Independent Artist Group has achieved another success with its latest music-to-film project. Following their earlier hit with ‘Billy Joel: The 100th – Live At Madison Square Garden,’ they have now scored big again with ‘Rite Here Rite Now,’ a unique film blending concert footage and narrative elements from Swedish hard rock band Ghost.
This film has exceeded expectations, earning $5.04 million in its opening weekend across 751 screens, distributed by Trafalgar Releasing. It’s surprising because Ghost isn’t as widely recognized as bands like Queen, known for their own successful concert films like ‘Queen Rock Montreal.’ However, Ghost has a devoted fanbase, particularly among metalheads and goths.
The movie showcases Ghost’s performance at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., capturing the energy of their 2023 tour’s final stop. Alongside the concert scenes, there’s a storyline where the band members play characters. Originally planned for a brief two-day release, its popularity led to a rapid expansion to 1,800 theaters globally over four days, extending into a full week due to its success.
Key markets for the film include the United States, where it earned $2.4 million, followed by the United Kingdom with over $600,000, Germany with over $332,000, Mexico with over $326,000, and Canada with over $223,000. This strong performance is a triumph for Independent Artist Group, formed from the merger of APA and AGI, combining talent and music agency expertise. The success of ‘Rite Here Rite Now’ follows their earlier achievement with Billy Joel’s concert film, watched by nearly 10 million viewers on CBS and boosting ticket sales significantly.
Before the merger, neither Billy Joel nor Ghost had ventured into concert film productions, highlighting the synergy achieved by Independent Artist Group in bringing together music and film expertise. This success underscores their ability to bridge the worlds of music and cinema effectively.
The expansion of ‘Rite Here Rite Now’ beyond its initial release plan demonstrates its broad appeal and lasting popularity among audiences. Moving beyond traditional event cinema strategies, the film’s extended run into subsequent weeks reflects its enduring draw and audience demand.
In conclusion, ‘Rite Here Rite Now’ not only showcases Ghost’s musical prowess but also underscores the potential of combining music and narrative in a cinematic experience. It’s a testament to Independent Artist Group’s vision and execution in translating live performances into compelling film experiences, marking another milestone in their portfolio of successful music-to-film adaptations.
