INDUSTRY BRIEFS FANDANGO HAS APPOINTED former Disney digital executive Paul Yanover to the newly created position of president. He will report to Nick Lehman, president of digital for NBCUniversal’s Digital Networks and Integrated Media. Yanover will lead the company’s overall business strategy to become a multi-platform entertainment brand, with an emphasis on growing its original content offerings across mobile, TV and the web, as well as expanding strategic partnerships with the movie studios, driving social engagement and building on Fandango’s strong e-commerce foundation. Previously, Yanover served as executive vice president and managing director of Disney Online, the entertainment and lifestyle digital product group of the Disney Interactive Media Group. He grew traffic across the digital brands to peak at 36 million unique visitors—a 50 percent increase—and more than tripled ad revenue. “Paul is the ideal leader to build on the incredible momentum of this business, as Fandango broadens its offerings for consumers and advertisers, as well as exhibitors, and maximizes the unique benefits of being a part of NBCUniversal,” says Lehman. “His wealth of experience at the intersection of entertainment and technology will help Fandango continue to redefine the way we think about the movies.” One of Yanover’s first moves is to announce that Fandango is developing a slate of original video series that will dramatically expand the company’s content offerings. The made-for-Fandango movie news shows will be hosted by movie expert and newly appointed Fandango Chief Correspondent Dave Karger. “As a trusted entertainment brand that is synonymous with moviegoing, Fandango has a significant opportunity to play an even larger role in the content arena and meet the growing demand from both consumers and advertisers,” says Yanover. “With a major talent like Dave Karger as our movie expert, and Fandango’s extensive reach across the web, mobile and social media, we are extremely well positioned to launch our first-ever original video development slate.” NEW FANDANGO PRESIDENT PAUL YANOVER ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT is now the biggest animated film of all time at the global box office. The Twentieth Century Fox release has grossed $693.9 million internationally, pushing it past the previous record of $687.1 million set by Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Ice Age 4 now ranks in eighth place on the all-time global box office list. REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP WILL HAIL the Twilight series with a oneday-only event <strong>November</strong> 15 for fans to experience the complete saga including the premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part Two at 450 participating Regal, United Artists and Edwards theaters. Admission for the circuit’s loyalty club members is only $15 for all five movies, and $20 for those without membership. “On this one day, Twilight will begin before noon and last past midnight as fans savor every moment of the saga at their favorite Regal Entertainment Group theater,” says Ken Thewes, chief marketing officer at Regal Entertainment Group. “The conclusion of The Twilight Saga is one of the most eagerly anticipated movies of the year. And Regal is pulling out all the stops, celebrating the Twilight phenomenon with an epic one-day-only event showcasing all five films for the ultimate fans.” SONY IS MAKING its VPF program available through March 31, 2013. Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions group has worked closely with six major and more than 90 independent distributors to create a VPF program that includes complete projector installation, an integrated storage server, theater management systems, monitoring software, networked services, access to Sony Digital Cinema’s 24/7 Network Operation Center, technical training, and a 10-year parts/2-year labor warranty. “In our ongoing effort to provide full-service digital cinema solutions for exhibitors of all sizes, we are proud to offer the most competitive and accessible VPF program available,” says Tim Smith, vice president of business development and operations for Sony Electronics’ Digital Solutions. “Exhibitors shouldn’t have to settle or feel pressured based on other programs ending. Instead, they should have everything they need in order to make the most wellinformed decisions.” CINEDIGM ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (CEG) HAS NAMED Jeff Reichert vice president of theatrical marketing and Stephanie Bruder vice president of marketing. The announcement marks the completion of top-level executive appointments that included the recent announcement of Vincent Scordino as vice president of acquisitions. With these moves, CEG is positioned to make major inroads in the theatrical distribution marketplace with a plan to acquire and release up to 24 titles in 2013. CEG was formed when Cinedigm acquired entertainment distributor New Video, the largest worldwide digital aggregator of independent content, and combined the acquisition with the company’s existing theatrical distribution business. The company has established partnerships with all major digital platforms, enabling CEG to do a variety of releases, from traditional releases to day-and-date releases to unique recurring in-theater programming. “Both Stephanie and Jeff are deeply knowledgeable, well-rounded industry players who will be ideal partners for filmmakers and content creators seeking innovative ways to market feature film and entertainment content, while exploiting every opportunity for innovation in VOD, digital and mobile distribution,” says Susan Margolin, co-president of CEG. NATO OF KANSAS & MISSOURI HAS ANNOUNCED the return of Show A Rama on Oct. 15-17, 2013. Kansas City’s glorious and historic cinema exhibition and distribution event will be restored to life, honoring Show A Rama’s rich history while focusing on the industry’s bright future. The main event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn convention center located in Independence, Missouri; however, other nearby locations will also be used for screenings and some meals. The convention will entail a two-day trade show, alternative content demonstrations and discussions, studio presentations, panel seminars and entertaining and informative events. The convention’s primary focuses will be new technologies, alternative content and increasing audience attendance, as well as answering questions like these: We’ve gone digital—now what? How do small exhibitors make alternative content work? And how does my theater compete in the marketplace? The convention will allow NATO members to mingle with oth- 6 BOXOFFICE PRO NOVEMBER <strong>2012</strong>
Cheers The Coca-Cola Company congratulates Dan Harkins <strong>2012</strong> Recipient of the Show "E" Award ©<strong>2012</strong> The Coca-Cola Company. “Coca-Cola,” “open happiness” and the Contour Bottle are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
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