Local box office bomb Bait gets sequel after international success
Australian sharksploitation film Bait 3D, which cost an estimated $30m to make, is to see a sequel despite disappointing local box office results since opening a fortnight ago.
The film’s producer Gary Hamilton said Bait 2 in 3D is already in development, due to better international results for the film, which will see a release in every major territory around the world.
Hamilton said: “We’re thrilled with how well BAIT 3D is being received by audiences. It’s not only a commercially viable film that appeals to people from every walk of life, it’s high production value brings moviegoers into the story immediately and keeps them on the edge of their seats throughout the show. BAIT 2 will bring even more.”
In opening weekend the film made $365,000 at the Australian box office for a low screen average of $1,290, followed by an even worse second weekend, taking $190,000 across 231 screens for a $825 screen average.
So the financial logic of this sequel is as follows. Bait 2 gets a 40% tax rebate on Australian expenditure and then probably goes to Screen Australia for further equity funding. It films in Queensland and the state subsidy agency probably throws in another 500k. Arclight gets an executive producer fee and takes a commission on all sales outside of Australia of 25-30% and all its marketing expenses taken out first. It remains a massive box office flop in Australia as is the first film. The winner is Arclight and the loser is the Australian taxpayer subsidising a film Australians have displayed no interest in seeing. Something pretty cynical about all this. I think an inquiry into the operation of the 40% Producer Tax Offset is in order.
No, I must be dreaming, We have had one of the best Aussie movies ever released this year and three of the worst including Bait alongside Kath & Kim and Mental. This can’t be right, at least call it something else, Bait is a dreadful title but the movie was painful anyway, disgraceful expectations from Paramount to think people would pay extra to see this is amateur 3D. What territories would want to see this clanger.
It may not have been on the “must see” list for many Australian film goers, however it was well received over seas.
Lets compare this to the usual Aussie films that not only do Australians not want to watch, but nobody overseas gives much of a damn about either.
If you don’t like cheesy, but fun, horror films then of course you won’t like Bait. If you go into it expecting something deep and meaningful you have only yourself to blame.
As for being painful, I disagree, but that will come down to personal taste.
It is good Australia is starting to make films like this with international appeal, it helps us immensely. If Australian films start making money in other countries that makes future Aussie films an easier sell to foreign markets.
While I have nothing against the typical depressing Aussie drama or small town comedy (though they don’t interest me in the slightest) we do need to start thinking on an international level, and start making films in a wider variety of genres.
Could Bait have been a better film? Yes. Was it horrible? Not by a long shot, and given the ridiculous premise it SHOULD have been much worse. Can’t comment on the 3D as I don’t watch films in 3D if I can help it. Despite the marketing hype, I have never been more engaged in a film because shit flies at my face.
I think its great that the film is succeeding overseas. It’s an Aussie made film and even if we didn’t like it, i am glad an Aussie film is doing well
a great movie since jaws i like it . it how saw starded it went internation al bait will do th e same. is the shark that ate the sea gull back. can not wait bait 2. and when it come out on dvd in australia on blue ray i get it too.