Australian films often struggle at the domestic box office despite critical acclaim, and a researcher says the problem lies in poor distribution rather than the quality of the films themselves. PhD student Lauren Carroll-Harris has studied the issue extensively and argues that many local films are simply not accessible to audiences.
Carroll-Harris points to the 2013 remake of the Australian cult film Patrick, which earned only $2,500 in its opening weekend. The film screened at just six cinemas nationwide. 'Why are we shocked when an Australian film flops when it's not accessible, not available, and most cinema goers don't actually have the choice to watch it?' she said.
She contrasts this with The Hunter, a relatively unknown film that outperformed the critically acclaimed Animal Kingdom at the box office. The Hunter employed a more flexible release strategy, including an early DVD and video-on-demand (VOD) release. Carroll-Harris says this approach reduces piracy and expands audience reach.
Carroll-Harris notes that many Australian films delay VOD releases, a hangover from the 20th century when films were physical products. She advocates for earlier home releases and suggests that filmmakers experiment with live events and festivals. She cites Robert Connelly's release of The Turning, which included Q&A sessions, a theatre program, and an intermission, as a successful example of creating a 'boutique release' that turns a screening into an event.
