Local film distributor Vendetta Films are bringing the movie phenomenon, Sharknado, to NZ cinemas for select one-off screenings next Friday, 23 August, at 9pm.
Sharknado, starring Ian Ziering (Beverly Hills 90210), Tara Reid (American Pie) and several hundred CGI sharks, tells of a freak hurricane swamping Los Angeles, resulting in ‘water tornadoes’ and thousands of sharks terrorising the waterlogged populace.
Typical of its crazy style, the film will not follow the traditional release plan of a cinema release, a four month wait for DVD and VOD, then another three – six months before its TV screening. Instead, following the cinema screenings, the film will screen on Prime TV in late August, before its DVD and VOD release in October.
In the USA, the film launched on SyFy TV channel, before releasing on VOD platforms, and is now receiving a theatrical release around the country as people rush to see it with large groups of friends. At its peak during the TV launch, the movie was generating 5,000 tweets a minute. With a total 387,000 social mentions, it came just under hitting the social mentions of Game of Thrones‘ ‘Red Wedding’ episode.
Best known for their mockbusters such as Transmorphers, Snakes on a Train and the forthcoming Lord of the Elves and Atlantic Rim, producers The Asylum have achieved their biggest ever hit with Sharknado.
Vendetta Films’ Division Manager Jill Macnab says: “We are very excited to bring the cult of Sharknado to Kiwi audiences. It makes Jaws look like Free Willy”.
The following cinemas are confirmed to screen Sharknado on Friday 23 August at 9pm:
Hoyts Sylvia Park (Auckland)
Event Queen St (Auckland)
Hoyts Te Awa (Hamilton)
Readings Courteney Place (Wellington)
Hoyts Riccarton (Christchurch)
More locations are to be confirmed.
Tickets are available directly from each cinema or website.
