, ahead of Super Mario Bros and is the largest ever opening weekend for an original, non-Franchise film for the UK & Ireland market box office.
At the same time, Christopher Nolan’s explosive biopic Oppenheimer landed a staggering $93.7M overseas. For both titles,...
Vue said this past weekend also marked its biggest weekend in four years. More than a fifth of all customers at Vue cinemas booked tickets to see both films. Vue recorded over 2,000 sold out sessions of Barbie.
Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie clocked a thumping $182M from the international box office this weekend, the biggest Warner Bros. offshore opening ever for a non-franchise film. The pic is on track to become the biggest film of 2023, ahead of Super Mario Bros and is the largest ever opening weekend for an original, non-Franchise film for the UK & Ireland market box office.
At the same time, Christopher Nolan’s explosive biopic Oppenheimer landed a staggering $93.7M overseas. For both titles,...
- 7/23/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Steve Knibbs, group managing director and deputy CEO of cinema chain Vue International, is set to retire.
Knibbs will be stepping down on Aug. 31, bringing an end to his 36-year career in the cinema industry that includes a tenure of two decades at Vue International. Knibbs reflected on his journey, stating: “When I first entered AMC Cinemas at The Point in Milton Keynes in 1987, little did I know that it would shape my working life for the next 36 years. Now, as I prepare for retirement, I can say that I have had the privilege of experiencing the best moments of my career alongside countless exceptional individuals and teams across the U.K. and Europe.”
Knibbs went on to highlight the significant transformations witnessed in the cinema industry since 1987, including the shift from 35mm film prints to digital projection, the rise of online platforms, the introduction of recliner seats and the...
Knibbs will be stepping down on Aug. 31, bringing an end to his 36-year career in the cinema industry that includes a tenure of two decades at Vue International. Knibbs reflected on his journey, stating: “When I first entered AMC Cinemas at The Point in Milton Keynes in 1987, little did I know that it would shape my working life for the next 36 years. Now, as I prepare for retirement, I can say that I have had the privilege of experiencing the best moments of my career alongside countless exceptional individuals and teams across the U.K. and Europe.”
Knibbs went on to highlight the significant transformations witnessed in the cinema industry since 1987, including the shift from 35mm film prints to digital projection, the rise of online platforms, the introduction of recliner seats and the...
- 6/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
A week of studio presentations and discussions, as well as chatter in the halls, at the CineEurope exhibition conference in Barcelona provided some interesting takeaways about the state of cinema and its future. The mood was generally optimistic, but concerns, and room for improvement, remain.
Main talking points included the need for movie theater operators to continue upgrading and providing the best experience possible for patrons as a means to encouraging them out of the house, as well as the strength of Plf screens. A diverse and broad offering is key while there’s still concern about dating with some lulls in the schedule this year. Further, collaboration between exhibition and the studios, who refer to each other as partners but have sometimes been at loggerheads, is growing. Speculation was also rife throughout the week about the timing of Cineworld’s emergence from Chapter 11 and the composition of the exhibition giant’s management team.
Main talking points included the need for movie theater operators to continue upgrading and providing the best experience possible for patrons as a means to encouraging them out of the house, as well as the strength of Plf screens. A diverse and broad offering is key while there’s still concern about dating with some lulls in the schedule this year. Further, collaboration between exhibition and the studios, who refer to each other as partners but have sometimes been at loggerheads, is growing. Speculation was also rife throughout the week about the timing of Cineworld’s emergence from Chapter 11 and the composition of the exhibition giant’s management team.
- 6/24/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The chain’s founder is celebrating its 20th anniversary – but for a while it, and the industry as a whole, was on the brink
Tim Richards is celebrating a milestone he feared he might not see – the 20th anniversary of the creation of Vue, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema chain. That achievement looked precarious in the pandemic, when the world’s biggest cinema operators were pushed to the brink.
“When it is your baby, your firstborn, going through this, it is very tough,” says Richards, who is in recovery mode himself, having “had an argument with a tree and lost” on a recent heli-skiing trip in his native Canada.
Tim Richards is celebrating a milestone he feared he might not see – the 20th anniversary of the creation of Vue, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema chain. That achievement looked precarious in the pandemic, when the world’s biggest cinema operators were pushed to the brink.
“When it is your baby, your firstborn, going through this, it is very tough,” says Richards, who is in recovery mode himself, having “had an argument with a tree and lost” on a recent heli-skiing trip in his native Canada.
- 5/16/2023
- by Mark Sweney
- The Guardian - Film News
‘The Flash’ Dazzles Exhibitors At CinemaCon: “Emotional…Some People Crying…The Movie Will Have Legs”
Warner Bros. has no worries in The Flash.
The studio knew it had the goods on the DC multiverse movie, which brings together Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton’s Batmans, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Michael Shannon’s General Zod and a new Supergirl in Sasha Calle, and boldly premiered the movie Tuesday night at CinemaCon Las Vegas to a packed house and tons of cheers.
In a box office year that’s up 37% to date over 2022 with $2.5 billion, exhibitors after the screening were already smelling the money after the screen faded to black. More tentpoles here to get 2023 to a $9 billion box office year stateside.
Related: CinemaCon Photo Gallery With Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Ryan Gosling & More
Said Vue Cinemas boss Tim Richards about The Flash: “I absolutely loved it. It’s got heart, it’s got soul. You care about the characters. It’s going to be big.
The studio knew it had the goods on the DC multiverse movie, which brings together Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton’s Batmans, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Michael Shannon’s General Zod and a new Supergirl in Sasha Calle, and boldly premiered the movie Tuesday night at CinemaCon Las Vegas to a packed house and tons of cheers.
In a box office year that’s up 37% to date over 2022 with $2.5 billion, exhibitors after the screening were already smelling the money after the screen faded to black. More tentpoles here to get 2023 to a $9 billion box office year stateside.
Related: CinemaCon Photo Gallery With Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Ryan Gosling & More
Said Vue Cinemas boss Tim Richards about The Flash: “I absolutely loved it. It’s got heart, it’s got soul. You care about the characters. It’s going to be big.
- 4/26/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinema chain Vue International has won the Event Cinema Association’s Event Cinema Exhibitor of the Decade Award.
The chain is known for screening live events, including the “BTS: Permission to Dance” concert and has a long-standing arrangement to screen Royal Opera House ballets.
Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International, told Variety: “I am incredibly proud that we were awarded the Event Cinema Association’s Event Cinema Exhibitor of the Decade award. This recognition is a testament to the long term work of our team led by Johnny Carr, who have constantly sought to innovate the big screen Experience, giving our customers an exciting out of home experience.”
“Since our first event working with Brian May and Queen in 2005 to one of the first live concerts ever working with Genesis live in 2007, we have screened live sports, including the Olympics and Wimbledon in 3D, high quality television, opera,...
The chain is known for screening live events, including the “BTS: Permission to Dance” concert and has a long-standing arrangement to screen Royal Opera House ballets.
Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International, told Variety: “I am incredibly proud that we were awarded the Event Cinema Association’s Event Cinema Exhibitor of the Decade award. This recognition is a testament to the long term work of our team led by Johnny Carr, who have constantly sought to innovate the big screen Experience, giving our customers an exciting out of home experience.”
“Since our first event working with Brian May and Queen in 2005 to one of the first live concerts ever working with Genesis live in 2007, we have screened live sports, including the Olympics and Wimbledon in 3D, high quality television, opera,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Cinema chain Vue International has completed its recapitalization process and now has access to £75 million (92 million) of additional liquidity.
The liquidity will provide the chain with “a robust capital structure to support long-term, sustainable growth,” Vue said in a statement.
The recapitalization process was approved by lenders last year. As Variety reported in July 2022, Vue has signed an agreement for its first-lien lenders to take 100 equity ownership of the business. The new backers are believed to be financial investors and lenders as opposed to banks or private equity.
Vue said that the fully consensual transaction was agreed with all stakeholders and was implemented contractually and that there was a debt-for-equity swap with approximately £470 million of existing debt removed from the balance sheet. The transaction converted existing first-lien debt to new first-lien debt with extended maturity and extinguished second-lien debt.
Tim Richards, founder and CEO of Vue International, said: “Covid interrupted...
The liquidity will provide the chain with “a robust capital structure to support long-term, sustainable growth,” Vue said in a statement.
The recapitalization process was approved by lenders last year. As Variety reported in July 2022, Vue has signed an agreement for its first-lien lenders to take 100 equity ownership of the business. The new backers are believed to be financial investors and lenders as opposed to banks or private equity.
Vue said that the fully consensual transaction was agreed with all stakeholders and was implemented contractually and that there was a debt-for-equity swap with approximately £470 million of existing debt removed from the balance sheet. The transaction converted existing first-lien debt to new first-lien debt with extended maturity and extinguished second-lien debt.
Tim Richards, founder and CEO of Vue International, said: “Covid interrupted...
- 1/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The fellowship will be presented to Lee on February 13
US filmmaker Spike Lee is being honoured with a BFI Fellowship, the highest accolade to be bestowed by the British Film Institute (BFI).
It will be presented to Lee at a special event on February 13 at the BFI Southbank. The event will include a Q&a with the filmmaker, hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards and chief executive Ben Roberts, before a screening of Lee’s 1999 film Summer Of Sam.
Lee’s career as a filmmaker spans over 30 years and includes She’s Got To Have It (1986), Do The Right Thing...
US filmmaker Spike Lee is being honoured with a BFI Fellowship, the highest accolade to be bestowed by the British Film Institute (BFI).
It will be presented to Lee at a special event on February 13 at the BFI Southbank. The event will include a Q&a with the filmmaker, hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards and chief executive Ben Roberts, before a screening of Lee’s 1999 film Summer Of Sam.
Lee’s career as a filmmaker spans over 30 years and includes She’s Got To Have It (1986), Do The Right Thing...
- 1/27/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Spike Lee is to receive a BFI Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the UK’s lead organization for film.
The award will be presented to filmmaker Lee at an event at BFI Southbank, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards and BFI Chief Exec Ben Roberts, with an on stage Q&a with Spike Lee accompanied by a screening of Summer of Sam, on 13 February 2023.
While in the UK, Lee will visit teams at the BFI National Archive, who have liaised with the director on a new 35mm print of Malcolm X (1992), to premiere at the BFI’s inaugural Film on Film Festival taking place at BFI Southbank in June. He will also take a masterclass with young filmmakers.
Born in Atlanta in 1957 but raised in Brooklyn, New York City, Lee received his Mfa in Film Production at NYU/Tisch. After graduation, he founded 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, based in Brooklyn.
The award will be presented to filmmaker Lee at an event at BFI Southbank, hosted by BFI Chair Tim Richards and BFI Chief Exec Ben Roberts, with an on stage Q&a with Spike Lee accompanied by a screening of Summer of Sam, on 13 February 2023.
While in the UK, Lee will visit teams at the BFI National Archive, who have liaised with the director on a new 35mm print of Malcolm X (1992), to premiere at the BFI’s inaugural Film on Film Festival taking place at BFI Southbank in June. He will also take a masterclass with young filmmakers.
Born in Atlanta in 1957 but raised in Brooklyn, New York City, Lee received his Mfa in Film Production at NYU/Tisch. After graduation, he founded 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, based in Brooklyn.
- 1/27/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Director, writer, actor, producer and author Spike Lee is being accorded a BFI Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the British Film Institute.
The Fellowship will be presented to Lee at a celebratory event at BFI Southbank, hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards and BFI chief executive Ben Roberts on Feb. 13. The event will include an an in-depth on stage Q&a with Lee and a screening of “Summer of Sam.”
While in the U.K., Spike Lee will also visit teams at the BFI National Archive, who have liaised with him on a new 35mm print of “Malcolm X,” to premiere at the BFI’s inaugural Film on Film Festival taking place at BFI Southbank, June 8-11. Lee will also take a masterclass with young filmmakers while he is in the U.K.
Richards said: “I am honoured and excited to be awarding Spike Lee the prestigious BFI Fellowship.
The Fellowship will be presented to Lee at a celebratory event at BFI Southbank, hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards and BFI chief executive Ben Roberts on Feb. 13. The event will include an an in-depth on stage Q&a with Lee and a screening of “Summer of Sam.”
While in the U.K., Spike Lee will also visit teams at the BFI National Archive, who have liaised with him on a new 35mm print of “Malcolm X,” to premiere at the BFI’s inaugural Film on Film Festival taking place at BFI Southbank, June 8-11. Lee will also take a masterclass with young filmmakers while he is in the U.K.
Richards said: “I am honoured and excited to be awarding Spike Lee the prestigious BFI Fellowship.
- 1/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Spike Lee is set to add to his already extensive collection of awards with the BFI Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the British Film Institute.
The BFI said the Fellowship was in recognition of Lee’s “pioneering body of work that has spanned over thirty years and has chronicled black lives through bold and inventive cinematic works of art from feature films and documentary to television, music, commercials and books,” and will be presented to the Oscar-winner at a special celebration at BFI Southbank, set to include an in-depth on-stage Q&a and screening of his 1999 crime thriller Summer of Sam.
“I’m blessed to live up to my ancestors’ credo: ‘deeds, not words.’ I thank the BFI for helping me in continuing my generations of family legacy. Peace and love. Ya-dig? Sho-nuff,” said Lee, who joins a list of BFI Fellows including Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker, Satyajit Ray,...
The BFI said the Fellowship was in recognition of Lee’s “pioneering body of work that has spanned over thirty years and has chronicled black lives through bold and inventive cinematic works of art from feature films and documentary to television, music, commercials and books,” and will be presented to the Oscar-winner at a special celebration at BFI Southbank, set to include an in-depth on-stage Q&a and screening of his 1999 crime thriller Summer of Sam.
“I’m blessed to live up to my ancestors’ credo: ‘deeds, not words.’ I thank the BFI for helping me in continuing my generations of family legacy. Peace and love. Ya-dig? Sho-nuff,” said Lee, who joins a list of BFI Fellows including Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker, Satyajit Ray,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vue International, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe, has appointed Stella David as its non-executive chair.
David, who takes up the position on 26 January, currently holds non-executive and independent director roles at Entain, Bacardi, Domino’s Pizza Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
“I’m delighted to welcome someone of Stella’s experience and calibre to the non-executive chair position at Vue. Stella has deep understanding of the consumer environment and a strong track record of delivering growth,” said Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International.
“This will be invaluable at this crucial moment for the business and our industry, and as we look to future opportunities.”
David said it was an exciting time to be joining Vue as the cinema exhibition sector rebuilds after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen huge pent-up demand for the cinema experience and – with lots of fantastic films...
David, who takes up the position on 26 January, currently holds non-executive and independent director roles at Entain, Bacardi, Domino’s Pizza Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
“I’m delighted to welcome someone of Stella’s experience and calibre to the non-executive chair position at Vue. Stella has deep understanding of the consumer environment and a strong track record of delivering growth,” said Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International.
“This will be invaluable at this crucial moment for the business and our industry, and as we look to future opportunities.”
David said it was an exciting time to be joining Vue as the cinema exhibition sector rebuilds after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen huge pent-up demand for the cinema experience and – with lots of fantastic films...
- 1/25/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinema chain Vue International has appointed veteran executive Stella David as its non-executive chair.
David has extensive executive experience leading and growing large consumer-facing businesses and currently holds non-executive and independent director roles at Entain plc, Bacardi Ltd, Domino’s Pizza Group plc, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. David has also held non-executive board positions with HomeServe plc and Nationwide Building Society.
Previously, David was CEO at family-owned spirits distiller and distributor Wm Grant & Sons, overseeing global brands such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Grant’s Whisky, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder and Drambuie. David was also chair of C&j Clark Ltd and CEO of Bacardi-Martini Ltd.
Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International, who also serves as BFI chair, said: “I’m delighted to welcome someone of Stella’s experience and calibre to the non-executive chair position at Vue. Stella has deep understanding of the consumer environment and...
David has extensive executive experience leading and growing large consumer-facing businesses and currently holds non-executive and independent director roles at Entain plc, Bacardi Ltd, Domino’s Pizza Group plc, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. David has also held non-executive board positions with HomeServe plc and Nationwide Building Society.
Previously, David was CEO at family-owned spirits distiller and distributor Wm Grant & Sons, overseeing global brands such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Grant’s Whisky, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder and Drambuie. David was also chair of C&j Clark Ltd and CEO of Bacardi-Martini Ltd.
Tim Richards, CEO and founder of Vue International, who also serves as BFI chair, said: “I’m delighted to welcome someone of Stella’s experience and calibre to the non-executive chair position at Vue. Stella has deep understanding of the consumer environment and...
- 1/25/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Film will receive an exclusive one-week theatrical release from November 23.
All three major UK cinema chains will play a Netflix title for the first time next month, when Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery premieres exclusively in cinemas on November 23.
Odeon, Cineworld and Vue will all play the film in a seven-day theatrical window, from November 23-29. The film will then leave cinemas for three weeks before launching on Netflix on December 23.
It will also play in around 600 cinemas in the US through AMC Theatres, Regal and Cinemark; and at AMC-owned Odeon Cinema Group locations in Ireland,...
All three major UK cinema chains will play a Netflix title for the first time next month, when Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery premieres exclusively in cinemas on November 23.
Odeon, Cineworld and Vue will all play the film in a seven-day theatrical window, from November 23-29. The film will then leave cinemas for three weeks before launching on Netflix on December 23.
It will also play in around 600 cinemas in the US through AMC Theatres, Regal and Cinemark; and at AMC-owned Odeon Cinema Group locations in Ireland,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Rian Johnson’s murder-mystery sequel Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will receive a theatrical UK release after Netflix struck deals with Vue International and Cineworld.
The film will screen at select Vue and Cineworld cinemas across the UK between November 23-29 before hitting the streamer on December 23. Discussions are ongoing for the film to play at Vue cinemas in Italy and Germany and The Space and CinemaxX, respectively.
Related: ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ To Hit Theaters At Thanksgiving Via AMC, Regal & Cinemark In Rare Deal With Netflix
“This is an exciting moment in our relationship with streaming platforms and for the wider ecosystem as a whole,” said Tim Richards, Founder and CEO of Vue International. “Studios have recognized the value of the theatrical window, and now we’re seeing Netflix embracing the big-screen theatrical release too. The Knives Out franchise has a huge following, and it’s...
The film will screen at select Vue and Cineworld cinemas across the UK between November 23-29 before hitting the streamer on December 23. Discussions are ongoing for the film to play at Vue cinemas in Italy and Germany and The Space and CinemaxX, respectively.
Related: ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ To Hit Theaters At Thanksgiving Via AMC, Regal & Cinemark In Rare Deal With Netflix
“This is an exciting moment in our relationship with streaming platforms and for the wider ecosystem as a whole,” said Tim Richards, Founder and CEO of Vue International. “Studios have recognized the value of the theatrical window, and now we’re seeing Netflix embracing the big-screen theatrical release too. The Knives Out franchise has a huge following, and it’s...
- 10/10/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
In what is being described as the first time a Netflix film will have a theatrical release with the U.K.’s biggest exhibitors, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will be heading to select Vue and Cineworld cinema screens.
The deal bringing the film — which will close the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 16 — to U.K. cinemas was signed by the streamer and both exhibition giants.
“This is an exciting moment in our relationship with streaming platforms and for the wider ecosystem as a whole,” said Tim Richards, Founder and CEO of Vue International. “Studios have recognized the value of the theatrical window and now we’re seeing Netflix embracing the big-screen theatrical release, too. The Knives Out franchise has a huge following and it’s fantastic that fans of the first movie will be able to experience Glass Onion on...
In what is being described as the first time a Netflix film will have a theatrical release with the U.K.’s biggest exhibitors, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will be heading to select Vue and Cineworld cinema screens.
The deal bringing the film — which will close the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 16 — to U.K. cinemas was signed by the streamer and both exhibition giants.
“This is an exciting moment in our relationship with streaming platforms and for the wider ecosystem as a whole,” said Tim Richards, Founder and CEO of Vue International. “Studios have recognized the value of the theatrical window and now we’re seeing Netflix embracing the big-screen theatrical release, too. The Knives Out franchise has a huge following and it’s fantastic that fans of the first movie will be able to experience Glass Onion on...
- 10/10/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has struck deals with European cinema giant Vue International and Cineworld to put “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” in British movie theaters.
The film will screen at select Vue and Cineworld cinemas across the U.K. an entire month before the movie hits the streaming service. “Glass Onion” will play on the big screen from Nov. 23-29, and then leave cinemas for three weeks before dropping on Netflix on Dec. 23. (Tickets are now on sale for the U.K. cinema run.)
The release will pacify exhibitors still concerned about a lack of theatrical product, but the limited exposure will also help Netflix market the film properly before its wide release on the platform in December.
The streamer first revealed its plans for a week-long “sneak preview” of the movie last week. “Given the excitement surrounding the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, we hope fans will enjoy...
The film will screen at select Vue and Cineworld cinemas across the U.K. an entire month before the movie hits the streaming service. “Glass Onion” will play on the big screen from Nov. 23-29, and then leave cinemas for three weeks before dropping on Netflix on Dec. 23. (Tickets are now on sale for the U.K. cinema run.)
The release will pacify exhibitors still concerned about a lack of theatrical product, but the limited exposure will also help Netflix market the film properly before its wide release on the platform in December.
The streamer first revealed its plans for a week-long “sneak preview” of the movie last week. “Given the excitement surrounding the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, we hope fans will enjoy...
- 10/10/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
With a week to go before kicking off the London Film Festival, the British Film Institute gathered the U.K.’s titans of cinema to toast the return of moviegoing and celebrate the next generation of filmmakers.
The BFI’s Luminous gala took place at the swanky Londoner hotel in Leicester Square on Thursday evening (Sept. 29), where Variety had exclusive access. The event, which also featured the BFI and Chanel’s inaugural Filmmaker Awards, used to be a biannual bash, but was the first of its kind since the pandemic.
The starry dinner convened around 400 guests, including actors Daisy Ridley, Ncuti Gatwa, Morfydd Clark, Rebel Wilson, Lily James, Malachi Kirby, Dame Joan Collins and Eddie Redmayne; directors Edgar Wright, Gurinder Chadha, Steve McQueen and Terry Gilliam; and producers including Working Title co-founder Eric Fellner, screenwriter Jemima Khan, and former BBC drama commissioner-turned-A24 international boss Piers Wenger.
Tim Richards, chairman...
The BFI’s Luminous gala took place at the swanky Londoner hotel in Leicester Square on Thursday evening (Sept. 29), where Variety had exclusive access. The event, which also featured the BFI and Chanel’s inaugural Filmmaker Awards, used to be a biannual bash, but was the first of its kind since the pandemic.
The starry dinner convened around 400 guests, including actors Daisy Ridley, Ncuti Gatwa, Morfydd Clark, Rebel Wilson, Lily James, Malachi Kirby, Dame Joan Collins and Eddie Redmayne; directors Edgar Wright, Gurinder Chadha, Steve McQueen and Terry Gilliam; and producers including Working Title co-founder Eric Fellner, screenwriter Jemima Khan, and former BBC drama commissioner-turned-A24 international boss Piers Wenger.
Tim Richards, chairman...
- 9/30/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
After 13 months of extensive consultations with the UK film industry, government, and public, the British Film Institute has unveiled a new three-year funding plan alongside a ten-year strategy that will shape the organization’s future investments and priorities.
Screen Culture 2033 was launched at a virtual event on Friday with BFI CEO Ben Roberts who said the initiative would transform how people engage with the BFI, creating skills and jobs across the UK. Crucially, the BFI is adopting a new three-year National Lottery Funding Plan that will start in April 2023 and see the organization invest £136 million (150 million) into the business or £45 million (49 million) annually. This is a dip of around 10 from the last funding plan, BFI2022.
Of these funds, £54 million (59 million) will be available to filmmakers through the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund, BFI Network, and The National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund, a new funding strand established to support what the...
Screen Culture 2033 was launched at a virtual event on Friday with BFI CEO Ben Roberts who said the initiative would transform how people engage with the BFI, creating skills and jobs across the UK. Crucially, the BFI is adopting a new three-year National Lottery Funding Plan that will start in April 2023 and see the organization invest £136 million (150 million) into the business or £45 million (49 million) annually. This is a dip of around 10 from the last funding plan, BFI2022.
Of these funds, £54 million (59 million) will be available to filmmakers through the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund, BFI Network, and The National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund, a new funding strand established to support what the...
- 9/23/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.