Tag: Jurassic World

  • Universal Pictures preps for ‘Jurassic World’ sequel

    Universal Pictures preps for ‘Jurassic World’ sequel

    MUMBAI: Universal Pictures is all set to make the sequel to the recently release Jurassic World.

     

    Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard have been confirmed for the sequel.

     

    Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, who did a rewrite on Jurassic World, will write the script for the sequel.

     

    Jurassic World, which opened in theatres in June this year, has been one of the biggest successes in the history of Universal and has broken a slew of box office records. The movie has earned $1.5 billion worldwide to date.

     

    Trevorrow dished about the Jurassic World 2 plot and teased that the movie will not be limited to theme parks.

     

    Jurassic World ended with the Indominus Rex getting pushed to the Mosasaurus and being dragged and eaten by aquatic lizards.

  • Q2-2015: Record box office boosts Imax y-o-y revenue 30%, income per share 79%

    Q2-2015: Record box office boosts Imax y-o-y revenue 30%, income per share 79%

    BENGALURU: Joint-venture revenue sharing arrangements played a leading role in the 79 per cent increase in income per share to $0.34 from $0.19 for the Toronto, Canada based, New York Stock Exchange traded entertainment, technology and distribution company Imax Corp for the quarter (Q2-2015) ended 30 June, 2015. For the six month (YTD, 6M-2015) period of the current year, joint-venture revenue arrangement sharing also played a lead in the 70 per cent increase in income per share to $0.34 from $0.20 in 6M-2014.

     

    The company’s y-o-y revenue in the current quarter increased 29.8 per cent to $107.16 million as compared to the $79.145 million in Q2-2014. YTD, Imax revenue increased 33 per cent to $169.371 million from $127.342 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Company speak

     

    Revenue from sales and sales type leases was $18.7 million in the second quarter of 2015, compared to $14.5 million in the second quarter of 2014, primarily reflecting the installation of 15 full theatre systems (14 new, one used) under sales and sales type lease arrangements in the most recent second quarter, compared to the 11 sales type theatres the company installed in the prior year period. In addition, there were no upgrades in existing locations in the second quarter of 2015, compared to 4 xenon upgrades in the second quarter of 2014.

    Revenue from joint revenue sharing arrangements was $31.6 million in the quarter, compared to $19.4 million in the prior year period. During the quarter, the company installed 20 new theatres under joint revenue sharing arrangements, compared to 19 in the same period in 2014. The company had 477 theatres operating under joint revenue sharing arrangements as of June 30, 2015, as compared to 408 joint venture theatres one year prior.

     

    Production and Imax DMR (Digital ReMastering) revenues were $36.6 million in the second quarter of 2015, compared to $24 million in the second quarter of 2014. Gross box office from DMR titles was $343 million in the second quarter of 2014, compared to $216 million in the prior year period. The average global DMR box office per screen in the second quarter of 2014 was $414,600 compared to $299,800 in the prior year period.

    ”The second quarter of 2015 was one of the strongest in Imax’s history, delivering our highest revenue ever, growing adjusted EPS by 60per cent compared to the same period last year, record box office and quarterly per screen averages that we have not seen since Avatar in 2010,” said Imax CEO Richard L. Gelfond. ”We believe the strength of this quarter clearly demonstrates the impact that a strong slate of blockbuster films can have on Imax and the operating leverage that results.”

     

    ”Momentum also continued to build on the network side of our business with higher than expected installations and strong signings activity in the quarter,” continued Gelfond, who was in Vienna for the world premiere of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation at the historic Vienna Opera House, which has been transformed into an Imax theatre for this event. ”Tonight’s M:I5 event is the continuation of the transformation of Imax’s brand from the smaller successes onto center stage. More agreements to use Imax cameras as well as Imax premieres such asFurious 7 and Jurassic World are a powerful marketer for our brand and also signal the increasingly important role Imax plays in the entertainment ecosystem.”

     

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by Imax

     

    Imax net income in Q2-2015 almost doubled (up 1.92 times) to $24.35 million as compared to the $13.307 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Similarly, 6M-2015 net income almost doubled (went up 1.94 times) to $278.65 million as compared to the $143.58 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Note: (1) The primary revenue sources for the Company can be categorized into two main groups: theatre systems and films. On the theatre systems side, the Company derives revenues from theatre exhibitors primarily through either a sale or sales-type lease arrangement or a joint revenue sharing arrangement. Theatre exhibitors also pay for associated maintenance and extended warranty services. Film revenue is derived primarily from film studios for the provision of film production and digital re-mastering services for exhibition on Imax theatre systems around the world. The Company derives other film revenues from the distribution of certain films and the provision of post-production services. The Company also derives a small portion of other revenues from the operation of its own theatres, the provision of aftermarket parts for its system components, and camera rentals

     

    (2)The Company has seven reportable segments identified by category of product sold or service provided: Imax systems; theater system maintenance; joint revenue sharing arrangements; film production and Imax DMR; film distribution; film postproduction; and other. The Imax systems segment includes the design, manufacture, sale or lease of Imax theater projection system equipment. 

     

    The theater system maintenance segment includes the maintenance of Imax theater projection system equipment in the Imax theater network. The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment includes the provision of Imax theater projection system equipment to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the boxoffice and concession revenues. The film production and Imax DMR segment includes the production of films and the performance of film remastering services. The film distribution segment includes the distribution of films for which the Company has distribution rights.

     

    The film postproduction segment provides film postproduction and film print services. The other segment includes certain Imax theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items.

     

    Imax Theater Systems

     

    Imax Theater Systems revenue in Q2-2015 increased 37.1 per cent to $63.117 million as compared to the $46.032 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue increased 37.2 per cent to $99.949 million from $72.843 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Gross margin from Imax Theater System increased 46.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $40.695 million from $27.748 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, gross margin during the current six month period also increased by 46.7 per cent to $62.778 million as compared to the 42.805 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Joint venture revenue sharing arrangement numbers

     

    The Imax Theater System growth (as well as growth in Imax overall numbers) was led by a 63.2 per cent growth in the revenue from joint revenue sharing arrangements at $31.594 million in the current quarter, as compared to the $19.363 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Gross Margin reported by Imax joint revenue sharing arrangements increased 79.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $24.069 million from $13.378 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, gross margin during the current six month period increased by 67.9 per cent to $34.686 million as compared to the 20.661 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Imax systems numbers

     

    Imax systems revenue in Q2-2015 increased 24.3 per cent to $22.365 million as compared to the $17.996 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue increased 33.9 per cent to $34.479 million from $25.8756 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Gross margin from Imax systems increased 16.8 per cent in Q2-2015 to $13.537 million from $11.589 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, gross margin during 6M-2015 increased by 32.8 per cent to $21.722 million as compared to the 16.362 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Theater system maintenance numbers

     

    Theater system maintenance revenue in Q2-2015 increased 5.6 per cent to $9.158 million as compared to the $8.673 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue increased 6.8 per cent to $18.008 million from $16.868 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Gross margin from Theater system maintenance increased 11.1 per cent in Q2-2015 to $3.089 million from $2.781 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, gross margin during 6M-2015 increased by 10.2 per cent to $6.370 million as compared to the 5.782 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Films

     

    Films revenue increased 34 per cent in the current quarter to $36.369 million as compared to the $29.383 million in Q2-2014. For 6M-2015, revenue improved 24.5 per cent to $61.323 million as compared to the $49.257 million in the corresponding year ago six month period.

     

    Gross margin from Films improved 46.2 per cent in Q2-2015 to $28.454 million from $19.592 million in Q2-2014. For the six month period ended 30 June, 2015, Films gross margin increased 35.1 per cent to $42.392 million as compared to the $31.381 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Production and Imax DMR numbers

     

    Production and Imax DMR was the only segment in ‘Films’ to attain revenue and gross margin q-o-q  and YTD growth. Revenue in Q2-2015 grew 52.2 per cent to $36.603 million as compared to the $24.050 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. During 6M-2015, revenue grew 38.3 per cent to $54.279 million from $39.235 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Production and Imax DMR gross margin in the current quarter grew 52.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $28.488 million as compared to the $18.634 million in Q2-2014. YTD, gross margin grew 40.4 per cent to $41.713 million from $29.708 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Distribution numbers

     

    Distribution revenue in Q2-2015 declined 60.6 per cent to $1.158 million as compared to the $2,942 million in Q2-2014. For 6M-2015, distribution revenue declined 42.2 per cent to $2.546 million in 6M-2015 as compared to the $4.405 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Distribution reported negative gross margin Q2-2015 at $0.351 million as compared to the $0.594 million in Q2-2014. For the six month period ended 30 June, 2015, Distribution gross margin was negative $0.216 million (loss) as compared to the $0.784 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Post Production numbers

     

    Post Production revenue in Q2-2015 declined 32.7 per cent to $1.608 million as compared to the $2.391 million in Q2-2014. For 6M-2015, revenue declined 19.9 per cent to $4.498 million as compared to the $5.617 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Post Production gross margin in the current quarter declined 12.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $3.17 million as compared to the $364 million in Q2-2014. YTD, gross margin grew 0.7 per cent to $0.895 million from $0.889 million in 6M-2014.

     

    ‘Other’ numbers

     

    Revenue from ‘Other’ in Q2-2015 grew 25.3 per cent to $4.674 million as compared to the $3.73 million in Q2-2014. 6M-2015 revenue grew 54.5 per cent to $8.099 million as compared to the $5.242 million in 6M-2014.

     

    The ‘Other’ segment reported a negative gross margin in Q2-2015 of $0.114. For 6M-2015, gross margin was negative $0.154 million as compared to the $0.016 million in 6M-2014.

  • Q2-2015: Comcast reports 11% revenue growth, loses 69,000 video customers

    Q2-2015: Comcast reports 11% revenue growth, loses 69,000 video customers

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation (Comcast) reported 11.3 per cent growth in consolidated revenue in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 30 June, 2015) to $18,743 million as compared to the $16,844 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. 

     

    In Q1-2015, the company had reported consolidated revenue of $17,853 million. The company’s Cable Communications and NBCUniversal segments reported a y-o-y increase in revenue.

     

    Comcast consolidated operating income increased 7.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $4105 million as compared to the $3804 million in Q2-2014 and was 5.5 per cent more than the $3890 million Q1-2015. Year to date (YTD, 6M-2015), the company’s consolidated revenue grew 6.8 per cent to $36,596 million from $34,252 in the corresponding year ago period. 

     

    Though the company’s Cable Communication segment reported a fall of 69,000 video customers in Q2-2015, video revenue grew 3.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $5431 million from $5239 million during the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, video revenue increased 3.3 per cent to $10,762 million as compared to $10,417 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L Roberts said, “Our second quarter results, including 11.3 per cent revenue growth and eight per cent operating cash flow growth, demonstrate the strength and momentum we are seeing across our businesses. In Cable, high-speed Internet and business services continued to perform extremely well, and, significantly, this was the best second quarter video customer results we’ve had in nine years. Our focus on accelerating the deployment of our transformative X1 platform, as well as efforts to improve customer service, are clearly making a difference, with lower churn across all product categories. NBCUniversal had an exceptional quarter, led by the record-breaking box office performances of Jurassic World and Furious 7 and continued strong momentum in our theme parks. In addition, NBC won the 2014-2015 broadcast season for adults 18-49. Our teams are executing incredibly well across our strong and diversified portfolio, and I am excited for what we can deliver in the rest of 2015 and beyond.”

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    Let us look at the numbers reported by Comcast

     

    Cable Communications

     

    Comcast’s Cable Communications segment has three products – video, high speed internet and voice.  Five streams add to the segment’s revenue – video, high speed internet, voice, business service and advertising.

     

    This segment’s revenue in Q2-2015 grew 6.3 per cent to $11,729 million as compared to the $11,029 million in Q1-2014. YTD also, the segment’s revenue increased 6.3 per cent to $23,159 million as compared to $21,786 million in 6M-2014. 

     

    Cable Communications customer relationships increased to 272.65 lakh in Q2-2015 as compared to 267.75 lakh in Q2-2014.

     

    Single product customer relationships declined in Q2-2015 to 83.43 lakh from 85.10 lakh in Q1-2014; double product customer relationships in Q2-2015 to 89.36 lakh from 85,74,000 in Q2-2014; triple product customer relationships increased in Q2-2015 to 99.87 lakh from 96.91 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Operating Cash Flow for Cable Communications increased 5.1 per cent to $4798 million Q2-2015 compared to $4564 million in Q2-2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 7.2 per cent increase in operating expenses primarily related to higher video programming costs, as well as an increase in technical and product support expenses driven by an acceleration in the deployment of X1 and investments to improve the customer experience. As a result, this quarter’s operating cash flow margin was 40.9 per cent compared to 41.4 per cent in the prior year period.

     

    For the six months ended 30 June, 2015, Cable operating cash flow increased 5.7 per cent to $9472 million compared to $8964 million in 6M-2014. YTD operating cash flow margin was 40.9 per cent compared to 41.1 per cent in 2014.

     

    Video 

     

    Video revenue has been mentioned above. The company lost 69,000 video customers in Q2-2015, much lower than the 144,000 customers it lost in Q1-2014. Total video customer relationships in Q2-2015 stood at 223.06 lakh as compared to the 224.57 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    High speed Internet

     

    High speed internet revenue in Q2-2015 grew 10 per cent to $3101 million from $2819 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue from this stream grew 10.3 per cent to $6145 million from $5569 million in 6M-2014.

     

    High speed internet customer relationships in Q2-2015 improved by 180,000 as compared to the improvement of 203,000 in Q2-2014. The total number of high speed internet customer relationships in Q2-2015 stood at 225.48 lakh, in Q2-2015, the corresponding number was 212.71 lakh.

     

    Voice

     

    Voice revenue in the current quarter at $903 million declined 2.1 per cent as compared to the $921 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue from this stream declined 1.8 per cent to $1809 million as compared to the $1842 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Voice customer relationships increased to 113.19 lakh as compared to the 110.03 lakh in Q2-2014.

     

    Business services, Advertising and Other

     

    Business services revenue grew 20.4 per cent to $1161 million in Q2-2015 as compared to $961 million in Q2-2015. Business services revenue in 6M-2015 increased 20.9 per cent to $2275 million as compared to the $1883 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Advertising revenue in Q2-2015 declined by 0.9 per cent to $582 million from $589 million in Q2-2014, while for 6M-2015, revenue declined 0.8 per cent to $1086 million as compared to $1094 million in 6M-2014.

     

    ‘Other’ revenue in Q1-2015 increased 10.9 per cent to $551 million as compared to the $497 in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, ‘Other’ revenue increased 10.2 per cent to $1082 million as compared to the $982 million in 6M-2014.

     

    NBCUniversal 

     

    Cable Networks, Broadcast television, Filmed Entertainment and Themed Parks contribute to NBCUniversal segment’s revenues.

     

    NBCUniversal revenue in Q2-2015 at $7230 million increased 20.2 per cent as compared to the $6016 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. For 6M-2015, revenue from this segment increased 7.3 per cent to $13,834 million from $12,892 million in the corresponding year ago six month period.

     

    Operating cash flow increased 19.4 per cent to $1712 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1434 million in Q2-2014. During 6M-2015, operating cash flow from this segment improved 16.8 per cent to $3206 million as compared to the $2745 million in 6M-2014 driven by strong results at Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks.

     

    Cable Networks

     

    Cable Networks revenue in Q-2015 declined 4.6 per cent to $872 million as compared to the $914 million in Q2-2014, reflecting a 26.3 per cent decrease in content licensing and other revenue due to the timing of content provided under licensing agreements and a three per cent decline in advertising revenue, partially offset by a 5.6 per cent increase in distribution revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 4.6 per cent to $872 million compared to $914 million in Q2-2014, reflecting lower revenue and modest increases in other operating and administrative expenses.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue 2.2 per cent to $1170 million as compared to the $1809 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow decreased 2.2 per cent to $1.8 billion in 6M-2015.

     

    Broadcast Television

     

    Broadcast Television revenue increased 3.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $240 million as compared to the $231 million in Q2-2014 reflecting a slight increase in advertising revenue and higher retransmission consent fees, which were offset by lower content licensing revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 3.7 per cent to $231 million compared to Q2-2014, primarily reflecting increases in other operating and administrative expenses, which were largely offset by a decrease in programming and production costs associated with the timing of the airing of certain shows in our primetime schedule.

     

    YTD, Broadcast Television revenue increased 14 per cent to $413 million as compared to $352 million in 6M-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the Q1-2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in Q1-2014, revenue increased 2.6 per cent. Operating cash flow increased 14 per cent to $413 million compared to $362 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Filmed Entertainment

     

    Filmed Entertainment revenue in Q2-2015 more than doubled (up 2.17 times) to $422 million as compared to the $195 million in Q2-2014 driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Furious 7 and Jurassic World. Operating cash flow increased $227 million to $422 million, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue increased 48.1 per cent to $715 million as compared to $483 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow increased 48.1 per cent to $715 million compared to $483 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Themed Parks

     

    Themed Parks in Q2-2015 increased 44.9 per cent to $354 million as compared to the $244 million in Q2-2014 reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Q2-2015 cash flow increased 44.9 per cent to $354 million compared to $244 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support the new attractions.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue increased 48.9 per cent to $616 million as compared to the $414 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow increased 48.9 per cent to $617 million compared to $414 million in 6M-2014.

  • Universal plans six-network roadblock on NBC for ‘Jurassic World’ preview

    Universal plans six-network roadblock on NBC for ‘Jurassic World’ preview

    MUMBAI: A roadblock broadcast of the original Jurassic Park will be hosted by three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg and Chris Pratt, the star of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World, beginning on 5 June and concluding on 6 June.

     

    They will also introduce a two-minute, exclusive sneak preview of Jurassic World, which arrives in theaters on 12 June.

     

    Spielberg and Pratt will share their respective memories of Jurassic Park and drive to a debut of a two-minute exclusive sneak preview of Jurassic World, which will air during the program.

     

    This first opportunity to see new material from the upcoming film will be aired on 5 June on NBC. The following evening, on 6 June, the program will air on Bravo, Syfy, USA Network, E! and NBC Universo. For its part, NBC Universo will telecast a Spanish language version of Jurassic Park.

     

    In Jurassic World, the story of Spielberg’s original comes full circle as the park that was only a promise comes to life. Jurassic World is a fully operational luxury resort off the coast of Costa Rica where 20,000 guests explore the wonder of Earth’s most magnificent living prehistoric marvels—of every shape and size—and interact up close with them every day.

     

    When the massive and mysterious Indominus rex stages an escape and disappears into the jungle, order turns to mayhem and guests turn into prey. Dinosaurs escape into the open, skies and water to engage in an all-out war for survival, and no corner within the world’s greatest theme park is safe anymore.

     

    Pratt, Irrfan Khan, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Omar Sy and BD Wong star in the 3D epic action-adventure that is directed by Colin Trevorrow and based on characters created by Michael Crichton.

  • Tribute to Irrfan Khan to be the highlight of Florence Indian filmfest

    Tribute to Irrfan Khan to be the highlight of Florence Indian filmfest

    NEW DELHI: A tribute to actor Irrfan Khan, who will soon be seen in Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World (the new chapter in the Jurassic Park saga out in June 2015) will receive Europe’s first tribute, with the screening of three of his films at the 14th River to River Florence Indian Film Festival in Italy, later this week.

     

    The festival being held from 6 to 12 December will feature Qissa by Anup Singh (Italian premiere on 7 December) in the presence of director Anup Singh and Irrfan Khan), Paan Singh Tomar by Tigmanshu Dhulia (Italian premiere, on 8 December), and the cult movie The Namesake by Mira Nair (on 12 December).

     

    In addition, seven episodes of the third series of the US HBO episodes of In Treatment that the actor starred in will be screened from 9 to 11 December. Khan will receive ‘The Key to the City’ from the Lord Mayor of Florence Dario Nardella. 

     

    Apart from Florence, this festival will be held in Rome on 13 and 14 December and in Milan in February. All films will have English and Italian subtitles. Also, for the first time, the festival will be held in Mumbai in March next year.

     

    The festival will open with the Italian premiere of the on-the-road comedy Finding Fanny by Homi Adajana, with a stellar cast including Nasseruddin Shah, Arjun Kapoor, Pankaj Kapur, Dimple Kapadia and Deepika Padukone.  Deepika Padukone stars in the closing film too- Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

     

    The selected short films, all Italian premiers, are 6 Cup Chai by Laila Khan, Dreamworks by Vishal Vittal, Hechki by Kartik Singh, My Dear Americans by Arpita Kumar, The Frame by Samvida Nanda (directors Laila Khan and Kartik Singh will meet the audience); 8 to 8 by Pratim Dasupta, Bar Stools by filmmaking duo Varun Bajaj and Neale Hemrajani, Chypre by Anish Dedhia, Int Café night by Adhiraj Bose, and Stuff by Sofian Khan.

     

    There will also be a Student Film Section, a selection of non-competing premieres from India’s three film schools, the Film and TV Institute of Pune, the Whistling Woods of Mumbai, and the Prasad Film and TV Institute of Chennai.

  • Universal sets ‘Jurassic World’ release for 12 June 2015

    Universal sets ‘Jurassic World’ release for 12 June 2015

    MUMBAI: Universal Pictures will release Jurassic World in 3D on 12 June, 2015. Steven Spielberg is producing the big-budget dino-sequel, formerly known as Jurassic Park 4. Colin Trevorrow directs from a draft of the screenplay he wrote with Derek Connolly. Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley are producing.

     

    Its worth mentioning that the first dino-epic The Jurassic Park was recently re-released world over in 3D to generate a buzz around the next installment in the franchise. The collections were really encouraging worldwide and surely proved that this classic still connects well with audiences even today.