Studios trying to work around Olympics

2008-olympics.jpgStudios have already planned out the opening days for some of 2008’s biggest films, but those plans had to factor in the presence of the Olympic Games and a European Soccer Championship, reports Variety.

Studios are concerned the two major sports events happening next summer could siphon off audiences, especially internationally. While the games may not have an effect on U.S. release patterns they could lead studios to alter overseas release dates so that box office there is not negatively impacted. The broadcast schedule for the Games in Europe, where events will air early in the morning, means there isn’t much tweaking to be done there but still adjustments are being made.

European audiences, of course, more closely follow soccer tournaments than American audiences. And national pride may play a role in a large part of the Olympics viewership coming from Asian markets.

By Chris Thilk

Chris Thilk is a freelance writer and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in online strategy and content marketing. He lives in the Chicago suburbs.