Friday, November 6, 2015

Topic Of The Day: Why Certain Films Open Against Blockbusters

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to another episode of Topic Of The Day. For today's topic, I figured I'd delve into a topic that struck me recently involving film releasing in case other people wonder the same thing that I did. When certain smaller-scale films come out against tentpole blockbusters that smash the box office records, I wonder to myself "Why do the studios risk doing such a thing?". But now I understand why: Counterprogramming.

The studios pull off this move so that the films they release can be used as alternatives for those that don't want to see the tentpole blockbusters offered to them as options for the weekend. For example, when The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part II comes out, it'll be up against The Night Before, Legend, and The Secret In Their Eyes. Legend and The Night Before will likely cater to the male adult crowd that isn't interested in these kind of YA film adaptations and The Secret In Their Eyes to a much older adult crowd interested in crime dramas and/or fans who still want to see Julia Roberts in theaters.

Also, when Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes out, it'll be up against Sisters starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler which will cater to not just women, but women who don't want their male significant others to drag them to Star Wars. 

Another great example is when Winnie The Pooh came out in July 2011. To me, it was released as an alternative for children whose parents won't take them to see Harry Potter. 

So because tentpole blockbusters tend to be most of the rage when it comes to the box office, studios tend to release films on the same weekend as those that may not open at number 1, but will still be alternatives for those that want to get away from those blockbusters and the alternatives can make a semi-decent profit.

What do you guys think? Do you believe as well that counterprogramming is why certain films compete with blockbusters? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

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