There's life after Avatar for IMAX
Yes, this is well short of the $231 million in IMAX box office receipts during the first three months of the year. News Corp.'s
"Even excluding Avatar completely from our 2010 results, our per-screen average through the first six months is $647,000, a 13% increase over the same period in the prior year," CEO Richard Gelfond points out.
IMAX naturally won't be pocketing all of the $115 million in ticket sales. Movie studios and exhibitors get the thickest slices. However, IMAX's recent moves to team up with AMC and Regal
Success on the big screen also continues to help IMAX grow its global empire. The company announced a deal this morning for five new screens in the Philippines over the next two years. The move pushes new screen signings to 89 so far this year. IMAX had inked contracts for just 35 new screens at this point last year.
The larger IMAX's base of theaters, the more lucrative each theatrical release becomes. There is strength in numbers. Some multiplex chains are trying to cobble together rival platforms. AMC has opened seven ETX screens, with two more on the way. Cinemark
Standing alone in a crowded movie theater? I'll take it -- and so will IMAX.
Have you ever been to an IMAX, ETX, or XD theater? Was it worth the premium? Please share your perspective in the comments box below.