NTatHome, NTLive, other proshot vs. general cinema release

[aspieandy]

I was just pondering the future for Giant, currently at the Royal Court. 

We can assume the West End but what else .. obv. all being well, NYC would be the normal progression. However, Giant is such a straight forward production to turn into an art house type film; a four-hander ensemble, one room set, everyone top of their game and already knocking it out the park. How long on set to make that into a regular cinema release ...  7-10 days on a sound/production stage? The cast could find that amount of time. But then I don't have a clue.

Given how proshot has evolved so quickly, could it be filmed for limited general cinema release in a theatre setting (presumbly the RC is too small) ..

Examples of stage to screen with original cast and production - well, one of the first would have been Peter Hall's original production of The Homecoming (staged 1965) although the original cast reformed for the film later (1973).

I don't know enough to judge: Is this proshot/digitl area ready for a 'next step' production, or is it already there ..

[Jon]

A cinema release is very expensive and would not be cost effective for the producers of Giant to even fathom the notion. The cast and creatives would have to paid a lot more as well so while it's a nice idea in theory, it's not possible financially.

[anthony40]

It is my understanding that it has to be written into the actors contract about filming the performance and whether this is then, at some later date, released for streaming, DVD/Blu Ray release.

Is that a standard thig in contracts now? I really have no idea!

[thedrowsychaperone]

Completely making this up so excuse if it's wrong, but I wonder if most actor's contracts at the NT now have a filming clause built in? As such a high number of NT productions are filmed and livestreamed/distributed.

[craigbowker]

It has to be written into their contract to make it easy.

A new contract could always be signed but it's so much more work.

[Someone in a tree]

When will we hear about the next batch of NT live cinema screening ? I'm interested in Here we are (I hope it gets an outing).
Please and thanks

[blamerobots]

Here We Are will totally get released at some point, I get the feeling there's no profit in restaging it so it'll gun for licensing and a film release. All of Sondheim's musicals have proshots so it'd fit to complete his shows all being available to see.

London Road is being filmed but I think just for archival, it'd be cool to see the original material filmed and released. I don't believe it was even filmed initially for rights reasons because it wasn't in the Archives when I checked recently (unless I missed it!)

[aspieandy]

This is what I was pondering generally in the OP. Cinema release for Tenant's Macbeth:

We are delighted to announce today the cinema release of MACBETH starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo which is currently playing to sold out houses in the West End. The production will be screened in cinemas across the UK, US, Australia and internationally from 5 February 2025. The critically acclaimed production, directed by Max Webster was filmed live during its run at the Donmar Warehouse.

Donmar Warehouse’s Artistic Director Tim Sheader and Executive Director Henny Finch commented "We are delighted that our innovative production of Macbeth will continue to reach new audiences beyond the original run at the Donmar and in the West End. It's so exciting to think that thousands of global audiences will now get to experience this brilliant cast and the intimacy of the Donmar in their local cinema."

Spare staging but think it could look pretty lush. Interesting for the audio choices, as well.

Presumbly they will ditch the no-interval interval.

www.macbethdonmarcinema.com/?

[max]

They're building the anticipation with 'Sign Up for updates' and 'On Sale' from more than 3 months ahead of time. It may be touted that the cinema surround sound is as good an experience as attending live. Will be interesting to see what this does for prices.

I expect this will easily break the 'Prima Facie' box office record for a filmed stage drama.