MAJOR UPDATE TO THIS STORY: IT FOLLOWS WILL OPEN IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE!
I battled a Bloody Disgusting reader on Twitter explaining to him that It Follows would never get a wide theatrical release. While I want to say “I told you so” it appears we were both sorta right.
David Robert Mitchell’s horror film was on the verge of being the biggest horror breakout since the 2007 Paranormal Activity, that was until cable companies and other home viewing platforms allegedly threw a wrench in TWC-Radius’ plans.
According to Indiewire sources, Radius told theaters that they were going to expand to about 1,000 cinemas on March 27th. But by day’s end they had returned to their original VOD plan, possibly in part under pressure from cable companies and other home viewing platforms.
While a lot of you immediately think of iTunes as THE go-to VOD company, their numbers aren’t as impressive as companies like Redbox and Netflix, who can make or break a home video release. Having exclusives on Time Warner/Xfinity and DirecTV are also a huge deal these days, from my own personal experience.
My only question is – why would The Weinstein Company allow themselves to be bullied by home video chains, when a wide theatrical release and major breakout would result in major exposure and financial gains for the home releases? It’s all a bit perplexing, frustrating, and mostly rage-inducing.
Indweller attempts to explain a bit, pointing out the $7-10 million in marketing costs that would need to be recouped. In addition, theaters would only pay part of their grosses to Radius, and there was no guarantee on short notice that future bookings would have done enough to cover increased costs.
Sticking to early VOD means that Radius’ costs would be much lower, they explain, with Radius retaining a higher share of revenues. So this route guarantees them a profit, with whatever theatrical revenue they take in (possibly in the range of $2 million or more).
For those interested in the business side of indie releases, I think it’s important to click over and read a bit more.
In regards to It Follows, SEE IT IMMEDIATELY. I gave it a perfect score, calling it “a classical horror masterpiece.” Mike Pereira referred to as a creepy, mesmerizing exercise in minimalist horror” when reviewed out of the TIFF last September.
“For 19-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe), the fall should be about school, boys and weekends at the lake. Yet after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter she suddenly finds herself plagued by nightmarish visions; she can’t shake the sensation that someone, or something, is following her. As the threat closes in, Jay and her friends must somehow escape the horrors that are only a few steps behind.”
