Marcus Theaters pushes customers to independent films with a loyalty program: “We can’t live on successes alone” – Special preview

The nation’s fourth-largest cinema chain is testing a new subscription program called MovieFlex +, which includes a select series of small and medium-sized films each week at no additional cost.

“We can’t live on blockbusters alone,” says Deadline President and CEO Greg Marcus. We cannot live on dinner alone. We also need breakfast and lunch. “

The launch of the $ 14.99 per month service comes when the box office revival for big studio franchises is clear, but less so for smaller films. At stake is the long-term health of the theatrical ecosystem with its breadth and depth of product.

Marcus began testing MovieFlex + in two markets in January, along with a shared subscription plan and a new one called MovieFlex for $ 9.99 per month that offers a free movie of your choice. Both programs have perks and other advantages. At the two Columbus theaters, Crossroads and Pickering, where both shows are available, MovieFlex + members outnumber MovieFlex members by about three to one. Marcus also offers MovieFlex + in three theaters in Omaha, Nebraska: Twin Creek, Village Pointe and Majestic Cinema.

Greg Marcus said the circuit also sees MovieFlex + as an opportunity for big studio films to extend their careers. Distributors may be “willing to take it off their screens. We’ll say,” Leave it alone a little longer. “

The classified films were last week. Mr. Malcolm’s list Y Forgiven. The plan is added Elvis this weekend he left at night This week featuring Winona Ryder and the launch of Netflix gray man Then with Ryan Gosling.

“The question is: is there enough demand in the market?” We just don’t know yet. But it’s promising, “Marcus said.” We’ll continue to research, process, and work with content partners. “But we’re seeing positive signs.” MovieFlex + members are 150% more likely to watch a small movie or medium-sized than the control group, “he said.

MovieFlex + includes another perk, the ability to watch an unlimited number of “unrated” movies (anything not included in the free package) for an additional $ 5 “Flex Up” fee. About 7% of MovieFlex + members who watched the movies have left Top Gun: Maverick Using Flex Up. all everywhere at once The second is with 3%.

The circle has not yet identified the following markets. “We want to be a very open book and share what’s going on with the studios and get your feedback,” said Greg Marcus. “We are working on the tickets and the relatives of the companions. And once we get over that, let’s find out what the question is. We want it to be beneficial for everyone and for everyone.

Opening of a new specialty: IFC Films presents Claire Denis Both sides of the sheet NY (IFC Center, Lincoln Center), LA (Laemmle Royal) and Toronto (TIFF Bell Lightbox). The film, starring Juliette Binoche and Vincent Lyndon, will expand nationwide to approximately 70 theaters next week. The title of the Berlin Film Festival competition – Deadline Review Here – follows Sarah (Binoche) as a radio host in a long-term relationship with Jean (Lyndon), when Sarah’s ex-boyfriend Francois (Grégoire Colin), who has them introduce yourself, return to the scene.

neon gifts fire of love at Angelica, AMC Lincoln Square and Sunset 5 in Los Angeles. The distributor has barred North America from National Geographic Documentary Films, which won the film’s worldwide rights in a bidding war at Sundance. The award-winning French documentary by Sara Dossa explores the life and work of intrepid French volcanologists and the couple of Katia and Maurice Kraft with exceptional archival material that captures some of the most explosive images of nature.

Magnolia Pictures presents Dream Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel By Belgian directors Amelie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdie on 15 screens, including the IFC Center in New York, Glendale and Monica in Los Angeles. The preview image of the Berlin and Tribeca festival, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, documents one of the last enclaves of old bohemian New York. As the developers turn Chelsea into a popular boutique hotel, older artists and environmentalists who call it home have become protected residents of the yard. Universal’s documentary in New York explores the effects of gentrification on the creative community.

Kino Lorber introduces you murine The Croatian film, which premiered at Cannes (review due here), talks about the growing tension between a restless teenager, Julia, and her oppressive father on her native island. Danica Kurcic, Gracia Filipovic and Leon Luchev star in Antonetta Alamat Kusijanovic’s debut film. Martin Scorsese is the producer. It opens today at the New York Metrograph and will expand to Los Angeles (Laemmle Monica) and other markets next weekend.

Documentary of primary importance The Day Music Died: The Don McLean American Pie Story” It opens for Academy Qualifiers in Los Angeles and New York, premiering July 19 on the streamer. McLean reveals the secrets behind his iconic 1971 song. Directed by Mark Moorman.

Saban Films presents the crime thriller take the night Written, directed and starring Seth McTeague in four locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Phoenix. An elaborate surprise birthday stunt heads to darker and darker places as career criminals hired to stage a mock kidnapping turn rogue.