I wouldn't count on that getting paid part.
Here’s returns for the new films hitting the art house circuit this weekend [courtesy of Deadline]:
1. Peace, Love & Misunderstanding(IFC Films) NEW [30 Theaters] Weekend $102K, Average $3,400
2. Safety Not Guaranteed (FilmDistrict) NEW [9 Theaters] Weekend $100K, Average $11,111
3. Lola Versus (Fox Searchlight) NEW [4 Theaters] Weekend $34K, Average $8,525
4. Double Trouble (China Lion) NEW [12 Theaters] Weekend $20K, Average $1,666
5. Dark Horse (Brainstorm Media) NEW [1 Theater] Weekend $15K
6. Cartas a Elena (Freestyle Releasing) NEW [12 Theater] Weekend $7,500
0. Bel Ami (Magnolia Pictures) NEW Box office not reported
So although “Peace, Love & Misunderstanding” had the biggest earnings, “Safety Not Guaranteed” scored highest in the all important per screen average category. The time travel film, starring Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass also received generally good reviews, especially for Plaza. “Dark Horse” also had a solid opening in one theater; Todd Solondz produces challenging material, so it’s doubtful it’s going to challenge “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” for breakout status, but it’s a decent start. The heavily publicized “Lola Versus” was okay, not great.
Very interesting that Magnolia did not report any numbers for “Bel Ami.”
As for holdovers, “Moonrise Kingdom” continues to expand. This weekend it earned $1.578 million in 96 theaters, for a $16,443 per screen average. Focus Features is happy with the progress, stating:
“Moonrise Kingdom‘s box office momentum was strong Saturday with many theaters experiencing near or full sell out conditions carrying over from Friday. The new opening markets are very strong, all are generating impressive grosses.”
Happy happy.
What’s opening this week? We have Lynn Shelton’s “Your Sister’s Sister,” with Emily Blunt, Rosemary DeWitt, and Mark Duplass (no, there is no indie film this spring/summer without Mark Duplass). The film was well-received at festivals, so let’s see how it does with audiences.
