Taylor Swift Likely To Get At Least $60 Million For The ‘Eras Tour’ Film Following The Deal With AMC Theatres

When Taylor Swift embarked on her record-breaking Eras Tour, she knew it was destined for more than just mega-sized stadiums. Fast forward to today, and the accompanying concert film, a cinematic rendition of her epic SoFi Stadium show in Los Angeles, is poised to make history in the world of cinema. Scheduled to hit theaters on October 13, it’s already breaking records with over $100 million in advance global ticket sales, surpassing the former record holder, 2011’s “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” ($99 million). But how did this movie journey unfold, and what’s in it for Swift and her team?

An Unconventional Path

The journey of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert film to the silver screen was as intricate and captivating as one of her songs. Swift’s team initiated discussions with major studios even before the summer tour made its way to the big screen in the fall. They aimed to find a distribution partner for the film, with plans encompassing marketing strategies and post-cinematic streaming and home entertainment releases.

However, what set Swift’s team apart was their unwavering focus on giving fans a chance to experience the tour’s grandeur. The film aimed to reach those who couldn’t attend the live concerts, irrespective of ticket prices or the notorious TicketMaster struggles.

Unexpectedly, Swift’s camp didn’t display much interest in the major streaming platforms. Some platforms believed Swift wouldn’t consider their offers. These speculations led to an unusual silence in the industry.

But a few months later, the mystery unraveled as Swift announced on social media that her concert tour was coming to theaters in October. In a surprising move, she chose to partner with AMC Theatres, the world’s largest cinema chain, bypassing the conventional Hollywood studios. The film’s reach extends beyond AMC and includes screenings in Cinemark and Regal theaters in the U.S., as well as approximately 8,500 cinemas worldwide across 100 countries.

This unconventional approach left some studio executives and competitors feeling burned and frustrated. They believed that Swift was never genuinely interested in finding a traditional studio to distribute her picture. Nevertheless, Swift’s supporters defend her decision, emphasizing her trust in herself.

Swift’s unconventional route may potentially reshape film distribution. Following her success, Beyoncé announced that her Renaissance World Tour concert film would also hit theaters in December, mirroring AMC and Swift’s deal. However, it’s essential to note that very few artists possess the kind of cultural impact and global following exhibited by Swift and Beyoncé.

This approach is not just about creative freedom; it’s also a smart financial move. Swift’s camp stands to gain roughly 57% of ticket sales, with theaters retaining the rest and AMC taking a modest distribution fee, considerably lower than what traditional studios charge. It’s indeed a lucrative deal for exhibitors, as Marvel movies, for example, typically receive approximately 65% of box office profits.

A Multimillion-Dollar Windfall

The Eras Tour film’s colossal pre-sales point towards a substantial payday for Swift’s team. The film is anticipated to earn at least $60 million for Swift and her camp, a figure that could further increase after the opening weekend. And this is merely the beginning, as home entertainment deals can potentially skyrocket this number. Swift might opt for self-distribution, possibly in collaboration with a giant like Apple, to release the movie on iTunes, further bolstering her profits.

Beyond financial gains, Swift’s choice to bypass traditional studios also enables a quicker and more flexible release schedule. Rather than waiting for studios to find an available release date, Swift takes charge of her film’s release and even influences the release schedule of other movies. A handful of films have already rescheduled their debuts to accommodate “Eras Tour,” underlining Swift’s unprecedented influence.

An Unexpected Boon for Movie Theaters

For movie theaters, Swift’s film is an unexpected boon in what would otherwise be a desolate fall season. With the absence of “Dune: Part Two,” which moved to March 2024, Swift’s film is projected to open with a significant box office haul. It’s expected to be the only film in October to break the $100 million mark and could potentially reach $125 million or more in North America alone. Despite anticipated declining ticket sales in the subsequent weeks, the total revenue is expected to reach between $200 million and $250 million, making it one of the top-grossing films of the year.

What’s notable is that “Eras Tour” adopts a unique screening strategy. It will only be shown on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, emphasizing the intention to make it an event rather than a traditional movie. By doing so, the film aims to ensure packed crowds, providing the audience with the full concert experience.

Swift’s global appeal played a significant role in the film’s global release. Initially planned only for North America, the overwhelming demand led to a worldwide release. Swift and AMC moved swiftly to capitalize on this momentum, releasing the film simultaneously in 100 countries.

Additionally, Swift’s marketing efforts have been remarkably efficient. With a massive following of over 350 million Instagram and Twitter followers, a few social media posts were all it took to generate buzz and create a marketing frenzy. In the world of entertainment, one post from the biggest pop star is worth a million TV spots and billboards.

Final Thoughts

Taylor Swift’s decision to bring her Eras Tour to the big screen represents a remarkable and unconventional approach to film distribution. By partnering with AMC Theatres and bypassing traditional Hollywood studios, Swift has not only gained creative control but also stands to make a substantial profit from the film’s success. This approach, although unconventional, is poised to reshape the way artists release and distribute their content, potentially setting a new industry standard.

In a year marked by unique challenges and changes in the entertainment industry, Swift’s Eras Tour concert film stands out as a testament to the power of artistic independence and the ability to engage and excite a global audience. With the film’s impending success, it’s evident that Taylor Swift has once again proven herself as a trailblazer in the music and entertainment world.