Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#1
Posted: 6/15/17 at 10:31am
So Newsies is returnig to theaters August 5th and 9th, after it was already released on digital last month. In the Pres Release its states that Newsis officially Fathom's most successful Broadway screening, which got me thinking...
Does anyone think that this will get more producers of Long running productions of their last legs, to film them and screen them annually. My thoughts would this would make sense for shows like Kinky Boots, Matilda (can still be filmed in the west end), Jersey Boys (tour), and have annual or biannual screening. If the Met can do this successfully, why can Broadway shows with name recognition do the same thing?
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#2
Posted: 6/15/17 at 10:50am
Guess we now know why they didn't make it available on dvd and blu ray.
Stand-by Joined: 2/8/05
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#3
Posted: 6/15/17 at 11:01am
I saw the original Newsies cast on Broadway as well as a year later with multiple replacements. I am glad that it was taped and saw it in the theatres when it was originally released. It was one of the best theatre taped live in the theatre productions I have seen. I am hoping that it does get released on Blu Ray/DVD after this next showing.
I hope more shows make their productions available to the rest of the world like this.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#4
Posted: 6/15/17 at 11:50am
It should definitely get Broadway producers thinking.
I think Newsies really took them by surprise. For example, about I month before I was at the local theater for the Fantom screening of the restored 1956 20th Century Fox Carousel, and I was the only person in the theater. Newsies, on the other hand, sold out for some performances and was very full at the screening I attended.
However, before we get carried away, Newsies has a rabid fan base that not only supported the show on Broadway, but sold out regularly on tour as well. And they are not just passionate, they are young and internet connected and easy to reach via social media. The live Rent performance about 10 years ago also did well for the same reason.
This approach may work for some shows, but not for others - even if the production is great. I think Falsettos will not do anywhere near the same business. But probably Wicked, Hamilton, or Dear Evan Hansen would do well.
But anything that captures these shows is a big plus in my book. I would much rather have a good live capture of the stage show than put my hope in a movie version that will more than likely butcher the material and resort to unfortunate star casting.
Broadway Star Joined: 4/14/12
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#5
Posted: 6/15/17 at 12:34pm
You have to give Disney credit for squeezing every last nickel out of those newsboys. Even the way they held back prime seats for the live filming was genius, awarding them to the die hards who had waited hours in line, thereby ensuring the ultimate live audience atmosphere. Virtually everything Disney has done with this show has been a marketing masterclass.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#6
Posted: 6/15/17 at 2:39pm
I'm thrilled that ''Newsies'' is returning to movie theaters again. But what's the deal with the start time for the Saturday matinee? Why 12:55 p.m.? Why not simply 1 p.m.? They did this earlier this year, too.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#7
Posted: 6/15/17 at 4:37pm
Theatre Fan3 said: "Guess we now know why they didn't make it available on dvd and blu ray."
It could also have to do with the fact that physical products are expensive to make and are quickly becoming obsolete.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#8
Posted: 6/15/17 at 6:07pm
Back Row said: "...Virtually everything Disney has done with this show has been a marketing masterclass. "
Yeah, but I would also add the perspective that Disney Marketing thought that Newsies as a stage musical was a terrible idea and only got behind it after they saw what happened at Paper Mill. Their idea of a sure-fire hit musical at the time was Tarzan. Also the the Keenan-Bolger backstage vids was his idea which really stoked the fire for the fan response. Sure, once they smelled a hit, nobody knows how to play the game like Disney. But unlike most of their stage ventures, this one they didn't really see until it was handed to them on a plate.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#9
Posted: 6/16/17 at 1:34am
trpguyy said: "Theatre Fan3 said: "Guess we now know why they didn't make it available on dvd and blu ray."
It could also have to do with the fact that physical products are expensive to make and are quickly becoming obsolete."
Well based on all the people asking for a dvd/blu ray version on the NEWSIES Facebook page I don't think any of them think it is an obsolete format. There are still plenty of people that want to have a physical copy that they can put in their library along with all their other favorites.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#10
Posted: 6/16/17 at 7:45am
Theatre Fan3 said: "Guess we now know why they didn't make it available on dvd and blu ray."
That makes no sense. They released it digitally, so what does the lack of dvd release matter? People enjoyed it on the big screen, and it is a different experience, so they're putting it back for two more days for those that want to see it that way again. If i had missed the first time like I almost did, despite owning it on iTunes, i'd go this second time around just to see it on the big screen with a stellar sound system.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#11
Posted: 6/16/17 at 9:28am
"There are still plenty of people that want to have a physical copy that they can put in their library along with all their other favorites."
That doesn't change the economics of the situation. Investing in a dying format is bad business, regardless of comments on a Facebook page or BWW message board.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#12
Posted: 6/16/17 at 1:59pm
trpguyy said: "That doesn't change the economics of the situation. Investing in a dying format is bad business, regardless of comments on a Facebook page or BWW message board. "
That's premature at best. While DVD/Blu-Ray sales are down with online streaming surpassing hard disc sales,overall physical sales of music, TV shows, films and computer games are still worth over $2 billion annually.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#13
Posted: 6/16/17 at 3:01pm
Yet many of those projects are not profitable, or are a strategic loss in order to promote a live concert/event.
Producing a physical copy of something with a very limited target audience would not be profitable, or else you better believe the folks at Disney would have already done it.
"Newsies Live!" in the $5 bargain bin at Wal Mart is not a good look.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#14
Posted: 6/16/17 at 4:29pm
CallMeAl2 said: "Back Row said: "...Virtually everything Disney has done with this show has been a marketing masterclass. "
Yeah, but I would also add the perspective that Disney Marketing thought that Newsies as a stage musical was a terrible idea and only got behind it after they saw what happened at Paper Mill. Their idea of a sure-fire hit musical at the time was Tarzan. Also the the Keenan-Bolger backstage vids was his idea which really stoked the fire for the fan response. Sure, once they smelled a hit, nobody knows how to play the game like Disney. But unlike most of their stage ventures, this one they didn't really see until it was handed to them on a plate."
I don't see why it matters what they thought before. What matters is that when they realized Newsies could be a smash hit, they pushed their attention and resources on that to help it be the whopping success with its fans that it is today. Surprise hits happen all the time.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/05
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#15
Posted: 6/16/17 at 6:32pm
Elfuhbuh said: "CallMeAl2 said: "Back Row said: "...Virtually everything Disney has done with this show has been a marketing masterclass. "
Yeah, but I would also add the perspective that Disney Marketing thought that Newsies as a stage musical was a terrible idea and only got behind it after they saw what happened at Paper Mill. Their idea of a sure-fire hit musical at the time was Tarzan. Also the the Keenan-Bolger backstage vids was his idea which really stoked the fire for the fan response. Sure, once they smelled a hit, nobody knows how to play the game like Disney. But unlike most of their stage ventures, this one they didn't really see until it was handed to them on a plate."
I don't see why it matters what they thought before. What matters is that when they realized Newsies could be a smash hit, they pushed their attention and resources on that to help it be the whopping success with its fans that it is today. Surprise hits happen all the time.
"
That was kinda the point.
Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners#16
Posted: 6/16/17 at 8:24pm
Ohh, maybe I misunderstood. I saw the "but" and thought they were arguing against the idea, not for it. My apologies!
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