Attention Movie Lovers, Films At The Fort is Back After a 3-Year Hiatus

Queues for the latest blockbusters are often seen at Cathay Cineplexes, Shaw Theatres, and Golden Village. Change the scenery and enjoy the cool breeze as you take your date on a romantic outdoor cinema experience at Fort Canning.

Its three-year hiatus may be due to the pandemic, but the long wait is over. The eighth edition of Films At The Fort will be airing eleven films daily from 10 to 21 August 2022. It will take place at Fort Canning’s restored amphitheatre and will be presented by Casillero del Diablo. All movies will begin at 7:45pm and the gates will be opening at 5pm. As a friendly reminder, you can enter the gates early to secure good seats. You can look forward to live performances by DJs and instrumentalists as you wait for the films to start.

TICKETS AND OTHER DETAILS

Tickets are currently sold for S$36.80 per person (exclusive of GST). Apart from tickets, you can enjoy quick bites from The Providore to enjoy deli platters, burgers, popcorns, mains, beverages, and ice cream. What’s more? There is also a fully stocked bar that sells wine, sparkling wine, beer, and cider.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Event-exclusive menu includes Grass-Fed Beef Burger (S$24.50), piping-hot Hand-Stretched Pizza (S$22.50), Charcuterie Platters (S$23.50), and Cheese Croquetas (S$14.50). You can share these delicious snacks with your friends and loved ones as you enjoy the show.

SCHEDULE OF MOVIES

To give you a preview of what is to come, here are all the movies that will be showing at the Films At The Fort event:

Aug. 10 – Official Competition
Aug. 11 – The Survivor
Aug. 12 – Licorice Pizza
Aug. 13 – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Aug. 14 – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Aug. 16 – Petite Maman
Aug. 17 – Operation Mincemeat
Aug. 18 – A Hero
Aug. 19 – Another Round
Aug. 20 – Forrest Gump
Aug. 21 – Ali & Ava

As an added bonus, you can purchase reusable inflatable cushions during checkout at S$14 or S$16 when you purchase it on the event day. Alternatively, you can bring along your favorite picnic mat and save some bucks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Address: Fort Canning Green, River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Website: filmsatthefort.com.sg

Sources: 1 & 2

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The Power Of Marketing: Oscars Edition

The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, consist of a set of awards given annually to recognize the creative and technical talents in the film industry. The show is spearheaded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The AMPAS is the organization that assesses one’s cinematic achievements through the votes of its members.

Interestingly, movies who won at the Oscars get an increase of about 38% more in sales. This translates to about US$35 million in box office dollars. This significant jump happened to the award-winning 2010 film entitled King’s Speech.

Now, let us focus on the actors. Do they get paid if they win at the Oscars? The award itself costs US$0. However, the effect of the Oscars in an actor’s portfolio and talent fee is positive. It can be boosted by 60% on average! Furthermore, winners get a gift bag worth hundreds of dollars.

The marketing potential of the Oscars is the reason why filmmakers, actors, and movie-making companies aggressively vie for these votes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

CAMPAIGNS ARE MORE EXPENSIVE

To create an Oscar buzz, members of the film industry shelled out millions of dollars! Now more than ever, campaigns have been reaching an all time high. The mere campaigns for “A Star is Born,” “Green Book”, and “Black Panther” ran from about US$20 to US$30 million per film.

Netflix is in the buzz too! Promotional budget reach about US$25 million when Netflix campaigned for “Roma”. This was an uphill battle as some members of the Academy do not want a digital platform to win the Oscars. Nonetheless, its marketing strategies paid off as Netflix won multiple awards such as winning for the foreign language film category and directing/cinematography. It does not stop there! “Period. End of Sentence” also won in the documentary short category.

ADS ARE STILL SELLING

In spite of the social media widespread, advertisers are still dishing out to get ads on shows such as the Oscars. Despite the Academy Awards’ steady decline in ratings, ABC Network sold million-dollar ads as live shows are attractive to advertisers.

CNN media critic Brian Lowry told Business Insider: “If you’re a sponsor and you’re trying to reach any kind of mass appeal, you sort of grab at the platforms that can still do that. The Oscars is in the same way that sports have an advantage, if you are really into the Oscars, you don’t want to DVR it and watch the next day. ”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It goes to show that having audience stream live shows plays an impact in marketing and advertising!

Sources: 1 ,2, & 3

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Free And Useful Tips For A Netflix Addict

Are you addicted to binge-watching on Netflix? I know I am!

There is no denying that the term “Netflix and Chill” is embedded in our Urban Dictionary. Netflix is one of the good things that happened to our modern generation. As we all know, good can always be better! Continue reading on to improve your Netflix experience.

#1: THE NETFLIX ROULETTE

Are you tired of getting suggestions related to your last Chick Flick marathon? Or, are you indecisive when it comes to finding the “perfect” movie for your first date? Today is your lucky day!

It is difficult to scan over 4,000 titles just to find an interesting series or film option. Fortunately, there is a digital tool that will help you randomize your searches. Flix Roulette can filter by director, actor, and keywords to help pinpoint a suitable series or movie. See for yourself!

#2: CLEAR YOUR HISTORY

Imagine promising to your spouse that you will re-watch Ant-Man together. The following night, you had to pull an all-nighter to finish an important assignment. As a reward, you decided to watch three Paul Rudd movies including Clueless, Knocked Up, and Ant-Man. How can you interfere with Netflix’s algorithm to spare your partner’s feelings?

Image Credits: Gage Skidmore via Flickr Creative Commons

Fret not, my friend. You can selectively delete your history. Simply follow these steps to remove any of your misdeeds.

#3: THE STREAM OPTIMIZATION

There are two ways to optimize your streaming experience without breaking the bank. Firstly, you can schedule your binge-watching sessions during off-peak periods. Trends have shown that fewer users are online early in the morning or very late at night.

Secondly, you may manage your streaming when buffering occurs. Access the Netflix stream manager by Shift + Alt or Shift + Opt (for Mac users). This will take you to buffering solutions and other streaming options. Unfortunately, you may have to sacrifice the picture quality to get a faster streaming rate.

#4: ELIMINATE THE MOOCHERS

As a kind individual, you may have unwittingly shared your Netflix account and password to your social circles (including ex-lovers). Their terrible viewing habits may hinder not only your streaming algorithm, but also cost you a lot. You can avoid these circumstances in one fell swoop! Simply go to My Account and click Sign out of all devices. Isn’t it neat?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Have fun binge-watching! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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Learn About The Essence Of Money By Watching These Films

Money is all around us. Thus, it comes as no shock that this subject sparked the imagination of countless screenwriters. Their works either graced the small or the silver screen. Many movies surrounding money or finance creates dramatic performances and universal themes. You could learn a thing of two from these films.

Without further ado, here are some “money movies” that are actually worth your time…

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING AN EMERGENCY FUND

Several articles I wrote stressed on the importance of establishing an emergency fund (e.g., Clever Ways To Build A Sufficient Emergency Fund). Widen your understanding by perceiving life through the lenses of George Bailey.

One of the most beloved films of all time, “It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)” teaches us about the effect money can have over us. Its follows the journey of George Bailey who led a seemingly perfect life in Bedford Falls. He was the head executive of a local financial institution – the Bailey Bros. Building and Loan Association. Everything changed on a Christmas Eve when an employee lost the $8,000 bank deposit. George had to face serious criminal charges for embezzlement. The financial crisis took a toll on him and he contemplated suicide.

If George set up an emergency fund, his financial crisis would have been alleviated significantly. An emergency fund aims to cushion personal financial dilemma such as bankruptcy, unemployment, or theft. He was a thrifty individual, but he did not consider to pay himself first.

Realistically speaking, chronic stress is a possible reaction to monetary woes. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when necessary.

THE FRUITS OF DETERMINATION

Pursuit of Happyness (2006) holds a special place in my heart. I would never forget the quote that Will Smith’s character delivered. He said: “Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it.” Naysayers and jealous people are inevitable in a competitive field such as ours. Not letting them get in the way of your success is just one moral lesson in the movie.

The movie beautifully paints rags-to-riches tale. Will Smith portrays the character named Christopher Gardner. Christopher was a salesman who struggled to make ends meet for his family. The height of their financial crisis led to the abandonment of his son. Against these depressing odds, he maintained a positive outlook. He took an unpaid internship to become a stockbroker. He would make about 200 calls a day! His determination and persistence shined through. These two factors are vital, if you want to thrive in life.

Christopher’s ability to find solutions in the face of financial adversity is truly inspirational.

THE EFFECTS OF GREED

The 1987 Wall Street flick conveyed the superb message that every dream has its price. The story centers on a young, desperate, and impatient stockbroker who is willing to do anything just to reach the peak. He was willing to step on his integrity to gain power. The characters embodied that greed is good, is right, and is necessary.

Let us define greed (pertaining to wealth) first. Psychologists have a definition for excessive love of money. They stated that it is about needing money for its own sake. Contrary to the need for money to satisfy personal and social goals. Greed, for the lack of a better term, is bad.

You are likely to commit mistakes, the more you are emotionally attached to money. You develop several biases when you are clouded with greed. For instance, “money lovers” were more likely to believe that savings could wait. Oh! Talk about not building a nest for the golden years.

This movie may be a classic, but its lessons are still relevant today.

Sources: 1,  2, & 3

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Best Finance, Trading, And Business Movies You Should Watch

If you are a student of Business and Finance, you must analyze books and films that portray salesmen, corporate consultants, traders, investors, bosses, and consumers at certain circumstances. And if you are a consumer, you must be aware of the sales tactics you must avoid. Films will not only help you to understand the dynamics of money but it will also help you empathize with the characters.

Beyond the infamous film called “Wolf of Wall Street”, here are the Best Finance, Trading, and Business Movies showcased from 1987 to present…

1. UP IN THE AIR (2009)

Ryan Bingham (acted by George Clooney), a corporate consultant, is used to life travelled in a fast lane. With his job comes the responsibility of firing employees for the companies who are not equipped to do so. His go to accessory? A handy luggage to bring all over the world because he never stops moving…until he met a fellow passenger named Alex.

In this movie you will see how the corporate culture is shown as the colleagues socializes with each other and how some people spend more time in the hotels than their own homes.

Genre: Drama & Romance

Rating: 7.5/10 at IMDb

2. WALL STREET (1987)

The original Wall Street film was released on 1987. This starred Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen. It centers on a young, desperate, and impatient stockbroker who is willing to do anything just to reach the peak. Embodying the true form of greed to the point that he is willing to give up his integrity for power. Some strong dialogues from the film include: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works.”

The impact of this film served as a standard for other finance-related movies that came after.

Genre: Drama & Crime

Rating: 7.4/10 at IMDb

3. MARGIN CALL (2011)

An Indie film that garnered lots of high praise at the Sundance Festival, Margin Call, shows the effect of a million-dollar venture gone badly in the period of the Great Recession. In a span of one day, it follows the employees of the investment bank as they resolve the financial crisis at hand. Interestingly, it is inspired by true events.

Packed with talented actors such as Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Simon Baker, and Demi Moore, it will keep you on the edge of your seat as the tension elevates every minute.

Genre: Drama & Thriller

Rating: 7.1/10 at IMDb

4. SOMETHING VENTURED (2011)

If you are a fan of true events then, kicking up realism up a notch is a documentary film about the pioneering venture capitalists and the companies they helped to emerge. This Indie documentary film is called: “Something Ventured”.

With its first-person view, you will know what it takes to be the risk takers for the top companies such as Apple, Cisco, Intel, Genentech, Atari, and Tandem.

Genre: Documentary, Biography, & History

Rating: 7/10 at IMDb

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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