The Nines opens Friday
I feel like I’ve done so much publicity on it that everyone probably sick of me talking about it, but here’s the direct appeal:
My movie THE NINES opens this Friday, August 31st, in Los Angeles and New York.
Please come see it. And if you can’t, keep reading to find out how to get it to play near you.
In LA, it’s exclusively at the Nuart (on Santa Monica, just west of the 405). In New York, it’s at Sunshine Cinemas on Houston. You can find maps (and a lot of other information) at the official site: lookforthenines.com.
For those who haven’t been paying attention, or who need to convince friends to accompany them: The movie stars Ryan Reynolds, Hope Davis and Melissa McCarthy, along with Elle Fanning, David Denman, Octavia Spencer and Dahlia Salem. I wrote and directed. We premiered at Sundance, and will be competing in Critics’ Week at the Venice Film Festival next week. I’m really proud of it, and happy that it’s gotten great reviews (we’re 100% on Rotten Tomatoes so far).1
All that’s left is to sell tickets.
If you’re friends with filmmakers, you’ll know that they always plead for you to see their movies opening weekend. And you do, to be supportive, though you know it your heart that your $9.00 won’t make the tiniest bit of difference in that film’s multi-million dollar weekend.
But with The Nines, your buying tickets actually matters. A lot.
Because we’re on just two screens, it’s all about the per-screen average this first week. With a great per-screen average, we can plan for a more aggressive expansion. With a less-than-great per-screen average, it will be much more difficult.2
It’s only a slight exaggeration to say that two tickets can push us over a certain threshold, and convince Landmark, Laemmle’s, or Pacific to give us better screens, be it a week or a month from now. Put it this way: You might prefer to see The Nines at The Arclight. Or in San Francisco. Or Vancouver. But the best chance of that happening is if you buy a ticket for it at The Nuart or The Sunshine, this weekend.
And the very best tickets you can buy are for the special screenings we’re holding on Friday night.
- LOS ANGELES
- Nuart Theater on Santa Monica (map)
- Friday, August 31st
- 7:30 p.m. After-show Q&A with John August, Melissa McCarthy and other cast/crew
- 10:00 p.m. Introduction by John and Melissa
- NEW YORK
- Sunshine Cinemas on Houston (map)
- Friday, August 31st
- 8 p.m. Special guests Ryan Reynolds and producer Bruce Cohen
Tickets for these and all shows are online:
At Moviefone
At Movietickets.com
(In both cases, you may need to provide dates and zipcodes; the sites seem to overrule URLS with cookies.3 For LA, try 90046. For NYC, try 10002. August 31st is the opening day.)
If you’re not able to make it — or if you live in one of the 2,000 markets in which it’s not playing — but want to support us anyway, I can tell you off-the-record that a ticket sold is a ticket sold. They don’t count heads. And those under-attended Sunday matinees need love, too.
There will be at least two more bits of Nines-related news this week before the opening. I leave for Venice on Saturday, which should preclude checking back obsessively. But probably won’t.
- This will change. ↩
- Anticipating the natural follow-up question: No, I’m not sure what those benchmarks would be — it’s not a single answer. The distributor needs to feel confident in committing new money for prints and advertising; the exhibitors need to want to show it; the entertainment press needs to point out how well the film did on two screens, on Labor Day Weekend, no less. ↩
- My kingdom for a true permalink. ↩
Articles
August 28th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I just bought two tickets for Saturday morning though it’s not likely I’ll make it up from San Diego. I may just come though! Good luck!
August 28th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I’ll be at the 7:30 show in LA. Looking forward to seeing the film and hearing you and the cast speak. Although my wife will now be pissed that Ryan is at the New York screening.
August 28th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Gah!
Toronto beckons! Listen to it John. Listen!
Good luck this weekend! I hope you can hit that ‘aggressive’ button soon!
August 28th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I won’t be home
so I can’t see it. I’m dying to see this film.
August 28th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Still trying to find a way to be in Venice in the w-end and Monday to see “The Nines” and a couple of other flicks. In the case I’ll come and say hi after the screening.
August 28th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
I saw the 100% on rottentomatoes and then saw you wrote it. It looks great. I’m going to try to go down to the landmark sunshine this weekend, even if it means I have to trudge through the “too cool” kids south of 14th st.
August 28th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Is this a comedy or a drama? Or a dramedy? I was reading some of the reviews and they say it is a comedy, but everything else I read on these internets say it is a drama. And to be honest, the poster makes it look like a drama.
August 28th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I’m not sick of you pimping your flick. If it was my site I’d do the same. I read a quote the other day from an ASC cinematographer (don’t recall his name). He said those of us who master the art of self promotion in this business succeed…those of us that don’t quickly fade into obscurity.
I thought it was apropo.
August 28th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I bought a ticket in LA just for you even though I live 2500 miles from there. Yes, I’m dead serious.
On a much more pressing note, this film NEEDS to be shown in Honolulu - preferably at the Regal Dole Cannery Theater. If you can get it to show there, I promise you I will see it twice, I’ll drag my husband to go with me, and I’ll relentlessly nag everyone I know to go see it. I saw the first 9 minutes and now I NEED to see this film. Whatever it takes for that to happen, I will help you do it.
On a side note: if you can do one of those Q & A things out here, I will be eternally grateful - hardly anyone interesting ever comes out here.
August 28th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
You managed to take a gentle swipe at Toronto in the first nine minutes of the film (I’m assuming it was nothing more than a thinly-veiled reference to your horrible experience filming D.C. up here), so why not throw us a bone and convince someone to add a screening here? Early September is always a good time for not-so-mainstream films…
August 28th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Would love to see the movie in Etobicoke… but then again… fat chance, eh?
August 28th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Well, because i’m such a swell guy (and I know you’d do the same for me), I’m bringing a few friends opening night at the Nuart.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
RS (#10):
Actually, I’ve got nothing but love for Toronto. It was cold, but it was nice. The strangest part about getting fired was that I had expected to be back a dozen more times that season — then never made it.
theFrog (#9):
You are now my hero. Please introduce yourself, or wear something Frog-related so I can spot you.
Scott L (#7):
The film is several genres at once, which is also known as “tough to market.”
August 28th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
While the trip from Milwaukee to see it probably isn’t feasible, I’ll keep an eye on the Sunday afternoon showings and buy a $10 (yikes!) ticket if there are any left. Just keep the Oriental theater in mind when you’re scheduling national dates, m’kay?
August 28th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
I’m going to be at the Friday 7:30pm showing at the Nuart.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
unfortunately, I just bought a ticket to an empty seat… I can’t make it to the actual show. However, if the film makes it to Honolulu and you happen to be here for that showing, I’ll definitely flag you down for a pic and an autograph.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
From the sounds of it, the screenings might be sold out but only be half-filled with people. As long as it brings money in, then you will be set.
By the way, any chance of you coming to my country of Australia? We have great weather and great beaches, and the people are nice (mostly).
August 28th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Hey John!
I cant wait..I’m actually planning to go to the NYC screening at 8pm on Friday!
I dont know…I havent’ seen MUCH publicity for The Nines here in NYC…I dont know if any posters are up yet or not…weird.
I’ll check the Villagevoice to see if there’s a review for the film at least…
But, I will definitely be looking forward to this on Friday.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:02 am
I wish I could go to the LA screening, but being a student = poor, so I can’t travel. But I did buy one ticket. Hope it helps. Here’s to wishing it will expand here to Vegas. (crosses fingers)
August 29th, 2007 at 1:11 am
I actually came to the site to make a comment that it’s gotten a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but you beat me to it. Just to feed your ego a little more, I thought this review was rather encouraging…
“It’s that increasingly rare animal, a comedy that is engaging, funny, and smart. And since this is only August’s first film, it bodes well for the future.” Reel.com
One thing you didn’t mention is that there is a picture of you on the review page. Martin Scorses certainly didn’t get that for The Departed.
Your comment about buying tickets even if you can’t go reminds me of that scene in Entourage where it’s claimed that `a cast member for Ocean’s 11′ bought $3 million in tickets opening weekend for one of his movies to make sure it would go number 1. How much money do YOU have, John?
August 29th, 2007 at 1:18 am
I hope it does well so it can come over here to the UK, I just wish i could get to new york for friday!
August 29th, 2007 at 5:42 am
I’m curious: The film looks terrific and all but with only two theaters to show it, how do you make money? I know next to nothing about the business side of films and I’m curious. How do you recoup the cost of the production? Not you as the screenwriter or director but the whole venture.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:50 am
Good Luck, John!
I’d love to be in LA or NYC these weekend but… Madrid is too far way!
I hope “The nines” will be released in Spain, too!
¡Mucha suerte! You deserve it!
August 29th, 2007 at 7:22 am
Rounding up a big crew for NYC Sunshine 8/31 8pm screening. Best to you and enjoy this weekend, John - you’ve earned it.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I’ve never commented before but thought I’d break my lurking habit today, because I have indeed just purchased 2 tix to the 7.30pm showing at the Nuart. I really couldn’t not purchase, since I live like, three blocks away. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to seeing it, and to hearing the q&a. I’m a fan of the blog and of your work. So thanks for the heads-up!
August 29th, 2007 at 11:49 am
I’ll be there at the LA screening! Can’t wait. Was kind of hoping to see Bruce Cohen there too… but ah, well! Best of Luck.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I’m depressed. I live in NYC but I’m in Albuquerque and there isn’t any theatre scheduled to show “The Nines.” Hopefully that will change as this movie blows up as the first adult hit of the fall. Best of luck and I look forward to seeing this when I’m back in a more indie-friendly city.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I would actually drive from my home near Toronto to go see one of these screenings in person, but alas I’m home in Berlin and not home in Canada.
Didn’t a German distributor sign on for the international distribution? Here’s to hoping they bring it to Berlin.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Hey! I can’t wait to see your movie. My husband and I will be in New York on Friday at 8 PM. Even though you won’t be there ::frown:: we are super excited for the Q&A with Ryan and Bruce. This just looks like one of those films that participating in a Q&A afterwards would be really helpful. Congrats on your movie and your (so far) 100% on RottenTomatoes!
August 29th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Liked the trailer. Do you have any interest from Europe re distribution? I suggest you start a You tube channel for yourself.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
A good friend of mine is coming into town for the weekend. Being from Iowa, of course he’d be the one to say, “Did you know a guy from Drake directed a movie and it’s premiering this weekend? He also wrote Go!” He had no idea I was already planning on going to it, but I think he’s still flabbergasted that anyone from Iowa (besides me) is making a living as an actual screenwriter* in LA.
Hope the weekend goes well. I bought several tickets.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Ditto Dan @ #6 re: the “cool kids” downtown in NYC. I have been reassured, repeatedly, that my screening from hell at the Sunshine when it opened (several years ago) was completely atypical. Still, I never returned…until now. The Sunshine has three more chances to win me back.
The Nines itself had me at “so I made a movie.”
I’ll probably also be astrally attending a Nuart screening or two — if there are even any tickets still available….
August 29th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
John,
As per your instructions, I have purchased $1 million in tickets for this weekend, in both L.A. and New York. I am still awaiting the money you promised to wire me when the task was completed.
Tim W.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
John, I’m going to buy tickets now for the Friday screening, hope to introduce myself to you there. And once the dust clears and you’ve got more time this fall, I’d like to invite you to visit our site to talk about the whole experience with our writers, if you’re open to that? I’ll email you seperately. Good luck with opening weekend! thanks.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
According to google maps, there is 853 km between my house and the Sunshine cinema. And I will happily cross the border in the middle of the night to go see your movie. I would have love to meet you though. Good luck for the weekend!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Nine dollars. Ha! I get it! Really, it’s more like $11.75. But I will be there.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
John,
I’m gonna see it this weekend in LA. But I’d wish you’d expand on this question. How can a SUPER successful screenwriter with a HUGE STAR in their movie have such a small opening?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I wish you the best of luck with your film. The Sunshine Theater is a jewel of a place to show any film. It’s a great alternative theater and I’m sure your unique film will be in good company.
All the best!!
August 29th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Cheers to the modesty, but if the man who wrote and directed the film isn’t passionately trying to get people to see it, then something’s wrong.
I wouldn’t want to go see a film the makers didn’t care about.
When a screen close enough to me has it (Victoria, BC), I’m in.
August 30th, 2007 at 1:34 am
John….if still available I will by tix for my buddies in LA…Wish I could be there for the Q & A! I will be at the Bumbershoot festival in Seattle this weekend…
Just saw Mr. Reynolds on Conan, pumping the film…He was on top of his game as always and should give the nines just the push you are looking for!!!
Nothing but love for you up here in Seattle…Bring it up here soon please!!!
August 30th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Count me in for Sunshine at 8.
That’s not going to be as impressive as our frog friend (#9) given that I live a few blocks away from it - but if I said I were just as enthusiastic anyway, would you believe me?
August 30th, 2007 at 7:47 am
What a cool article on your house in the LA Times today! Your abode looks amazing, and the story made me even more excited to see the film.
August 30th, 2007 at 9:56 am
I am so pissed off. I pre-ordered my tickets to the 7:30 showing and have been looking forward to it for a couple weeks, but it turns out I have a mandatory class event that evening. So I guess I’ll probably see it Monday, but I am really bummed out about missing your pre-show talk, John.
August 30th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Echoing the comments above re the article in today’s Times…one question though, whose the artist [shown in the article picture] hanging in your living area?
See you at the Nuart.
August 30th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
My hubby Rob and I will be there at 7:30 on Friday, tix bought and everything… it’ll be my second time seeing it, so I’m obviously looking forward to seeing what jumps out at me this time (and on a presumably gorgeous 35mm print rather than the HDCam at the Eccles). Looking forward to it!!
August 30th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Can’t wait to hear you speak after the 7:30 show. I’ve invited all my friends and we are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
August 30th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Gah! I really hope this does well on the 2 screens and can make it up to Vancouver.
August 31st, 2007 at 6:07 am
Just bought a ticket for today, and am now working on astrally projecting myself from Seattle in order to see the film…. I’m excited for you, John, I hope you have a fantastic day today and that all goes well for the film this weekend.
I’m a novelist/short fiction writer who is just getting into screenplays — movie based on my novel is in development now and I’ve spent the last year revising the screenplay. Huge fun and a huge learning curve… makes me appreciate the time you take in this blog to help and support other writers.
What mj said — bring the film to Seattle! And have a great time tonight!
September 2nd, 2007 at 3:13 am
Like Kelley, I purchased a ticket and will use my John In Cincinnati powers to Astral Project myself from Jacksonville, FL to attend Sunday’s 7:30pm showing at the Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica.
All kidding aside, the price of admission alone is worth the info and knowledge I’ve obtained from perusing this site - all of which are priceless pearls of infinite wisdom.
Now if I can only find a way to astrally project the film print to a local Jacksonville theater…
December 14th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Hi John,
WE are interested in showing THE NINES at the Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney, Australia in late February. Is it possible to get a screener for our selection committee and would the film be available at that period.
all the best
David Pearce Programmer
March 10th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
A=1 B=2 C=3 D=4 E=5 F=8 G=3 H=5 I=1 J=1 K=2 L=3 M=4 N=5 O=7 P=8 Q=1 R=2 S=3 T=4 U=6 V=6 W=6 X=6 Y=1 Z=7. Now go figure your own Nines. Add any double numbers you reach (in computing your sum total) together until you reach a single digit number. Example: STRING- S=3 T=4 R=2 I=1 N=5 G=3. 3+4+2+1+5+3= 18 1+8=9. Now you are a Numerologist. Good Luck!