SriLankan Airlines extends contract with Inflight Dublin for another 3 Years

May 24

Inflight Dublin, a leading provider of inflight entertainment solutions, is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with SriLankan Airlines for another three years. The decision was made after a comprehensive review of Inflight Dublin’s performance and the quality of its services.

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has been a valued partner of Inflight Dublin for several years. The airline has always been committed to delivering the best possible inflight experience to their passengers, and Inflight Dublin’s innovative inflight entertainment solutions have been a key component of this commitment.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with SriLankan Airlines,” said Barry Flynn, COO of Inflight Dublin. “We are proud of the exceptional service we have provided to SriLankan Airlines, and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver a world-class inflight entertainment experience to its passengers.”

“[Inflight Dublin's] inflight entertainment solutions have consistently met and exceeded our passengers' expectations, and we are confident that this partnership will continue to deliver outstanding results.”

Maria Sathasivam, Manager Product Development of SriLankan Airlines

Inflight Dublin has been instrumental in delivering the latest and greatest inflight entertainment content to SriLankan Airlines’ passengers, offering a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music. The company’s innovative and customisable solutions have allowed SriLankan Airlines to offer a truly personalised inflight entertainment experience to its passengers.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Inflight Dublin,” said  Maria Sathasivam, Manager Product Development of SriLankan Airlines. “Their inflight entertainment solutions have consistently met and exceeded our passengers’ expectations, and we are confident that this partnership will continue to deliver outstanding results.”

The extended partnership will ensure that SriLankan Airlines’ passengers continue to enjoy a superior inflight entertainment experience that will help make their travels more enjoyable.

About SriLankan Airlines:

SriLankan Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Sri Lanka, operating flights to over 110 destinations in 58 countries around the world. The airline has a strong reputation for providing excellent service and is committed to delivering a seamless travel experience to its passengers.

For more information visit www.srilankan.com

 

About Inflight Dublin:

Inflight Dublin is a leading provider of inflight entertainment solutions, offering customisable content, digital advertising, and software services to airlines worldwide. The company has been delivering innovative solutions for over 30 years and has a reputation for excellence in the inflight entertainment industry.

For more information visit www.inflightdublin.com

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Inflight Dublin chosen by MGA to provide IFE Content  & Wireless services

March 22

 

MGA (Mavi Gök Airlines) has selected Inflight Dublin as their inflight entertainment (IFE) partner for the supply of content, and Wireless IFE, where they will utilise Inflight Dublin’s end-to-end solution, Everhub™.

“As passenger expectations for IFE on long and short haul routes continues to evolve, MGA is proud to partner with Inflight Dublin and gain access to their innovative inflight entertainment solutions. Inflight Dublin’s leadership within the IFE space is backed by the high quality and value of their products and services, giving us the confidence in this partnership. ”

M. Abdullah Çitçi – General Manager – Mavi Gök Airlines (MGA)

This 3 year-contract will see Inflight Dublin (IFD) service MGA’s B777s with content licensing, metadata, and audio-visual post production services for their seatback IFE system.

In addition, one of MGA’s B737 aircraft will be equipped with Everhub™, the most robust wireless IFE solution in the market. Everhub™ enables passengers to stream media through their own smartphones, tablets or laptops. With a single Everhub™ server, a B737 full of MGA passengers will have access to a tailored content and games package on an interactive user interface that is aligned with MGA’s brand.

“Inflight Dublin is delighted that MGA has chosen us to be their content and wireless provider. Being their single point of contact for both service lines will ensure smooth communications and enhanced operational efficiencies. Moving forward, our goal is to expand the content offering for seat-back, and feature set on Everhub™, so that MGA passengers continue to have an enjoyable and seamless entertainment experience no matter what MGA flight they are on.”– Barry Flynn – Chief Operating Officer – Inflight Dublin

ABOUT INFLIGHT DUBLIN 

We are a leading global provider of inflight entertainment solutions for both wireless and seat-back systems. Established in 1984, we combine CSP expertise with state-of-the-art hardware and software solutions. With full access to early window Hollywood content, a fully-fledged design department, and one of the most comprehensive end-to-end wireless IFE platforms, Everhub™, featuring our DO-160G certified next-generation hardware, we cater to each airlines’ tailored needs with every aspect of our products and services provided in-house.

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Inflight Dublin adds FlightPath3D to its suite of Partner apps to Deliver Enhanced Moving Map to Growing Wireless IFE Marketplace

November 15

Inflight Dublin adds FlightPath3D interactive moving map to its suite of Partner apps to Inflight Dublin’s award-winning Everhub wireless platform. Inflight Dublin will offer FlightPath3D’s product as an option to clients.

“We are delighted to be working with FlightPath3D to provide their map as an option for Everhub as well as our existing map. This partnership and integration advances our goal to grow Everhub as a delivery platform to complement our software with best-of-breed partner products, delivering exciting new content and services as part of a one-stop shop to our clients and prospects.”

David Miller, Inflight Dublin’s CTO

“This integration with Inflight Dublin extends the offering from seatback IFE systems to the rapidly growing market for wireless IFE platforms. We look forward to growing our partnership with the ultimate goal of giving digital travellers an immersive, flexible experience. ”

Duncan Jackson, President of FlightPath3D

The integrated product is already being offered to mutual clients of both companies, in particular airlines that have selected Inflight Dublin’s Everhub wireless platform for their fleet. The first confirmed joint client is Sunclass Airlines.

About Inflight Dublin: IFD is a leading global provider of inflight entertainment solutions for both wireless and seat-back systems. Established in 1984, IFD combines CSP expertise with state-of-the-art hardware and software solutions. With full access to early window Hollywood content, a fully-fledged design department, and one of the most comprehensive end-to-end wireless IFE platforms, Everhub™, IFD caters to each airlines’ tailored needs.

About FlightPath3D: The Aviation Industry’s #1 Map Provider. Run your map with the map software experts, building software that’s integrated with ALL the leading IFE vendors. Any Device. Any Platform. Fast Set-Up. Integrated. Personalized. Selected by more than 70 airlines in just 7 years.

FlightPath3D has designed the most compelling and innovative interactive travel solution for both passengers and airlines. With augmented views and relevant flight information, the inflight journey is captivating. A smart, immersive travel guide and route map enables passengers to explore in-destination experiences and inspires them to discover places to visit and research flights. Through their actions, searches, and map interactions, passengers provide airlines and airports with the knowledge of what interests them most about a location and what future destinations excite them for loyalty and strategic planning.

Betria Interactive LLC (dba FlightPath3D) has the industry’s largest specialized map team providing customized map software, application development, and maintenance. For additional information, please visit http://www.FlightPath3D.com or contact crew@flightpath3d.com.

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Inflight Dublin signs 3-year partnership with MIAT Mongolian Airlines

September 14

Inflight Dublin has been selected by MIAT Mongolian Airlines to provide inflight entertainment (IFE) Content and Wireless solutions.

Inflight Dublin will be deploying its Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™, on four of MIAT’s aircraft including three B737’s and one B767. The DO-160G certified hardware will be complemented by the Everhub™ browser-based software which features a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in both Mongolian and English. MIAT will have access to the back-office Control Centre which enables them to manage aspects of the Hardware, Software, and Content offering as well as update their own advertisements.

“MIAT is delighted to be introducing Everhub wireless inflight entertainment on board to deliver an enhanced experience to our passengers. We are very impressed with the low-cost nature and ease of use of the Everhub system, both from a passenger and airline perspective. Inflight Dublin has provided a high-level of support to MIAT for this project and we look forward to continue building on our partnership.”

Bekhtuvshin Altansukh, MIAT’s Avionic System Engineer

MIAT will also have access to detailed analytics with IFD Insights and manage Duty Free and Food and Beverage orders through the dedicated Crew App.

Our new partnership with MIAT is another example of Inflight Dublin supporting airlines who want to take their first step into the IFE market. There is a variety of in-seat and wireless IFE options available to airlines, but Inflight Dublin’s Everhub solution is fast becoming the default choice for airlines looking for value for money, flexibility and scalability. This positive news is just one of many exciting announcements Inflight Dublin will be making over the coming months as we continue to lead in the wireless IFE market.” – Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO

“There is a variety of in-seat and wireless IFE options available to airlines, but Inflight Dublin’s Everhub solution is fast becoming the default choice for airlines looking for value for money, flexibility and scalability.”

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Sitting Down With: Rika Argadireja, Metadata Team Lead

August 03

Next up in the ‘Sitting Down With’ series is Inflight Dublin’s Metadata Team Lead and expert, Rika Argadireja. She discusses the importance of high-quality metadata in the IFE industry, challenges faced, and predicted trends for the future of IFE metadata. Enjoy!

How much importance is placed upon IFE metadata when it comes to working with airline clients?

Metadata management for inflight entertainment is essential – without good metadata, content may never be chosen to watch! Any data that we put onboard will be seen by the client and most importantly, their passengers, so it is a core selling tool to entice passengers to view the content. At Inflight Dublin, we ensure that any information, synopsis, or images we provide are of the highest quality and are age and culture appropriate based on the airline’s requirements. Furthermore, we do a number of internal quality checks before signing off the metadata to be delivered to the airline.

 

What are the main challenges the Metadata team faces each cycle and how do you tackle them?

No two days are the same in the metadata department. We face a range of challenges during every update, from managing strict overlapping deadlines during busier months, to having to edit the content images we’re putting onboard so they’re SFW (safe for work). Fortunately, we can rely on our ever-improving time management and task planning, and there’s nothing a little Photoshop magic can’t solve!

Is there any unique processes or methods that IFD uses to ensure the delivery of accurate and timely metadata?

To ensure complete accuracy, we do thorough quality control for every airline client. Once we’ve completed the metadata entry on the integrator’s documents or portals, we would manually check the information we’ve uploaded, make any necessary changes, and double-check again after any corrections have been made. We also work with other internal departments in Inflight Dublin, such as the Account Management department, to do final metadata checks before signing off.

And to deliver metadata in a timely manner, we meticulously record and track all the deadlines we have for the month in our internal system. The Metadata team also work very closely together and keep a constant communication stream open to work as efficiently as possible – in some instances where there are tight deadlines, the team will work collaboratively with tasks so deadlines are always met without any delay.

 

Do you predict any changes or trends in the future of metadata in terms of what passengers expect or want to see on their seatback screens or personal devices?

Another responsibility of the Metadata team is the managing of our clients’ microsites. These have become even more popular to have as it allows airlines to provide an up-to-date and interactive content catalogue to excite their passengers before their flight and encourage engagement with the system.

The popularity of Wireless Inflight Entertainment systems is also growing rapidly. These require additional Metadata requirements that Inflight Dublin has extensive experience with, particularly with our own wireless IFE system, Everhub. I think passengers are starting to expect multiple ways to view and learn about the content on board, such as they do at home. This will result in more thought going into how the content and metadata is displayed and accessed by passengers to give them the most immersive and enjoyable inflight entertainment experience.

 

Want to learn more about Inflight Dublin’s services? Get in touch mail@inflightdublin.com

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Inflight Dublin’s Everhub iPad Solution Wins PAX Tech Award

June 24

Inflight Dublin has received a Technology Award for its Everhub iPad Solution in the PAX Tech International Awards.

With the ceremony taking place in Hamburg during AIX, Inflight Dublin was on site to accept the award that was chosen by PAX International subscribers over a number of months.

This is another award that Inflight Dublin has won for its Everhub product, after being placed on the Top 10 Aviation Solution Providers list by Aerospace Defense Review in 2021.

 

The Everhub iPad Solution

The Everhub iPad solution is an extension of Inflight Dublin’s reputable Wireless IFE solution which leverages the robust infrastructure to deliver content remotely to a server anywhere in the world. As well as this, the flexible Everhub software has been future-proofed as it can easily be configured to any IFE system, including iPads. The Everhub iPad solution is an innovative way for airlines to provide additional inflight entertainment options on board, with passengers having access to pre-loaded content chosen by the airline on the latest generation iPad devices.

Inflight Dublin’s cloud-based CDS (Content Delivery System) uses AWS and the latest technology and has been developed and fine-tuned over the years to continually enhance the content delivery process. To further support this product, Inflight Dublin developed a native app version of the distinguished passenger application to host the content on iPad devices. As with all Wireless IFE clients, the airline can have this native app fully customized to reflect their brand and layout preferences. The sync and charge station also has the capability to charge and update up to 32 iPad devices simultaneously, making the turnaround time in between flights swift and efficient.

 

The Benefits

  • Content delivery efficiencies – Content is quickly and seamlessly delivered remotely to the server anywhere in the world, allowing airlines to load content and get it on board in the quickest turnaround time.
  • Dynamic IFE offering – Inflight Dublin uses the latest generation of iPads for the ultimate content-viewing experience. It gives airlines and passengers additional ways to enjoy IFE on board as well as traditional seatback screens and Wireless streaming to passengers’ own devices.
  • Seamlessly blends and aligns with the airline’s other IFE systems – Inflight Dublin can customize the native app to the finest detail required by the airline so that all IFE systems are synergized under the one brand.
  • Cost-savings – Airlines save time and money due to reducing the delivery of drives and other physical items, as all content delivery is done over the cloud.

 

Flying with: Qatar Airways Group

Initially being chosen to supply the Everhub iPad Solution to Qatar Executive, the project was expanded to service Qatar Airways and Qatar Amiri Flight after a successful initial rollout.

Inflight Dublin initially delivered over 200 pre-loaded iPads to the three airlines in the Qatar Airways Group in September 2021, and this has later grown to 500+. The interactive media application features a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is designed to replicate Qatar Airways’ illustrious IFE brand, Oryx One, making it a truly immersive and brand-aligned experience. The pre-loaded iPads are available to Qatar Airways Business Class passengers on selected flights as well as on Qatar Executive and Qatar Amiri Flight.

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Inflight Dublin chosen by Drukair for the provision of IFE Content and Wireless services

June 15

Inflight Dublin has been selected by Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, to provide its end-to-end wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) solution, Everhub™.

As part of a 5-year partnership, Inflight Dublin will initially be equipping three of Drukair’s A319 and A320 aircraft with its Everhub™ Wireless IFE solution. Consisting of Hardware, Software and Content, Drukair’s passengers will have access to a wide range of content including Hollywood Blockbusters, Local Movies, TV shows, Audio, and frequently updated Newspapers and Magazines.

The GUI is available in the local Dzongkha language to make the platform even more accessible and user-friendly to Drukair’s passengers. An interactive catalogue of retail and food and beverage products will be available for passengers to place orders directly from their own devices. This will integrate with Inflight Dublin’s innovative Crew App which Drukair will be utilizing to manage and fulfil orders on board.

 

 

“Drukair is delighted to be introducing inflight entertainment services on board and Inflight Dublin’s ‘one-stop-shop’ solution was very attractive as it provides a truly complete IFE package. We are confident that this innovative service will be a welcomed addition to our inflight offering and will deliver an enhanced digital experience for both our passengers and crew.””

– Capt Dhondup Gyaltshen, Chief Pilot, Drukair

“This partnership with Drukair further extends Inflight Dublin’s stance in the Asian market as we continue to successfully partner with many reputable airlines in the region. The versatility of the Everhub solution is gaining the attention of airlines that need a full end-to-end IFE and retail capability and we look forward to delivering this and provide an engaging digital experience to Drukair and their passengers.” – John White, Inflight Dublin’s CEO.

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Sitting Down With: David Miller, CTO

March 24

Next up in the ‘Sitting Down With’ series is Inflight Dublin’s CTO, David Miller. He discusses the standout features of Everhub, Wireless trends such as advertising and integrations, and where he sees growth in the industry. Enjoy!

What steps does Inflight Dublin take to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology trends in the industry?

We closely monitor trends and developments in the industry, and conduct research to identify areas where we could innovate and develop our existing offering. A key source is client feedback and requests made for additional features. So, for example, we have seen a demand for hybrid systems where airlines want to mix both portable and aircraft-powered servers across their fleet. We have also seen a growth in the combination of wireless IFE with onboard connectivity. However, our deployment with Qatar Airways for the Everhub Preloaded iPad solution shows us there is still demand for native application support.

 

What are the standout hardware and software features of the Everhub solution that make it so versatile?

When we developed our own Everhub server we were able to learn from our experiences with other systems – what worked well and what didn’t. This allowed us to deliver a low-maintenance experience to our airline clients when it comes to implementation and operational management. For example, features like the swappable batteries without any downtime in-flight, and the touch screen interface makes life that bit easier and more efficient.

On the software side, we have focussed on rolling out a single product architecture and feature set which can be reused across all clients and on all supported platforms (including portable and fixed wireless systems). So, as we add new capabilities, we can make these available to everyone. Over the last two years, we have been building out Everhub as a platform for partner integrations, including Games, Advertising, Destination Services, and Payments. All these integrations have been modularized, allowing clients to “pick and mix” as required.

Think of Everhub as a shop, and we can have a variety of content and services available in the shop window.

How do you see the demand for Wireless IFE developing in the coming years? Do you think more airlines will adopt it alongside seatback?

Absolutely, based on the enquiries we are getting now we can see a trend growing for wireless IFE adoption. This has been driven by several factors including the increased rollout of narrow-bodied aircraft for long-haul routes, as well as the desire to offer more ancillary services to airlines using the wireless IFE product as a platform. In addition, COVID-19 has driven the growth in demand from a cost reduction, flexibility and hygiene perspective.

As mentioned above, we can see growing interest in the “extended platform” – where we not only provide IFE, but a means to deliver a range of services from ourselves and our partners.

 

What are some key areas that Inflight Dublin differentiates from its competitors in the wireless space?

Where Inflight Dublin stands out is the ability to deliver a one-stop-shop to clients. We offer exciting content, our own fully-certified hardware, and flexible software for multiple platforms and partner integrations, all delivered with our own implementation and design services from a highly skilled and experienced in-house team.

Our Everhub trial system has been very successful in growing demand and demonstrating the proven value the system brings to airlines’ inflight service. We can have a new client up and running in a matter of weeks.

Key to our offering is holding to a vision for an integrated baseline product that can be grown as required. Not only for the wireless streaming capability but also for the back-office analytics which all clients have access to as part of the offering. In addition, given our CSP heritage, there are several new initiatives we can drive to support the end-to-end life cycle for our clients.

 

Want to learn more about Everhub™? Get in touch mail@inflightdublin.com

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Inflight Dublin selected by Novair to provide Wireless IFE trial

March 15

Inflight Dublin has been chosen by Novair to provide its end-to-end wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) solution, Everhub™.

Beginning in February, Inflight Dublin will initially be equipping Novair’s fleet of A321 aircraft with a 6-month trial of its Everhub™ Wireless solution consisting of Hardware, Software and Content. The fully certified server houses the Everhub™ software platform which can be accessed via a web application on passengers’ personal devices. Customized to align with Novair’s brand requirements, the user-friendly GUI allows passengers to easily navigate the system and browse the latest Hollywood blockbusters, TV Shows, International content, Documentaries, Games and digitized Publications available on board.

Novair operates a fleet of A321 neos to both traditional Mediterranean destinations and long-distance destinations. Novair was recently sold to Danish Jet Nordic Group, who also operate Jet Time.

“Novair places a big focus on choosing products and services that align with our brand values and sustainability goals. Utilizing Inflight Dublin’s Everhub™ solution allows us to create a unique and enhanced passenger experience that also minimizes weight and fuel costs, particularly due to the ability to make all paper materials digital on the system. Novair is committed to providing the highest level of service to our passengers and we look forward to working with Inflight Dublin to deliver this innovative solution.” – Paul de Susini – Head of Onboard product & catering, Novair.

“Utilizing Inflight Dublin’s Everhub™ solution allows us to create a unique and enhanced passenger experience that also minimizes weight and fuel costs...”

“With Everhub™, Novair will benefit from an innovative digital solution that generates revenue and reduces their environmental impact while also entertaining their passengers with a broad content package tailored to their unique audience. We are delighted to be working with Novair on this project and we look forward to engage and delight its passengers on board.” – Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO 

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What You Watching?: Current Trends in Film

February 28

2019 seems a long time ago, right? Back then, it was smooth sailing for the movie industry:

  • Audience numbers were up.
  • Records were getting smashed at the box office.
  • And fresh content was being greenlit left, right and centre.

Then a certain virus came on the scene and caused all sorts of trouble. Cinemas shut, productions stopped, and delays ensued. The world of movies – from creation to release to consumption – was turned upside-down.

Fast forward to today, some two-ish years later: where are we? Has the industry recovered, or is it stuck in the doldrums? Have any new trends emerged? What’s changed, and what’s stayed the same?

Let’s take a look.

 

The Return of the Blockbuster

2019 was a big one for blockbusters. Here are the top ten performers at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo:

What a time it was: nine titles broke the billion-dollar barrier, and the top two, Avengers: Endgame and The Lion King, are currently the 2nd and 8th highest-grossing films of all time.

As Variety reported here, the global box office return was a monstrous $42.5 billion – a new record that, I suspect, will last for some time.

Compare this to 2020.

The best-performing Hollywood title, Bad Boys For Life, brought in $42.5 million – less than a sixth of what the previous year’s number one (Avengers: Endgame) accrued. Tenet‘s return amounted to $36.3 million: Chris Nolan’s lowest since 2006’s The Prestige.

Overall, as per Deadline, the global gross dropped 71% to $12.4 billion from its 2019 heights. Ouch.

And 2021? The data certainly makes for interesting reading:

The year’s story was, of course, Spider-Man: No Way Home. The 6th highest-grossing movie ever (this could still improve: it’s still in the cinemas!), it outperformed its predecessor, Spider-man: Far From Home, by nearly $700K – despite the restrictions around the world. Excellent work, Spidey.

No Time to Die did very well too. The oft-delayed conclusion to Daniel Craig’s Bond stint was met with near-universal praise, and brought in the second-highest gross for an English language title.

Overall, it says something when the 9th best performing title of 2021 (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) brings in more than 2020’s number one. That “something” being:

  • The movie industry is gradually recovering.
  • Audiences are hungry for movies.
  • The pull of the Hollywood blockbuster remains strong.

 

Marvel’s Enduring Popularity

According to the 2021 data, four of the year’s top 10 performers were part of the Marvel canon:

  • Spider-Man: No Way Home
  • Venom: Let There be Carnage
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and
  • Eternals.

And then there’s the aforementioned Black Widow, which just missed out. Combined, the total gross for all five amounted to a princely sum of around $3.5 billion.

Evidently, fourteen years after Iron Man, the MCU still has immense pulling-power worldwide.

And, looking at the upcoming Marvel movies in 2022, this isn’t going to change anytime soon: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of MadnessThor: Love and Thunder, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are all on the way, with more in the pipeline for 2023 and 2024.

 

Movie Genres

A lot has changed over the last two years, but then again, some things have stayed the same: like our love of explosions, guns and car chases

Action is, by some distance, the most popular genre globally.

Nine out of ten of 2021’s best performers were action-orientated, and the likes of Dune, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Matrix: Resurrections all made the top 30.

It’s a similar story in 2022. Chinese blockbuster Water Gate Bridge leads the way, with a hefty gross of $480 million. Bucking the trend of video game movies underachieving at the box office, Unchartered has a gross of $140 million (so far), while The 355 sits comfortably in the top ten too.

Onto animation. 2019 was an incredible year for the genre: seven made the overall top 20, and two (The Lion King and Frozen II) accrued the 2nd and 3rd top grosses of the year.

2020 was challenging, but things are getting better. Raya and the Last Dragon, Encanto and Sing 2 did well in 2021, and with Lightyear, Sonic 2, Spider-man: Across the Spiderverse, Minions: The Rise of Kru, and Pinocchio on the horizon, 2022 could – whisper it – see a return to 2019 levels.

And what of the music biopic? So hot a few years back I even wrote a post about it (click here if you’re interested).

It does seem that demand has cooled lately. The Aretha Franklin movie, Respect, did decent business, but overall 2020 and 2021 were barren years for the subgenre. The heady days of Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody seem a while ago now.

However, there’s some in the pipeline for 2022: Austin Butler’s Elvis looks promising, and word is there’s an Ozzy Osboure movie on the way too. So you never know. Like Queen at Live Aid, a comeback could be on the cards.

Last but not least – horror.

With the likes of A Quiet Place, Midsommar, Get Out! and Hereditary, it’s been a vintage few years for the genre, both with the movie-going public and the critics.

The trend continued in 2021: A Quiet Place: Part 2 was the 14th highest-grossing movie of that year, and Halloween Kills exceeded expectations, bringing in $132 million.

However, most impressive (and perhaps surprising) of all is the confusingly-titled Scream: the 5th instalment in the self-referential slasher series, it’s the second best performing Hollywood film of 2022 so far.

 

The Rise of the Non-English Movie

When Parasite won the Best Foreign Language Golden Globe in 2020, director Bong Joon-ho memorably said this:

“Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

Bong Joohn-ho, Director of Parasite

So, two years on, did we, as an audience, get over the barrier? Was Parasite the watershed cultural moment that many thought it would be?

Well, sort of.

On the one hand, there’s little argument that Hollywood titles still dominate the global box office. For instance, in 2021, just three of the top ten weren’t in English.

Still, it’s an upswing when you consider that, in 2018 and 2019, every title was an English-language one.

Also, as mentioned, the Mandarin movie Water Gate Bridge currently sits atop this year’s box office rankings, while behind it in 2nd is another from China – Too Cool to Kill.

The signs for independent features are encouraging too.

Pedro Almodóvar’s Parallel Mothers and Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari outperformed a number of big-budget Hollywood titles, while Das perfekte Geheimnis was the second highest-grosser in Germany, surpassing F9: The Fast Saga and Dune.

All positive signs, for sure. We mightn’t have clambered over the one-inch barrier just yet, but we’re getting there.

 

Final Thoughts

So, strange and exciting times in the movie world.

Some things have changed, like the increased popularity of non-English titles, while others have stayed the same: the dominance of the action genre and the demand for Marvel titles, for instance.

Also, although numbers aren’t what they were in 2018 and 2019, it’s still encouraging to see grosses recover significantly in 2021 from the miserable lows of 2020.

And there are more reasons for optimism in 2022.

Scream and Unchartered‘s unexpected box office triumphs are a welcome boost, and there are so many big hitters still to come: The BatmanDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World: Dominion and Lightyear, to name a few.

Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be interesting!

If you’d like to learn how we source the most on-trend content for our clients – and how we can do the same for your airline – get in touch at mail@inflightdublin.com.

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